Katherine's Portfolio

SLC of 25-26 – Portfolio #1

January 15, 2026 /

My goal: Improve my reading analysis skills

I have made progress in my reading accomplishments through dedication and efficient time use. Before, I rarely read books consistently. I couldn’t find the motivation to read, and I didn’t find any books interesting. However, now, knowing how to analyze characters’ traits and behaviors, I often find myself deeply absorbed in a book.

Despite my newly found interest in reading, I still find it difficult to feel a profound connection to non-fiction books – dairies/journals describing historical events and personal achievements, traveling experiences… Emotions and perspectives are naturally incorporated into these genres. Though, they are not as expressive or palpable as fiction novels. I am hoping to discover something that would inspire me to explore these books, and feel passionate towards unfamiliar topics, as well.

I would like to show my appreciation and gratitude towards my teachers and my friends for supporting me and helping me throughout this process. My teachers have introduced me to the benefits of reading and how they can improve my communication and writing skills. My friends have always reminded me to approach new genres positively, giving me recommendations and answering my questions. They have always been open to discussions when I am confused and disoriented by unusual plots or endings.

Moving forward, I would like to expand my reading range and duration. Read more consistently, and not just intense reading periods that last up to hours on some days, while reading for only around 10 minutes on other days. I want to read enough to make reading a habit, something I can freely do at any time.

Social Studies Unit 2: Visual Presentation 

January 7, 2026 /

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The Visual Presentations were the final step of our creation. I chose to build a physical model of an automobile with cardboard because I thought it would be easier for the audience to understand what I am trying to explain, and it is much more straightforward. Additionally, I wanted to try making something new and explore different types of creations to expand horizons.

IMG_0321.heic.url

Self Evaluation:

I believe my presentation was a success. My speaking pace was understandable and I spoke clearly. I explained the positive impacts and negative impacts, how they can benefit or degrade our lives, and solutions we can or are already exploring that could help resolve some issues.

Something I need to work on is focusing more on the overall structure of a design when creating any type of model , and not fuss over tiny elements that would take up too much time. In other words, to be more time efficient and to use it effectively ,as well. Additionally, my final product wasn’t as detailed and sophisticated as I hoped it would be, and I want to improve the quality of it the next time I have an opportunity like this.

Social Studies Unit 2: Essay 

January 7, 2026 /

https://saschina-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/personal/catherine_sawyer_saschina_org/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B1995DB47-F010-491F-95C3-2E33C7EBB831%7D&file=Katherine%20Tai%20-%20Essay%20How%20does%20technology%20have%20an%20impact%20on%20society%20-%204086413.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true&DefaultItemOpen=1&wdOrigin=APPHOME-WEB.DIRECT%2CAPPHOME-WEB.FILEBROWSER.RECENT&wdPreviousSession=8ed3922d-a363-4d7f-b8bd-bb0cf2ebf0c8&wdPreviousSessionSrc=AppHomeWeb&ct=1767767149672

To complete this essay, we first organized our research in a graphic organize, which allowed to us to gather information from multiple sources and sort it for later use. We then took the information from the graphic organizer and expanded it to two CER paragraphs – positive impacts and negative impacts. We also included solutions that could help with some concerns or reduce the harm that our type of transportation/communication source might bring to our environment. Furthermore, we added some background information regarding our topic to entertain the reader, and a conclusion to emphasize the changes it has created.

Self Evaluation:

My claim was straightforward and direct, as it fit my evidence well. Furthermore, my reasoning was very thorough and descriptive. It clearly explained how my evidence support my claim. My citations were also accurate, stating the date the articles (evidence) were published and the author(s) that wrote them.

My next step is to work on finding more articles that will provide the information that I need. During this unit, I had trouble looking for articles that spoke from a neutral perspective, or included both positive points and negative points. I want to work on using different key words to narrow down my search words so that it is easier for the internet to find the articles that I need.

