This blog post is a reflection on a project I have been working on for a couple of weeks. Yes, another silly old reflection. But this time (*drum roll*) it includes a scratch video that includes  all five modes, music, text,image, and interaction. It was inspired by Inanimate Alice episode 1,  a multi modality.  ( that means it contains the five modes I have recently listed)  And if you are curious of what’s the main plot of the original story  it’s about a girl name Alice who’s looking for her dad. And my scene is a remix of number 12, 13, and a original slide.  So feel free to read on to see what we have done and the reasoning of our actions.

Summary

First we drew out a plan, and joint our ideas together after watching inanimate alice episode 1 again. Thinking of what to create, and where to create it. We assigned each person with a job that they would have to accomplish in a certain amount of days. Then we start adding all the slides we did together and look at what we needed to work on. Previewed it and modified it so it can be ready for an audience. Then we wanted a new perspective on our story so we selected a group of people to watch our video and give us possible suggestions, made our finishing touches and uploaded to the scratch website.

Explain which scene you remixed and why you remixed it the way you did

We decided to remix scene 12, 13, and create our own since we thought that those slide didn’t give enough information for the audience to take in on what happened and how. We made our own slide since we thought that it would give a clearer background information on the slide we remixed it. So the audience don’t have to rush on knowing what they just watched.

 Analyze

What did you do well?

Thinking back to my project, I realize I couldn’t finish it without the help of my partner. I think our teamwork skills really helped us on this project. Our ideas flowed well and we collaborated easily as we were familiar with each other ideas. We both were free minded about any changes we could do, and very hard working. As each individual did a part of their own with great effort through each day, and was on task.

What did you find challenging?

I think the most perplexing part for me and my partner was what should we do for interaction, and where might we put it. This was challenging since to me the most important mode was interaction, so I didn’t want to let my audience down. So thinking of what interaction to do that would connect with our story was a struggle. Not only was the idea of what to do was hard, the script was quite confusing itself. Since I’m not that familiarized with all the controls, but finally in the end we discovered “broadcast.” ( with the help of Mr. Appino) Where we might add our interaction was also a bit difficult since we did have to modify some of our scenes to match of what me just created.

What could you improve?

I think an area for improvement if we had more time was making our picture more HD quality. So the audience could really connect to the scene more as though it was happening to them. After letting my friends review my scratch project most of their constructive comments were about timing. I think we should have watched the scratch more carefully and modify the timing so it can be more precise. Since some people pace of reading is not as fast as others. And some people can lack interest faster as well.

Learn

I learned that all five modes have an important role to play. They all give a story an extra spark that would attract an audience. We use music to create a mood in the atmosphere. text to let the readers know what is happening.  Images to give the reader a visual description of what’s going on, so they can draw the scene in there heads. And last but not definitely least interaction, something that will entertain and captivate the audience through the journey of text,image, and sound presented in front of them. For example, in the project there’s one slide where you have to read the description to choose the correct path. Without the text you would be clueless of what to do. This is an example of how it would change my scene, since it leaves the audience hanging. For instance our music we created with garageband. It was a strong, distinct voice that tells the scene in another way that the audience doesn’t have to look or do, but just lay back and listen.  Overall I have realized that all the modes have a balanced amount of power they can do to strengthen my project.

Bibliography:

1. Inanimate Alice Ba-xi Player. Digital image. Screenshots of Inanimate Alice. Inanimate Alice, n.d. Web. 13 May 2013. <http://www.inanimatealice.com/episode1/screenshots/ia_ep1_11.jpg>.
2. “Download Free Sound Effects.” FreeSFX.co.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2013. <http://www.freesfx.co.uk/>.
3. “Miscellaneous Wav Mp3 Sound Effects – Download.” Miscellaneous Wav Mp3 Sound Effects – Download. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2013. <http://www.soundjay.com/misc-sounds.html>.
4. “Free Sound Effects.” Download. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May 2013. <http://www.mediacollege.com/downloads/sound-effects/>.

http://naturaltreasuresofchristmas.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/owen-human-and-gorilla-skeleton-drawing.jpg?w=558

Human evolution is a lengthy process of change, but after researching more deeply in the topic.  The data collected from fossils and different theories, proves that we did descend from apes. It took thousand of years to evolve to a more complex and new species,  from primates to modern day people.  According to http://humanorigins.si.edu, humans share lots of resemblence to the apes both physically and genetically.   As you can see above, the two bone structure do share loads in common. You can see how they share about almost all there bones, just the apes bones are larger. It’s not up-right as humans but that’s when evolution comes in. Through the years they have changed, as you can also look at the picture below. You can notice that they start walking on two legs and there back is up-right, the skull cage got bigger and bigger. (which indicates they got smarter) HowStuffWorks  stated that before much research religion took over people choices. Making them believe that the myth of apes evolving to human was fake. But after couple years of researching scientist did agree that we did come from the ape family.

