Alice's Portfolio

U: In this unit, I understood how to calculate percent change. I also understood how to use tax and tip while calculating checks. By using percentages of the subtotal, I could successfully calculate the real total.

N: Knowing how to use number lines and tape diagrams to show numbers was new information to me. Before, I always used standard calculations to show my thinking. Instead, I used rulers, straight lines, and more to demonstrate.

I: It was interesting for me to see how a quantity could be represented. Fractions, decimals, and percentages could all be used. Additionally, transitioning those different quantities to other forms was also remarkable.

T: Converting fractions to decimals were tricky for me. On one of the assignments, I missed a question because I converted 11/100 to 0.11%. In the future, I want to check my work more.

For my essential question, I chose “How do our body systems work together when we play our favorite sport?” The information about cells and human body systems I learned in this unit assisted me when I needed to rely my own knowledge to answer questions. For example, we needed to explain what body parts were involved in the sport we chose for our CER. Additionally, we had many assignments and quizzes to show our understanding. Ultimately, we became experienced with the topic of how the body is made up of constantly interacting body systems, which are also made up of cells. From the experiments, labs, and activities we did, I became more proficient at identifying and demonstrating the main idea of how the body is a system comprised of other subsystems.

To me, the pig organ dissections were most memorable. Instead of learning about them through only online sources, we could actually touch and see the objects in real life. Furthermore, I felt that the self-directed modeling and researching activity was also very helpful. I could find out about topics that I wanted to do, and not ones that were set by the curriculum.

If I could improve one aspect of my learning, I would try to work more diligently towards L4 assignments. Each time I try to strive towards exceeding the standards, I fall short and get a lesser grade. In the future, I want to focus more on adding to my understanding.

In this unit, we made remote control cars that we built with real wires, wood pieces, screws, et cetera. Once we were finished with the unit, we also brought the cars home so we could utilize them individually. We also used Onshape to 3D model objects to print out and add to our cars.

I did well at building the car, and using minimal time to adjust and repair the car. It didn’t require much effort from me to find mistakes and fix them rapidly.

On the other hand, I think that I can improve at modeling more than one type of car piece. I only modeled the car’s tail fin, and not the wheel or the ram.

If I were to do this unit again, I would experiment with other types of car pieces, so I could equip my car with the best gear.

In this unit, we made specific clocks based off our selected client’s preferences. It included using paper to make sketches, digital platforms to make designs, and machines to cut out our materials. Once we had our materials, we then used different mediums to color our projects and real clock mechanisms to allow our models to function.

I think I did well at designing my clock to contain the aspects that my client wanted. I added themes, elements, and more to ensure the satisfaction of the customer.

However, I could have done better at making my project immaculate and using precision while coloring. Moreover, I feel that I could have added more details to my clock.

If I were to do this again, I would try to utilize my time better. There were definitely days where production was slow.

Here is the OneDrive link to my clock process journal: The Clock-3

In this unit, I learned how to further collaborate with my team members while playing a high-speed soccer match. By working together to play soccer, I got to understand how to cooperate deeper with my classmates.

The drills we practiced beforehand helped me rehearse my dribbling, shooting, and passing techniques. The techniques that we tried also helped me be a better soccer athlete altogether.

I’m proud of how I stayed somewhat consistent while playing, and tried to support the team even if I wasn’t confident in going offense. Additionally, I’m happy that I could stay behind and protect the goal decently.

I can work on being more fluent with the ball and dribbling. I felt that working with the ball was awkward to my body, and that it was out of place between my shoes.

U: What do you understand in this unit?

I understood how to calculate scale factors and what scaled copies were. I also understood what similarity was in shapes.

N: What new information did you learn in this unit?

I learned how to find the area of a scale copy with only the area of the original and the scale factor. Additionally, I learned how to use corresponding sides and perimeter in math problems.

I: What was interesting in this unit?

There were many different problems with different situations and different challenges I could try.

T: What was tricky for you in this unit?

Something that was tricky for me was using accurate units after multiplying by the scale factor. Another thing was understanding the question properly.

In this unit, we focused on synchronized swimming, where we did routines in the water. We followed the teachers choreography, and constructed our own to perform. I got better at swimming consistently, but I feel that I could have done better at floating and treading water.

In the future, I can improve more by practicing in my own time. Swimming is a skill I need in case I’m caught in a future situation where I have to swim to survive.

In this unit, we focused on practicing volleyball games. The main goal was to successfully deliver two-hand volleys inside of a dynamic environment.

How did you positioning and movement on the court affect you ability to execute controlled two hand volleys?

I managed to control the ball by maneuvering my arms around and hitting the ball with a specific point on either my hands or my forearms. I also stayed concentrating on the moving ball and quickly evaluated whether I should leave it for others, or go directly to receive it. This helped me stay active in the game, and alert at any situations involving my interactions.

What strategies can you use to improve your two-hand volley skills when playing in a fast-paced game with teammates and opponents moving around?

I can keep myself in position, ready to take the ball, or I can practice the techniques that I’m not too proficient in. For example, my setting and serving skills aren’t great, so I can get more exercise in the area.