Charity Fair Project Blog 12/20

INSERT TRI-FOLD PICTURE

Summary

This week, I participated in the second annual Adventure Charity Fair. The first and probably most important thing I learned about this project was that if you know you have a strict due date, WORK PROFICIENTLY and MANAGE YOUR TIME. I also learned what a carbon footprint was. For our tri-fold board, we had to calculate the carbon footprint of our product. A carbon footprint is the CO2 emissions produced when someone or something moves around or does something. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Weekly Blog 12/11 - Permeability and Porosity

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Porosity_thin_section_GP.jpg

Summary

There are many different types of soil. Some soil has high porosity while some has high permeability. The porosity of soil is how many pores (spaces between soil particles) there are and how big the pores are. If there are many pores, it has high porosity. If it has less pores and a larger space between each particle, the soil has low porosity. Permeability is how easily water can flow through. When something has high porosity, it has low permeability. If there are less gaps which are small, it is harder for water to go through. It also takes more time. If the soil however has low porosity, it is more permeable since water can flow through big gaps fast and easily.

S&EP 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

I analyzed the data when I learned about soil porosity and permeability. I had to read and analyze a small passage about permeability and porosity. After this, I interpreted the meaning of the data when I listened to as well as contributed to our class discussion about what the two are and how it can affect people like farmers, architects, and environmentalists. After I analyzed the data, I also interpreted it when I filled out a little information about what the two are. I also analyzed an interpreted data when I filled out a table about my charity fair products carbon footprint.We had to calculate the amount of CO2 emissions were being released by the transportation of my product from where it was manufactured to San Jose.

12/6 Soil and Dirt

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/8053614949_d7a02c92c5_o_d.jpg

Summary

Many people might not know this, but dirt and soil is actually one of our most important natural resources in the world. Soil is responsible for many things such as farming and agriculture, many major forests, providing us with a source of timer, fuel, and homes to many plants and animals. It is also a water filter, air cleaner, it can help create clothing (cotton plants), and can even hold toxic materials that we be around if not for soil. Franklin D. Roosevelt said "a nation that destroys soil destroys itself". So how is soil made? Soil is actually just weathered down bedrock. Once the bedrock mixes with other materials on the surface, soil is made.

S&EP 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

I analysed and interpreted data when I filled out a background research sheet about soil with my group. I had to research specific things such as what is soil, how soil is formed, what is the composition of soil, how soil is formed, and more. I also analyzed and interpreted data when my group was deciding about what case studies we should work on for next week. We had to read the information about the case studies and decide on which one would be most interesting.

Safest Place in America Essay

        Have you ever wondered what the safest place in America is? Well, I have an answer! Allentown, Pennsylvania. Allentown is on the east side of Pennsylvania which is on the northeast side of the United States. Also, it is the third most populous city in Pennsylvania! Allentown is the safest place in America because it is free from these three major natural disasters. Tsunamis, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Why is it you ask? Read on to find out more!


Splash! There is a tsunami! No worries, were safe in Allentown. To first understand why Allentown is safe from tsunamis, you need to know what it is, where it occurs geographically, and what conditions it forms under. Imagine this, you throw a rock into a small pond. What happens? You create ripples in the water of course! Now, imagine those ripples but 1000 x larger. That is a tsunami.

Tsunamis can be triggered by many things such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes, and even (theoretically) asteroids and comets. However, most often tsunamis form from earthquakes at subduction zones. When 2 oceanic and continental plates collide at convergent boundaries and create subduction zones, the force is so strong that it can create tsunami waves in the ocean. Specifically, the earthquake has to be at least 7.0 on the Richter scale.

So where do they occur? Tsunamis only occur on the coast and most often occur on the west coast due to the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is an area in the Pacific ocean that faces the west coast. There, lots of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur create tsunamis heading the direction of the west coast. Allentown is not on a coast or on the west coast. It is actually on the east side of America. Therefore, Allentown is safe from tsunamis. Here's a fun fact, did you know that tsunami is actually a Japanese word that can be translated to "harbor wave" in English?


Now to learn why Allentown is free from earthquakes. Earthquakes are when the ground shakes. They occur along plate boundaries. A convergent boundary is when two plates crash together. A divergent boundary is when two plates slide apart. Finally, a transformed boundary is when two plates slide against each other. In the U.S.A, earthquakes most often occur along the west side of the U.S.A (much like tsunamis). The west side of the U.S.A is right on the edge of the North American Plate, that means that it can hit the Pacific plate which is right beside it. When these two plates collide together, earthquakes can occur along the west coast. Allentown is again not on the west side of America or near any plate boundaries. Therefore, earthquakes cannot occur in Allentown


The final natural disaster I will be talking about is tornadoes. A tornado is a violent spiraling column of wind that descends from a thunderstorm. They can cause lots of damage. In order for a tornado to occur, they need flat land allowing the air to build up and keep spinning. Tornadoes occur most often in tornado alley, a place with very flat land. Tornado alley includes Texas, Oklahoma, and other states in that area. Pennsylvania is not in tornado alley since its land is not as flat as it needs to be. Also, in order for a tornado to form, you need a cold/dry air mass, a warm/moist air mass, falling pressure, and unsteady winds. The cold air mass comes from Canada while the warm air mass will come from the Gulf of Mexico. Even though these elements can occur in Allentown, the hills and mountains there will prevent tornadoes. That is why Allentown is free of tornadoes.


