Comparative Cultures Core Competency Self-Assessment

Creative Thinking

Throughout this project, I showed strong creative thinking by creating a meaningful design based on my memory of paddleboarding at Buntzen Lake. I used this experience to inspire the symbols and patterns on my pot, such as triangles for mountains and waves for the lake. I also combined my personal story with the artistic styles of the Ancient Greek geometric era, which helped me build on styles from the past while creating something that connect to my modern experiences. One strength was my ability to simplify real-life objects into simple geometric forms that fit the style of the era. An area of growth is experimenting with more design ideas and strategies before deciding on one. In the future, I can sketch multiple possibilities and explore many different eras before settling on a final concept.

Critical/Reflective Thinking

I demonstrated strong critical and reflective thinking by researching the Greek geometric era and using that information to make design choices. I analyzed why artists used certain shapes, colours, and patterns, and then applied that knowledge to my own pot. I also reflected on my personal connection to the land and water in BC, which helped me explain the meaning behind my design. Throughout the process, I made adjustments based on what I learned and the feedback I received from my peers and teacher. A strength in this area was my ability to connect my research to the decisions I made on my artwork. An area for growth is how I deal with challenges especially when I’m using clay. In the future, I can continue to improve this by seeking feedback earlier and trying new techniques so that my final artwork can be more appealing.

Gratitude Math 11

I’m grateful for my school’s flex time because I allowed me to finish my homework before I even went home. This made me less stressed and less anxious about my assignments. I found that I had extra time at the end of the day to hang out with friends, play video games or just relax. Having flex helped me balance my life and make me happier throughout the school year.

Metalwork Edublog Assignment

As part of Mr. Peterson’s Metal 10 class, we made standing tables. This was my favourite project because it required precision and taking it slow in all your measurements otherwise the final product wouldn’t stand. I’m very happy with the way my table worked out; all my chains were taut and the table can hold the weight of Ryan, which isn’t something to joke around about. At the end of the project, we had to weld our chains down to keep the table from tipping. I started by welding the middle chain first which was a big mistake. I had to spend many hours trying to align the outside chains to match the tightness of the middle one. If I were to do this project again, I would weld the outside chains first before clamping it all down and finishing with the middle chain. I finished my table earlier than a lot of the class and I spent a few days helping my classmates as well as doing chores around the shop for Mr. Peterson. Attached are pictures of my table.

Chemistry 11 Core Competency Assessment

“I can analyze evidence to make judgments.”

In a titration lab, I analyze the colour change of the solution to determine the exact moment the reaction reaches the endpoint. This colour change signals that the amount of NaOH added is chemically equivalent to the HCl being analyzed. By recording the volume of NaOH used, I can calculate the unknown concentration of the HCl. Carefully observing the colour shift is important because adding too much NaOH can lead to inaccurate results. This analysis helps me draw accurate conclusions and understand the precision needed in measurements.

Career Project

Career Life Project Presentation

Curricular Reflection


My career-life goal is to become a computer engineer after graduating from the University of Waterloo. I chose this path because I enjoy working with technology and solving problems through critical thinking and trail and error. I’m focusing on improving my skills in math and science. I’ve also started planning by looking into Waterloo’s admission requirements to become their best applicant. I’ve worked on personal growth by practicing good time management and staying motivated through challenges. These steps are helping me build a strong foundation for my future career.

Core Competency Reflection

I can understand and share information about a topic of interest in a clear, organized way.

I chose this one because during my project and presentation, I worked hard to make my presentation interesting yet simple to others. I used hand-drawn visuals and specifically chosen words to ensure my audience stayed engaged without overwhelming them.

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

I chose this one because I was proud of the effort I put into researching and creating my project. I spent a long time carefully writing my script and drawn the visuals.


“I can identify my strengths and identify my potential.”

This project had a specific section to label your interests, skills and strengths. This helped me clearly understand and share what I’m good at and what kind of work I enjoy, which helped me see how those qualities fit with my future career.

“I can form new ideas to create new things. I can also build on the ideas of others”

I chose this one because while working on my project, I took inspiration from presentations we watched in class and added my own twist to make something original. I used creativity to present my ideas in a unique way.

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

During this project, I noticed how I didn’t ask or even want advice on how to improve. I made my project and called it a day. I believe if I had asked my peers for pointers on my presentation, it would have been more entertaining for the audience.

