Tereza's Portfolio

Social Studies Unit 4: Documentary

June 8, 2026 / Tereza

Video: Documentary Video, E2. The Story of Auschwitz-Birkenau

1. Write a summary of the steps you went through to complete the entire documentary.

The first step to getting our documentary to where it is now was finding a topic. We (my partner and I) chose a topic that would help raise awareness, which was also something we learned about. Once our topic was chosen, we moved on to step 2, which was research. We spent 3 lessons finding websites, articles, and videos that would help us write our script. Then we moved on to step 3, the writing stage. We spent about 4 classes writing our script, so my partner and I wrote each section based on what we had the most research on. When all the hard work was done, we moved on to step 4, collecting images and recording our audio. To record our audio, we spent 2 classes, and to collect pictures, I used some of my class time + weekend time to get images that suit the wording. In the end, we spent the remaining time adding everything together and reviewing it constantly to see if we wanted to change or add anything. On May 18th, we presented our final video.

2. One thing I did well in my Documentary.

I communicated well with my partner. Every time we had class, we discussed what we needed to complete by the end of the day. Before class ended, we would review what we still needed to finish at home or if we needed to meet up to finish it. We exchanged WeChat contacts so we could communicate better. I also checked in on her when she was falling behind and did my best to finish my part quickly so I could help her if needed.

3. One thing I still need to learn to do or would do differently.

Probably discuss the topic better and use up the time better to make sure we chose a better topic. Which would help both of us, since research would be better and also a topic which wouldnt be sensitive. However, in the end we chose a good topic to raise awerness about of something we dont want happening again, and to learn from our mistakes.

Unit 5: LA Reflection

May 26, 2026 / Tereza

Main theme:
What was the abuse of power or concept you explored?

The abuse of power I explored was college admissions, specifically the U.S. college admissions scandal. I learned how some wealthy parents used money and connections to unfairly help their children get into top universities, which took opportunities away from students who earned their place.

What have you learned about the research process and finding evidence?

I learned that research takes time, focus, and careful checking to make sure sources are trustworthy. Using different sources, choosing the strongest evidence, and clearly connecting it to my topic makes my work more convincing and reliable.

The Presentation:
What did you do to prepare for the Pecha-Kucha style presentation?

I first wrote a script of what I planned to say during my presentation. Then I created my PowerPoint and matched each slide to the parts of my script so they connected well. This helped me stay organized and know what to say for each image.

What was challenging about this presentation?

One challenging part of this presentation was that there were no words on the PowerPoint slides. At first this made me nervous, but it actually made things simpler because it forced me to prepare and memorize what I wanted to say. The images helped remind me of my main points during the presentation.

What is one area you can continue to improve in your presentation skills?

One area I can continue to improve is my overall delivery. I want to work on speaking more slowly, looking more at the audience and using clear gestures. I think these are three important skills for any presentation, so I will keep practicing them.

Personal Growth:
How have your ideas or skills in Language Arts developed since the beginning of the year?

Since the beginning of the year, my Language Arts skills have improved a lot. I think more deeply about texts and understand the author’s message better. My vocabulary has grown, and my writing is stronger because I back up my ideas with clear evidence and reasoning.

What TOP 5 books have you read this year?

Fake Skating By Lynn Painter
Funny Story By Emily Henry
We Were Liars By E. Lockheart
The Cheat Sheet By Sarah Adams
Nothing Like The Movies By Lynn Painter (re-read)

What is one book you would recommend?

One book I would recommend is Fake Skating by Lynn Painter because it was fun, light‑hearted, and kept me interested the whole way through. The characters were entertaining and the story made me enjoy reading even more.

What is one book that was challenging for you?

One book that was challenging for me was We Were Liars by E. Lockhart because the plot twist was very confusing at first. I had to think carefully and look back at earlier parts of the story to fully understand what had really happened.

Math- End of Year Reflection 2025-2026

May 25, 2026 / Tereza

Essential Question:

How can we use probability to make predictions and informed decisions?

We use probability to figure out how likely something is to happen, so we can make better choices. By comparing the chances of different outcomes, we can pick the option that is more likely to work out well.

Looking at your Unit 5 Summative, what are your relative strengths? Areas of improvement?

On the Unit 5 summative, I showed strength in understanding probability concepts, such as experimental vs. theoretical probability. Sometimes I get confused between independent and dependent events, so I want to practice recognizing the difference more quickly. I also want to work on checking my work more carefully so I don’t lose points on small mistakes.

If you could share something with your Grade 8 Math Teacher, what would it be?

If I could share something with my Grade 8 math teacher, I would tell them that I sometimes feel anxious in math class, especially when I’m called on unexpectedly or when we work under time pressure. It helps me when directions are clear, when I can see a step-by-step example first, and when I’m allowed a little extra time to think before answering. I do better when mistakes are treated as a normal part of learning instead of something to be embarrassed about.

What advice would you give to incoming Grade 7 students?

