Category Archives: Grade 11

Core Competency Self-Assessment

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Critical and Reflective Thinking

My Artifact: Determining Solubility Product Constant Lab

I demonstrated critical and reflective thinking through the determining solubility product constant lab. After conducting the experiment, I used collected data to calculate the concentration of ions and the solubility product constant. This process involves critical thinking skills, especially when applying mathematical calculations. I also need to analyze the data critically to identify the approximate range of Ksp. Critical thinking is required to analyze the data obtained, identify patterns, and make judgements about the range within which Ksp likely falls. Reflective thinking involves considering the accuracy of the data, assessing any limitations or sources of error, and reflecting on how these factors may affect the result of the lab.

Year End Reflection

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Throughout the year, I learned to effectively manipulate the volume and intensity of my instrument, adding depth and emotion to my performance. As the course progressed, I have demonstrated significant growth in my ability to enhance dynamics. I have developed a keen awareness of when to pay softly (especially when playing the song with the choir members) and when to increase intensity. Dynamics allow me to convey a wide range emotions and musical intentions. By varying the volume and intensity of our playing, I can evoke different moods, from gentle and delicate to powerful and intense, creating a more engaging and expressive performance. Practicing from pianissimo to fortissimo as a band was not easy at first, but the cohesive sound we now produce indicates the individual’s growth in dynamic range compared to their previous abilities. In addition, my ability to actively listen to other students has developed significantly as well. Initially, I was primarily focused on my own playing, but as I absorbed the feedback from my peers, I became more attuned to the intricacies of the music being created collectively. The whole tone practice has helped me to develop my sense of tuning. By playing whole tones together in the band, I can improve my ability to match pitch and create a unified, balanced sound. Accordingly, I believe that an individual’s listening skill has not only enhanced each individual’s performance but has also fostered a stronger sense of unity within the band. Therefore, the year-end concert served as a powerful showcase, highlighting both the personal growth and the remarkable development of the band as a whole. The concert was a moment of pride and fulfillment. It not only demonstrated the individual progress made in technique, musicality, and dynamics, but also showcased the collective growth in unity and cohesion.

Natural Selection Critical Thinking Self-Assessment

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An image of my group performing feeding frenzy (natural selection) lab

I demonstrated that I can collect and analyze evidence when I observed and collected data, then analyzed this data to identify patterns and understand importance of having variations in the environment. My collected data led me to conclude that certain organisms had a higher chance of obtaining a full stomach than others. Accordingly, I analyzed which feeding adaptions are best suited for each of the four environments and why each feeding adaption is best suited for that particular environment. For instance, I found that in the rice environment, the spoon was the most suitable tool as it had a shallow and wide bowl which allowed it to scoop up more rice at once compared to other utensils like the fork. When I analyzed data I collected, I considered different characteristics of utensils to determine which organism is best suited for that particular environment.

I demonstrated that I can connect evidence I collected to big ideas when I connected data to the concept of natural selection and understood the importance of having variations in environment. By maintaining a diverse range of feeding tools, populations can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Some individuals are more likely to have feeding tools that are advantageous for survival in new or changing environments, continuing to play their roles in the ecosystem. Feeding tools that are less favourable in one environment may be advantageous in another. For example, a broken fork is not best suited for the rice environment, but it may more advantageous in the environment where food can be only found in a small hole because it can be easier to get food out of a small hole. Therefore, having a variety of organisms in the environment is crucial for natural selection to occur. The interactions between different species in an ecosystem create selective pressures that shape the evolution of different traits, leading to greater adaption and survival in changing environments.

I demonstrated that I can make prediction based on evidence when I observed the outcome at one station and use that information to predict the result at the next stations. The first station was the spaghetti environment, and I could only have seven strands in my stomach. Some had barely a quarter of the capacity just like what I had, but some had full stomach because certain organisms had a higher chance of obtaining a full stomach than others. With this evidence, I was able to predict the likely outcomes at the next stations.

