Semester 1
Just Branches of A Tree Interview
Megan: Did you do any activities when you were younger?
Charlotte: Gymnastics, tap, ballet, Irish dancing, tennis, horseback riding (currently as well), swimming, soccer, lacrosse (maybe play in future), and acting.
Megan: What did your room look like?
Charlotte: My room was pink and green. Currently my room is orange and brown.
Megan: Do you still live in your first home?
Charlotte: I lived in San Marcos until I was about 1, then I moved to Carlsbad where I live now.
Megan: Did you ever wish that you had a different name? What would it be?
Charlotte: No, I like my name. Actually, when I was 7I wanted to be a vet named Amy. I had a little vet kit and I would always pretend to be Dr. Amy.
Megan: What did you want to be when you were younger?
Charlotte: I wanted to be a vet, because I love animals. Then I realized that I have a fear of blood, surgery, and needles... Anything that has to do with being a doctor.
Megan: What do you want your career to be now?
Charlotte: I want to be an author now, because I am creative and I like to write stories. I would want to be a fictional writer.
Megan: If your friends were describing you, what would they say?
Charlotte: Creative, smart and maybe easily frustrated. I can also hold long term grudges over petty things. My friend stole my pencil in 6th grade during science and she said it was her pencil. I knew it was mine, even though we had the same type of pencil.
Megan: What kinds of things do you read, if any?
Charlotte: I read pretty much everything that falls into the category of teen fiction. I’m not a twilight fan... I’ve read the books, but I like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.
Megan: Do you think about your future often? What do you see?
Charlotte: Yes I think about my future sometimes, but usually I like to go day by day. I don’t really plan things very well.
Megan: What is your dream college? Why?
Charlotte: I don’t have a dream college or a college of choice as of right now.
Megan: Poptart or toaster struetal?
Charlotte: Toaster struetal. I don’t like poptarts because they are gross and artificial.
Megan: What is your best/worst habit?
Charlotte: Worst; I am a perfectionist, I don’t accept criticism easily and often reject it because I feel my work is right most of the time.
Megan: If you could go anywhere on a trip, where would you go?
Charlotte: Europe... I’m not sure where in Europe, but it would be nice to tour Europe.
Megan: What would be your first thought if you won the lottery?
Charlotte: I would be too excited to think of things... I’d probably have random words pop into my head.
Megan: Dogs or cats? Why?
Charlotte: Dogs, because cats are mean, evil and they smell... Dogs are cute.
Megan: When you are handed small change, do you keep it?
Charlotte: Yes, I do.
Megan: What kind f breakfast did you have?
Charlotte: This morning I had hot cereal.
Megan: If you could be a color, what color would you be? Why?
Charlotte: Green because it’s really pretty and there’s more than one shade, so I wouldn’t just be green. It’s also really pretty and calming, but can also be exciting.
Charlotte: Gymnastics, tap, ballet, Irish dancing, tennis, horseback riding (currently as well), swimming, soccer, lacrosse (maybe play in future), and acting.
Megan: What did your room look like?
Charlotte: My room was pink and green. Currently my room is orange and brown.
Megan: Do you still live in your first home?
Charlotte: I lived in San Marcos until I was about 1, then I moved to Carlsbad where I live now.
Megan: Did you ever wish that you had a different name? What would it be?
Charlotte: No, I like my name. Actually, when I was 7I wanted to be a vet named Amy. I had a little vet kit and I would always pretend to be Dr. Amy.
Megan: What did you want to be when you were younger?
Charlotte: I wanted to be a vet, because I love animals. Then I realized that I have a fear of blood, surgery, and needles... Anything that has to do with being a doctor.
Megan: What do you want your career to be now?
Charlotte: I want to be an author now, because I am creative and I like to write stories. I would want to be a fictional writer.
Megan: If your friends were describing you, what would they say?
Charlotte: Creative, smart and maybe easily frustrated. I can also hold long term grudges over petty things. My friend stole my pencil in 6th grade during science and she said it was her pencil. I knew it was mine, even though we had the same type of pencil.
Megan: What kinds of things do you read, if any?
Charlotte: I read pretty much everything that falls into the category of teen fiction. I’m not a twilight fan... I’ve read the books, but I like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.
Megan: Do you think about your future often? What do you see?
Charlotte: Yes I think about my future sometimes, but usually I like to go day by day. I don’t really plan things very well.
Megan: What is your dream college? Why?
