Choose at least three (3) of the following and answer them in depth. I will quote from your answers in your report card comments, so please take time to edit & revise your writing, ensuring that it is ready for public consumption. For each answer, be sure to use specific evidence & examples.
* What have you learned about the way you learn, work, and/or collaborate?
I’ve noticed that I’m not much of a teamwork kind of learner. I do better learning on my own, asking my own questions, and making my own decisions in the work that I do. I get fed up with partners quickly, and that’s a problem I know I need to fix. For example, with the Slaughterhouse5 project, I was mad at my partner after a small argument, and couldn’t stand being around them from that moment. And that was bad, because that was my partner and my grade.
I’m good at learning concepts, and then re-teaching it to others. I guess I sort of give up a little faster than most when I don’t understand concepts. I try for a little while to understand something, but if I don’t understand it in a short amount of time, I give up and hope to learn it later. But the good thing is that I do eventually learn it. So I don’t finish a grade without understanding every concept taught. For example, in math class, I never understood the Unit Circle. Oh my gosh, the Unit Circle gave me a stomach ache just thinking about it or looking at it. It was so confusing, and I couldn’t remember the different numbers and ‘sin’ and ‘cos’. Once the final came, I was determined to understand the Unit circle, and had a one-on-one with Darren (the math teacher) so he could show me the Unit Circle and clear up all the unclear areas with it. And after, I asked Sai and Ruben if they needed any help with it because I felt I had a good grasp of it.
* Describe one valuable mistake you made this year.
One valuable mistake I made this year would be slacking. I got lazy, and decided not to do some essays and projects that needed to be done. I didn’t turn in some work, just because I felt my grade would still be good with or without it. When Sabrina was teaching, I slacked off, and didn’t turn ina couple essays I should have. One essay wasn’t turned in because of some technical errors, but I didn’t try very hard to fix it. The other essay wasn’t turned in because I wanted to enjoy my time. My grades suffered because of it. That was a big mistake that left me with a B instead of the A I know I could have gotten. It shows me that doing the work, even at times where I don’t feel like it, can be beneficial in the long run. I should finish work when it’s first given so I don’t have to worry about it later on down the road. I didn’t procrastinate this year... I just didn’t do the work. And that’s worse.
* What is your greatest strength as a student in a project-based learning environment?
I think my greatest strength is that I like to be creative. I like to think of different ideas to present work and the concepts I’ve learned aside from the traditional essay and quiz afterwards. Media Saves the Beach helped me retain a lot of the information taught in biology class on testing, water pollution, the causes, etc. In getting the research for the painting, calling companies and the information I found, has also stayed in my mind. Building, molding, sculpting, and painting different things helps me learn things better and it sticks in my brain longer.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Writing Reflection
In my 10th grade year, my writings would start off strong and begin to fade out towards the end. The ending usually summarized the whole point of the writing, but never left the reader wanting to read anything. I didn’t incorporate ‘Concerts, Not Pancakes’ into my pieces, and it was evident. In 11th grade I hadn’t really noticed, but once I started learning the concept, and other concept associated with it, the loop, ‘-ing’, etc, I noticed what I was doing.
When I entered the 11th grade, I was still writing how I had in my sophomore year. The first writing project, American Icon, shows that. I started off with: “Mad at the world because all I can think about is ‘the problems’. My parents just don’t know, and my friends don’t seem to understand. Teachers give work on top of work, and if I tell them, why would they care? It seems like everything’s gone wrong, and nothing goes my way. So sitting in my room with the door locked shut and the stereo turned loud, I tuned out the world.” It’s captivating, yes? I think so too.
I was so proud of it, so I kept writing, and writing, and writing. But my interests and motivation went down and my writing reflected that. Towards the end, I started trying to summarize to finish the writing. “Life doesn’t stay bad for too long and troubles are just obstacles I need to get over to get to where I dream if being in life. And I will get there without demeaning myself, or lowering my self-standards, to stay a strong independent female.” I mean, in a way, I did use the ‘loop’; a concept taught throughout 11th grade. But the ending was still a fail. It was boring and flat, and lacked the same ‘zing’ the beginning had.
