Learning Journal

This learning journal is documentation of a variety of assignments from my high school journey.

Laila Shannon - Gatsby PBL Learning Journal

Learning Journal 11th Grade

Abstraction and STEAM 3/1/24

In Modernist Art, people use abstraction to capture the essence or nature of literal things. These artists use a variety of different, patterns, colors, and shapes to focus more so on what something feels like rather than capturing it in realism. Modern artists abstract things in the world to the point where the audience may have no idea of what the essence of that object is supposed to represent. I find this similar to African Art. This is because, like modern art, representations of different things are not literal. In fact, when you look at different portraiture, masks, and 3D designs by African artists, there is a trend of exaggerated (facial) features and maximum use of different patterns and colors. Wassily Kandinsky also used the style of abstraction to capture the essence of something many would find arbitrary. His abstract works of art capture music into a form that resonated with him. I think that other concepts can be applied to the art of abstraction. It would be interesting for someone to capture the essence of mathematics or the sciences. On the other hand, someone could use data to determine what the art would look like. For example, each stroke in a specific color can represent one pool of picture while another stroke of a different color/length represents another. Personally, I would prefer in a more personally expressive way such as Kandinsky because I wouldn't want to put a limit to the amount of creativity I produce in the art I work on.

Black Artists Share 2/14/24

Copy of Laila Shannon - Black Artist Share

Borax Crystal Sculptures and Learning Journal

Borax is a salt and ionic compound. It consists of the elements boron, sodium, and oxygen. To create our sculpture, we had to use hot water. This is because hot water is what dissolves the borax. Water at certain temperatures can only dissolve so much of a solute. When the water is hot enough it enables supersaturation. As the water cools, it crystalizes. The figure that I constructed with the pipe cleaner to crystalize is an octopus. It is dynamic because it uses unique curves for the tentacles and colors to add more variety.

Class Objectives AP Computer Science

12/4/23 - I can apply useful list methods to alter and access information about a list. - AP Computer Science Principles

In this program, I used the method of appending to alter a list based on a user's input. I access it by printing out the list after the appending function was used.

11/28/23 - World Literature

Today, our class summarized Book II of the book that we are reading. (How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents) After, we worked in our groups to prepare for our literature circles. The document that we worked on is here.

10/27/23 - I can create and store information in tuples. - AP Computer Science Principles

In this program we defined a function that took a name and put in a certain order. The numbers in the brackets act as a way to rearrange the order.

10/30/23 - I can practice creating a CT. - AP Computer Science Principles

Our class practiced doing a Create Task on Microsoft Arcade. This program is designed to display a list of foods in order for the user to recall the foods listed. The names of the foods are stored in another list. The written response aspect of the task required students to record a minute long clip of the program running. In addition it asks for pictures of part of the program. For example, a question asked which two parts of the code call functions and work together to keep the program running. I answered the call score and call strike procedures. The two increase the score number and strike number whether or not a person's answer is true or false.

Drawing Practice in Engineering - 11/6/23

Car Sketch

Truck Sketch

Tractor Sketch

Robot Sketch

Visual Arts - 10/27/23

What have you been taught about in art this year that relates to other classes?

In art, I've been taught about perspective, mandalas, and values. I was able to apply perspective to my engineering class. We use hand drawings to sketch out things we plan on building. In addition, using values in my art adds depth and a bit of realism when I draw things based on real objects. Lastly, mandalas connected to my world history class and my chemistry class. In AP World History, a large portion of the units cover world religions. I studied that the creation of mandalas is a part of the Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic religions. Also, the mandala lesson tied into chemistry because we were able to apply the structure of a mandala to electron configuration.

What have you done this year so far that demonstrates you understand Principles of Design and Elements of Art?

So far, I have been able to demonstrate my understanding of the Principles of Design and Elements of Art in projects such as "It's Elementary." In this project we had to do a digital drawing based on an assigned element. I used the Principles of Design when I used emphasis on the section of my drawing where I wanted people to look and proportion when making the city skyline. I also used the Elements of Art when I used line to create a railing that went to the vanishing point and value to create atmospheric perspective.

How do you experiment with different possibilities in your planning and process and how can you show your process?

I experimented with different possibilities when planning by creating sketches and having practice attempts. Here are some concept sketches I used for past projects.

What famous/historic art have you learned about so far?

A famous art I have learned about so far is "Comedian." This was a sculpture made by Maurizio Cattelan. The medium is a banana and duct tape. It sparked a lot of controversy because it is a piece of art worth $120,000. The debate on whether or not it could be considered art was one of the first conversations we had in art class.

Mandala Sketch

Concept Image for "It's Elemental" Project

Atmospheric Perspective Practice

Class Objectives AP

Computer Science

10/23/23 - I can create programs that define and call functions with return values and store the result for later use.

In this program I defined a function that squares the parameter X. The return value is X * X. It is later used to square the X values that I gave.

10/25/23 - I can create functions that return values.

In this program I defined a function called minVal. It uses the parameters x and y while returning the values that has the least amount.