Core Competency Self-Assessment

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Thinking

West Nile Virus Model
West Nile Virus Pamphlet

I demonstrated my creative and critical thinking through my virus model and pamphlet. Throughout this project, I gained creative thinking skills by creatively determining which materials are suitable for representing the different parts of the virus. For instance, I used coloured clay to represent lipid envelope and pom poms to indicate spikes of the virus. Instead of using a few materials to represent the parts, I used various materials and considered creative use of materials. Skills I have developed to make my creative project better are creative problem-solving and analytical skills. I expected setbacks and failure but used that to develop my ideas. For example, because my glue gun was broken, I struggled to find a way to stick the pom poms to the lipid envelope. However, I used toothpicks to connect pom poms with the lipid envelope. Although some parts of my plan didn’t work, I tried to find other ways to solve this problem to make my model more creative. My problem-solving skills also demonstrated critical thinking because I remained open-minded as I explored viable options or alternative approaches just like how I used toothpicks to connect the spikes with the lipid envelope. I also used multiple resources for my pamphlet. By utilizing various resources, I could access different perspectives, insights, and information that may not be available through a single source, which led to more innovative and effective solutions, as well as a deeper understanding of the virus. I demonstrated critical thinking skills by analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information from various sources to effectively show important information about the virus accordingly. I first researched and gathered accurate information about the virus, then critically evaluated this information to determine which facts and data are most relevant and important. I synthesized this information into a clear, concise, and engaging format. This process required critical thinking to make the virus pamphlet accurate, informative, and engaging.

English First Peoples 11 Reflection

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My Artifact:

This is an essay about the significance of family in and out of the novel The Marrow Thieves.

Curricular Competencies Reflection

I demonstrated create and communicate competency throughout this assignment. I learned how to connect ideas and themes explored in The Marrow Thieves with myself, other texts, and the world. I was able to insightfully explain my own experience and make connections with the other novel and the movie Coco to support my writing. Not only is family critical in the novel, but it also serves as a basic and essential building block of our society. In Indigenous cultures, family extends beyond the notion of family members living together in one house. Family is a strong, connective network that gives them a sense of belonging and dignity. The ideas and themes presented in the novel reflect the historical and contemporary repercussions of Indigenous issues such as dispossession, oppression, and discrimination. Thus, acknowledging these consequences would be a very basic and fundamental step that we could take to get toward working on reconciliation.

Core Competencies Reflection

I demonstrated critical and reflective thinking by analyzing evidence to make judgements and reflecting on my thinking. I considered and verified the authenticity of each evidence before I developed ideas based on the evidence. I also created the outline to reflect on my thinking by trying to be objective and considering other points of view before writing my essay. I remain open minded as I explore viable options or alternative approaches, like when I viewed ideas and themes from multiple perspectives during research. Throughout this assignment, I can contribute to and work with criteria to improve my own work; evidence of that is when I tried to show originality and inventiveness, following the criteria provided after revising my outline. Accordingly, others find my feedback useful because I gave my peers constructive and objective feedback while being free from bias.

Physical Geography Coral Competency Self-Assessment

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Social Awareness and Responsibility

I can be kind to others, and support others when they need it. I can appreciate diverse perspectives on issues and can resolve problems respectfully and effectively.

Throughout this volcano project, I demonstrated social awareness and responsibility core competency by building and maintaining positive relationship with my partner. We worked collaboratively to communicate our information clearly and effectively. We divided and tasks and responsibilities equally for productivity. We indicated sophisticated understanding via test, images, and voiceover and tried to build environmental awareness during the presentation as well. We considered significant implications for people and the environment in the surrounding areas of the mountain we explored. The connection between earths plates and volcanic activity (the purpose of the project) is also clearly depicted in our presentation, which is the outcome of effective collaboration. We solved problems together whenever we faced challenges or obstacles while preparing for the presentation. We used the feedback from the teacher to improve and better understand our strengths and weaknesses.

I demonstrated and analyzed geographic significance in depth through the specific characteristics and significant implications of the volcano we explored (Mount Stromboli). My partner and I created a strong connection between earths plates and volcanic activity accordingly. My strength would be effective communication skill, which allows me to approach teamwork with positive attitude. However, I would like to improve on showing more patterns and trends by thoroughly analyzing causes and effects.

Musical Performance Reflection

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Fall Concert

Curricular Competencies Reflection

Throughout the fall concert, I have shown my dynamic techniques through the relative softness and loudness of the flute sound. Since dynamics created different intensities throughout the song, it allowed me to convey the mood. I would like to improve on precise breath control by practicing inhalation and exhalation to enhance my tone quality. My plan is to continue engaging in senior concert band during the third and fourth years of high school. I would like to continue playing flute after graduating high school as well.