Unit 3 Math Reflection

January 6, 2026 /

In this unit, we learned about the various ways to demonstrate our learning of percentages and proportionality. We took time to both study individually and study with a group about different types of models and how they can help us solve math questions. Furthermore, we also worked on mastering equations, an easy and efficient way to work out the answer.

An unfamiliar topic that I was introduced to during this unit are double number lines. I have seen this type of model a few times before in previous years of education, but I was never taught to use them to help me figure out percentage problems. Now, after many opportunities to practice and review, I know that one line of the double number line represents the percentage, while the other line represents the value.

Our final project was a really interesting part of the unit. We were able to choose our own topic to research, and use Canva to freely design our own PPT slides. In the end, each class was divided into 2 groups, one presents their projects in a Red classroom, while the other group presents in a Gold classroom.

Something that was challenging for me was drawing tape diagrams. I knew how to draw the diagram, but didn’t really know how to actually use it to help me solve the math question. In the future, I hope to continue studying and practicing this type of model, and completely understand its part’s function.

U2 Science Reflection – Cells and Body Systems

December 15, 2025 /

The essential question I chose to study is “How do our body systems work together when we play our favorite sport?” Throughout my learning process, I learned about the different organelles that contribute when we play tennis. As well as the different systems that coordinate to support us during our various movements. For example, the muscular and skeletal system work together to support the body as it moves around on the court. Additionally, the nervous and muscular system work together to control the body’s reactions based on the opponent’s strike. All the knowledge I have acquired now demonstrates how multiple systems work together to create another system, while those systems work together to create a even larger one, etc.

Different organelles make up a cell, similar cells make up tissues, tissues make up organs, organs make up organ systems, organ systems make up an organism.

Impactful Learning Experiences:

  • Teacher’s mini-lessons
  • Independent research projects (Blind box projects)

The mini-lessons given by the teacher helped me better understand how each organ functions. For me, direct instructions are easier to understand, as they are more straightforward. The independent research projects also helped me strengthen my learning. It ensured that I understood every element of the topic by actually presenting the knowledge to others.

Improvements:

If I could improve one aspect of my learning in this unit, I would work on reviewing more for L2 quizzes. I need to achieve better scores for my quizzes, as they impact my overall grade. Furthermore, it would be much easier for me to complete projects in the future if I had a strong understanding of cells and body systems.

Overall, this unit has strengthened my learning regarding body systems. I now know much more about cells and their structures, compared to before. This experience has been extremely valuable, as I’m sure it would be useful in the future.

U3 Health Reflection – Healthy Decision Making

December 12, 2025 /

The DECIDE model is an excellent tool when someone is confronted with a difficult decision. These steps help us analyze the scenario and evaluate our steps carefully.

DECIDE models can be really useful when you are in a stressed-out situation. It prevents you from making poor choices, and saves you the trouble of embarrassing yourself in front of your peers.

For example, when another student from school offers you an alcohol-based drink, you need to choose between maintaining your social reputation and your own health. In a lot of times, both are equally important. This is when the DECIDE model plays its role, it helps you decide which choice would be more efficient, as well as both the long term and short term effects.

Effects/Consequences:

Drugs and alcohol can be extremely harmful to the human brain, especially for adolescents, as their brains are not yet fully developed. It is incredibly easy for them to start relying on a substance and becoming addicted.

  • Nicotine: Oral cancer
  • Vaping: Breathing difficulties, damages the brain and blood vessels

Support/Helpful resources:

There are many websites that an adolescent should explore before experimenting with drugs. “KidsHelpLine” provides information about awkward topics that someone may not feel comfortable asking another person, such as problems related to romantic relationships. The also provide different forms of support and offers you sources where you can have an actual conversation online.

Another reliable website is called “Justthinktwice.” This website describes the consequences to dangerous actions, new/reports about real life experience and personal stories. As well as information relating to mental health and physical development.

Unit 2 Math Reflection

December 8, 2025 /

In this unit, we were introduced to different vocabularies, explored various ways to identify scaled drawings, and studied the relationships between multiple shapes based on its dimensions, perimeter, and area.