10/18/23 AP Computer Science

Class Objectives

I can define functions that take in multiple parameters as input, and use print statements for output.

In this code I used multiple parameters as input and print statements for output to find the area of a triangle.

I can utilize (call) their Python functions.

I called a function that I created called "triangle_area."

Onshape 9 - Moving into 3D 10/182023

Bottom

To create the bottom of the box used the center point rectangle tool and the corner rectangle tool. After using the corner rectangle tool, I used the linear pattern tool to create the finger joints on the sides. The mirror tool allowed me to apply this pattern to all four sides.

Front/Back

I used the same tools as I did when making the bottom to create the front/back side. However, I did not need finger joints for the top.

Left/Right

The left/right side is similar to the front/back side. The dimensions are slightly different because this side is wider.

Carboard Box

Once I finished building in Onshape, I used the Glowforge laser cutter to cut each side with cardboard. I pieced the sides together by putting glue on each individual finger joint.

Box Assembly in Onshape

In Onshape, we created individual sides of a box with finger joints. The finger joints were made using the corner rectangle, spacer, and linear pattern tools. After making the front, back, sides, and bottom, I printed them out using the laser cutter. My cardboard box was assembled with glue. Our class went back to Onshape to make a 3D box online. We worked in the assembly tab and used the extrude tool to make the parts 3-dimensional and the planer mate tool to line up the sides.

10/17/23 World Literature

Summary Rubric Shaping Our World

Copy of Laila Shannon - Summary Rubric_Shaping Our World

10/16/23 AP Computer Science

Class Objectives

I can: explain the purpose of functions.

This is part of a quiz accessing my knowledge of functions and parameters.

I can: define and call functions that take in parameters as input

This is a function that takes in a parameter as input.

9/11/23 Chemvas

Mandala Research

A mandala is a configuration of geometric symbols used in the Buddhist and Hindu religions. They are used as symbolisms to represent the characteristics of their gods. In these designs I noticed the principals of design balance, repetition, unity, and pattern.

I could use a mandala to show an atom by creating concentric shapes growing bigger from a center. The center would represent the nucleus and the outer shapes would represent its energy levels.

Engineering Concepts

Physics of My Robot 9/25/23

What is the normal force proportional to (on a flat surface with no acceleration)? Use Newton's laws to prove this.

We can use Newton's 2nd law of motion to determine what the normal force is proportional to. The normal force is proportional to mass times gravity (Fn = mg or F=ma). Mg also represents the weight.

Which direction is the force of friction acting when your robot is trying to move forward?

The force of friction is moving forward. This is because when the wheel is turning, the top is moving forward but the bottom of the wheel is moving backward. Friction moves in the opposite direction of what is in motion, meaning that that it would have to go forward.

What is the equation for Friction Force (Kinetic)? Based on this what to things can you change about your robot to increase its "grippiness" to reduce slipping. How can you change each one?

The equation for Kinetic Friction Force is Ff = μ x Fn. To increase your robot's grippiness you can increase the weight or change the texture of the wheel.

World Literature

Shaping Our World PBL

9/12/23

Today, we learned about different components that need to added to a script.

9/19/23

Today, our group collaborated with another group to receive feedback and make adjustments in out script.

Costume planning

9/21/23

We were tasked with identifying direct and indirect characterization in our script, identifying compound and complex sentences in our script, and identifying costume needs for each character.

IMG_9023.MOV

Foward, Backward, Left, then Right

Now that our robots can functionally move forward, we are tasked with getting them to move forward, backwards, left, and right in that order. Once again, I used comments to help me outline what each line of code did. I also saved this newly updated code to GitHub.

9/11/23 Chemvas

How could AI hurt or benefit art?

AI is likely to harm real artists. I believe this is because it takes from pre-existing art and uses it to create its own. This is done without the permission of artists. In addition, the artist profession is very competitive. AI would only add to the difficulty for those creative minds.

Copy of Digital Plot Diagram Template.pdf

World Literature - 9/7/2023

My group and I made a plot diagram to represent the order of events in our play. We classified the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. We also outlined our characters and themes.

9/6/23 Drawing in OnShape in Engineering

OnShape 5: Grid Design

I used the linear pattern, the dimension, mirror, and rectangle tool.

OnShape 6: Four Leaf Clover

I used the circle, offset, fillet, and mirror tools.

OnShape 7: Free Form Tool Practice

For this we had to use Linear Pattern, Mirror, Offset, & Fillet.

OnShape 8: Artistic Ellipse

I used the mirror, dimension, fillet, and ellipse tools.

Shaping the World - World Literature

Copy of Laila Shannon - PBLWorks_Project Team Contract

8/31/23

Today, we made group contracts with the people we will be working with on this project.

Copy of Laila Shannon - Ancient Civilizations GRAPES Chart

9/5/23

We worked in our groups to research the Ancient Civilization that we chose. My group chose the Ancient Mediterranean. Based on our research, we brainstormed an idea for our play.

Unit Zero Reflection AP World History

Describe how the neolithic revolution led to injustices within religions, social classes, and between genders. Please provide examples for each analysis.

