The goal of this project was to learn more about the columbian exchange, how to create pottery, and how to connect these things to our culture and identity. In AP World History we learned about the columbian exchange and the different products that originate in the western and eastern hemispheres. In chemistry we explored the different ionic and covalent bonds formed within food. In world lit/comp we baked foods using ingredients from the eastern or western hemisphere. In AP Computer science we coded a cookbook. Finally, for art class, we chose a culture and made dishware which resembled their ceramic style. My group chose Native American Pottery. We made a butterfly mug, two plates, and a vase. We decided to make these things because plates and vases were some of the most commonly made items. Throughout the process we used the slip, coil, pinch, and slab techniques. This is related to the columbian exchange because it shows some of the products shared between the different place. It was difficult figuring out how to paint our ceramics. If I had more time, I would make the ceramics more detailed. 

For this project, our teacher assigned us an element on the periodic table. Then, we took the element we were assigned, researched it's atomic structure, and designed a mandala that accurately represented it. This inlcudes the amount of orbitals and the amount of electrons. Of course, we were asked to research the history of mandalas before hand. This project definitely incorperated elements from STEAM. For example, science, engineering, and art. We had to first use science to dissect the atomic structure of our element. This includes the number of electrons, the distribution of electrons, and even the number of orbitals. We had to use engineering to construct the 3D mandala itself. Finally we had to use art to design it. Throughout the process we were asked to consider the principles of design and the elements of art. It helps me consider a new perspective because through my research I have learned how important these mandalas are to various cultures and what they symbolize as well. I believe our work was succesful because we met all the requirments and had a great final product. If I was the teacher, I would probably show an example of a mandala from last year to give the students a better reference.

For this assignment, our teacher asked us to create a digital image of the word "ChemVAS" by digitally collaging and/or digitally painting and drawing. We had to include elements from chemistry, elements from art, a knowledge of how to use digital tools, and finally a sense of value and density in the piece.