Many lessons, projects, and writings later, I think I finally grasped the ‘Concerts, Not Pancakes’ concept. “Later that night, as she was kept awake by the sound of the red eye flights flying by and landing right next door, she thought of the many possibilities for her life… Deep in thought, her eyes finally closed, and she was off to sleep… While her busy mind slumbered, her heart made a break for it. It jumped up, and slid from…”
My Ampersand piece, ‘Follow Your Heart’ started with a punch, a quick little segment of background information, and right into the action. With description, and a chase throughout the town, the story keeps the reader interested. And when it ends, it sums up the main actions, but doesn’t finish the story. It makes the reader wanting more (a ‘Bang’). “Not shortly after, the heart saw a police officer walk past, and it left the doctor’s body. Paris stopped it, being the only one able to see it, she tried to be discreet…”
As my Junior year comes to a close, my expectations for my writing have gone to a higher level. Just like last year, I felt my writing was the best it could be once I completed it and turned it in. Now rereading that piece, and thinking about the effect it had on people, I feel my writing could have been much better. In 12th grade, and later in life, I plan to make my writings strike an emotion in people. To have the feelings, and emotions that I want presented in the story, essay, or whatever I write to be so strong that the reader can see it, feel it, live it.
I’ve read many books during this school year, and I’ve seen how the authors story can make the reader feel like they’re there, like they know the characters, or have lived the story. I want my writing to be able to do just that. The emotion/connection makes the message clearer. It’s captivating and interesting. Like the 1oth grade, I plan on making the intro attention-getting. Like 11th grade, I plan on using ‘Concerts, not Pancakes’. And like the many books I’ve read and pieces I seen, I want my future writing to be emotion filled, and breathtaking. I want it to drown the reader into every page.
When I entered the 11th grade, I was still writing how I had in my sophomore year. The first writing project, American Icon, shows that. I started off with: “Mad at the world because all I can think about is ‘the problems’. My parents just don’t know, and my friends don’t seem to understand. Teachers give work on top of work, and if I tell them, why would they care? It seems like everything’s gone wrong, and nothing goes my way. So sitting in my room with the door locked shut and the stereo turned loud, I tuned out the world.” It’s captivating, yes? I think so too.
I was so proud of it, so I kept writing, and writing, and writing. But my interests and motivation went down and my writing reflected that. Towards the end, I started trying to summarize to finish the writing. “Life doesn’t stay bad for too long and troubles are just obstacles I need to get over to get to where I dream if being in life. And I will get there without demeaning myself, or lowering my self-standards, to stay a strong independent female.” I mean, in a way, I did use the ‘loop’; a concept taught throughout 11th grade. But the ending was still a fail. It was boring and flat, and lacked the same ‘zing’ the beginning had.
Many lessons, projects, and writings later, I think I finally grasped the ‘Concerts, Not Pancakes’ concept. “Later that night, as she was kept awake by the sound of the red eye flights flying by and landing right next door, she thought of the many possibilities for her life… Deep in thought, her eyes finally closed, and she was off to sleep… While her busy mind slumbered, her heart made a break for it. It jumped up, and slid from…”
My Ampersand piece, ‘Follow Your Heart’ started with a punch, a quick little segment of background information, and right into the action. With description, and a chase throughout the town, the story keeps the reader interested. And when it ends, it sums up the main actions, but doesn’t finish the story. It makes the reader wanting more (a ‘Bang’). “Not shortly after, the heart saw a police officer walk past, and it left the doctor’s body. Paris stopped it, being the only one able to see it, she tried to be discreet…”
As my Junior year comes to a close, my expectations for my writing have gone to a higher level. Just like last year, I felt my writing was the best it could be once I completed it and turned it in. Now rereading that piece, and thinking about the effect it had on people, I feel my writing could have been much better. In 12th grade, and later in life, I plan to make my writings strike an emotion in people. To have the feelings, and emotions that I want presented in the story, essay, or whatever I write to be so strong that the reader can see it, feel it, live it.
