Here is a dissection lab I did on an animal heart.
Critical and Reflective Thinking, Creative Thinking
I remain open minded as I explore viable options or alternative approaches, like when answering the discussion questions I listened to what others thoughts were on those questions while comparing them to mine to find the best answer. I also used classroom resources like the text books and diagrams to help me along with answering the questions and using Mr. Asano for help. Also listening during the lectures on previous days had helped me move along with these questions faster and without needing the help from others as much.
Unit Core Competency Self-Assesment
Social Awareness and Responsibility
During the lab I demonstrated good productive behavior as I was able to work with a partner when examining the heart. Using the tools provided properly and following instructions given by the teacher helped make the lab go smoothly. Able to identify all parts of the heart and complete discussion questions on time demonstrates the responsible action taken place to finish the assignment. For next time though I would look at making sure I put in as much information as I could for my answers as that is where I lost marks because I was missing a point.
When I need to boost my mood or re-focus, I like to take a break from the work I’m doing and do something else. Sometimes when I’m doing homework and I just need a break I’ll go help my parents with something whether it be cooking or help doing chores. I find it helps take my mind off the work at hand and refocus and when I come back to the work I have a clear mind making it easier to be more productive. Also since I play sports that also helps me not feel so drained when I have to do work. I’ll do some of my work go play my hockey game and come back to finish the rest of the work. Another thing I do to help boost my mood is playing video games with friends. It always makes me happy to be able to relax and just play video games with friends and not worry about what I’m doing in the moment.
Creative Thinking
Some skills I have developed to make my creative activities better are being able to converse with people I don’t usually talk too. When ever I’m doing group work I always like to talk to people to get to know them and see what they’re like. I find that helps make the group work more productive because I encourage people to share their thoughts and ideas. It also helps get the people who are a little shy talking to people to make them feel comfortable in their environment. Another skill I have is not being afraid to ask questions which I feel is very important in creative thinking. Whether I need to ask the teacher for advice on something or what I should do instead to help solve the issue. I also might ask another student to get their advice and here their ideas because its always nice to here ideas from someone my age.
Personal Awareness and Responsibility
Some of my preferred strategies for maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle include eating healthy, exercise and doing school work. With eating heathy I don’t mean going on a diet or following some sort of plan I just eat in moderation. With each meal I like to have a bit of protein, vegetables and carbs. Sometimes I will eat maybe a pizza or a burger but I do that in moderation which personally is the best way of eating healthy without having to resort to a diet. I don’t worry to much about what I eat because I know that regularly I’m eating healthy which makes easier to not think “oh maybe I shouldn’t eat that”. I get a lot of exercise with doing sports which I enjoy doing. I play hockey, lacrosse and soccer and they all keep me in good shape but to also help with getting stronger I like to go to the gym. I know some people may be intimidated by the thought of going to the gym but personally its a safe space. Every one that goes there is only trying to better them selves which is why I go. I feel good after my workout knowing I feel tired and I worked my hardest and when I can see the progress it makes me feel even better. After I’m done my hockey game and have come home from my workout I know I have homework to do. For me I feel its good to always stay on top of my school and hand it in on time. I’m trying to better myself at staying focused to finish my work as some subjects don’t come as easy to me and I know I have to practice those subjects. I always feel good getting the mark I wanted or an even better one on my assignments, it shows a sense of work ethic and motivates me to keep doing that.
When I place my work / thinking in a broader context, I can describe implications and/or next steps. For example when I’m factoring equations I can show my steps which demonstrates my critical thinking.
I remain open minded as I explore viable options or alternative approaches, like when I am listening to the teacher about the different methods to solve an equation I am able to adapt and use the different methods to help me.
Others find my feedback useful because I explain it thoroughly step by step and give them examples on what to do and what not to do.