My advice for incoming Grade 7 students is to know that it’s normal to feel anxious or nervous about math, but you don’t need to stress too much. Try to keep up with the practice and stay on top of your work, because doing a little bit at a time helps you feel less overwhelmed. Even 30 mins daily helps. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re “stupid,” because that’s how you learn and feel more confident. Be kind to yourself, take a deep breath when you feel anxious, and know that you can do this if you keep trying and don’t give up.

L3 Unit 4 Portfolio Reflection

May 14, 2026 / Tereza

Part 1: Essential Question and Standard Reflection

I think one of the main factors that can cause a pond to turn green is having too many nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, in the water. These extra nutrients can come from fertilizer, waste, or decaying matter, and they allow algae to grow very quickly. When we studied the 4 matter cycles, I learned that water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen all move through ecosystems and help living things survive. I also learned that energy transfer begins with the Sun, because plants use sunlight to make food, and then that energy moves to other organisms when they eat plants or each other. Photosynthesis plays an important role because plants and algae use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen, which support life in the ecosystem. However, if algae grow too much, the pond can become unbalanced, block sunlight, and reduce oxygen levels for other organisms. In my ecosystem in a bottle investigation, my prediction was that changing one variable would affect the balance of the system, and my prediction did come true because the bottle changed after the variable was introduced. This showed me that even one small change in an ecosystem can affect growth, development, and reproduction.

Part 2: Improvement

If I could improve one aspect of my learning in this unit, it would be keeping my self-directed notes more organized. Better organization would help me review important ideas more easily and prepare more effectively for quizzes, assignments, and model work. In the future, this change would make my learning more efficient and help me understand the unit more clearly.

L4: The Formula of Art 2026

May 12, 2026 / Tereza

Q1: Explain how mathematical thinking was used in the activities during this unit (Folding Paper and Trace, Construction Line Drawings, and Digital Tessellations.) Use Math and Art terms to support your thinking.

During this unit, I can tell that this required a lot of patience and presise meausurements. Which links back to the Mathematics subject. In math, you need to take your time, be patient, and think creatively or outside of the box. All 3-4 of these methods/tools were used in the making of creating repeating tiles. A lot of geometry was evident in the artwork and symmetry. Using diiferent shapes and differnet kinds of symmetry. It was fun working with different patterns and using differnet colours.

Q2: What are your thoughts and opinions about the connections between Art and Math?

Art and Math are connected because both require patience, careful thinking, and creativity. They also use special vocabulary and focus on patterns, shapes, symmetry, and structure. Even though they seem different, both subjects help people solve problems and express ideas clearly.

PE Track & Field Reflection 2026

April 22, 2026 / Tereza

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

I learned how different track and field events require different skills, such as speed and technique. I also learned that proper form and consistent practice are important for improving performance.

HOW DID YOU IMPROVE?

Since I play soccer x3 a week, in practices and games, I’m always running. So running often helps me maintain pace, especially during games, and being fast to change directions. Using a treadmill at home can also help me improve since I have control over the machine and can use it anytime.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE UNIT?

I enjoyed running in the 100m sprint. Since I play soccer and my positions are striker and right-wing, I need to be able to spring fast back and forth. Running at full speed, and over a short distance, is fun for me. I enjoy running, but hate doing 400m or 800m when I need to maintain pace, since I get tired fast. So 100m is great for me.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?

One challenge I faced was learning the correct technique for some events because they were new to me.

WHAT ARE YOU PROUD OF?

I am proud of the effort I put into the unit and the progress I made.

Unit 4 Reflection: Problem-Solving

April 17, 2026 / Tereza

U: What do you understand in this unit?

In this unit, I understand the basics of algebra and geometry much better. In algebra, I can now work with variables, expressions, and inequalities, and u know how to solve for an unknown variable. In geometry, I understand how to find the area, circumference, and perimeter, and I can use formulas to solve problems. I can also understand that both geometry and algebra are about using rules and patterns to solve different kinds of problems.

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

Before this unit, I didn’t really understand the basics or even know what Inequalities/Algebra and geometry were, or how it was going to be useful. I remember learning circumference/area with my tutors and thinking “oh, that’s easy.” and then being introduced to the more complex side of Geometry. Algebra/Inequalities was a different story. I realized that understanding the basics first is important because more complex problems build on those simple ideas.

I: What was interesting in this unit?

I found the problem-solving process interesting. It was satisfying to see how, after I understood the basics, I could connect algebra and geometry in the same problem. It felt like putting puzzle pieces together when I used an equation to find a missing length, and then used that length to find the area or perimeter. It was also interesting to see that people start at different levels, but we can all improve by practicing and using what we already know.

T: What was tricky for you in this unit?

The tricky part was setting up equations or inequalities from a word problem. I sometimes know the numbers, but didn’t know how to write them into an equation correctly. In geometry, it was challenging when shapes were more complex, or when I had to remember which formula to use and plug in the values correctly. I also found it hard at first to work independently without help, but as I practiced more, it became easier.

Essential Question: How can we use prior knowledge to connect ideas and solve unfamiliar problems?