A similar article was published by the New York Times. They said that Corvallis, Oregon was the safest place in America. However, this is incorrect because of two reasons. One reason is because tsunamis can occur there because of the location of the ring of fire. As you know tsunamis occur along the west coast, where Oregon is. That is one reason why Corvallis, Oregon is not the safest place in America. The second reason why it is not the safest place is because earthquakes can occur there. Since it is again on the west coast, it is right at the boundary between the Pacific and North American Plate. This means that those two plates can collide creating earthquakes in Corvallis, Oregon. I hope you learned lots about the safest place in America... Corvallis, Oregon!

11/15 Natural Disasters

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Summary

My group found that Allentown, Pennsylvania is pretty safe from natural disasters. For sure it is safe from sunamis. Tsunamis only occur on the west coast of the US becuase of the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is located in the Pacific ocean so it faces the west coast. Allentown is safe from tsunamis because of 2 reasons. One, it is not on ANY COAST. How can a tsunami crash into the inside of the United States?!?! Second, it's not on the west coast anyway, actually its on the east side of the United States. The reason why they mainly occur around the Ring of Fire is because they are most often caused by earthquakes and lots of earthquakes happen around the ring of fire. 

S&EP 4-Analyzing and Interpreting Data

I analyzed and interpreted data when I wroe a script including all the information we need in our presentation with my group. We have to create a presentation about the safest place in america so my group decided to create a video. The video had to include 3 content pieces and a counterargument. We also analyzed and interpreted data when we looked at our map of natural disasters and decided which state and city to choose based on our research from the past week. We choose Allentown, PA.

11/8/2015 Safest Place in America (Tornadoes)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Tornado_Alley_Diagram.svg/2000px-Tornado_Alley_Diagram.svg.png

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1a/Dszpics1.jpg

Summary

A tornado is a violently rotating column of wind that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.  They can tear up anything in their path and can cause minimal to massive damage. The damage is measured something called the Enhanced Fujita scale (a new version on the Fujita scale in use since 2007) which goes from EF-0 (weak) to EF-5. Tornadoes occur most often (in the U.S.) in a place called tornado alley. This is because the land there is very flat and open. Tornado alley consists of places are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. For them to form, you need cold/dry air, warm/moist air, falling pressure, and unsteady winds.

S&EP 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

I analyzed and interpreted data when I filled out worksheets on natural disasters. First, I had to write a description and define/describe the natural disaster. Then, I had to write where it is likely to occur geographically and why it occurs there. After that was finished, I had to write about the formation conditions (things like the landscape and temperatures) and write down the sources. Finally, I had to color in on a map which states the natural disaster occurs. I had to complete worksheets on wildfires, thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

10/30/15 Weekly Blog- Safest Place In America

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3132/2614771667_085fa5d69d_b.jpg

Summary:

A wildfire is a fire that happens in (typically) in the wild. They are large fires that burn in areas like forests and other places in nature that can be caused by many things such as lightning. However, the most common reason for wildfires is simple carelessness such as fires not fully put out. One fun fact is that California is one of the top wildfire-prone states. Another natural disaster is hurricanes which are giant swirling storms. They can spin at speeds of 75-200 mph. Hurricanes gather energy through warm ocean waters and are very dangerous once they hit land. The eye, located in the middle, is the calmest part of a hurricane.

S&EP-SP4: Analyzing and interpreting data:

We analyzed and interpreted data when we filled out worksheets about Wildfires, Hurricanes, and Thunderstorms. This is because we had to fill out information on the natural disaster such as what it is, where it occurs geographically, the formation conditions, and coloring in a map about what states do these natural disasters occur in often. We had to research, analyze, and interpreted data by gathering information on these topics in order to find the safest place in America.

10/25/15 Project Blog Fernandina Island

This is my google slide presentation. (I couldn't get a picture of my model)

Summary

In this project we had to research about a landform, then create a model and presentation about it. The landform I chose to do my project on is Fernandina Island. I worked with 2 other classmates. Fernandina Island is an active shield volcano located in Ecuador, South America. It is part of the Galapagos islands. A shield volcano is the flattest type of volcano. Also, it's lava has little viscosity due to low silica content. The last eruption was in 2009. Fernandina Island was formed by a divergent boundary and the Galapagos Hotspot (Fernandina Island is located in the center). When the Nazca and the Pacific plate moved apart, the magma from the Galapagos Hotspot went through and Fernandina started to form in the Pacific Ocean.

Background

What process did you go through to produce this piece?

In this project, my group and I had to create 2 different components. A ignite presentation and a model of our landform.
First, we had to research for our presentation. After we researched everything we started to develop our presentation. Halfway through developing the presentation, we realized that we needed a script for when presenting. Because of that, instead of working on our google slide, we first wrote a script. Next, we completed our google slide presentation. Over the weekend, we met up at my house to create our model. Since our model was a rice Krispie model, we had to first make the rice Krispies block to carve. When our block of rice Krispies was done, we carved it into our island and covered it with fondant ( we rolled and kneaded in the color ourselves) to give it color. For the rest of the time, we practiced presenting and memorizing our script.

Inward:

What did/do you find frustrating about it?

One thing I found frustrating during this project was creating the model. Specifically, not having all of our team members there to create the model. My teammates and I were supposed to all meet up at my house to create the model but for some reason, one of them came late and knocked on the door too quietly. Yeah, someone came a little late and knocked on the door too quietly so they weren't let in. By the way, the doorbell looked broken but actually worked so they didn't bother trying to use the doorbell. That was both of our faults. We should have been listening more intently and the other person should have knocked louder or at least tried to use the doorbell.

