Monday, December 9, 2013

Case Study Reflection

I learned a lot while doing my case study, about myself. Firstly, I learned that if I work hard on something, I can really succeed. For example, the first time I turned in my case study, I knew I was going to get at least a C. It wasn't good, and it didn't have the things that Mr. Engstrom wanted. Everything was mixed up, and it wasn't organized at all. Mr. Engstrom then gave us another week to do them, and that's when I knew I really had to work hard in the extra week that I had . I asked my dad to help me, and I asked Mr. Engstrom for more feedback so it could be perfect. Each day,  I would work on one part of it, so that I could really ace the case study. I really needed this grade in order to keep my A in the class. I worked hard everyday, and tried my best to succeed. When it was time to turn it in, I was anxious because I didn't know whether I would get an A or not since I had not been emailing Mr. Engstrom. You see, I had been working on my other project and had totally forgotten about the case study. When I did finally email Mr.Engstrom, he said it was too late and that I had to just work on it then turn it in by myself.  In the end, I had received an 100 percent and I was so happy about it. My hard work had really paid off. I also learned that if you leave something to the last minute, it will be harder and you will stress over it. Like I said,  I had forgotten about the case study until about the last 3 weeks. Though I did work hard, and get an a hundred, it won't happen every time and I was just lucky. I should know every date that everything's due and work on it before hand so I can check it with my teacher. Overall, the case study has taught me many things about my learning and completing habits.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Science Test Reflection

I think I did much better on this test, then I thought I would. This is because, after the test, a lot of people came up to me and told me a bunch of mistakes that I had done. This obviously frightened me because I thought I would make my grade go down, rather than up. Also I was very afraid because some things, I was unsure of, and I did not know if I got them correct. I think overall, I did a pretty good job. I got most of the things correct, but the things that I got wrong were stupid mistakes. I really should've went over the test, and looked more precisely at the question, because I could have gotten them correct. I am very frustrated that it didn't bring my average up, but overall I am proud that I got it. I think my studying methods have really improved because I know that I have really grown since the beginning of the year.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Science Solution Lab Reflection

I think this time around, I have done very well with my science lab. My partner and i did a very good job with the analysis and how we analyzed the data. Also I think it really helped when we looked back on the rubric, because it really helped us with what we were doing. Last time I did this, I did not look back at the rubric, and I got almost 100 points under the score I got today. Also we really worked hard on it, and we were all committed onto it. Also, this time I had a partner, and I think that really helped Last time I did not have a partner and I didn't do as well as I had hoped. I think my partner really kept me on track, and she really helped me with the project. If I would do this project again I would change the fact that we waited until the last minute to finish it. We had little eight, and we did not work at all on it during that time, and I think that was a really big mistake. Overall, I think I did a better lab because I had a partner and because I looked at the rubric and worked on that. Also next time I will work on time division, and making sure I use science class right

https://docs.google.com/a/graded.br/document/d/1B6Q_c6HPRREMS6T60rCCG9igpLmrW3ISqNpsfC7PQtY/edit

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Science Test Grade

We have recently gotten back our grade for our science test. I received an 82. I am not very happy with this grade because I missed the really easy questions.

 For example there was one part where I just didn't read the question right, and I missed it. If I had gone over my test I would've gotten a better score. On my last test I had received an 90, and I think I deserved it. This time, I feel I didn't study as hard as I wanted to, and I think that is what happened when I did my test. If I had spent maybe 30 minutes more to studying, I could've done better.

 Also, as I said, if only I had read over the questions more thoroughly, it could've made a huge difference. There was a lot that connected to each other, and I would get one right, and then the next right. So, that means I didn't really pay attention. All of the easy questions, I got wrong, but the more critical questions I got somewhat right.

Overall, if I had studied longer, and paid attention I could've done much better.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Geography Packets

So far, in geography I have been doing very well in my packets. The packets are basically little worksheets that have to do with the specific place we are studying. For example,  we are learning about Asia and so we would do the packets for Asia. For Asia, there is three packets, which add up to about 56 countries. In no way I have been falling behind. I have always been on top of it, and been moving quickly. Last semester, I did not work this fast, but this semester I have been and I am so proud of my accomplishments. Not only am I technically ahead in the class, but it can give me more time to work on other things such as case studies, or getting ready to teach a class. It has taking away the stress of trying to do my work quickly, and without quality. Now it is not only better, but I have learned more. I feel like now I will always remember the capitals.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

General Reflection

In which of the core values have you shown the most success? Why?

I think the core value that I have shown success in Critical thinkers, Curious, and reflective for many reasons. First, I believe I am a very good critical thinker because on the Science test, I received high marks for the HOT questions. I also believe this, because once we had to build out a spaghetti bridge, and I gave lots of ideas, that the other groups didn't think of. I believe that I have curiousity because in my geography class, I was so curious about many things. Firstly, my dad has lived in Africa, and I really wanted to learn about where he came from. So, for our Google maps, I tried to find news about my dad, and where he lived. I learned a lot of things from that experience, and from the point on I realized I was very curious about things on a personal level. Lastly, I think I am reflective, because recently I have been really thinking about what things I can do better, in order to receive a better grade. For example, on my humanities blog post I first received an 80, and I was disappointed. I then went to the rubric, and did all the things that I needed to do. The next grade I got was a 90, and I knew that I was doing it right.