Website for image

How do(es)   sediment size   (independent variable)

affect  water drainage  (dependent variable)?

Hypothesis:

If   you change the size of sediment  (planned change in independent variable),

then the time of drainage will change  (predicted change in dependent variable).

I think the larger sediment will drain the water faster    (restate relationship above),

because  it can’t really fit together making a gap, which lets the water flow out easily                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (include background knowledge AND provide references to support your prediction).

Variables:

Materials List:

Include a detailed list of materials (including quantities) needed to carry out the experiment.

 7.) Beaker                                                           3

Procedure:

Include an easy-to-follow, step-by-step, set of instructions repeating the experiment.

1. Take a graduated cylinder and put a funnel on the top.

2. Fold the coffee filter paper and set it in the funnel.

3.Measure out 20 ml of humus then pour it in the funnel . ( if you want to start off with other type of sediment it’s ok)

4. Measure 50 ml of water.

5. Pour it in the cylinder which contains the humus.

6. Get a stopwatch and time  how long it takes to drain the water.

7. Record the answer down.

8. Repeat the step for the gravel. ( you can do any order you want)

9. Repeat for the sand. ( you can change the sediment order if you want)

10. Compare all your results/data.

Data:

Graph

Conclusion:

Connect to the Hypothesis – Was it supported or rejected?

Make a concluding statement related to the Problem – Use data to support the statement.

Explain the Data – Provide reasons why the data is what it is and how it connects.

My data did support my hypothesis. Since my prediction was that the larger the sediment is the faster water can drain, and the data my group collected proves that the amount of time it takes to drain for the larger sediment is faster. I believe it drains faster since in this case the larger sediment couldn’t fit tight together making a hole which lets the water drain out. My data states that the time for the larger sediment is faster then smaller sediment which confirms that sediment size does affect drainage.

Evaluation:

I think my weaknesses on this summative lab was that I didn’t do many trials, so our data maybe isn’t as exact or assuring then it should have been. And I think the way I wrote my results on the separate spread sheet made my graph look confusing to the readers. So I can learn by these mistakes and make improvements next time like displaying my data correctly, and if I have time, do more than one trial. I think my strength was writhing my procedure since it is easy to understand enough that other people can manipulate the experiment . I also believe that I clearly stated the material we used and the quantity well enough that other people can buy the same material I used.

I actually collected my data with my group but I’m using “I and my” because I’m judging myself individually on what I did.

Six minds swished together, what do you get? Sadly issues.  About two weeks ago we where found clueless in Mr. Johnston room. Trying to build a magnificent distillation apparatus. Yes fights came up with my group, and I did reach that point of wanting to strangle someone throat.  I’m not coming out to you guys that my group is bad. I’m just saying and don’t take this offensive but certain people heads were up in the skies.  Everyone wasn’t corporation so we ended up spending lots of time just controlling our tempers.  People were screaming, hitting, and actually doing completely nothing, which to me seemed not very polite.  Of course I socialize but sometimes working with other individuals that you’re not comfortable with is tough. I think mostly everyone in my group or even the whole class would agree that teamwork was the hardest.  In this project I wasn’t the hyper, happy type chic that cheers for her team, I was more of dictator. I guess my group mates would think of me as a girl version of Adult Hitler but to accomplish this task you have to precise. But I wasn’t very fortunate this time; another devastating move came upon us. We bought useless junk! So advice for the future, And don’t even try to kiss up to Mr. Johnston, never leave the counter with an object that you might not get. Don’t take chances.

 Make Up Your Mind

Tension fills the air as we were choosing the plan to build. We slammed our paper on the desk as we stare into each other eyes.  Bickering on the tiniest things we decided to collide our ideas.  But we kept coming back. I mean make up your mind already, easier said then done.  Our typical conversation goes like ” Should we change this? Why? Wait if you do this it would increase the water!” We we’re probably the slowest group since our minds couldn’t decide on one plan. Rushing to the tape we tried to cover big open holes but sadly we couldn’t save all.  Wrapping tape everywhere the cup lies silent under out upcoming apparatus.  We were such fools, since I mean decide on your plan then buy right? But the shop was closing and time was ticking. And so on but our nonsense chats lead to a cheap shaggy distillation apparatus that works!  Not bad for beginners.