I’ve read many books during this school year, and I’ve seen how the authors story can make the reader feel like they’re there, like they know the characters, or have lived the story. I want my writing to be able to do just that. The emotion/connection makes the message clearer. It’s captivating and interesting. Like the 1oth grade, I plan on making the intro attention-getting. Like 11th grade, I plan on using ‘Concerts, not Pancakes’. And like the many books I’ve read and pieces I seen, I want my future writing to be emotion filled, and breathtaking. I want it to drown the reader into every page.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Historical Reflection
I was walking to my next class, economics, yet again. The same class where the teacher, Mr. Stacy, comes in unprepared and discombobulated. He asks for homework he never assigned and pausing in the middle of lectures to rant on about his personal life problems. Right when I got to the door, Mr. Stacy walks out with a disappointed face, and a Caucasian man in a wheelchair came strolling slowly behind him.
“Hi young lady, how are you?” the man asked.
“HI, I’m good. May I ask who you are?”
“Oh you haven’t heard?! I’m the new dean of the college.”
“The last one is gone? Good, this college needed a change. Some new things to happen. A new plan, because the way he was going with everything was going to bring this college to the ground.” I replied.
At this, another student came on her way to economics class, and listened in on the conversation. “Well I have some new plans that should turn this school around. New programs, new ideas, and new systems… and from walking around this place, I would say we need new buildings and better facilities.”
“I agree,” stated the girl behind me.
“I’ve already begun with the teachers. A few are leaving today, and some know their days are numbered at this school. I have some new ones coming in, more… free. They have a unique way of teaching that I think would interest their students.”
“Oooo that’s good, because the last dean was a conservative, and hired all these old school teachers.”
“ President Roosevelt once said, ‘A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs, who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.’ So it wasn’t his fault. No one told him that newer could be just as good if not better. He stuck to the kind of teachers he was used to.”
“But what new plans were you speaking of? And new programs?” I questioned.
“My aren’t you the curios one?! Well, I wanted to start a new financial aid system. A lot of the students here are taking out student loan after student loan, and killing their credit for the next years to come. There is so much extra money this school could give out to help its students, then hopefully more would decide to attend this college. More financial aid for those that show the most interests in being involved with the college once accepted.’
“And there is no real art classes here. Yes, this is a law based school, but art can be presented somewhere in some form. The late President Roosevelt also said, ‘Art is not a treasure in the past, or an importation from another land, but part of the present life of all living and creating peoples.”
“So you’re going to make new classes?”
“No, the students are going to make new classes. What classes do you guys need, what classes do you feel are left out of education? Suggest them, and if we have the budget, and can find the teacher, we will have those classes for you. I’ve realized college is to serve the students, and should therefore be what the students want in an education.
‘Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.’ You kids compete to get into this school, doing your best in high school and programs to get into a college that you believe will be the best for you. But when you come here, you dread it, because after the competing is over, the fun is gone, the interest in being here is lacking. And that’s what I hope to implement. ”
“That’s how I’ve been feeling. And I really agree. That’s wonderful. So, if I wanted to run track, you’d find a way to make that happen? I’ve been running track here, and I’ve always dreamed about running track on my college team, but since there’s no track team here, I’ve resulted to class, studying, and nothing else.” The girl behind me smiled with excitement. ‘Please say yes to a track team’ her eyes pleaded.
“Yes, starting a track team would be part of my plan. If you want it, I’ll try my best to get that class or program for you.”
“I’m sorry, I haven’t even asked your name,” I said
“Ha of course, my name is Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt.”
“Hello Mr. Roosevelt, my name is Mariyah Gillis,” at this, the girl behind me walked into the classroom.
