Here is the link to our drag race car model. π
https://www.thinglink.com/card/1952937292104467300
In this link, I annotated the components of our car and what we were thinking when we designed and chose the materials for the car.
Creative Learner
My family and I visited West Lake in Hangzhou (ζε·θ₯ΏζΉ) during the National Day break, an experience that left a lasting impression on us. I chose to create a travel brochure for West Lake as part of my creative learner task, inspired by its rich history and vibrant culture. West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been celebrated for centuries in poetry and paintings, symbolizing the beauty of nature and traditional Chinese aesthetics.The lake is surrounded by lush hills, ancient temples, and picturesque gardens, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration. As we walked along the scenic paths, we encountered the famous causeways, like the Broken Bridge, and enjoyed stunning views of the lotus flowers in bloom. The area is steeped in legends and folklore, adding to its allure.Through this brochure, I aim to share not only the breathtaking scenery but also the cultural significance of West Lake, encouraging others to discover its charm and history. Itβs a place where nature and culture intertwine, making it a must-visit destination. π
Critical Thinker
For the Critical Thinker tasks, I developed a method to win Gomuku, created a priority list of survival materials, and wrote about my opinion on an ethical dilemma. I demonstrated my critical thinking skills through writing a comprehensive report on a famous ethical dilemma known as the Runaway Trolley problem. This thought experiment challenges individuals to consider the moral implications of their choices when faced with life-and-death situations. In my report, I explored the various scenarios presented by the dilemma, analyzing the consequences of diverting a runaway trolley onto a track where it would kill one person instead of five. I examined different ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, which advocates for the greatest good for the greatest number, and deontological ethics, which emphasizes the importance of moral rules and duties. By engaging with these ideas, I was able to articulate the complexities and nuances inherent in ethical decision-making. This exercise not only sharpened my analytical abilities but also deepened my appreciation for the philosophical discussions surrounding morality, highlighting the importance of critical thinking in navigating difficult choices in real life. π
Resilient
For the Resilient tasks, I learned to play the bassoon and practiced gratitude. During a week dedicated to practicing the bassoon, I embarked on an exciting journey, having never touched the instrument before. Each day presented its challenges, from mastering the finger placements to producing a clear, resonant sound. I documented my progress meticulously, noting the small victories and setbacks alike. As I faced the initial difficulties, I quickly realized that resilience was key to my success. Rather than becoming discouraged by the complexities of learning a new skill, I remained committed and focused on my goal. Through consistent practice and unwavering determination, I demonstrated that hard work can yield significant results in a short time. By the end of the week, I was able to play simple melodies, a testament to my growth. This experience not only enhanced my musical abilities but also instilled confidence in my capacity to tackle new challenges, reinforcing the idea that perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements. πͺ
Skillful Communicator
For the Skillful Communicator tasks, I presented on an interesting topic and reimagined objects for a second use. I chose to create a presentation on a topic I knew well: music theory. Having studied music for several years, I was passionate about the intricacies of how music is constructed, from scales and chords to rhythm and harmony. This familiarity allowed me to approach the subject with confidence, making it easier to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner. I carefully organized my presentation, breaking down the fundamentals of music theory into digestible segments. I included visual aids, such as diagrams and audio examples, to enhance understanding and engage my audience. As I prepared, I found joy in sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for music. I wanted to inspire others to appreciate the beauty behind their favorite songs and help them recognize the patterns that exist in all types of music. Ultimately, this project not only solidified my understanding of music theory but also reinforced my desire to teach and share my passion with others. π΅
Effective Collaborator
For the Effective Collaborator tasks, I solved a silent murder mystery and figured out a zoom images challenge with my friends. Collaborating effectively with others can lead to remarkable outcomes, as I experienced firsthand while working with my two classmates to solve the intriguing silent murder mystery of who killed Mr. Kelley. Our combined efforts allowed us to pool our diverse perspectives and skills, which was crucial in piecing together the clues scattered throughout the investigation. Each of us brought unique insights to the table: one classmate excelled in analyzing the evidence, while the other had a knack for understanding the relationships among the characters. Through open communication and brainstorming sessions, we uncovered the truth: it was Mr. Scott, driven by a secret love affair with Mrs. Kelley, who committed the crime. This experience reinforced the significance of teamwork; by collaborating effectively, we not only solved the mystery but also learned the value of trust and shared responsibility. In solving complex problems, collective intelligence often leads to solutions that one individual might overlook. π΅οΈββοΈ
Here are my learnings from a week of practicing the bassoon:
Day 1: Today is my first time playing the bassoon. I started practicing with blowing the reed, which I found difficult at first but mastered in a while. Then I set up the bassoon and attached the reed on. It was harder to blow this time. I practiced for another few minutes and found myself out of breath. π₯