Sweet Smell of Victory!

” It’s precious!” I thought to myself. No I’m not talking about a cuddly puppies or a newborn infant I’m talking about water. I never knew I was going to be so desperate for just one petite drop of clear water.  I felt the burning hot steam escaping from the aluminum pipe, crossing my fingers I hoped it made itself down to the cup. And all of a sudden our masterpiece collapsed. Bam, just in a second. But no the tape saves the day. With one small strand of tape left we tried to reborn our masterpiece.  As other drops slide down gasps and excitement overwhelmed us. Jumping up and down screaming I felt bad for our neighbors, as they must think of us as peasants. It may not look enticing but it collected 4ml and we only spent about a dollar something. Task completed.

This was one of our biggest projects to date, building an apparatus with limited amount of resources. So it took a lot of creativity, teamwork, and determination to complete this task.   Really? 6th graders building a professional distilled apparatus. Now that’s a joke. We were bewildered with the task itself. We had a bumpy road in the beginning but rose again to victory. Now the thought of building a replica of this experiment is quite easy.  But *sigh “Now the dictating starts again.”

Our reflection video was made by our tech ninja; James Kim

You see I haven’t been writing or posting new things lately since I was working on my new Adventure Story Master Piece.  It is an original story made by: Mandy, me (Janette), and  Lillian.

Since my story is too long I will give you little inside scoop, and beware I have habits of spoiling, so SPOILER ALERT. The main character in this story is a boy named luke and hes on an adventure that will change his childhood life with his parents. His dad has been gone but he and his mom assumed that it was “business.” But as his mom disappears and he gets a strange phone call, reality hits him. Setting of, he finds clues that leads to an unknown hut where he finds a deadly kidnapper. . Interested? Please click this link to read the whole story! Hope you guys enjoy and if you have any feedback just comment down here.

One of my contraptions.

In IT class we have been learning and playing games. Now this particular game I’m going to talk to you about really puts your knowledge to the test. This game is known or called  as Fantastic Contraption. It is an educational game, that makes you build structures to hit a certain type of object. It requires a lot of thinking, and testing to advance on another level. You have to combine gadgets together to make this one object move to hit your ‘goal.’

What was challenging about Fantastic Contraption (think of the first time you played it)

In the beginning when I first started, I found choosing what structure to make, and what the gadgets stood for what was most challenging for me. Each level had a different obstacle, so your brain had to  adapt and think of something to create. We had to build a contraption that would fit into the environment, but harder, to make it even move. The hardest level for me was level 10: Up the hump. I mainly tried first to focus on the structure and remember my most recent builds but realized you needed to create something new.  From all the gadgets to choose from, and which matches with which. I know when you just moved your mouse over the gadgets it would appear what it does. But when your mind just rushes to a state where your ideas come remembering what the icons does is not your biggest focus.

What did you enjoy most about the game?

 I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment. You’re just thinking so hard and when you succeed you just have that rush that tells you, “wow you did it!” And also what I enjoyed wasn’t about the game actually as much, but more on my brain. I really thought this game was a good practice for my knowledge skills. The game made me focused and determined. And I wasn’t as distracted, so I was only focusing on one thing. I also liked that we get to experiment around with making all kind of shapes, from a circle to a triangle. And that this game actually teaches you something that may be useful. This game putted my mind to a state where most things can’t, it just one of those games that you need to squeeze your brain a bit more.

But this game is just not my type. It’s not that it’s boring or some sort, it’s just my brain isn’t use to these types of games. I prefer games that you don’t have to apply much thinking, since my definition of games is “Free-minded,” while this game takes brain skills to finish a level. The game is not complicated but I would like a more complex goal, since just making a object hit aboard doesn’t give you as much thrill.

What do you think you learned from playing this game (be specific what skills does it take to complete a level)

It combined some things that I have learned throughout the past few years, physics, memorization, creativity, and thinking ahead. I learned how to ignore my surroundings and just focus on one thing. And my building skills advanced, since I learned how to create a model that would actually move. I learned not to give up easily when my contraption failed, and that it only takes patience to finish a level. And finally learned what are the appropriate tools to make the vehicle work well.