Primary Sources:
Roosevelt's Quotes
More Primary Sources
Inaugural Address
I picked FDR because I look at him as a man of change. Much like Obama, he started serving the country during a hard time, and he worked to bring it back up. He succeeded, using tactics and plans people of that time called unorthodox and such. So if I was to ever go to a college, and thought it wasn't the best choice for me, instead of wasting my money, I would want Franklin D. Roosevelt to show up and save the day.
“Hi young lady, how are you?” the man asked.
“HI, I’m good. May I ask who you are?”
“Oh you haven’t heard?! I’m the new dean of the college.”
“The last one is gone? Good, this college needed a change. Some new things to happen. A new plan, because the way he was going with everything was going to bring this college to the ground.” I replied.
At this, another student came on her way to economics class, and listened in on the conversation. “Well I have some new plans that should turn this school around. New programs, new ideas, and new systems… and from walking around this place, I would say we need new buildings and better facilities.”
“I agree,” stated the girl behind me.
“I’ve already begun with the teachers. A few are leaving today, and some know their days are numbered at this school. I have some new ones coming in, more… free. They have a unique way of teaching that I think would interest their students.”
“Oooo that’s good, because the last dean was a conservative, and hired all these old school teachers.”
“ President Roosevelt once said, ‘A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs, who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.’ So it wasn’t his fault. No one told him that newer could be just as good if not better. He stuck to the kind of teachers he was used to.”
“But what new plans were you speaking of? And new programs?” I questioned.
“My aren’t you the curios one?! Well, I wanted to start a new financial aid system. A lot of the students here are taking out student loan after student loan, and killing their credit for the next years to come. There is so much extra money this school could give out to help its students, then hopefully more would decide to attend this college. More financial aid for those that show the most interests in being involved with the college once accepted.’
“And there is no real art classes here. Yes, this is a law based school, but art can be presented somewhere in some form. The late President Roosevelt also said, ‘Art is not a treasure in the past, or an importation from another land, but part of the present life of all living and creating peoples.”
“So you’re going to make new classes?”
“No, the students are going to make new classes. What classes do you guys need, what classes do you feel are left out of education? Suggest them, and if we have the budget, and can find the teacher, we will have those classes for you. I’ve realized college is to serve the students, and should therefore be what the students want in an education.
‘Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.’ You kids compete to get into this school, doing your best in high school and programs to get into a college that you believe will be the best for you. But when you come here, you dread it, because after the competing is over, the fun is gone, the interest in being here is lacking. And that’s what I hope to implement. ”
“That’s how I’ve been feeling. And I really agree. That’s wonderful. So, if I wanted to run track, you’d find a way to make that happen? I’ve been running track here, and I’ve always dreamed about running track on my college team, but since there’s no track team here, I’ve resulted to class, studying, and nothing else.” The girl behind me smiled with excitement. ‘Please say yes to a track team’ her eyes pleaded.
“Yes, starting a track team would be part of my plan. If you want it, I’ll try my best to get that class or program for you.”
“I’m sorry, I haven’t even asked your name,” I said
“Ha of course, my name is Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt.”
“Hello Mr. Roosevelt, my name is Mariyah Gillis,” at this, the girl behind me walked into the classroom.