A new topic we discussed in this unit was writing CER’s. I have never written a CER pertinent to math before, and this experience allowed me to practice something that was I was unfamiliar with. I also realized that I paid much more attention when we were learning about CER’s, because I wanted to master a new skill.

Something that was interesting to me was the equations that represented the relationship between the scale factor and perimeter/area, as shown in the reference sheet above. These equations assisted me with many assignments and facilitated my calculation processes. For example, when a math problem is asking me to find the area of the scale copy of a square with dimensions that are 2 times the original, I can simply use the equation to help me solve it.

A challenge I encountered throughout the learning process is reading the questions carefully. Sometimes, when I’m not paying enough attention to the description of the scenario, I make mindless calculation errors, even though I am completely capable of solving the question correctly.

In conclusion, this unit acted as a overview of my previous lessons. It also combined knowledge from the first unit, which strengthened my learning.

U3 PE Reflection – Outdoor Invasion Games

November 22, 2025 /

In this unit, Outdoor Invasion Games, we practiced dribbling and shooting soccer balls. As well as playing some games to help us better understand the concept of Invasion Games.

An outcome of this unit was that I was introduced to different ways people could play soccer, or in other words, individual styles. I witnessed other students dribble the ball and shoot, and I noticed that they all prefer to do it a little differently. Some people like to dribble around their obstacles and avoid them from a really far distance. Others preferred to pass more, or perhaps kick the ball between the defender’s legs.

However, I probably could’ve participated more in the games. Such as chasing after balls, running across the field to block the goal, shooting, etc. Something else I need to work on is paying attention to my surroundings. When I’m dribbling the ball, I have trouble noticing an approaching opponent. Which is a major advantage to the other team.

This unit helped me establish control over my feet. Especially when these opportunities are hard to notice in daily life when not instructed directly. It has been a valuable experience, and I acquired lots of knowledge.

U2 PE Reflection – Artistic Swimming

November 22, 2025 /

In this unit, Artistic Swimming, we engaged in group activities and practices to help us prepare for our final performance – a group presentation that featured artistic moves in the water, such as lifts and formations.

I believe I succeeded in following directions and collaborating with my group members while we planned our performance and decided on the moves. Due to the absence of 2 out of 3 members, we first wrote down the moves and practiced the on land. Then, later on, reviewed them multiple times before we performed.

However, I believe I could’ve included moves that are more difficult, or perhaps a larger variety of moves. This way, I can capture the audience’s attention better and enhance my performance.

This experience has been very valuable and I definitely learned some new techniques that could be useful in the future.

Unit 2 Health Reflection – Health Media Literacy/Health Influences

October 30, 2025 /

In this unit, we were introduced to different ways to evaluate a source’s credibility, mainly regarding social media and influencers. We were taught the techniques and strategies to correctly identify whether the information is based on something unreliable, to consider all elements of the topic, and to be careful when experimenting with Tiktok trends.

What I did before:

Before this unit, I evaluated a sources credibility based on before-and-after pictures, an influencer’s physical appearance and conditions, and amount of followers the influencer has or the amount of likes the video has. I assumed the contents of a health related video or website were true if I’ve heard of similar discussions from somewhere else. I would automatically think that this statement is true because there are others that agree with it.

What I do now:

However, after this unit, I’ve learned to evaluate the information online by checking with the CRAAP test – Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose. The CRAAP tests allows us to carefully analyze each claim and detailed of the content, making sure everything is safe and beneficial. During class, we watched multiple videos and explored the creator qualifications and found astonishing results. Moving forward, I will definitely be more careful and conduct more research on topics I would like to experiment. Especially ones that can have harmful and severe side/after effects.

My final project:

Feedback (from Iris):

I liked that you listen the pros and cons of the mouth tape. Your clearest/most memorable idea was balanced, and the pros and cons in the conclusion.

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