Outward:

If someone else were looking at the piece, what might they learn about who you are?

If someone else were looking at my model, they might learn that I love sweets. This is because the model we made is made out of rice Krispie treats. Yum! Also, they might learn that I like to make and try different and new things. I have never made  rice Krispie treat model in my life (though I have made a cake model). 

If someone else were looking at my presentation, they might learn that I like to design things. This is because when you look at the presentation, you can see how different fonts were chosen specifically for different headings. You might also notice some of the pictures are edited (like how I changed the background to a black and white picture of the island).

Forward:

One thing I would like to improve upon is ...

One thing I would like to improve on is completely memorizing the script. This is so the presentation goes more fluently and so I know the information better. If my group memorized the script, then we would also get a better score on the google form that groups had to fill out while people presented.

Weekly Blog 10/18/15 - Volcano Project

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/La_Cumbre_-_ISS.JPG

Summary

This week my group and I continued on our plate tectonic project on Fernandina Island. We have to create a model and ignite presentation. Fernandina Island is a shield volcano. That means the magma in the volcano is very hot and is very runny with low viscosity. It is located in the middle of the Galapagos hotspot. When the plate moves over the hotspot, the hot temperatures of the magma causes the crust to break. The magma then goes through creating a volcano. Also, when an oceanic and continental plate come together at a convergent boundary, the oceanic plate goes under causing subduction which also creates volcanoes. 

SP4: Analyzing and interpreting data

I analyzed and interpreted data by creating an ignite presentation about Fernandina Island. I had to research and gather data about the Island and then turn it into a presentation by first creating a script, then adding pictures that help explain the topic to my presentation. Sometimes, I had problems interpreting the meaning of the data. For example, when I had to create a slide about plates involved, I was confused because I thought volcanoes were made from hotspots and there was only one plate involved. Therefore, I had to analyze more data to understand what a hotspot really was.

Weekly Blog 9/28-10/4 Plate Techtonics

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Tectonic_plate_boundaries.png

Summary

There are 3 different types of boundaries. Transform boundaries are when two plates slip past each other. Divergent boundaries are when two plates rift apart from each other. Lastly, convergent boundaries are when two plates push towards and against each other. There are also two types of plates (ocean and continental). A subduction zone is where the less dense (ocean) plate/plates slides under.
Ocean + Ocean = Subduction zone - Trench - Volcano!
Ocean + Continental = Subduction zone - Volcano!
Continental + Contienetal = Folding - Mountains!

SP2: Developing and using models:

This week we developed and used 2 different models. We used our volcano models by testing out different viscosities of different magma using different liquids and comparing then to the Magic Amazing Bottles of Learning Science (I think that's what they were called). We also developed models of different plates and boundaries using frosting, graham crackers, and fruit rollups. The asthenosphere/ magma was the frosting, the graham crackers were the continental plates, and the fruit rollups were the ocean plates. We used our models by acting out the different boundaries and what actually happens by moving the plates in different ways. Another way we used our models was by eating them when we finished!

Weekly Blog 09/14-09/18 - Plate Tectonics

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Earth-cutaway-schematic-english.svg/2000px-Earth-cutaway-schematic-english.svg.png

Summary

The earth is made up of several layers. The crust, mantle, and inner and outer core. There is also another way to identify the earth's layers; there is the lithosphere(crust and upper mantle), asthenosphere(part of mantle right after lithosphere), mesosphere(the rest of the mantle), and the inner and outer core. The lithosphere is actually plate tectonics which float on top of the asthenosphere. All plates have boundaries (or edges). There are three types of ways boundaries move. Ther ear transformed (when they spread apart), convergent (when they go in and hit each other), and transformed boundaries (when they slip past each other). When they boundaries move or hit each other it causes earthquakes.

SP2: Developing and using models

This week I developed models by making stacks using clay. In our groups we had to create stacks of "pancakes" and "pebbles". We take one 3 flat oval of clay and stacked them on top of each other with small balls of clay in between each layer. First we constructed one in 3 minutes. We then found out we needed and more efficient way to build it since we couldn't finish in 3 minutes. Then we built it in 5 and 7 minutes but with more pebbles in each layer. Later on, we used the models that we developed by having them get cut in half and placing popsicle sticks to model as a fence going the opposite way of the cut (which represented a fault line). This showed us how when on side of the fault moves, the fence would move with it instead of breaking or collapsing or something.

Weekly Blog- Rock Cycle 09/07-09/11

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7450/13581730833_0e101fcac6_b.jpg

Summary

The rock cycle the cycle of how rocks turn into different kinds of rocks. There are three kinds of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. One thing that is different about the rock cycle is that it's not really a cycle (like the water cycle for example that repeats in a circle in a certain order), it is more like a rock web. A sedimentary rock has several layers. Over time, different sediments layer over each other and become 1 type of rock. An igneous rock is actually just cooled and solidified magma or lava. A rock turns into a metamorphic rock with pressure. Now, back to the web concept. The reason why the rock cycle is like a web is because there is no specified order. Any kind of rock and turn into any kind of rock by any many ways. That's why it's more like a web than a cycle.

