Category Archives: Core Competencies

Math Menu Assignment

By

Annaliesa Coupe

Equation 1:

Solution: x = -4

(A, C, D, F, G)

Equation 2:

Solution: no solution. (extraneous root: x = 4)

(B, E, H)

Note: screenshots of equations are provided as formatting did not compute with Edublog.

Reflection Questions

1: “Which constraints did you choose to complete first, and why? What strategies did you use to tackle the more difficult tasks on the menu?”

I chose “A: The equation has a radical expression on each side” to solve first because it was one of the most limiting, as well as “G: The solution is negative” because that is a significant determining factor of my answer. I started out by putting a radical on each side of my equation and went from there. When I factored in a couple of the easier constraints, I went back to solve it and tweaked a few things to ensure that my result was negative. A strategy I used for the more difficult tasks on the math menu was choosing them first in order to get them out of the way. By doing this, the easier prompts just fell into place with the limits of the harder ones. Another strategy I found effective was practicing trial and error; checking everything at least twice to make sure my equations fit the limits.

2: “Were there any constraints you struggled to pair together? How did you approach a problem that you initially found confusing or difficult?”

Constraints “H: The equation has no solution” and “B: The radicand contains a binomial” were not necessarily difficult to put together, but were challenging to incorporate in general. “H” was hard because I didn’t know how to structure an equation with an extraneous root as the solution. To work past this, I referenced my Pre-Calc workbook where I remembered having an answer that did not have an adequate solution. Taking inspiration from how the equation was written helped me make my own equation with no solution. “B” was initially tricky to include since having a binomial in one of my radicands didn’t fit with how I’d incorporated the “G” and “H” constraints, both of which determined my answers. To work around this, I went back to the technical definition of a binomial, which is that it is two terms separated by a + or – symbol. So, 4x + 0 is a binomial, even though it is equivalent to 4x, which is a monomial. This allowed for me to satisfy all restraints put on my equation, and also worked with my “H” constraint.

3: “Can you describe a moment when you had an “aha” moment while working on a task?”

When I was working on equation 1, trying to satisfy the “G: The solution is negative” limit, I kept finding that my solution was positive. This is because every time I put a negative symbol outside of a radicand, it kept canceling out when I squared the equation. However, I soon realized there were other ways to make my answer negative, and the way I used was by making the x value and the constant on the right side greater than the left. This way, my x value on the left side would end up being negative, and the constant on the right would be positive. The constant would end up being negative when I divide by a negative number to ensure that the variable is not negative. When I finally determined this after lots of trial and error, it felt very fulfilling because it was one of the bigger challenges of this assignment.

4: “Did you find it helpful to have the freedom to choose the order of activities? Why or why not?”

I think it was helpful, but slightly irrelevant because I could have found a solution either way to satisfy all of the restraints. There are a lot of different pairings that would work, so if which go together were decided for me, that would not be too limiting.

5: “How did working independently on the math menu activities help you develop your skills?”

In class, we do lots of partner/group work on the boards which I think is effective for building collaborative skills as well as critical thinking skills. However, for this assignment I worked independently because then I didn’t have to consult anyone else and I get to have my own thought process. This is beneficial because I had to figure out any complications independently, which contributed to my growth of my math skills.

Critical and Reflective Thinking Reflection

“I remain open minded as I explore viable options or alternative approaches, like when I…”

When creating and solving my equations, I demonstrated persistence and perseverance by trying different techniques when I was faced with a problem. For example, I used homework questions to give me inspiration for my equation’s structure when I wasn’t sure how to proceed with an equation. I also solved my equations several times each to explore alternate routes I could take, mainly to see how I could work towards one end solution (while tending to the constraints). Additionally, I asked questions and attended Flex times to make sure that I was on the right track. My openness to be flexible, my effort, and the time I have put into this assignment has contributed to my overall success.

Core Competency Self-Assessment: Textiles

By

Creative Thinking

“An example of where I took a significant risk in my thinking or the expected process was when…”

This semester, I completed a number of projects which I featured in a Vancouver fashion show. It was a significant risk because it was the first official display of my work. I’ve never showcased it to so many people before, so it was very nerve-wracking. I demonstrated perseverance and commitment to my work by doing extra at home to prepare for the show. I incorporated new techniques that I learned in-class which made my work more complex and professional. Also, it was very different from the ‘expected process‘ because I had to get things done way faster and make things that matched each other. This was such a significant learning experience for me because I learned more about the value of my class time and outside of class time, while also developing my organization skills.

Chanson Francophone Project Reflection

By

Core Competency Reflection

“Examples of where I communicate clearly and purposefully can be seen in…”

Examples of where I communicated clearly would be in the neat, organized and informational slides in my presentation, as shown above. When I was speaking during the presentation, I worked hard to talk directly and purposefully with the support of my slides. That allowed me to communicate my points clearly. I prepared for this by putting my information in my own words, and by rephrasing my facts in English before translating them to French. I incorporated structures taught in class while also challenging myself with complex structures to go above and beyond. While keeping this in mind, it was also necessary to speak clearly and accurately in order to convey my points during the presentation; to ensure the audiences’ understanding. I did my best to do this, one way being using cue cards and highlighting things to remember so that my delivery of the presentation would be direct and uncomplicated.