Day 2: Today I started learning to play notes. The fingering was very difficult so I started with the notes that didn’t required as complicate fingering. I learned to play a few notes with a medium pitch and it worked out quite easily. I then tried to play some higher notes, but I somehow couldn’t make them right. π£
Day 3: Today I kept learning the notes. I continued learning the high notes. I figured out that I wasn’t blowing the reed correctly and so that was why the notes sounded wrong. I then changed my blowing position and it helped a lot with the pitch. π
Day 4: Today I started learning the lower notes. This was very hard because the fingering was harder than ever. I also felt that air was leaking through some of the keys which I didn’t press well enough, but it was often hard to find out which key it was. π
Day 5: Today I practiced some major and minor skills. It was very hard, but I got a bit better at the fingering. I also got better at some of the lower notes. π
Day 6: Today I started practicing a piece for concert band. I still hadn’t mastered the fingering and it was difficult for me to play the notes smoothly. After 20 minutes of practicing, though, I was able to play through the piece in a slow tempo. However, there was still one note that I always got wrong. π
Day 7: Today I continued practicing the piece. I found myself getting better and better. I repeated the passage with the note that I always got wrong again and again. Finally, I was able to do it correctly. Then I practiced the whole piece for a while and was able to do it quite well. π
Jan. 6
Today I was really happy to see my friends again. During lunch, we chatted and caught up with some new stuff. The highlight of my day was soccer practice, where we played some fun games. It felt great to be active. I look forward to swimming class tomorrow! β½οΈ
Jan. 7
Today I had fun swimming at school. I felt tired but happy afterwards. After I got back home, I had a relaxing hot bath. For dinner, my mom prepared a healthy and delicious meal. I look forward to playing the jigsaw puzzle that I just got. πββοΈ
Jan. 8
Today was special because I reconnected with an old friend I hadnβt met in a while. After school, I played a few games of Fireboy and Watergirl with my sister. We then worked together on the puzzle, which was challenging but fun. Iβm really looking forward to see my old friend again tomorrow. π₯π§
Jan. 9
Today, I finished making a music project I had been working on for a while. I also finished reading a French graphic novel that I borrowed from the library, which was a really interesting story. Later, I met my old friend, and we had a great time chatting. I look forward to celebrating the birthday of another friend of mine tomorrow. π―ββοΈ
Jan. 10
Todayβs pit band practice was difficult, but we were very supportive of each other. I was very happy to receive a compliment on my playing. After practice, I had a great time at my friendβs birthday party. I look forward to my dance performance tomorrow. Iβm really excited! π
Jan. 11
This morning I had a refreshing cup of coffee. Then, I had jazz band and pit band practice, which was tiring but fun. The dance performance was a success, and I was happy to see that my hard work pay off. After a busy day, I look forward to having a good night of sleep and waking up late tomorrow. βοΈ
Jan. 12
Today I finished my homework early. I also completed my eagle apprenticeship tasks, which was very relieving. Then, I practiced my two-piano piece with my sister, which sounded very good. I look forward to seeing my friends at school tomorrow. πΉ
Below is about the the Mindfulness Club I designed for our school.
Our mission: The Mindfulness Club wants to build a friendly community in our school. Weβre here to help everyone feel better and more aware of themselves. We do this through mindfulness sessions that help with relaxation, focus, and personal growth. βΊοΈ
How it’ll work: We will regularly host one talking circle session and two yoga and meditation sessions every week. Occasionally, we will invite psychologists and therapists to our sessions for professional knowledge sharing. We will also organize promotional events both inside and outside the school. π
Benefits of mindfulness: Teenagers’ health has always been a problem concerning us. Yoga, meditation, and talking circles are ways to help us reduce our stress and promote both our mental and physical well-being. We want to bring together and connect students to create a supportive environment in the school. π
Working with two partners, I solved the murder of Mr. Kelley: He was killed by Mr. Scott with a knife at 12:30 AM because Mr. Scott was in a love affair with Mr. Kelley’s wife.
There were several red herrings in this mystery, such as the gunshot wound and the elevator man’s previous convictions. It is essential to work out which clues are useful and which aren’t by looking at how they link to other clues and fit with the description of the case itself. π
This is a presentation I made about some basics of music theory! π
Here is my priority ranking for 30 pieces of survival equipment for surviving on an island. ποΈ
Ever played Gomuku before? π€
If yes, then you probably agree that this simple game is more complicated than it seems!
Fortunately, I developed a strategy to make sure you win every game!
Here it is: Always create two attack lines of three X/O’s (highlighted in image below) at the start of the game so when you develop either one of them, your opponent won’t be able to do anything about it!
The Runaway Trolley problem is considered an ethical dilemma on the nature of morality, which forces one to consider choosing between five lives and one. It poses the question that, if one were given a situation whereby killing a single individual would mean saving five, what would one say is morally strong, killing one person, or allowing five to die?
One could either remain idle and let the trolley run into the five would be more contested as opposed to saving them or take a blunt active stance against the trolley. The best option here would be decisiveness as it focuses on the greatest good being done to the most people.
In our case, although one party suffers for another party’s success, it is most important to determine which decision provides the maximal value, and that target centers around sacrificing one for many. π