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.
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.
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.
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.
-> 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.