“Evidence that I can acquire information about complex and specialized topics from various sources, synthesize it, and present it with thoughtful analysis can be found in…”

On the biography slide of my presentation (above), I did extensive research and cited numerous sources to find facts about my subject (Mika) and to reconfirm them to ensure accuracy. I presented it in my own words, as mentioned above, in order to deepen my own understanding when discussing my research. This was a important factor in my thought process of developing my inferences, opinions, and identification of significance in the song. Converting information into my own French contributed to my overall analysis of the song and my reflection on it.

Goal

“As an active listener, I notice that I … “

When listening to others in class, I want to be more focused and make connections in my head that will help me polish my French. I specifically mean when classmates are talking or presenting, so I can gather various perspectives that will help me expand my listening skills and improve as a listener. In turn, this will also boost my comprehension, because hearing different people speak is important to learn, reflect, and improve.

Core Competency Self-Assessment

By

Critical Thinking and Collaboration

Titration at end point. Solution is neutralized.

A titration is a technique used to find the unknown concentration of a solution by using another solution of a known concentration. In this experiment, we used a base of 0.1M to determine the molarity of hydrochloric acid. The endpoint of a titration is when the colour of the solution indicates that it is neutralized. For example, by adding phenolphthalein, it showed the end point of the titration by turning the solution a translucent, pale pink, as shown in the image above. To know that you have reached the endpoint, this pale colour will remain for about 30 seconds, then disappear again. Our results showed that (on average) 13.37 mL of NaOH was adequate to neutralize 10.00mL of HCl. It was at that point when we reached the lightest possible pink through all of our trial and error, showcased in image above. With this information, we determined the molarity of the hydrochloric acid to be 1M (unrounded number: 1.337M). [HCL]=1M.

Thinking Core Competency Reflection

“I use evidence to make judgements or decisions as demonstrated in this…”

“I can give, receive and act on feedback to progress in my goals.”

During the titrations lab, I persevered through the procedure when met with failure, reflected on my learning, and developed my critical thinking. I used my judgment to make decisions regarding accuracy in the lab, that being reading and recording measurements. I acted on feedback when given to further improve my understanding and growth, taking it as a learning opportunity. For example, when told to remeasure something (like acid in the pipet) or be more precise (when distributing drops of base into acid from the burette) I did my very best in order to showcase my adaptability, personal growth, and accuracy to the experiment. This contributed to my success, as there were several failures when too much base was added and I had to restart the procedure. This is proof of my advancement in the lab. Overall, this lab was a mentally stimulating challenge which I took constantly seeking to improve and with a willingness to do better.

Collaboration Core Competency Reflection

“I can apply constructive strategies to navigate misunderstandings and conflicts.”

“I can take on roles and responsibilities in a group; I do my share.”

Collaboration and leadership are important elements to any partner work or group’s success. My partner was absent for two of the three days, so I taught her the necessary steps in order to complete the experiment(s). For example, I showcased precision in multiple ways. When it came to measuring by using the pipet, I showed my partner how to to do it by giving a demonstration and then suggesting ways to improve so we could gain more accurate results. As for the burette, I displayed how to create drops and half-drops in order for us to err on the side of caution when experimenting with the base to acid ratio. If any misunderstandings were had, or any clarification was needed, I supplied a helpful answer, showing leadership by sharing knowledge and understanding, and in turn, developing our collective growth.

Core Competency Self Assesment

By

Creative Thinking Skills

Annaliesa Coupe

Artifact: Blue Velour Star Lounge Pants

I displayed my creative thinking skills during the creation and progression of this project by challenging myself and being creative through visual design. For the structure of the pants, I drafted my own pattern, showing my perseverance through the creative process. Blending inspiration from other sources (like Pinterest) with my own ideas and interests allowed me to create an original project that I brought to life through nothing but an idea.

Ceramics CC Reflection

By

Journal Cover Project

“My cultural background/upbringing contributes to who I am as a artist in that…”

This competency accurately represents my expression of identity in this piece. I incorporated aspects of my childhood (‘upbringing’) and my favourite memories as well as my hobbies in order to create this reflection of myself. It is very much focused on the idea of maximalism, which is seen through the colours, textures, and personal connections. To make this, I emphasized my background and upbringing to make it more unique. The flags at the top show my family’s orgins, the patchwork represents my love of sewing, and the trees with the kids symbolize my sister and I when we were little. These are all scraps of me put together to create this piece of my identity.

Core Competency Self Reflection

By

Collaboration

This is my group project on wind energy.

“I can take on roles and responsibilities in a group; I do my share.”