We can use prior knowledge by taking what we already know and applying it step by step to new situations. For example, I used my knowledge of basic operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing) to understand algebraic equations and inequalities. Then I used what I already knew about rectangles and circles to solve more complicated geometry problems.

🌿Health Unit 2 Portfolio Reflection 💻

April 8, 2026 / Tereza

I used to think, but now I know…

I follow a few health influencers on YouTube, and I used to believe what they said. Without doing research or thinking twice, because why would people lie on social media? After this unit, I can spot when people are lying and can run a CRAAP test on the video. Influencers will make these videos to advertise their own products, or use the fact that they have a degree and an actual job to trick viewers. Now, when watching influencers on YouTube, I don’t believe what they say and find myself thinking twice every time.

Describe what you learned throughout this unit about health media literacy...

Throughout this unit, I learned how many people really do rely on social media and influencers for Health tips. Some people rely on social media more than they do on doctors, and have mixed opinions on vaccines/doctors in general. There are groups like MAHA and even well-known people who feed society lies and trick others to change their perspective.

What helped you most to become more health media literate?

What helped me most was being exposed to videos of influencers or well-known people trying to influence us or persuade us what to believe. Discussing these videos as a class was helpful to see what others think and see how everyone else’s opinion changed.

SLC Reflection 2026

March 16, 2026 / Tereza

How did SLC go?

My SLC conference went well. I came prepared with my script with what I want to say to my parents based on my learning/progress this year. My script aligned well with what I was saying, so I could refer to the images I had in my slides. However, something I found challenging was staying focused and serious while presenting, since I was talking about my progress in front of my mom. During this SLC, my mom said that she had learned more compared to what I tell her when I come back from school. She saw my learning in more depth and had some positive feedback to give me.

Key Takeaways

During this SLC, I changed as a learner, my goals from when I was in 5th grade or 6th grade have changed, and my priorities have changed. I help coaches in coaching younger kids, to help them fall in love with the sport every time they play and keep the encouraged to keep going. I take after-school tutoring to keep practicing math, and be prepared for exams, or not feel behind when in class, it’s also a way to help build confidence. As a communicator, I learned that I talk fast, but maintain eye contact with my audience. I can improvise when I go off script and can lead it back to my point. When it’s my family or friends, I forget to be serious and take it less seriously.

Application For This Year

After this SLC conference, I can learn from friends and family that communication is important, and we have different ways of communicating. Taking my time when speaking, so I don’t speak fast. Keeping eye contact, so it doesn’t look like I am just reading from my cards/script. I also realised that some of my peers are confident when sharing their learning, and I would like to build that confidence too. This year, I will try to practice more slowly, for example, in everyday conversations, and also prepare what I want to say in advance.

Plan For Next Year

Next year, I want to keep improving my communication skills so I can share my ideas more clearly and confidently. I will practice speaking slowly, making eye contact, and participating more in class and group work. I will also ask my teachers and family for feedback so I can keep getting better.

L4: Connections Artwork 🧠🎨

March 11, 2026 / Tereza

What did you create? What influenced your choice of media (art materials) for this piece?

I created a mixed-media art piece titled “Hyperaware,” which is supposed to represent sides of mental health. The top of the brain is filled with positive sentences or words of encouragement, something the human brain has, but humans have a hard time finding the words to keep them going. Compared to the bottom of the brain, where the spirals are supposed to represent the chaos of stress, depression, and mixed-up feelings. The lines around the head are supposed to represent how aware the brain can be, always scanning, feeling, and processing.

I chose Posca pens to express the red, bright color in my artwork. The air-dry clay started as a mistake, actually, I was playing with it until it fell onto my artwork, and instead of panicking, I actually thought it would look cool with the thicker effect. In the end, it brought out the human head in the background. I used a black Sharpie for clean, sharp lines to enhance the head and a white pencil to add highlights.
How did creating your artwork help you develop your artistic skills? In which specific areas did you notice growth, and where do you see opportunities for further improvement as an artist?

I did use some new art materials this unit, like air-dried clay and actually using Sharpies in Art, instead of writing. Since I didn’t plan on using Air-dried clay before, I had to improvise when the accident happened. It started drying up fast, and moving the waves or overlapping clay was difficult. I found a technique which was to warm up the clay for a bit and using my fingers to push and glide. That was pretty cool. I think I still need to work on using my space better and maybe following my plan more closely next time, so things don’t get as messy or rushed.
How does your artwork relate to your analysis of the subject you chose?

My artwork relates to the subject I chose, which was science. It connects because it shows what’s going on inside the brain. In science class, we learned how the brain works, like how neurons send messages, etc. My drawing shows that too, but in a different way. The top of the brain has positive words to show when your mind feels clear and balanced. The bottom has spirals (showed in black sharpie or red posca pens) to represent those stressful, depressed, tangled-up thoughts. The lines around the head show how aware you’re brain is, which connects to how our brains are constantly thinking or processing information. So basically, my artwork shows what we learned in science about the brain and made it into something you can actually see and feel.