SP2: Developing and Using Models 

 This week we developed models of the rock cycle and a volcano (which we will use later when they are finished).We created a rock cycle cartoon. First, we rolled different dices and recorded some data. Then we used that data to create and develop rock cycle cartoons. We also developed and created paper mache volcano models. First, we used a paper template which we cut, then we wrapped it around a (PVC? I think?) pipe. We next covered the whole model with wet sticky newspaper coated in glue. 

Scientific Method Cartoon Project Blog 9/6-9/11

Summary

The project we did this week is called the scientific method cartoon. In this project we had to draw and comic/cartoon that demonstrates the steps of the scientific method. Observation, question, hypothesis, gathering data, experimenting, analyzing data, the conclusion, and communicating. First we wrote a draft of our cartoon, then we drew the final copy. We also had to take a picture and turn it in digitally.

Backwards

In what ways do you think you need to improve?

I think that I could improve several ways. One way is to work more efficiently and faster. I had to bring the work home on the last day to finish it up. I had to skip my Martial Arts to finish all my work for the day. Another thing that I want to change is to ALWAYS go over all the requirements after I am finished. In this project I also forgot to add the draft to the final copy. I left my draft at home even though I was supposed to turn it in.

Inward

How do you feel about this piece of work? What parts of it do you particularly like? Dislike? Why? What did/do you enjoy about this piece or work?

I was very happy with my work. I particularly liked my drawings and how I took the time to draw and color my pictures neatly and nicely because the final draft turned out really nice. One thing I disliked was how I was working really slow until the last minute because in the end I had to rush to get things done resulting in me forgetting to bring my draft.My favorite thing about doing this project was that I got to be creative in my cartoon. For example, my question was are rainbows magic.

Outward

What grade would you give it? Why? 

If this was worth 10 points I would give it a 8/10. This is because I forgot to attach my draft to the back of my cartoon. The reason why I only docked off 2 points was because the draft is not as important as the final copy. I think that my final copy itself is very good and detailed. I also think that it follows all the requirements other than the draft.

Forward

What's one goal you would like to set for yourself for next time?
Next time I want to do my work quick and get everything done on time or with time to spare. This way I will have more time to go over my work and make adjustments so I can make sure it is good. I think this is a good goal because it assures that my project will be turned in on time. Also, I won't have to worry about staying up late working on my project after school.

Paper Airplane Experiment 8/31-9/4

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Glybbs_Paper_Plane.jpg

Summary

When you conduct an experiment you need to make sure all your variables are correct and how they should be to assure the fairness of your test. For example, if you do a test about which type of paper makes the paper airplane fly the furthest, then you need to make sure all the airplanes are thrown the same way. If your first airplane was thrown weak, then you need to re-throw the airplane or throw all the airplanes weak. Also, you need to make sure there is the same amount of wind blowing when you throw. This is what my group found out during our paper airplane experiment.

S&EP: SP6: Constructing explanations and designing solutions:

We constructed explanations and designed solutions by conducting and designing our own experiment.

First we had to think of a question with our group.  Our question was which type of paper makes the paper airplane fly the furthest. Next we had to design and find a way to answer our solution (write our procedure). After we conducted the experiment. We had to do lots of things to make sure the test was fair like cutting he paper to all the same sizes. After we did the experiment, we had to construct our explanations and write/ draw our findings in a conclusion, graph, and data table. After that we wrote our report, put the papers on a poster and finished!

Scientific Method 08/24 - 08/28

Image Source: https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4070/4683034709_b9650bccee_o_d.png

Summary

The "NEW"scientific method is the method to answer a question. There are many different orders in which it could be. The scientific method is like a cycle of about 10 different things. The process (though the order can be altered) is to make an observation, define the question, research the known, find a hypothesis, gather and verify data, run the experiment, test and reflect on findings, and finally communicate. They are all connected and often you will go back or skip steps to find your answer. That is why this is called the "NEW" scientific method and not the old standard one that was in a specific order.

SP8: Obtain, evaluate and communicate information

This week I gathered, obtained, and communicated information all about the scientific method. Everyone in the class had to obtain information by reading different pages of text about the scientific method. We then evaluated the information and used that information to answer questions on our Scientific Method a Refresher page. By doing this I refreshed my mind on the scientific method and remembered everything I forgot from last year. I also worked on a sheet called the "NEW" scientific method. I had to order the steps of the scientific method in an order that I thought was reasonable. There actually is no correct order. I communicated the information with my partner and also to Mr. Chavez who asked us what we thought the answer was. 

Goals for 2015-2016

This year I want to finish all my work on time to avoid once a zero always a zero. This is really important because you can't get rid of a zero (unless you bought a pass with gold coins). Also, I want to try to really participate in everything like the battles. I also want to get good grades and A's.

Article Blog 5/29/2015

Surprise
This week I was surprised by how I made it into the talent show. I was not expecting to get into the talent show because me and Sabine came extremely unprepared. The reason why we were unprepared was because we have not practiced together with the music at all. Even worse, Sabine had not memorized the whole periodic table song yet. This happened during the tryouts on Tuesday during 1st period. Next time I will come more prepared and I will make sure I am ready for any tryouts.

Summary
This article was about a man named Ernie Feld who's life was saved by food. He was a baker. During WWII he was captured by the Nazis and he had to work as a cook. The only reason they did not kill him was because they enjoyed his cooking. He was a good cook and he also saved many lives. by asking the Nazis to spare the people and instead make them work in the kitchen with him. When tides turned and the Nazis went on the run, Ernie was set free. He later found that everyone in his family died. Now, he owns a bakery in Tahoe, CA.