In this group project, I demonstrated this core competency by assisting others and completing my work efficiently. I distributed roles to others in an attempt to be helpful so that we could work together to reach an end goal. Something I learned from this project would be that not everyone learns and works in the same way. That was certainly a challenge to overcome because it meant that we had to adapt and grow in order to get to our end goal: finishing our research and presenting it to the class. Next time, there were some things that I’d do differently, so I think that proves what a good learning experience that was for me. Overall, I am proud of the manner in which I completed my share of the work because it improved my sense of responsibility and collaboration within a group setting.

CPR Reflection

By

My Learning of CPR

How to Perform CPR: Guidelines, Procedure, and Ratio. 10 June 2020, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324712.

CPR Reflection

  1. What was something you learned that you didn’t know or consider before?  

I learned the proper order of steps in how to perform CPR- and not only that- but I also learned what comes before and after, which would be the recognition of the need for CPR and how to help afterwards (assisting EMS and letting them know what happened).

  1. What is a key takeaway from the Theory or Practical CPR unit? 

A key takeaway for me was symptoms to recognize. It could be dangerous to do CPR when it is not necessary (you likely will break their ribs) but now I know how to identify when someone might require it (no pulse, unconscious, not breathing, the 5 P’s, etc) which I didn’t know how to before.

  1. How does this unit connect to the nutrition unit learned previously?  

This unit connects to nutrition because we learned that several health risks and factors for someone to have a heart attack/stroke comes from a poor diet, which we learned all about in our nutrition unit (how to eat properly to stay healthy).

Core Competency Reflection

Examples of where I communicated clearly and purposefully can be seen in… 

When performing the CPR live assessment, I was vocal and loud when communicating what I needed from others (‘Call 911! Get an AED!’). I clearly stated my steps out loud to be straightforward and focused. For example, I counted chest compressions, talked the victim through the process, and was firm when giving directions to myself and others.

One lesson that stimulated my thinking about the importance of CPR was… 

During the CPR live assessment, I realized that this wasn’t just for others. People in my family could go into cardiac arrest, in which I would be knowledgeable to save them. This realization is scary but made me realize how important it is to have the life saving knowledge and skills to potentially save someone’s life… or my own family’s life.

In this unit, I am proud that I accomplished …. By …. 

In this unit, I am proud to have done well on the live assessment and that I have a clear and thorough understanding of CPR. I am proud to have accomplished successful completion of this course and now the ability to save other’s lives if necessary. For me, this is an important achievement and an essential skill to have because it could literally mean life and death.

Positive Social Media

By

Positive Social Media Posts

Reflection

CC: “Identify risks and appreciate benefits associated with personal and public digital footprints”

With every post, there are many up-sides as well as drawbacks. Some would include that if you have a public account, your social media posts/history is there for everyone to see- possible employers, schools, your peers… if your posts are something you wouldn’t want those people to see, then you shouldn’t be posting it. That would be the biggest risk when it comes to a more public digital footprint. But there are upsides, too. If you do something positive- for example, volunteering- then people/employers will see that and likely think better of you. The opposite applies for a public account- no one can see your positive impact, therefore that can be a downside of a personal digital footprint.

Core Competency Reflection

“I can work to inform myself about issues surrounding me.”

With this post (which isn’t the actual post, but I did post about this specific volunteering event), I demonstrated the prompt above by helping out in my community. Hazel Trembath needed welcoming into the community after a devastating fire, and I banded together with leadership and went to help. It was a big issue for them and I wanted to be involved, which is what this post conveys in a positive way.

“I can show a sense of accomplishment and joy. I take pride in my work and myself.”

I demonstrated this by making the post itself. I was proud of my volunteer work and the rest of leadership for coming together to help, so the post was the product of taking pride in helping out the community.

“I can represent my learning and tell how it connects to my experiences.”

In this post, the way I represented my learning was through the caption and image. The post connected to my experience of helping the community, and it was represented through a post designed to have a positive impact that supported and spread awareness throughout the community.

“I can take on roles and responsibilities in a group; I do my share.”

This post demonstrates this competency in the sense of responsibility. This post shows future employers/schools that I am responsible and willing to do my part in a group, and possibly go above and beyond by volunteering my time.

My Goal Moving Forward

“I can give, receive and act on feedback to progress in my goals.”

When I have my mind set on something, it can be hard to wrap my head around changing the way I get there or the goal itself. It’s like my heart is set on it. What I want to do to get around this is be better at accepting criticism and feedback from others. I think that if I can adapt to this, I will make better and more progress towards my goals in life. I will do this by trying my best to be open to others ideas and thoughts, while still considering my own to overall help me successfully reach my goals.

Desmos Polygraph Activity

By

Core Competency Reflection

“I can identify my strengths and limits, find internal motivation, and act on opportunities for self-growth.”

In this assignment, I found my motivation by wanting to expand my knowledge about graphs in preparation for the unit test. I found it helpful to ask for help with my polygraph vocabulary so I could bring a deeper understanding to what I was talking about.