In which of the core values have you shown the most progress or growth? Why?

I think the one that I have showed the most improvement in is Reflective. This is because last year, I never thought of what I can do better in order to get a better grade. Now this year, like I have said, I think I have improved in it. I am now always thinking of ways I could've done something better, and it is really proving that I have grown throughout my time at Graded. Like I said, I have never thought about reflecting, unless the teacher told me to reflect on what I am doing, and know I really am doing well in my classes, due to reflection

Which core value is most challenging for you? Why?

I think the core value that has really been hard for me is risk-taking. I think this is because, in my old school, I was always taught to follow the rules, and follow the rubric. But since I have been at Graded I have learned that I should think out of the box, at some times. It has been really hard, because I have learned to do the generic thing; to never be different. I've learned this the hard way in some classes, because I should've followed, and received a bad grade. I think I am starting to progress in it, though, because last week, we had to make a project, and mine really stood out since it was different than others. For example, mine was a duck with things hanging down from it. I was very happy that I have finally shown risk-taking.

What are your goals for the rest of the school year?

My goals for the rest of the year, are the same goals I set out every year. I strive to earn all A's in all the classes. I think this is a reasonable goal since this quarter, I recieved all A's except for one high B. I know that I can get all A's, all if I really work hard, which I have been

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Math Reflection


This above shows my accelerated math score. Accelerated math has always been hard for me, especially since we had a due date for 40 objectives, and I was always trying my best to be one of the the tops tens. Accelerated Math is a program in which allows you to go on the pace you want, but still has the same problems as other. So for example lets say you do a practice and you get all of them right except you get 3 wrong in one certain area, it gives you those problems on the next practice, to make sure you fully  understand them before you get a test. To get a test you need to have 5 objectives that you have done well on. On the test, you cannot use any source except your calculator or a peer, which is difficult because sometimes you would want to ask your teacher, or look it up on Google. If you do well on the test, and you get no more than 2 wrong, then you get 5 objectives mastered. For our class, you would need 40, so then after you would get 5 you would need 35 more. So as you can see, you would always want 5 so it would be even. So let's say you have 34 objectives mastered you would need 2 more test to complete the goal set out for you.


As you can see, this is a very hard experience. Not only does it take up a lot of your time, it also causes stress onto you, since you have other classes. But actually, I really liked this. It really helped me do better on my tests, and I learned a bunch of new things, and I am so glad that I have. Once, my mom needed help with a problem she saw, and I knew how to do it, and I could tell she was surprised. Furthermore, I would love to do this experience again because it has taught me to be responsible, and risk-taking.

Service Learning Reflection

This quarter, in Service Learning, the Caritas kids came to Graded, and we played with them. I remember it like it was yesterday. The buses arrived and all of the 8th graders were nervous. I was especially nervous since I didn't really know portuguese, and I was afraid none of the kids would talk to me. When they finally departed the bus, they were all smiling and laughing with each other, and I noticed that they were all about the same age. They were all holding hands and clinging to each other, shy towards us as well. The next thing though, happened so suddenly.  A girl came up to me and hugged me and told me that I was now her “Tia.” I was so glad and happy that they liked me. Now,  I am so glad that I signed up to this class because I realized that the best thing is when you give someone a favor that you know they can never repay you back with.

    As I said I liked the experience a lot in multiple ways. First, I really liked how we got to meet new people, that have really affected my life. They have taught me to be grateful for what I have in life, because other people may not have it. Everyone has problems, some larger than others. As I said, I was glad that we met that kids since they really taught me to be polite, and to never waste. Since I have met them, I have never thrown away food in the cafeteria, because I know how happy they were when they saw the junk food. I should be so happy that I have all the things that I have. I cannot always take things for granted. Another thing that I really enjoyed was playing with the kids. For example in the first few weeks I would play Run Rabbit Run with the kids and they would love it. They would always run as fast as they can, and of course I wouldn't try, but the relationship that was build throughout the experience was the best ever.

    So in conclusion, I think we should continue to do this experience. I really enjoyed this experience and it has taught me many things. I really hope people in the future can do this as well, since it really has affected my life. I have thought about things I have not thought of before. It was very fun seeing the kids look up to you in a way which makes you feel proud. It’s also very fun how they just come up to you, and they already know your name. It really made me feel special, and really proud to be in a school which offers this elective. I hope I can do this again!