Citation
Los Angeles Times. "At 90, Baker Still Makes the Strudel That Saved Him from the Nazis in WWII." Newsela. Ed. Newsela Staff. Newsela, 1 May 2015. Web. 29 May 2015.

Backwards
how much did you know about the topic before you read the article? What do you now know about the topic that you did not know before?

Before I read this article I knew only a little bit about this topic. I knew the basic idea of what WWII was with the Nazis, Jews, Nazis camps, and Hitler but not into specifics. Now I know some different things about how the Germans loved to eat Poppy seed strudels and pasta. Seriously, I learned about what the some of the Nazis ate. I also learned about why some people were taken. For example, they even captured people to cook for them.

Inward 

Why did you choose this article?

The first reason why I choose this article was because Catherine showed it to me and said it was very touching and interesting. The second reason why I choose this article was because I thought it sounded interesting. I saw how it was somewhat about WWII and I decided I wanted to read it to also learn more about WWII since I don't know much about our wars. The final reason why I choose this article was because it had strudels in it and I LOVE PIE AND STRUDELS!!!!

Outward
How does the information provided in this article affect the community?

The information in this article affects the community by teaching everyone about the story of this old man who owns a bakery. When everyone hears this story they feel very heart warmed and it brings the community together. Also, his bakery attracts many customers in the community and they all enjoy his delicious food.

Forward

What would you suggest to the author as a possible expansion on the topic?

I would suggest the author to write about his life now and how his business is going. The reason why is because I want to know about how the bakery runs things. The author could also add some information about how cooking for the Nazis affected his life no and how it changed him to become a better person. think this would be very interesting to read.

Weekly Blog 5/16/15

Surprise

This week I was working on my we are what we do project when something surprised me. The thing that surprised me was how long it took to make the props for our video. This surprised me because I planned on it being 2 days to make but instead it took almost the whole week! From now on, I will plan ahead better and think ahead of time what needs to et done by when and if it is not done then take time to work on it at home.

Summary

The article I read was about how grey and humpback whales always got caught in fishing lines. The reason why is because in Monterey Bay, there are many whales that migrate. Also, this year many number of crabs have been coming there. Crab fishers put down their lines that go all the way to the ocean floor, and the whales swimming around get tangled in the lines. In 2014 around 30 whales got tangled. Now, people are trying to protect the whales in different ways. They want to put the humpback whales on the endangered species list.

Citation

Los Angeles Times. "Little Crabs Cause Big Trouble for Whales." Newsela. Ed. Newsela. Newsela, n.d. Web. 16 May 2015.

Backward

how much did you know about the topic before you read the article? What do you now know about the topic that you did not know before?

Before I didn't know much about the topic. I read a couple books about whales before but that was just facts about whales in general. Now I know that humpback and grey whales are in danger due to crab fishing. Some have even died because of this! Basically I knew nothing about this topic and now I know part of why they are endangered.

Inward

Why did you choose this article?

I chose this article for several reasons. One was because I wanted to read about animals and I saw this one.

Two was because it was right in the beginning of science. And three was because I thought it sounded interesting because I was wondering how small tiny crabs would affect the huge whales so much.

Outward

How does the information provided in this article affect the environment?

This information affects the environment because if the crab fishers continue this without change then the whales will start to become more and more endangered and that will affect the environment because the whales are a part of it. Also, if the whale population dies down then the whole food web will be affected in that ecosystem. WHat ever the whales eats will over grow then whatever that eats will overpopulate and many other bad thing will happen and it will become unbalanced.

Forward

What would you suggest to the author as a possible expansion on the topic?

I would suggest the author to write about what ways some people are helping the whales. The reason why is because he/she writes about how people are doing thing to help the whales that are somewhat helping but doesn't write what things. The author should be more specific and write what people are doing.

Weekly Blog 5/1/15

Surprise
This week one thing that surprised me was how easy the CST was. I was surprised during and after the science CST. This was surprising because I thought that the test was going to be really hard. One thing that I learned from this experience is that if you study a lot (in this case on zondle) then the test will most likely be easy and you will score better. That means that my studying  paid off and that next time I shouldn't get to worked up about the test If I studied.

Blog 4/17/15

Surprise

This week one thing that surprised me was how hard it is to do a cartwheel. My brother as trying to teach me how to do a cartwheel at home. This surprised me because my made it look so easy but when I tried, it was really hard. One thing I learned from this experience was that to be able to do something like a cartwheel you have to practice to get better before you are able to do it. 

Weekly Blog 4/3/15

Surprise

One thing that surprised me this week was when Foxy the Pirate Fox (a character from the 5 Nights at Freddy's game) jump scared me. Sophie and Sabine were at my house and we were playing 5 Nights at Freddy's on my cousin's iPad at my house. We were looking at the cameras in the hallway when out off nowhere Foxy jumped up and ate me. Out of nowhere a creepy looking fox sprang forward and made a screeching sound. Next thing you know, my screen said game over. I was surprised and extremely freaked out because I was not expecting that to happen at all. One thing I learned from this experience is to check the hallway more frequently and not spend all my time looking at the cameras when I play 5 Nights at Freddy's. Also, whenever I do anything like a project, I should pay attention to everything that happens so nothing goes wrong.

03/27/15 Weekly Blog

Surprise

This week one thing that surprised me was how easy it was to find the fraction of numbers. At first in math when we had to do the word problems I was very confused. Ken helped teach the concept to me and Pierson so then after that everything was really easy. The solution was actually very simple. Next time if I need help I will ask for help. That way I will be able t learn how to do it so I wont need help in the future.