Charlotte: I don’t have a dream college or a college of choice as of right now.
Megan: Poptart or toaster struetal?
Charlotte: Toaster struetal. I don’t like poptarts because they are gross and artificial.
Megan: What is your best/worst habit?
Charlotte: Worst; I am a perfectionist, I don’t accept criticism easily and often reject it because I feel my work is right most of the time.
Megan: If you could go anywhere on a trip, where would you go?
Charlotte: Europe... I’m not sure where in Europe, but it would be nice to tour Europe.
Megan: What would be your first thought if you won the lottery?
Charlotte: I would be too excited to think of things... I’d probably have random words pop into my head.
Megan: Dogs or cats? Why?
Charlotte: Dogs, because cats are mean, evil and they smell... Dogs are cute.
Megan: When you are handed small change, do you keep it?
Charlotte: Yes, I do.
Megan: What kind f breakfast did you have?
Charlotte: This morning I had hot cereal.
Megan: If you could be a color, what color would you be? Why?
Charlotte: Green because it’s really pretty and there’s more than one shade, so I wouldn’t just be green. It’s also really pretty and calming, but can also be exciting.
Race Time!
The goal with this project was to apply the concepts of velocity, acceleration, momentum, air resistance and friction into winning a pinewood derby car race. In groups of two, we created a small derby car with nothing but gravity to propel it forward. We used car kits and designed, cut, painted and assembled our car. Priscilla and I designed our car as a hershey's chocolate bar. After racing them we did a lab report (below). It was key for us to understand the different concepts while creating a durable car.
Kinetic Energy
Velocity
Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy
- Kinetic energy is the energy due to motion.
- KE = 1/2 mv (squared)
Velocity
- Velocity is the rate of change of position.
- V = Distance / Time
Potential Energy
- Potential energy is the energy that a body has by virtue of its position; stored energy.
- PE = Weight X Height
Race Time! Lab Report Segments
Of Mice and Men / Multiple Intelligences
Before we started the work on this project, we read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. This book was based on multiple intelligences. After reading this book, mostly everyone's opinion on intelligence was altered. During this project, we were able to read and understand Howard Garner's theory of Multiple Intelligences, which would later help us to write our essay's on the novel, Of Mice and Men, as well as creating our art pieces on multiple intelligences as a group. The challenge option I chose for the essay writing was to expand on the essay topic with more theoretical research about multiple intelligences. The group art piece was one artistically composed wooden board that explained, demonstrated and celebrated one category of multiple intelligences.
Intelligences by Howard Gardner:
Intelligences by Howard Gardner:
- Bodily/Kinesthetic
- Visual/Spacial
- Verbal/Linguistic
- Musical
- Naturalistic
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
OM&M Essay (Segment - Introduction)
“Lennie’s so scared, all he can do is hold on,” (Steinbeck Ch.2).
Have you ever been afraid because you didn’t know what to do? Whether it be in academics, at sporting events or social interactions, everyone has been afraid of what other people think of their intelligence and abilities. In the novel Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small is perceived as unintelligent, but throughout the book is eventually known to have many intelligences as he and George travel from farm to farm trying to prepare their future home. Lennie is considered “dumb” or “stupid,” but in fact, he has multiple intelligences. Each of these intelligences are what makes Lennie the person he is. Lennie is constantly looking for something to pet, due to his admiration for animals, therefore showing his naturalistic intelligence. Work on farms is more than easy for Lennie as he is bodily/kinesthetic and prefers to do work with his hands. Lennie is also very receptive to the emotions around him and trying to please people when they are upset, making him logical/mathematical. Truly, Lennie is one of the most perceptive characters in John Steinbeck’s novel. Although Lennie took part in things that would be considered foolish and irresponsible, Lennie Small was a truly intelligent human being.
Have you ever been afraid because you didn’t know what to do? Whether it be in academics, at sporting events or social interactions, everyone has been afraid of what other people think of their intelligence and abilities. In the novel Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small is perceived as unintelligent, but throughout the book is eventually known to have many intelligences as he and George travel from farm to farm trying to prepare their future home. Lennie is considered “dumb” or “stupid,” but in fact, he has multiple intelligences. Each of these intelligences are what makes Lennie the person he is. Lennie is constantly looking for something to pet, due to his admiration for animals, therefore showing his naturalistic intelligence. Work on farms is more than easy for Lennie as he is bodily/kinesthetic and prefers to do work with his hands. Lennie is also very receptive to the emotions around him and trying to please people when they are upset, making him logical/mathematical. Truly, Lennie is one of the most perceptive characters in John Steinbeck’s novel. Although Lennie took part in things that would be considered foolish and irresponsible, Lennie Small was a truly intelligent human being.