This game taught me things more mentally than physically. It combined all sort of things that I have learned like physics, math, creativity, memorization, patience, and thinking ahead. The term “ Patience is a virtue,” really reflected on my performance on this game since I actually learned from my failures. And it taught me how to concentrate on something and just ignore my surroundings.  And that if you just wait until the next round to think of something new to create it will pull you back a lot.
The game requires problem solving skills like logical thinking, such as which angles or positions should the sticks move or go in so the car can hit/reach your target. And that like thinking about how gravity can help your kart move or fall apart.  And of course my  building skills advanced, since I learned how to create a model that would actually move.  And finally after accomplishing several levels I can remember what the icons/options do.

Achieving this task is not as easy said than done. Well, I figured this would be the time to prove myself to my family and friends. They all believed I’m this little girl who’s afraid of everything and has no talent whatsoever. So I was going to change that. I had no method of accomplishing this so why not start out of looking at an example? I watched the owner of the stall completed the task of shooting many arrows constantly at a time. His eyes narrowed only focusing on the target, his hands stretched out, and his feet balanced. I attempted this many times but ended up failing and almost giving up.

Boredom took over me, my head was blank like a paper that had only one word on it, perserverence. That word stuck on me, whispers of it echoed in my head. I stood up again and now had more determination than ever. So I pulled my guts together and started shooting. I gripped an arrow and then another, but they would always bounce of the board. Now the word chanting in my head, was failure. My hands trembled. This was the last shot for that day. Taking another aim, this one turned out to be an accident. Rolling back my shoulder, and pulling my sleeves up, I was trying to concentrate on only my aim. My hands were spread out, and I felt the string split out from my hand. “Pshhhhhhhhh.” A gasp was heard when the arrow was released, then the arrow pierced itself into the board.

“Yesh!” I remember jumping up and down, filled with excitement. Happiness filled my mind and chest as my family glowered at me, shocked that I could shoot an arrow. I did a cheery happy dance and chanted, “I did it!” repeatedly. Me, Janette, the girl who everyone doubted that couldn’t shoot a single arrow. As I shot my first arrow, confidence overwhelmed me. All the arrows I picked up miraculously hitted the board. I guess I just needed determination and patience to accomplish a task. Success feels great!

Note: I don’t have two or more hyperlinks since I didn’t have help from any website, I had help from the stall-owner.

Rights reserved for: Daadi

Today in science we did an experiment on metals. In this experiment I learned  that heat travels differently on different types of metal.

As you can see although metal conducts heat, not all of them conduct heat at the same rate.

Well I think you know that math is basically used EVERYWHERE. And when it comes to cooking it sure helps. Our great teacher Mr. Post, has came up with a fun and educational idea. Why not combine cooking and math right? So our assignment was to create ta gross recipe. Well reminders are that please do not attempt to cook this at home since I have not attempted to make this yet. And some  things may we quite disgusting.

Office  Parfait that Stays

Directions for serving for 5:

In a big metal bowl, pour the glue in slowly as you stir it for 5 minutes.As you still whisk add the sunblock in, Now the mixture would be sticky and hard.

Then get a microwavable bowl but rub the edges with snot. Now you may add the glue and sunblock mixture in. Let it set outside for 5 minutes, as you bring the mixture back, sprinkle the pencil lead. Then continue to the next layer and add rat droppings.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Then put the mix in after 5 minutes. The mixture should puff in about 5-12 minutes, but you are not done yet.

Take another small bowl and pour the fresh maggots in. Crush them together. Then start adding the oil gradually. Now you may take the mix out from the oven, but do not turn the oven off. The mix still is not cooked so sift the maggot and oil mix in.

Now put the finish mix in for 12-18 minutes, or until the top is golden yellow and crispy.

Done! But now you have to wait until it’s cool. So read,play, or anything to waste time. After 8 minutes, it’s ready to serve. Now you got one of the worlds most disgusting dessert  recipe.

Well if you would like to see the official one I made with pictures please click this link.

Well in our school one of our biggest projects in math to date was making a video. Well we decided to make a video on a topic people didn’t understand much, simplify expressions. I was honored to be partner up with one of my close friend, Lucia. In this video we just talked about simplifying, important terms, and things you need to look out for. Well hope you enjoy and have learned something from our video. Leave a comment if you have anything you would like to say or ask.

Reflection:

What trouble did I have and why?
I think my main trouble was putting enough information, and does it help my audience have a better understanding on the topic.

How did this piece (project and or/essay) help me improve as a thinker?

The project helped me as a thinker since I am doing this video for an audience. So I have to give and show detailed that would give them a good understanding of this topic, so I myself has to be confident also with this topic. And not only does it help as a thinker but also combines with my mathematical, presentation, and technology skills.