Weekly Blog 03/20 - Build the Best Electromagnet

I think that the best electro magnet would be made with D.C power, copper thick wire with 100 coils. I found that copper wire was the best conductor of all. For example, aluminum thick wire with 100 winds on A.C power picked up 123 iron filling out of 500 while copper thick wire with 100 coils on A.C power picked up 333 out of 500. l, the thicker the wire the more iron it picks up. More coils also make the electromagnet stronger. D.C Current is much stronger than A.C current. All the ones on A.C current picked up less iron than the ones on D.C current. If you compare copper thick wire with 25, 0, 75, 100 coils on A.C current, they will all be lower than the exact same thing from D.C current. There are 500 iron fillings in total. These are how many they picked up out of 500

                      Copper Thick Wire
             A.C                                  D.C
25         87                                    130
50         167                                  250
75         253                                  380
100       333                                  500

As you can see, by comparing the strongest types of wire on different currents, the D.C current is better for building an electromagnet.

The three wire I tested was aluminum, copper, and string. Aluminum conducted a good amount of power but the copper conducted more. The one that conducted the least was string which didn't conduct anything. String has no power in it and it can't conduct electricity. Aluminum and copper are conductor (especially copper) and string is an insulator. The best type of wire to use for building an electromagnet out of the three I tested is first copper, then second is aluminum, then last (and worst) is string. Remember to never use an insulator for a electromagnet or circut.

Weekly Blog 03/13/15

Surprise

One thing that surprised me this week was that my mom slept downstairs on the couch. I was getting ready for school in the morning when I walked into the living room ( I didn't turn the lights on yet) and put away a book when I heard my mom say "Hi honey, how's your back?"  since I bruised it in karate the other night. I thought she was upstairs so I screamed and turned around. I was very surprised that she was there because I thought I was the only one awake and downstairs. One thing I can learn from this experience is to stay open minded about things like where people sleep (it's actually kind of comfortable on the couch) and know that my parents wake up really early.

Summary

This week we studied all about magnetism and did experiments on magnetism. We watched a Bill Nye video, tested what magnetism can go through (almost everything), tested how strong a magnet is, worked with electromagnets, and studied what uses magnets and what kind. Electromagnets or permanent magnets. 

Also, we had to complete different worksheets every time after we did a project.

Backwards

How much did you know about the topic before we started? What do you now know about the topic that you did not know before?

Before I already knew a lot about magnets but this week I learned even more.  I knew that magnets attracted certain metals but I now know that magnets attract cobalt, nickel, and especially iron. Also, I learned that magnets are strongest at the poles. I knew that on a magnet there is a north and south pole and the opposite poles attract while if you try to put two of the same together it will repel. I learned that when you make electromagnets the more coils the stronger the magnet.

Inwards

What was especially satisfying to you about your work this week?

I really liked my work this week for a couple reasons. I think the answers to the questions are very detailed and they really explain why. Also, I think that my work was also very accurate. For example, in the worksheet where we calculated volts being generated on the website I am certain did all my math correct. One thing was wasn't satisfying was how I forgot to do my birdbrain. 

Outwards

What do your classmates particularly notice about your work when they look at it? 

One thing I think my classmates would notice my worksheet is that the answers are most of the time very long. i like to write a lot in my answers because that way it has more detail and is more interesting to read because it has more information. When I write most things I usually make the answer really long and somehow stretch it out even though it is the same information but longer.

Forward

One thing I would like to improve upon is ...

One thing I would like to improve on is remembering to do my birdbrain. This week I forgot so I now have a permanent zero. Next week I will make a goal to do my birdbrain on monday so that way for the rest of the week I don't have to worry about it. I would also like to improve on getting my work done faster so I will not have any extra homework.

Weekly Blog 03/06

Summary
This week we worked on our my pet mineral jilster pages. We gathered information then wrote about our mineral in a jilster page. At the end of the week we turned the jilster in. Mine was uranocircite.

Surprise
One thing that surprised me this week was that I got a new best mile time in P.E. My last mile time was 8:06 and today (friday) I got 7:39. My goal was to get 7:50 but instead I did a lot better. This tells me that next time I should try to set a harder goal to beat and try my hardest to get another good time.

Backwards
In what ways do you think you need to improve?
I think that I need to get my work done at  faster ace since I did not finish my jilster page on time. Next time, I want to work faster and get more things done quicker. Also, I should make sure that if I am behind, to catch up at home. That is my goal for next week.

Inward
What were your goals for this week? Did your goals change as you worked? Did you meet your goals?
This week my goal was to get my jilster page done with all the information on time. My goal did not change but as the week passed by I started to fall behind. In the end I did not finish my jilster on time so my goal was not met. This shows me that I should try harder and work more efficiently during class. That is my new goal for next week.

Outward
In what ways does your work meet the standards for this assignment? In what ways does it not meet the standards?

My jilster page met the standards because it had correct information in an appealing format. For example, instead of  listing the physical properties, I wrote it into a kind of paragraph. It did not meet the standard because it did not have all the information needed on the page. 

