Kaci's Portfolio

This project involves creating natural paint using pigments extracted from plants, fruits, and vegetables through boiling and straining, combined with binders like salt. The chemistry behind the process relies on natural compounds like anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophyll, which provide color, while pH adjustments and preservatives can enhance and stabilize the pigments. This eco-friendly approach allows for the creation of unique, biodegradable paints while exploring the science of natural dyes.

In eighth-grade P.E., we focus on mastering the L4 volleyball skill of executing two-hand volleys with control during small-sided games. We practiced precise hand positioning and consistent contact to maintain accuracy and direction while under pressure. Through drills and game-like scenarios, I was able to develop the ability to volley effectively, showcasing improved coordination and strategic play in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

We had a unit dedicated to being impactful debaters. In the crossfire debate, I argued in favor of animal testing, emphasizing its benefits for medical advancements, disease treatment, and consumer product development. With that I highlighted how the biological similarities between animals and humans would make animals effective research subjects, and also provided examples like the near-eradication of Polio due to animal testing. With this, I really learned how to be an efficient speaker and also to think in multiple perspectives to challenge my opponents during the actual debate.

For our transformations unit, we had a project based on designing our own “math” stickers. To design a custom sticker for eighth-grade math based on transformations, the design should incorporate at least two distinct shapes that undergo composite transformations, such as translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations. The transformations must be accurately and precisely detailed, with a clear scale factor applied to demonstrate similarity. The final design should be submitted on graph paper with complete mathematical notation, showcasing the step-by-step process of mapping the pre-image to the final image using proper geometric language. This project really helped me in being a creative learner especially in math considering math is a STEM course and you usually don’t get the opportunity to be artistic or creative in math.

In this unit, I learned important science topics for eighth graders, such as how biotic (plants and animals) and abiotic (water and sunlight) elements interact in forest ecosystems, with a focus on photosynthesis and energy flow. It draws attention to the ways that biotic (like invading species) and abiotic (like droughts) changes can upset ecosystems, resulting in habitat loss and a decline in biodiversity. To preserve ecosystem health and avert ecological collapse, conservation measures including managing water resources and eradicating invasive species are crucial. This project was to choose an ecosystem and dive deeper into the interactions within that specific place.

In the first semester, we’ve explored multiple topics in the area of geometry and eventually progressed onto our heavy Linear Functions unit. We explored different methods to determine if two triangles are congruent. New methods that I learned includes Side-Side-Side (SSS), Side-Angle-Side (SAS), Angle-Side-Angle (ASA), and Angle-Angle-Side (AAS) postulates. These criteria help me understand that congruent triangles have exactly the same size and shape, with corresponding sides and angles equal. Through hands-on activities, proofs, and problem-solving, I have develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for geometric relationships. Another key unit was linear functions. A linear function is a relationship between two variables that forms a straight line when graphed, typically expressed in the form y=mx+b. I also learned to identify, graph, and interpret linear functions, as well as calculate slope with the right formula.

Good afternoon and welcome to my 2025 Student lead conference.

Purpose of conference:

1. Demonstrate what I’ve learned in eighth grade so far.
2. Strengths and areas of improvements
3. Goals aligned with SAS learning targets

Vision Board:

Goals:

1. To explore more in areas of interest when given the opportunity to.
2. Try extended options, aka exceeding options, to continue deeper learning.
3. Engage more in group conversation to share insights of my own.

TTG Goal:

Critical Thinker: I can develop and construct ideas by considering different perspectives, questioning questions, evaluating, and synthesizing.

By that I would like to consider multiple approaches and perspectives to construct or identify solutions.

Core Subject: Language Arts

Language Arts: Motivational Speech

Language Arts: Analytical Essay

-Core Subject: IM8Math

Math: Sticker Design and Graphing Stories

IM8 Math: Triangle Congruency and Linear Functions

Core Subject: Science

Science: Earth and Human Activity

Science: Weather and Climate

1. Evidence of Organization

https://portfolios.saschina.org/kaci01px2029/2025/02/13/science-evidence-of-organization/

2. Evidence of Active Learner Habits:

I’ve continually improved my approach to writing CERs. Now that I’ve learn to write a CER+, I could better organize my scientific ideas into this format.

Core Subject: Social Studies

Social Studies: Crossfire Debates

Social Studies: WWI Impact Analysis Assessment

EnCore: Health

Tech and EQ/ Relationships Health Reflection

Mental Health Unit Reflection

EnCore: Band

Band: Honor Band

Band: SAS Concerts

EnCore: Physical Education

Physical Education: Volleyball

Physical Education: Swimming

EnCore: Chinese

Chinese: Unit tests

EnCore: Art

Art:

Passion Project:

Passion Project: Extracting Natural Pigments

My Overall Strengths Demonstrated in Different Classes:

1. Answering questions with multiple approaches.
2. Sharing another perspective which haven’t been thought of.
3. Effectively using my right to speak.

Areas of Improvement:

1. Avoid making careless mistakes.
2. Even though I already do take a part in class discussions, I think I could do even more.
3. Be more confident, trust intuition.

Thank you for listening, now is the time for any questions that you’ve came up with.

In our 3rd Unit, we’ve explored Earth’s systems—Weather and climate. We’ve connected all of the key concepts of this unit including why we have certain climates and weather, the position of Earth, and the two hemispheres to create a visual presentation to showcase our understanding. We essentially had to answer the focus question of how do we describe and explain the causes of different weather conditions happening on Earth right now within our presentation.

Every year, we will be heading to the aquatics center to swim. And in our swimming unit, we will learn a new water related game. This year, we’ve focused more on developing the necessary skills to play water polo. The swimming unit started off with the basic strokes we need to know in order to not drown in a body of water. It was pretty “easy-going” to me since I used to swim. The most challenging part of this unit was playing water polo. We had to learn different skills and elements of the game while also needing to swim in the water.

https://saschina.sharepoint.com/sites/PXMSLanguageArts/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FPXMSLanguageArts%2FShared%20Documents%2F8th%20Grade%2F2024%5F2025%2FMini%20Unit%20%2D%20Public%20Speaking%2FFisher%20Motivational%20Videos%2FE1%2Fkaci%2EMOV&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2Ed4a015c9%2D86c7%2D4e65%2Dbdad%2Dd2df23437d66

In the third unit of Language Arts, we studied how to be a more successful speaker by learning different methods to enhance our over performance. I was told by my teacher and peers that my speech had a clear and well-thought-out message, supported by meaningful ideas that connected effectively to the theme, focus on the present. According to my teacher, “…delivery was a strong point, with clear articulation, steady pacing, and confident eye contact.” I also reminded myself internally to pace my delivery to the audience by adding pauses. That way, I kept the audience engaged what I was saying by pacing myself and adding pauses during my speech which added energy. To further improve, I should work on maintaining the audience’s attention by adding more variety to your tone or expressions. “Your closing was impactful and reinforced your central theme, leaving a lasting impression,” as stated by my ELA teacher.