Two Goals

For the remainder of the year, I wish to accomplish two goals. First off, I wish to gain a deeper knowledge of chemistry. By this, I mean that I would like go deeper into the things we learn and obtain a better meaning for everything. In the first trimester, I was just trying to get by and I don't thing I was learning everything to the best of my ability. Secondly, I really wish to learn all the elements and know a lot about each individual one and know why it is important to our society. I think I can reach my goals if I take better notes and put a lot of effort into chemistry! 

E-Portfolio Blog: The Superhero Project

E-Portfolio Blog: The Superhero Project

1.            Why is this exhibit a good choice for placement in your e-portfolio?

• I chose to do the superhero project for my E-Portfolio. It was by far my favorite project and I feel like I gained a lot from doing it. The project allowed me to use both my creative and intellectual side. I learned many things about my element, calcium, that I didn't know and were very interesting.

2.      What did you find most interesting about this exhibit activity and why?

•  What I found the most interesting was the fact that it was our own person project and we could do what we like while it was still involving chemistry. Since I love to be creative and do projects, it gave me a chance to design my own superhero out of an ordinary element and make it so much more by giving the superhero powers having to with the actual element.

3.      In what way(s) did you find this exhibit a challenge to complete?

• I thought that this exhibit was a challenge because of time management. I would have liked to work more on the project in class and used my time wisely. I also thought that it was a little difficult to give the superhero powers based on the element. For me, I had to go into a more in depth research to find good and well thought out powers to give to it.

4.      If you were to do this activity again what changes would you make and why?

• If I was to do this activity again, I would change a few things. First off, I would change my poster so that it could be bigger for people to see and understand. Secondly, I would like to have been given more time in class to work on the poster, because I felt like I did everything in home since we had one day in the lab and didn't come prepared. Lastly, I would have liked to actually present my poster. I know it sounds a little weird, but I would have like to learn some things about other elements and not just my own personal one.

5.      What change(s) in attitude or behavior helped you to meet the challenge?

• When I first started the superhero project, I wasn't too excited because I thought it was just going to be a waste of time and it wasn't going to help me in chemisty. Throughout the process of making the poster and creating everything, I began to love it. I got to show my creativity with the decorations and information while learning more about an element.

6.      What grade would you give yourself for these reflections, from “1” to “4”, where “4” is the best?

• If I had to give myslef a grade I would probably give myself a four or a three. I thought about each question and tried my best to relate it to the superhero project. Even though I didn't spend hours writing a long response to the questions, I felt my reflection were simple and down to the point.

If I was an element, what would it be like?

If I was an element, I would be called Leibium. I would be found under the metals on the periodic table with a symbol of "Le". I would be a metal because I am a strong person on the inside. My melting point would be very high, because I am a gentle and caring person who doesn't get angry that easily. I'd be a rare element because I am unique and like to do things independently sometimes rather than following everyone else. My element would also react very well to other chemicals and form a bond. I like to be friendly and make people laugh in order to have a good time.  

What am I learning about myself as a student in chemistry?

This year in chemistry I expect to learn a lot about science and world that I didn't know. So far, I have learned a few things about myself just as the school year is starting out. I have learned that I need to take more detailed notes in order to help me completely understand everything we are doing. Some of the things we have done, I get lost on, and I would like to be on the right track and following along with the subject. Another thing I have learned about myself this year is that I need to be safe and careful in the lab. At any moment something could happen and it could lead to a bad accident. My current partner in the lab has showed me the dangers of the lab and has personally experienced a few accidents. Although he is trying to succeed and is doing much better, I have seen his mistakes and learned what not to do. I hope to learn as much as I can this year and would like to excel chemistry.