Forward
What would you change if you had a chance to redo the work over again?
If I had the chance to redo my work this week I would definitely add all the needed information that my jilster doesn't have. I would also make sure everything was readable and interesting for the reader. I would follow my goal and make sure it was correctly completed and finished. That way, my jilster psge would have lots more information and be a lot more interesting  for readers. Next week, I will make sure I follow my goal. Also, in birdbrain I would keep on trying and reread the article until I get 8/8. This week I couldn't find which question I kept getting wrong.

Weekly Blog 02/27

Surprise

          This week, one thing that really surprised me was that in Argentina, the court gave rights of freedom and liberty to apes. I was reading in Newsela and I found an article about how the court in Argentina gave rights to apes since they believed that animals should have the same equal rights as humans. I was surprised because I didn't think any court would take this seriously to actually make these court rules. This tells me that many people have a love for animals and respect them. If you believe in something you should make it right no matter how random your idea is. Also, you shouldn't doubt someone just because there idea is different.

Summary

              In this article it was about how an incredibly rare Sierra Nevada red fox was recently spotted in Yosemite National Park. This was the first sightings in about 100 years. Scientists caught two videotapes of a red fox on camera. They are trying to find them more and learn more about them by constantly setting up more cameras and putting hair snares around the cameras. A hair snare is a trap that catches animal hair. The red fox is very rare and it is illegal to catch or trap them. There are under 50 that exist in the world now. “The chance of running into them is very unusual,” park spokeswoman Kari Cobb said.

Citation

"Rare Red Fox Strikes a Pose at Yosemite." Newsela. Newsela, 2 Feb. 2015. Web. 28 Feb. 2015. <https://newsela.com/articles/yosemite-fox/id/7201/>.

Backwards

What connections can you make between the article you read and work you have read/done previously?

        This article is similar to another article I previously read about white lions and how they are extremely rare. This reminded me of the white lion article because they were both about very endangered species and how scientists are trying to preserve them and study more about them. They were both very similar.

Inwards

Why did you choose this article?

         I choose this article for many reasons. I like to read about articles that I had no idea about before. I think that it is cool to learn about new topics and things that I never even thought of considering happening. Like in this article for example, I found it cool how the fox has rarely ever been seen. Also, I never heard about the fox before now. New topics are more interesting to read about because I am discovering about a whole new thing, not something old that I already know a lot about. Also, new topics are more interesting for me because I get to learn about different things that seem interesting and fun to learn about. 

Outward

How does the information provided in this article affect the future?

The information in this article affects the future because if the cameras and hair snares work scientists would be able to get more information about the red fox in the future and be able to help preserve it. By preserving the red fox scientists would also be affecting the environments future because they are growing the population of a endangered species. With more of that species the environment would be different around there.

Forward

One thing I would suggest to the author to expand the article is to include more actual scientific information about the article. If he/she added more detail about the actual results and information  the scientists have it would make the article more interesting. Also, it would be more informative for readers and would teach them more.

My Element Baby Book

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Matter Spicy Nodes

1/30 Weekly Blog

Surprise

This week one thing that surprised me was how fast my brothers and my kendama shipped. I got a kendama as a present from my parents and the expected delivery date was next Monday. Instead, I got it on Thursday. This tells me that kendama usa ships their products really fast and that next time I should probably expect things to ship or come at an unexpected rate. I should basically expect the unexpected.

Summary

This week we learned about atoms and matter. We had to read about the two topics then once we finished reading we would finish a worksheet. We also created birdbrain accounts and did reading there. I learned a lot this week.

Backwards

In what ways do you think you need to improve?

I think that I could improve by doing my atoms worksheet quicker. I had to finish it on the night it was due at the very last minute before I went to sleep. Next time, I will focus more on my work and get it done quicker so I don't have to worry about homework.

Inward

What did/do you find frustrating about the work done this week?

One thing I found frustrating about my work this week was that on my birdbrain account I had trouble logging in. Eventually, I was able to log in but I still did not finish my work since I got tired and fell asleep. Next time I will do my work first and earlier so i will finish it for sure.

Outward

In what ways does your work meet the standards for this assignment? In what ways does it not meet the standards? 

I think on my worksheets my work met all the standards but my birdbrain assignment did not. My worksheets met all the standards because it was completely filled in, turned in on time, and correct. On my bird brain assignment I did not meet the standards because it was incomplete and not finished on time.

Forward

What would you change if you had a chance to redo the work over again?

If I had a chance to redo the work I did (my birdbrain assignment) I would make sure it was completed and that I tried my hardest on it. Also, I would aim for 100% on the quiz and carefully read the text. Next time we have a birdbrain assignment I will make sure I did this.

Weekly Blog 01/26 Mystery Crystals

Summary

This week we compared different crystals to find the mystery crystal. We had to find out the mystery crystal which was either salt, sugar, msg, or epsom. We performed a series of experiments to find out which one was the mystery. We are still not sure yet though. Everyone in the class still has different hypothesis.

Surprise

This week one thing that surprised me was that the epsom salt was not the mystery crystal. In the beginning I thought it was most likely the epsom salt because it looked most like the epsom salt the most. If was flaky kind of like the epsom salt. When we did a test where we put the two in water, we found that the epsom salt looked nothing like the unknown at all. The epsom salt didn't dissolve AT ALL and just stayed and floated in the water while the unknown dissolved a little bit slowly. The unknown was in very small pieces compared to the epsom salt.

Backward

In what ways have you gotten better at this kind of work? 

I think that I have gotten better at finishing questions on our worksheets. I can now quickly write down informative and specific answers. We often need to quickly finish the worksheets since sometimes we don't have enough time. Usually we answer questions that ask if your hypothesis was correct not correct. For example, after conducting this experiment do you have enough information for sure to tell what the unknown is.

