Wednesday, October 30, 2013

20Time Final Reflection

     Overall I really liked doing my 20 time project. Being able to research and learn about something that interests me is really intriguing. I really enjoyed this project a lot.
     As for what I could have done better I would say my PLN resources. I waited a bit too long to start working on that. I feel I might have gotten better results had I started earlier. But then again scientists aren't really the talkative type if ya know what I mean. 
     As for what you (Mr.K) could have done better I would say just specifying the requirements for the project. I know not all people are like this but I like guidelines, rules and expectations. It kinda helps me figure out where to start with a project. So if you could be a bit more specific on the guidelines that would be great! 
     As for how I could have tweaked my project, well I already did tweak it. Originally my project PLN resources would have been limited and narrow, my topic was very specific. Instead later I decided to go on a broader level and decided all Marine Biologists would meet the PLN requirements for my project.
     My potential topics for 20 time would most likely include my hobbies, possible career choices and just stuff I'd like to learn about. Hobbies: surfing, longboarding, horseback riding, soccer and skiing. Career: marine biology, film making and writing. Learn more: the Olympics, parasailing and photography.
     I think after completing the quarter 1 project I will definitely work faster on the quarter 2 project.I think I have a better idea as far as contacting people and using twitter and stuff. In other words I feel more experienced now. The quarter 2 project will be much easier to do now.
     I utilized iste.net by being creative and innovative with my project. I introduced the problems and threats towards endangering coral reefs and presented solutions and organizations supporting their health in the future. I also utilized it by using communication to find a PLN resource and attempting to contacts several others. I used research in my project. Along with that I used critical thinking to create an outline and determine what to include in my project. Lastly I had good citizenship online and talked to PLN resources respectfully. I demonstrated a clear understanding of how to research and communicate online through email and twitter. 

Monday, October 28, 2013

End of Quarter 1

     WOW quarter one over already?! That was a rough one haha.... 
     So last week we did a lot of interesting stuff and I learned a lot of stuff, ya know, since its called school and all. Specifically though, I learned how to decorate a life size paper figure of a human in lit class. Personally, despite the odd shape of his head, I think our Mr.Ben Carson project turned out okay (for those of you who have no idea what Im talkin about just ignore this). I also learned a lot about my 20 time project this week. Ive probably learned more about it this week than I have all quarter cuz you know me, left the details to the last minute. Lastly I learned how to bake a cake for Bio class. It ended up being a little bubbly, brown, and kind of spilled out over the top but hey there's nothing a little icing wont cover up right?
     Challenges faced would be trying to get my grades up. Im still not sure if Im safe in the 'B' zone. If our tests are put in the grade book for English Im sunk. Another challenge was baking for bio. Ive never really been one for cooking so when my parents left me a box of cake mix and wished me luck I wasn't too hopeful. However it turned out pretty well:) It looked pretty! (But I can't say the same for how it tasted...)
     Successes would be first of all getting a good grade on my bio project, that definitely helped my grade. Another success would be finishing my 20 time project on time, personally I think mine looks awesome(; Lastly I was able to do really well in the cross country meet this last Saturday despite how cold it was.
     My plans for this upcoming week include presenting my 20 time project. Im really looking forward to this. I also plan to finish my monthly project early and make a devotion for practice on Thursday.
     I utilized my PLN this week my incorporating my one response (out of ten attempts) into my 20 time keynote presentation. Marine biologists definitely aren't the talkative type...
     The bible verse this week is basically talking about how God is always gonna be there to help us. God is continually watching over us and is with us where ever we go. The Lord promises to watch over us and keep us from harm. I lived out this verse last week by trusting God to protect me and believing he will always be there for me.



Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Week Ate

      So last week was interesting, I definitely enjotyed watching the retreat videos expecially alets;) Overall last week I learned alot. I spent alot of time trying to figure out how to upload my explain everything to youtube and after several failed attempts and trying to figure out my password i was succesful. I definitely learned that explain everything needs to change alot about its app. It cause me alot of grief with all the uploading problems. Another thing I learned last week was the ending of the scarlet letter. I know it should have but I wasnt really expecting a happy ending. Lastly I read the ending of my book in literature 'Gifted Hands' by Ben Carson. It was a pretty good book over all and I would definitely reccomend it.

     Challenges I faced last week would definitely include what I already talked about, explain everything. I had alot of problems with uploading my project to youtube. Another challenge was the cross country meet last Saturday. It was really tough for me waking up that early on a Saturday. I almost didnt get up. Plus the fact that it was freezing outside.