Quadratic Equations in Vertex Form

y = a(x – h)² + k


y = x²
(0, 0)


y = x² + 5
(0, 5)

y = x² – 5

(0, -5)



y = (x – 6)² + 2

(6, 2)
y = (x + 6)² + 2

(-6, 2)


y = ⅓(x – 12)² + 5

(12, 5)
y = 4(x + 12)² + 5

(-12, 5)


y = -(x – 6)² – 2

(6, -2)
y = -(x + 6)² – 2

(-6, -2)

The black parabola is the parent function and is displayed on the graph unaltered. The values of a, h, and k are all 0.

The green parabolas are elevated and sunken along the y-axis by 5. This is because the k value was changed to +/- 5. By changing the value of k, the vertex of the parabola travels up or down, changing it’s height.

The orange parabolas are moved left and right by changing the h value. By changing the value of h to 6, which appears like -6 in the formula y = a(x-h)² + k, the parabola moves 6 to the right. The inverse happens with -6, appears like +6, as the parabola will shift 6 to the left.

The purple parabolas are wider and skinnier based on the change in the a value. If |a| ≥ 1, then the parabola becomes skinnier based on value of a. For example, a = 4 will be narrower than a = 2.
If 0 ≤ |a| ≤ 1, then the parabola will open wider. The width of the parabola is based on the value of a. A parabola with a = 1/9 will be much wider than a parabola with a = 9/10.

The red parabolas have been flipped upside down by changing a to a negative value. If a is a positive value, the parabola will open up and if a is a negative value, the parabola opens down. The other rule of a still applies.

Communication Core Competency Reflection

In this assingment, I demonstrated how I can understand and share information in a clear and organized way by presenting my ideas in a logical way. I made sure to use clear and proper mathematical language to help the reader understand the different alterations that a parabola can undergo. I thought about what I was going to convey before I started. This helped me set my tone and choose my example parabolas to make my work more understandable.

Unit Concept Connections

Curricular Response

A concept that transfers from Kinematics 2D, Energy and Circuits is the conservation of energy. Throughout all these units, a key principle is how energy cannot be created nor destroyed. In Kinematics 2D and Energy, this is shown when gravitational potential energy is converted in kinetic energy and vice versa. In Circuits, this is shown when electric power is carried from a power source through wires to resistors.

Core Competency Reflecting and Assessing

To answer the question above, I tried thinking of popular principles that could’ve been applied to multiple units. One that came to me was the conservation of mass rule, which was learned in Physics 10. This wasn’t talked about in Physics 11 but it lead me to discussing the conservation of Energy.

Seeing theses connections makes me more confident in the understanding of physics in our everyday life. I see science as a superior way of understanding the truth and making key connections like this shows how all the units exist in the same universe.

CPR Reflection

My Learning of CPR

“What Is CPR.” Cpr.Heart.Org, https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/what-is-cpr Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

CPR Reflection

The CPR and AED unit have an easy way to recognize a heart attack, cardiac arrest and a stroke. This easy way is called the 4 R’s: risk – preventing heart attacks through diet and exercise; recognize – if you see someone on the ground, what is happening to them; react – what to do and how to do it; resuscitate – performing CPR to save the person.

Learning about the 4 R’s a well structured informative on how to respond to emergencies. This information can save the lives of others and build a community around trust.

Core Competency Reflection

One of the ways I ensure my partner is clear on what we are supposed to do is to acknowledging complications we’ve had before and clarifying them as quickly as possible. This benefits us and prevents any frustrating mishaps that would’ve occurred.

One thing I learned that I didn’t know about the body and CPR is about how the heart works and the different between cardiac arrest and heart attacks. I used to believe that cardiac arrest and heart attack could be used interchangeably.

In this unit, I am proud that I accomplished the practical exam by reviewing the process of CPR inside and outside school. It’s important for me to go over the parts that I knew I struggled more with to get them right during the real exam.

WWI Monument Reflection

SS Midterm Reflection

Core Competency Reflection

My strategies for collecting relevant information for specific tasks include using many sites to combine information in my brain before selecting the most important parts to add to my presentation.

Some things I think about before dividing tasks among group members include their work ethic, how much time they’ll put into the project and their personal skills and practice they’ve had in certain areas that may benefit the result of project.

I need to work on my personal responsibility and awareness. I intent to boost my mood or re-focus by taking a break or separating myself from potential distractions.