Forward

One thing I would like to improve upon is ...

One thing that I would like to improve upon is to after I finish the experiment clean it up quickly so I have more time to finish the worksheets. Since I think that I need more time to finish my worksheets I will clean up quickly.

Inward

What was especially satisfying to you about your work this week?

This week I really liked how my table was very careful on the experiments. For example, when we measured the 10 paperclips with the powders we made sure they were very even and accurate.

Outward 

Did you do your work the way other people did theirs? How was it similar or different from others?

Most of the time everyone did their work the same way since we followed the same instructions. We probably did not make it exactly the same though. Some groups may have put in slightly different amounts of powder into the cups.

Weekly Blog 01/16 M&Ms

Surprise

This week one thing that surprised me was that I had a green tea flavored cake for my birthday that actually tasted good. I have never ate a green tea cake until now. I thought it was going to taste bad and bitter since it was tea flavored but surprisingly it was DELICIOUS!!!!! It wasn't too sweet  or too bitter. I learned that I shouldn't be picky about food and try everything because sometimes things can taste better than you expected.

Summary

This week we continued doing M&M science in our chemistry unit. We did science experiments mostly involving how fast the color coating of M&Ms dissolve and will they form the line if we change different variables. We also practiced writing hypothesis and recording observations as well as drawing pictures to illustrate our conclusions. On Tuesday we did our last M&M science experiment. I had a lot of fun this week.

Backwards

How much did you know about the topic before we started? What do you now know about the topic that you did not know before?

Before we started our chemistry unit I knew a lot about the scientific method already since we studied it earlier in the year. This helped me refresh my memory about the procedures and other stuff. In my old school science was not a important subject and we did not perform experiments often. I learned that we can only have ONE variable and that a variable is something that you change or control in a experiment. I also learned that M&M colors don't mix if put together in water. A interesting thing I learned was that when you do experiments you test something but do not take notes, when you do science it is like performing a experiment but recording all the information you gathered.

Inward

What was especially satisfying to you about your work this week?

One thing that I was really proud of this week was my experiment data pictures. I think I drew them very detailed and accurate. I was also proud about my notes. I made sure I had everything written down that was required and I also wrote down things that interested me such as the chemical change that happened in class. green + clear vinegar = red + yellow ammonia = green + red + vinegar = orange

white powder + water + red/orange/brownish = dark purple 

Outward

Did you do your work the way other people did theirs? How was it similar or different from others?

Most of the time everyone did the experiment the same way but sometimes we all did it differently. Sometimes we did it differently because each table group had to write their own instructions. Because of this not everyone did the experiment exactly the same way. Everyone did certain things differently though. For example, everyone wrote their own hypothesis. Even if two people said yes for the experiment they would probably each have a different reason why.

Forward

What's one goal you would like to set for yourself for next week? 

A goal I would like to complete next week is to turn in all my data completed and on time. I also want my data to be more specific when writing down observations.

01/09 M&Ms

Surprise

           On Friday, we did an experiment asking if when two m&ms are put together will the colors blend. My hypothesis was that they will blend together and form a new color because when you put together watercolor paint together the color does blend and also because they are made from the same ingredients and food coloring. I was very surprised when we conducted the experiment because instead of blending together like I thought it would the colors just stopped moving and started moving in a different direction. Everytime the colors touched it just made a barrier between the colors. The colors are like oil and water, they never can blend and always stay separate.

Summary

          This week in class we started out chemistry unit. We worked on doing M&M experiments. Each day we had to perform a experiment and write down data. All the experiments were about the dissolvement of the colors on the M&Ms. I reviewed the scientific method and learned about how to conduct a successful experiment and write a good hypothesis.

Backward-Looking

How much did you know about the topic before we started? What do you now know about the topic that you did not know before?

          Before we started the chemistry unit I didn't know much about performing experiments except for my knowledge on the scientific method. We learned about the scientific method in the beginning of the year but after that some of the information was forgotten. Thats why we had to review the scientific method. Now I know that in a science experiment you can only have ONE variable. A variable is  a thing that you change in an experiment. With more than one variable your experiment will be unfair. I also learned that when you place to different colored M&Ms in water the colors will not blend together.

Inward-Looking

What did/do you find frustrating about the work done this week?

This week I found only one thing frustrating. When we performed the M&M experiments it was hard to drop the M&M where you want it to go. On the experiments that used only one M&M it was hard to get to the exact middle. When we used two or more M%M we tried to make the experiment fair by making them the same distance from the second line in the racing M&Ms. Everytime we drop them into the water they slide in a different direction. That's why in racing M&Ms the green won because it was closer to the second line than all the others.

Outward-Looking

Did you do your work the way other people did theirs? How was it similar or different from others?

             Yes in most experiments. For most of the experiments all the tables followed the same instructions and did the experiment the same way. The only thing we did different was that we used different colored M&Ms. In one of the experiments though we all wrote our own instructions. All the groups probably had the same idea but did the experiment a little differently.

Forward-Looking

What's one goal you would like to set for yourself for next week?

        Next week my goal is to do my blog on Wednesday, turn in all my data, and make sure to bring my science notebook everyday. Instead of doing my blogs on Friday I will do them on Wednesday. Also, I will continue to turn in my data every day. I will ring my science notebook to take notes or refer back to my notes for help.