Core Competencies Reflection

I can ask and respond to questions to be an active, supportive listener. I can work with others to achieve a goal.

I was capable of valuing diverse perspectives as a supportive listener, which indicates my growth in communication core competency. I collaborated with other students in band by sharing responsibility and setting achievable goals. We gave feedback to each other to work as a group, which led to the ability to generate and construct new ideas I wouldn’t have been able to come up with on my own. We also solved problems together whenever we faced any challenges or obstacles while preparing for the fall concert.

I can persevere with challenging tasks and take ownership of my goals, learning and behavior.

I supported my wellbeing by setting achievable goals to improve my overall flute skills. I recorded my flute sound during the practice to monitor and progress in my goals, which allowed me to listen to the piece through the third person point of view. I also attended the class on time (no absence) and regularly brought my instrument. This implies my growth in personal awareness/responsibility core competency.

English First Peoples 11 Reflection

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My Artifact:

-> This is a character infographic I created to analyze the protagonist in the story “Mountain Legend.”

Curricular Competencies Reflection

I demonstrated the aspect of create and communicate competency. Throughout this assignment, I learned how to analyze characteristics such as speech, thoughts, and actions. These literary elements of characterization ultimately enhance and shape meaning and impact. My character infographic indicates my growth in writing and representations skills. I was capable of showing my critical and insightful understandings of the character and the text in a create way, which indicates a deep analysis in my writing. The story “Mountain Legend” allowed me to learn a strong connection between Indigenous peoples and the ancestors. The stories and oral traditions play a crucial role in depicting the close relationship with nature in terms of preserving Indigenous cultures.

Core Competencies Reflection

I can analyze evidence to make judgements. I can develop a body of creative work over time.

I grew in thinking core competency during this character infographic assignment. I was able to show my creative thinking by effectively using the chart provided to generate new ideas before making the final draft of my infographic. I mostly used the red colour because I believed that red symbolizes bravery, which clearly depicts the characteristics of the protagonist. I used my peers’ feedback to improve and make decisions when I faced any challenges and obstacles. I demonstrated my critical thinking skills by making a strong connection between the Indigenous peoples and their ancestors. The story of Muskawashee (the ancestor) was being told, and shed light on the protagonist’s perspectives, values, and beliefs. Ideas taught through storytelling become part of someone’s values and beliefs and have lasting effects just like the protagonist in the story was compelled to climb the treacherous mountain to dignify his heritage.

Group Work in Math

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Pros for Group Work

A pro of group work is that individuals could collaborate by sharing responsibility and learning how to overcome conflicts Students could also develop a new perspective, which leads to stronger communication and teamwork skills. By working as a group, individuals could enhance their overall learning and productivity accordingly.

Cons for Group Work

A con of group work is that it easily causes conflicts between team members. When dividing tasks and sharing responsibility, I realized that there is unequal participation from students. Unequal participation could be extremely time-consuming, which could eventually lead to the lack of engagement during group work. Another con is distraction. Individuals could easily get distracted by environment around them, which leads to lack of concentration and decreased productivity.

If there is disagreement within the group, I find it helpful to identify points of agreement and disagreement after listening carefully in order to create a plan to solve each conflict. Since outcomes of well-managed conflict could lead to improved productivity and creativity due to increased participation, I would focus on the positive side of disagreement while compromising a dissent. I know the group is working well together when I notice an individual’s participation and communication within the group because effective communication allow us to increase engagement and handle conflict productively. If the group is not productive, we can divide the tasks in order to get things moving in the right direction. Separating work between team members would increase the overall productivity within the group. If I notice workload within the group that’s a sign that my ground needs help and we can get support by asking for help to teachers or classmates other than my group members.

What did you learn about working in a group from this semester that you will carry into your next group experience?

Throughout this semester, I learned that working in a group allows me to increase productivity and engagement. I was also able to improve my overall communication and problem-solving skills. If there is disagreement within the group, I learned how to deal and handle with the conflict effectively. Additionally, we got to share diverse perspectives within the group and hold one another accountable. Sharing diverse perspectives lead to increased creativity and a higher level of outcomes accordingly.