Primary Sources:
Roosevelt's Quotes
More Primary Sources
Inaugural Address
I picked FDR because I look at him as a man of change. Much like Obama, he started serving the country during a hard time, and he worked to bring it back up. He succeeded, using tactics and plans people of that time called unorthodox and such. So if I was to ever go to a college, and thought it wasn't the best choice for me, instead of wasting my money, I would want Franklin D. Roosevelt to show up and save the day.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Literary Reflections
Nick Carraway
If I could bring one character from any book back to life as a person I know, I would choose Nick Carraway. I would put him in my high school as my counselor. His 3rd person kind of view on everything is a characteristic that would be really good for a counselor. He sees whats wrong, and understands situations quickly. He can also see right through people and I think that's really good as a counselor, knowing the 'counselee' (or whatever they're called). He's good at keeping secrets; he knew about Gatsby trying to get with Daisy and also kept Tom's secret. He seems like the kind of person people take to easily, considering Tom and Gatsby felt comfortable telling him their secrets so quickly. "Well, I'm going to tell you something about my life," he interrupted. "I don't want you to get a wrong idea of me from all the stories you hear." Gatsby began as he started telling Nick about himself. "Mr. Carraway, this is my friend Mr. Wolsheim." Gatsby even introduced him to alcohol business partner. (in chapter 4) "We're getting off," he insisted. "I want you to meet my girl." Tom told Nick, trusting that he wouldn't tell his wife about his New York mistress. (in chapter 2)
If I could bring one character from any book back to life as a person I know, I would choose Nick Carraway. I would put him in my high school as my counselor. His 3rd person kind of view on everything is a characteristic that would be really good for a counselor. He sees whats wrong, and understands situations quickly. He can also see right through people and I think that's really good as a counselor, knowing the 'counselee' (or whatever they're called). He's good at keeping secrets; he knew about Gatsby trying to get with Daisy and also kept Tom's secret. He seems like the kind of person people take to easily, considering Tom and Gatsby felt comfortable telling him their secrets so quickly. "Well, I'm going to tell you something about my life," he interrupted. "I don't want you to get a wrong idea of me from all the stories you hear." Gatsby began as he started telling Nick about himself. "Mr. Carraway, this is my friend Mr. Wolsheim." Gatsby even introduced him to alcohol business partner. (in chapter 4) "We're getting off," he insisted. "I want you to meet my girl." Tom told Nick, trusting that he wouldn't tell his wife about his New York mistress. (in chapter 2)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Post Trial Reflection
1. Summarize the facts of the case, as presented by the prosecution. Include relevant witnesses and testimony.
-SB1070 not allowing illegal immigrants to have a trial is against the constitution therefore unconstitutional.
-John Adams and James Madison wrote the constitution and Amendments.
-Raul was a witness (but i don't remember why). He was an immigrant that worked in America for a while.
-SB1070 is over stepping the boundaries of the state government.
-the Senate Bill is taking the federal governments job.
2. Summarize the facts of the case, as presented by the defense. Include relevant witnesses and testimony.
-SB1070 was made to better protect Arizona citizens and strengthen the state borders, as well as illimnate racial profiling.
-The cop was shot by an illegal immigrant
-The bill was not made to over-step the state boundaries, but help the state of Arizona since the federal government was not.
3. What was the most significant piece of evidence, in your personal opinion?
The most significant piece of evidence was the Constitution because the whole trial was put-on because many thought the new bill was unconstitutional.
4. What was the most significant argument made, in your opinion?
There were a lot of very significant arguments made; I can't pick just one. Arizona was just trying to protect its borders and citizens, but the bill was against one of the lines in the constitution. So... I don't really know which one to chose.
5. What do you personally believe the correct verdict should be? Do you agree with the jury? Why or why not?
I believe that, for Arizona, Senate Bill 1070 is the best because they are struggling with their finances, dangerous situations, illegals, and etc. The bill is against the constitution, so I think illegal immigrants should get a trial, or atleast some sort of a trial. But i don't think it was a bad bill for them to make. They asked the federal government for assistance and the federal gov't sat back and let the problem continue. Obama laughed at their situation and they were left to fend for themselves. I know, I sure would not have sat and waited for the federal government to come in the last minute. So the Senate Bill 1070 was good for them, in every way except the trial part. Other than that, they did what they had to, and they made a good decision about that.
I think I deserve a 45 out of 50 points because I worked hard and didnn't slack off. I read tons of articles and researched lots of information about my character (Jan Brewer). I practiced and tried to understand the point she came from. I researched Arizona's history with laws and their financial issues, and I cooperated with my 'lawyers'; Nathan and Jasmine. I could have done better with learning more about the case, like the constitution and the House Bill. I also didn't fully read the Senate Bill 1070, which was bad on my part, considering i was Jan Brewer. And Jan Brewer would have most likely read it. But other than that, I think I did well.