     Successes would be finally getting my explain everything project to upload. It took forever but I finally got it uploaded. Another success would be just getting stuff turned in, its been a bit of a struggle but I succeeded. 

     My plans for this week are to get some slides done on my 20 time project. I also plan to finish up some projects that are due next week.

     I utilized my PLN resources this week by emailing/tweeting 10 different people. I've only got one reply so far but Im hoping for some more?...

     I lived out the bible verse last week by praising and thanking God regularly. Its important to remember to thank God for all hes given us and praise him:)

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Weeek seven

      I think last week was the rainiest week of my life, not joking. I thought it was going to flood... Anyway last week was an ok week. Im starting to get used to the overbearing amount of hw (that doesnt make it any easier). Overall though I learned alot! In English class we just finished reading the scarlet letter (ps. Sparknotes don't tell anyone!) and its only been a month! It was rough trying to decipher Hawthorne's old english way of writing but I think I got the gist of the story. Another thing I learned this previous week was in bio. We get to make a model of the cell out of food! Yup that tops it. Best project ever. I wish all teachers were that creative. I've also learned a lot about keeping on task. This past week I have definitely learned how to deal with distractions better.

     As for challenges faced I would have to say our cross country meet being canceled twice. I had to pack for a meet two days in a row and it was really annoying. You would be nervous all day and then in 6th you'd learn its canceled and then the same thing the next day. Kinda upset it got canceled..twice. Another challenge would be getting all my homework turned in by 8:15. If you can't tell already this blog is late. Nope it's not 8:15 AM, its 10:03 PM. 1 hour and 49 minutes late...I think I calculated that right. Lastly I was challenged in computer class when my chair mysteriously disappeared from beneath me (im not sure if this was last week or the week before). Anyway my back is still hurting from falling on the floor, shout out to Alet my lovely chair pulling friend!

     Successes would be getting my lab report turned in on time. It was close but I managed to finish it just in time. Another success would be my good progress on my 20 time project.

     My plans for this upcoming week are to work on my PLN resources and research for my topic. I also plan to do well on PSAT's tomorrow, I hope. Along with that Im hoping to get ahead on some projects that are due soon because I really don't wanna leave them to the last minute.

     This week I utilized my PLN by putting together a list of people I can contact. It wasn't easy tracking down marine biologists that worked in the specific areas Im interested in learning about but I have found quite a few. As soon as I figure out what questions I want to ask them I will contact them.

     I lived out the bible verse this week by choosing to look on the bright side. Unlike most of my friends I tend to see the downside in every situation but last week instead of dwelling on 'vile' thoughts I chose to think positively about future outcomes.

Monday, October 7, 2013

week sixx

     I'd have to say now that things are really starting to settle in, the weeks are starting to blur together...I don't remember too much of what I did last week. Overall from what I can remember I learned some interesting stuff last week. First of all I figured out how to use pic stitch and put together a bunch of collages for the retreat. As of the moment I still have alot of work to do on it but since we have the weekend Ill be able to get it done. Another thing about last week was catalase reactions.We did an experiment in bio with chicken liver and it was really interesting/gross to see the chemical changes. As for my 20 time project I haven't gotten much accomplished this week mostly due to the fact Ive been pounded with more homework this week than any other. Tonight's gonna be a late night.
 
     As for challenges I faced I would have to say mostly just all the homework. Its been kinda rough lately and then with practice four days a week Im having a hard time surviving:P Another challenge would be all the reading Ive had to do for my classes. Leaving your homework till the night before its due and then having to cram eight chapters is stressful. Other than that, last week was a pretty ok week. 
 
     As for success I would say the cross country meet we had last Saturday. The IPSLChampionships at MACA went well and Im really proud of the team. Although our girls team is down to only three people now and we couldn't have a team score, we had fun and all placed well.

     This week I have so far planned to get all of my soon to be due projects over with. I have a lot of projects due soon and I really wanna get a head start and finish them early. I am also planning to try to get most of my homework done so I get some sleep before the meet on Thursday. Lastly Im planning on finding someone online who as experience in my area for my 20 time project.

     I did not however have time to utilize my PLN this week. With all the crazy loads of homework I've been busy but I plan to pick up where I left off as soon as I catch up.

     I lived out the bible verse this week by choosing to stick with God through the stressful times. instead of being 'conformed to the world', I prayed and allowed him to take control.