The Neolithic Revolution is also called the Agricultural Revolution. It was the time when people shifted from a hunter-gatherer society to farming and permanent settlements. It meant that populations could become more stable and it directly affected the population growth. While it was the onset for human development, it also caused the start of injustices within religions, social classes, and between genders. Because of the start of permanent settlements, people were able to specialize in different jobs. Different jobs ultimately led to to class divisions. Better treatment went to those considered to have more important jobs. In addition, women were having more children compared to the gatherers that came before them. Because they were expected to have children to help with farm work, their social standing became less than men’s. Lastly, the Neolithic Revolution also led to the creation of religion. History of Ancient Civilizations show how conflict often rose with religion being at the root of the issue.

Describe early neolithic technology and inventions. Please provide examples for each analysis.

Through the Neolithic Revolution, people were able to mentally develop. By domesticating plants and animals, people had create systems so that their new sources of food could thrive. The discovery of fire as well as inventions such as the wheel, horse riding, and chariots were all technological inventions that helped societies grow at this time.

Describe the rise of Interregional trade routes and how that led to the spread of religions. Give examples.

When ancient civilizations made contact with each other, interregional trade became a common factor among the societies. Through these trade routes, religion, language, and culture were able to pass on through a wide distance. For example, the Mediterranean Sea and trans-Saharan trade routes facilitated trade with Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and North Africa. Through this trade network goods and culture could be exchanged. Another important trade network was the Silk Roads. These networks explain the diffusion of Buddhism from India to China and the spread of Islam all the way to West Africa.

Explain the difference between centralized and decentralized governments. Please give examples of each.

A centralized government is where one unit of government has full autonomy to make decisions. It is a hierarchical system which can often ignore individual issues. Examples of centralized governments include the United Kingdom and China. Decentralized governments have shared authority with local governments. Because of this political decisions are a process and it is more representative of smaller issues. An example of a decentralized government would be the Unites States.

List and explain six significant terms that you should remember going into Period 1.

Egalitarianism, centralized & decentralized governments, codification, polytheism & monotheism, and diaspora are each significant terms that I need to remember when going into Period 1. Egalitarianism is the idea of people being equal. Centralized and decentralized governments explain how power and authority is distributed in a society. Codification is when rules, laws, and ideas are written down and recorded. Polytheism and monotheism is the belief of either one or multiple gods. Lastly, a diaspora is the displacement of a group of people from that homeland.

Laila Shannon - Linear perspective

Linear Perspective

Two and/or two point perspective drawing from observation.

Chemvas: Typography

8/18/23 Drawing in Onshape in Engineering Class

Robot Wheel

We used the circle tool and the center point rectangle tool.

Robot Chassis

We used the dimension, center point rectangle, and rectangle tool.

Robot Sides

We used the copy & paste, rectangle, center point circle, and dimension tool.

Playing around drawing a car

I used the fillet, dimension, rectangle, trim, and circle tool.

IMG_7728.MOV

8/14/23 Breakout Board Chaser Engineering

In class, we created a chaser pattern in MU Editor. The purpose of this chaser pattern is get used to using Python. By defining an LED and corresponding it with the same GP on the motherboard, we are better able to organize the code. In addition, serial helps us check our code as we create it. Uploading the finalized code to GitHub saves our code in the case that it may be deleted accidentally and it tracks our progress.

8/9/23 Stop Light

IMG_7666.MOV

8/4/23 Drawing in Engineering Concepts

Box

Box with Flaps

Disc top view

Disc Front View

Why is drawing important in engineering class in addition to art class?

Drawing is important in engineering class in addition to art class because drawing is an important skill in engineering. In order to create something, you must design a plan. Without knowing how to draw, it can be difficult to put whatever ideas you may have on paper. Sketching it out is also how you understand the dimension of shapes and create measurements.

8/4/23 Chemvas: Experimenting with Shapes

Laila Shannon - Experimenting with Shapes

7/31/23 Engineering Concepts Learning Journal Prompt 1

What is soldering? What is the purpose of soldering?

Soldering is when you melt solder to connect a circuit to a motherboard.

What is melting point? Based on your observations, which has a higher melting point: solder, or copper? How do you know?

Melting point is the temperature at which something liquifies. Copper has a higher melting point than solder. I know because during the soldering activity, I touched the soldering tip to both solder and the copper wire, but only the solder melted.

7/26/23 - Chemvas

What is art? How can other subjects be art?

By definition, art is how people express themselves and evoke the emotions of other people. It is how they conceptualize different subjects and it allows for creativity and idea building. Other subjects can be art because one can take the liberty of being creative and making something out of it. For example, someone doing a history project can convey a message through their presentation. This message may be of injustice and the goal may to be evoke emotion from the audience.

To me, art is using skills to make a product that requires your audience to use their senses. Because it affects all five senses, including sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing, art can be found in many subjects. For example, in the subject reading, when you write a piece of literature, you are using your own skill set to create a product. This may be a story, where you include special wording and details that adhere to your audience's senses.

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