OM&M Art Piece
Dia de Los Muertos
The Dia de Los Muertos project was one of the most exciting and challenging projects of the year. We researched the Spanish culture's traditions and beliefs about what happens to their loved ones once they pass on. Then we created an original art piece that reflects our interpretation of the Spanish holiday. We also wrote a description, in Spanish, of our art piece and created a digital presentation of the process.
Essential Questions
1. What is Dia de Los Muertos? Why is it significant to many Mexicanos?
It is a Mexican holiday that focuses on gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have passed. It is important to Mexicanos because it gives them a chance to "visit" with people who have died.
2. How is it celebrated and where?
It is celebrated in many different ways such as building private alters honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Mostly celebrated in Mexican/Latino cultures. Also in America and Canada.
3. How does the Mexican perspective of death differ from our own view?
The Mexican perspective of death is something that is celebrated and there are parties and food and dancing. Where as a regular perspective of death is a sad thing and isn't normally celebrated.
4. What are the primary artistic and cultural symbols associated with Day of the Dead?
For centuries celebrators of Day of the Dead have created magnificently decorated skulls and catrinas, fabulous candelabra, trees of life and attractive skeletons. Artists transform wood, clay, tin and paper into sculptures.
5. What do these symbols mean?
Pink: Celebration Red: Blood of Life
White: Purity and Hope Skulls: Death and Rebirth
Orange: Sun Salt & Water: Ongoing Life
6. What are the roles of children in the Day of the Dead celebration?
Children do a few things on the Day of the Dead. They play "funeral" with toys that represent coffins and undertakers. Children carrying yellow marigolds enjoy the processions at the cemetary.
It is a Mexican holiday that focuses on gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have passed. It is important to Mexicanos because it gives them a chance to "visit" with people who have died.
2. How is it celebrated and where?
It is celebrated in many different ways such as building private alters honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Mostly celebrated in Mexican/Latino cultures. Also in America and Canada.
3. How does the Mexican perspective of death differ from our own view?
The Mexican perspective of death is something that is celebrated and there are parties and food and dancing. Where as a regular perspective of death is a sad thing and isn't normally celebrated.
4. What are the primary artistic and cultural symbols associated with Day of the Dead?
For centuries celebrators of Day of the Dead have created magnificently decorated skulls and catrinas, fabulous candelabra, trees of life and attractive skeletons. Artists transform wood, clay, tin and paper into sculptures.
5. What do these symbols mean?
Pink: Celebration Red: Blood of Life
White: Purity and Hope Skulls: Death and Rebirth
Orange: Sun Salt & Water: Ongoing Life
6. What are the roles of children in the Day of the Dead celebration?
Children do a few things on the Day of the Dead. They play "funeral" with toys that represent coffins and undertakers. Children carrying yellow marigolds enjoy the processions at the cemetary.
Original Art Piece
This is my final art piece. After researching different traditions of Day of the Dead, I decided to paint Catrina, the skeleton that is known to be associated with Day of the Dead. To incorporate my interpretation of the holiday, I decided to paint her lips red with "blood". I find the idea of spirits roaming around the earth a bit morbid, so I showed that with the blood. I also wanted to incorporate the joyous themes of Day of the Dead by painting marigolds, a flower that is placed on grave sites and alters during the holiday.
Written Description (Segment)
English:
Having learned about this holiday and it’s joyous themes, I still find the idea of souls wandering around a bit creepy. So I wanted to incorporate my opinions into the painting by adding blood on her lips and arm.
Spanish:
Después de haber aprendido acerca de este día de fiesta y de temas alegres, me sigue pareciendo la idea de las almas errantes en torno a un poco espeluznante. Así que quería incorporar mis opiniones en la pintura mediante la adición de sangre en los labios y el brazo.
Having learned about this holiday and it’s joyous themes, I still find the idea of souls wandering around a bit creepy. So I wanted to incorporate my opinions into the painting by adding blood on her lips and arm.
Spanish:
Después de haber aprendido acerca de este día de fiesta y de temas alegres, me sigue pareciendo la idea de las almas errantes en torno a un poco espeluznante. Así que quería incorporar mis opiniones en la pintura mediante la adición de sangre en los labios y el brazo.