9th Grade

2018-2019

GeoTech

What is GeoTech?

GeoTech is AP Human Geography and Digital Technology. Lessons are in the form of notes and discussions followed by a coding exercise or another project on a digital platform.

Coding Exercises

JavaScript is a self-taught skill I have learned while in GeoTech (9th) and Digital Tech in the eighth grade. Many projects, whether personal or not, have been coded through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or JQuery. One of my favorite GeoTech coding exercises I have done used the types of diffusion and a GIF to represent each.

I chose to show this assignment because I feel it represents my work. I am engaged in coding and really like to create my own projects. I feel this shows my style and liking for art and design. It is a good introduction to what the class is like.

Culture Mingle

As an introduction to our culture unit in GEOTech, our assignment was to group ourselves by number and converse about different cultures. Our groups were given a sheet with the name of a mad-up culture and its characteristics and behaviors. We then were reintroduced to the other groups and attempted to guess wwho was who by observing traits and behaviors. We acted and conversed for a few minutes, and then we guessed as a class. At the end of the class, we determined who was correct on guessing. We then lined up and received Japanese candy with the same name as the various groups' cultures.

I included this assignment because it was very interesting and fun. I enjoyed the interactive lesson. It helped me understand various cultures' mannerisms and what they can mean to one's identity. It is interesting to see how an individual's culture impacts the environment as well as other people.

Literature

Sundiata

Sundiata is the original Lion King story. It takes place in Africa, just as the Lion King does, and follows young Sundiata's journey of personal growth and struggles through adulthood. Our task was to read and analyze the story. In concluding the story, our assignment was to create a video that showed how we could relate Sundiata to our life. We were grouped in teams of four to five, all members contributing to the project. We wrote a script and acted for the video.

This assignment was extremely fun and a great introductory project. It ws my first project of my Freshmen year and will remember the activities involved. The animation and video helped me undertsnad my art capabilities. I included this project because it showed me how to interact with people I don't necessarily get along with in order to create something amazing.

Short Stories

Following the conclusion of the short story project, we were asked to group up an critique our peers' stories. We read each other's stories and did any revisions we needed. The group decided on a story we wanted to present. We chose a lighthearted story about sibling fun that turns dark.

In concluding our project, we made a book trailer and feedback form. Our final project is to showcase our book in the PBL lab for others to see. We filmed a video with many visually appealing elements to create an enticing trailer.

Click here to read the short story!

Physics

Bouncy Ball Lab

Our science fair project this year was to design a poster for a lab done in class. The lab was done with a partner earlier in the year. Even though our projects were done in class, we still had to abide by all guidelines. In my experiment, we tested the 'bounciness" of a ball, or its coefficient of restitution. I did this by seeing how a ball would bounce in response to a certain drop height.

I included this project because the lab was my favorite that we did in this class. I enjoy physics and the mathematical elements of the subject. The science fair project was fairly easy to do, which made it one of my favorites! ALthough it was easy, the work took much effort and I am proud of my grade on the assignment.

Click here to see my final project!

Energy

Energy is our current unit in physics. We have learned about potential energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, and thermal energy as well as the various ways those energies are present. For example, potential energy can be found in coiled springs as elastic potential energy. It can also be found in objects at a height as gravitational potential energy. Kinetic energy is present in any object in motion. Thermal energy is heat energy. It can result from friction, conduction, convection, and from radiation.

I chose to include this lesson because I find energy to be the most interesting aspect of physics. I find the study of material energy to be very intriguing. It is amazing o see the many forces present on planet Earth. The study of kinesthetic energy help as innovate and better improve technology.

Click here to view some notes!

Spanish

Digital Profile

As part of our final exam, we had to create a digital profile on ourselves in Spanish. Our portfolios in this class our a major part of our skills required to be promoted to Spanish III the following year. It is expected we are able to communicate well and speak with ease. I enjoy expressing myself in a different language. Learning Spanish has greatly helped improve my knowledge of culture and people.

Plaza Fiesta

For our first unit in Spanish, we had to learn locations, questions, foods, and numbers. What better place to use these skills than a Hispanic and Latinx shopping center? A group of around twenty or so students and I took a day trip to Plaza Fiesta. We bought drinks, food, and toys, all while ordering in Spanish. It was an amazing experience and I would love to do another trip there eventually. I bought spicy roasted peanuts (nuez picante) , a half Liter Coca-Cola, lime chips (papas fritas de limon), and a mango nectar drink (nectar de mango). My family loved the treats I bought. The entire class had fun trying new foods and learning about different cultures.

This was my favorite field trip so far as a highschooler. It was truly a memorable experience; I absolutely love learning about other people and cultures. It exposes me to a whole new world, and makes me grateful for what I have and what I can live to be. That is why I chose to include this amazing trip on my profile.

Geometry

Trigonometric Rules

In trigonometry, triangles have "rules." These "rules" include the ratios of the various sides. The side opposite of the angle in question over the hypotenuse makes the ration a SINE function. All side have a different ration. These ratios help you determine the angle measures and length of the legs and hypotenuse.

I have included this lesson because it will help explain the ADA ramp assignment. It also helps give insight in the class and what we tend to study day-to-day. My favorite lesson so far has been the Law of Sines, it was rather easy to me. It is very helpful to have this information in physics, as well. FInding the angle of a ramp, for example, may help you find the displacement of an object and the object's velocity.

ADA Ramp Design

Our first project was to design a ramp that is ADA certified. We were given specific dimensions and rules and had to use Trigonometry to scale and design the ramp. We were grouped by who we sat next to and shared an open Google Doc. The ramp required a lot of redesigning and math skills. The end result was a graphed drawing of a right triangular prism.

I chose to include this project because it was fun to bond with my tablemates. We worked together diligently to get the work done. I learned about triangle dimensions, rules, and how to sale a drawing. I also am very passionate for helping the disabled community, and this metaphorical ramp was a good start at how the world can help others.

Foundations of Engineering

3D Printed Name Tags

In Engineering, we have 3D printing machines that we use for assignments. The machines use a filament that melts into a malleable putty which is then "printed" in layers and cooled. The layers stack and create a 3 Dimensional product. While learning to use the machines, we created 3D models using www.tinkercad.com and printed them as a class. The assignment was to design a small name tag that was functional and practical. The name tag had to be equal to or less than 1 in x 2.5 in x 1/2 in, and it had to include an easily identifiable name or nickname.

I chose to include my name tag because I loved doing this assignment. 3D design is an amazing innovation and I am fortunate enough to be able to do it at Drew. The class enjoyed doing the assignment, as well. I was chosen as a designated printer and was able to operate the machines. I have made my own designs, as well. I feel like the artistic design and use of technology reflects my interests and hobbies.

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