Science Artifact




These picture above show my Science Tests. This test was very challenging for me in many ways. First, we had a formative test, which means a test that does not count, but it shows you what you do and do not know. On my formative test, I got a decent score, but I wanted to be better. I studied night after night, and I continued to redo my notes on a piece of paper. I really wanted to do good, but the problem was, that some of the concepts, were confusing to me. I didn't know about some things, but I memorized the facts about them. What I did was go and ask my brother for help. This technique really helped me since I know I can count on my brother to help me understand what the scientific terms pertained. Next, I typed up my notes and made my own test to go with them. This technique also helps me because I try to come up with the hardest questions I can think of, and try to answer them. The day I had the test, I was very nervous, and very scared since I knew I had to do phenomenal, or all my studying would go to waste. As I said I was very scared, but I tried my best, and I think my best was amazing. When I got my test back, I had received a 171/190 which meant I had received a 90%. You may not think this is the best score, but actually I had one of the largest scores in my class, and the highest score that I had seen was a 91%. I was so happy, and my parents were too. They told me they were proud of me, and that really made me happy to know I made my parents happy.


PHE Reflection

This month, we played basketball. I really enjoyed this unit in many ways. First, I really like learning a new sport. It made the experience better. I have never really played basketball, and if I have it was probably just for fun. But when we started learning it with a coach, who taught us the rules of it, I couldn't help but feel excited. It was such a great experience and I was glad we chose basketball to do so. Next, I liked this unit, because I was always with a different team. What I mean to say is that, I wasn't always with my friends. I would also play with other people, and it really gave me a chance to make new friends. I learned what it is like to be in a group environment, and I really enjoyed it. No one was mean to each other, and everyone respected everyone else. Lastly, I really liked this unit since I feel like I have progressed through it. When we first started playing basketball, I was a little clumsy with throwing and shooting. Now, though, I am doing amazing in free shots, and passing to others. I think basketball has really changed me, and I have become a better athlete. I hope we can do something like this again in future years, because it really taught me a lot of things.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Humanities Artifact




This is my This I believe video for my Humanities class. This project that we did really made me think about my curiosity about movie making, and even writing. In this project we had to write an essay about the moral we believed in. For example, in mine I put that I believe in not judging people before you get to know them. 

For this project, we first needed to write an essay about a moral that we believed in. I couldn't think of one thing and it took me a few days to come up with an idea and outline of what I would do for my piece. Next, we needed to actually write the piece and that took many stages. First, you needed to make a detailed outline of what you would write about. This part really was challenging for me, since I was never good with narrative writing. Next we had to write our first draft. Then we had to check with someone else. I was glad we did this step, because I always think my piece is fine, but then when someone else reads it they see the flaws in it, and I really benefit from it. Then we had to write our final draft. Now we had to do the movie, and it was due 4 days later! This step was definitely  the hardest for me since I was always technologically challenged. I was never good with making movies, or being creative, and plus everything had to come from creative commons! I was so afraid I wouldn't make the deadline, but after hard work and commitment, I did and I was so glad.

This project that I have done really made me explore options of what I could do for other projects, and what are my strengths and weaknesses of my skills. This project really made me think of how challenging something can be, in a little period of time. I think I really showed communication skills since I talked with many people to see what ideas I would do. It was a very tough project but I really showed mastery in it, I believe. I am very proud of my project, and I guess my teacher was too because I received a 97 on the multimedia project, and a 98 on my piece.

Portuguese Artifact

https://soundcloud.com/danazamat/portuguese


This link is my song that we had to record and the teacher would listen and grade it. This was important in our studies because we were learning how to pronounce words and phrases. I think in this activity I showed a lot of growth from when I first came. For example, I didn't know how to pronounce words with ao at the end. This is because I wasn't a native speaker and usually it was very hard for me to speak since I knew one other language and it had nothing to do with portuguese. As you can see in this song I really improved, and soon I will be able to speak very well, with great pronunciation. In the song, there are still many places where I can improve, but I think I am on the right track. 

Throughout the quarter I have learned many things about Portuguese and about myself. In the beginning of the semester we first went over what we did last year. It was a review, yet I remembered things that I had forgotten. We continued to do review but at the same time, we started learning new vocabulary by doing exercises such as the Vamos pra cinema. It was challenging, yet fun and I was glad I learned new things. As we continued with the quarter, we learned more and more things. I had not known past verbs, and now I do. Hopefully we continue to learn things as we are, because I'm starting to get used to it.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Geography Artifact


8th grade Case Study

7th grade Case Study


The document above is my Case Study. It has always been hard for me to complete, all throughout my academic life in geography class. First to complete this paper, you need a data collection. For this data collection you need to cite all the sources with MLA format, then put it on alphabetical order. Next you go onto the actual Case Study document. You must complete all blank places on the document. Once you finish one section, you email Mr. Engstrom and he gives you feedback.

I have always had trouble with this, since 7th grade. I had never had a grade higher than a 90 on this project. But, this year, it has changed. For my African Water Scarcity case study, I have gotten a grade of 100 percent. I am really proud to say that I have worked very hard on it, and I have tried my best, this time especially, to ace it. I have done this case study alone, without the help of my father, mother, brother, only me. I was so ecstatic, and my parents were as well. They told me they were so happy,  and that definitely made me very proud.

In conclusion, I think in geography class I have grown from 7th grade. I have received better quiz grades, project grades, and most importantly my overall grade is an A.