-SB1070 not allowing illegal immigrants to have a trial is against the constitution therefore unconstitutional.
-John Adams and James Madison wrote the constitution and Amendments.
-Raul was a witness (but i don't remember why). He was an immigrant that worked in America for a while.
-SB1070 is over stepping the boundaries of the state government.
-the Senate Bill is taking the federal governments job.
2. Summarize the facts of the case, as presented by the defense. Include relevant witnesses and testimony.
-SB1070 was made to better protect Arizona citizens and strengthen the state borders, as well as illimnate racial profiling.
-The cop was shot by an illegal immigrant
-The bill was not made to over-step the state boundaries, but help the state of Arizona since the federal government was not.
3. What was the most significant piece of evidence, in your personal opinion?
The most significant piece of evidence was the Constitution because the whole trial was put-on because many thought the new bill was unconstitutional.
4. What was the most significant argument made, in your opinion?
There were a lot of very significant arguments made; I can't pick just one. Arizona was just trying to protect its borders and citizens, but the bill was against one of the lines in the constitution. So... I don't really know which one to chose.
5. What do you personally believe the correct verdict should be? Do you agree with the jury? Why or why not?
I believe that, for Arizona, Senate Bill 1070 is the best because they are struggling with their finances, dangerous situations, illegals, and etc. The bill is against the constitution, so I think illegal immigrants should get a trial, or atleast some sort of a trial. But i don't think it was a bad bill for them to make. They asked the federal government for assistance and the federal gov't sat back and let the problem continue. Obama laughed at their situation and they were left to fend for themselves. I know, I sure would not have sat and waited for the federal government to come in the last minute. So the Senate Bill 1070 was good for them, in every way except the trial part. Other than that, they did what they had to, and they made a good decision about that.
I think I deserve a 45 out of 50 points because I worked hard and didnn't slack off. I read tons of articles and researched lots of information about my character (Jan Brewer). I practiced and tried to understand the point she came from. I researched Arizona's history with laws and their financial issues, and I cooperated with my 'lawyers'; Nathan and Jasmine. I could have done better with learning more about the case, like the constitution and the House Bill. I also didn't fully read the Senate Bill 1070, which was bad on my part, considering i was Jan Brewer. And Jan Brewer would have most likely read it. But other than that, I think I did well.
Monday, April 26, 2010
WW2 Letters
Write a letter to a friend or family member. Think of what might be in a letter like this: it would be on a specific date & from a specific city. this letter might describe your hopes, feelings, expectations, fears, etc. It might reference current events (or, then-current events), technology, or politicians. It might describe people, places, settings, technology and more. It might include the other person's life, perspective or questions. In fact, the person the letter is written to might be one of the people on that list!
Helpful links:
http://www.teacheroz.com/WWII_Oral_History.htm
http://www.war-letters.com/
1. who you are & how you decided
A woman at work in America.
I decided that because I really want a job, and I'd be mad if someone replaced e because I'm a girl, so I can try to relate...
2. research! including specific links and the major topics, people, & info in your letter.
Website link for statistics.
More info.
and a book if i can find one.
3. an overview of the tone & ideas of your letter.
Happiness at first about getting a new job.
Then she comes back later that day to finish the letter, and says how she was fired.
So anger.
4. more???
She tells about the family. One child.
About her husband coming home. He disapproved of her having the job.
um... yeah
Helpful links:
http://www.teacheroz.com/WWII_Oral_History.htm
http://www.war-letters.com/
1. who you are & how you decided
A woman at work in America.
I decided that because I really want a job, and I'd be mad if someone replaced e because I'm a girl, so I can try to relate...
2. research! including specific links and the major topics, people, & info in your letter.
Website link for statistics.
More info.
and a book if i can find one.
3. an overview of the tone & ideas of your letter.
Happiness at first about getting a new job.
Then she comes back later that day to finish the letter, and says how she was fired.
So anger.
4. more???
She tells about the family. One child.
About her husband coming home. He disapproved of her having the job.
um... yeah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)