ELA Component

I have chosen to direct my attention towards the Science PBL Project, Balancing Demonstrations. For my ELA connection i have chosen to complete a journal. I will present this journal through the ELA Component on my website.

Journal Entry 1: I have read through my Project Directions Worksheet. I am now beginning to gather materials that I need in order to perform my science project. Going over some of these materials, I soon realize that I possess most of them already. Its a good feeling knowing that I don't have to spend an "arm and a leg," as the saying goes, just to perform my demonstrations. Also, another plus is that most of these seem easy enough to do. I now feel excited to begin my project because I'm anticipating a positive outcome. I can't wait to start.

Journal Entry 2 : I am now researching some of the projects that are listed, and as I begin to watch examples online, given by everyday people, I am amazed by how many share the same interest in science. Its surprising to me how many videos are posted in which are about science. So many people are fascinated, about what the different experiments and projects can do. As I watch examples that are being given, I can see how it looks so simple, although that's never the case. For me, usually the easier it looks, the harder it actually is. Replaying the video over and over again doesn't seem to be revealing any hidden methods, so hopefully it is as easy as it looks. There is only one way to find out, and that's to try it out for myself.

Journal Entry 3 : Today, I have successfully managed to obtain all of the materials that I will need for my project. Taking a look at all of these objects, I wouldn't think that they were going to be used as balancing materials. Thankfully, I didn't have to spend any money on these items. Although the stick was a bit more tricky to find, the rest were just a matter of digging through drawers. For example, the ribbon that you see, was hidden under old arts and crafts materials that we never use. Also the stuffed animal, was in an old bag of toys from when I was a little kid. So really anyone can do this, at home as a project, or even just for entertainment.

Journal Entry 4 : I've gotten more than enough practice in my dreams on how to perform my project, so now that I'm mentally prepared, its time to begin my attempt in carrying out my demonstrations. After several attempts, the first balancing demonstration, (Balancing a Hammer) proved to be successful! This project was certainly difficult. I found myself continuously dropping the hammer or the cord. I had to refer back to images or instructional videos various times. The feeling I had when I finally got it right was a sense of accomplishment. It had balanced and I had made it do so.

Journal Entry 5 : Now that I have built a little confidence in myself, knowing that these demonstrations truly can be done, I move on to the next one. My (Balancing a toy) demonstration took some patience, and when I say patience, I mean PATIENCE. Although, after taking a few breathers, I managed to execute my plan perfectly. At first, the toy kept sliding off of the pole, as it was unbalanced. So, I attached the stick to the ends of its hands and placed the toy on the pole, keeping it in place. As the toy continued to slide to both directions, I would maneuver the stick in a favorable position, in order to keep the toy balanced. This resulted in the stuffed animal staying balanced in an upright position.

Journal Entry 6 : Beginning my (Coin Balancing) demonstration, I'm coming in with a hesitant mindset. I'm not so sure how many attempts this will take...better bust out the snacks. Well, once again, success! This one was a quite bit more tricky, but after turning off all the fans in the house and holding my breath for a few seconds, gravity was on my side. I wasn't sure how I was going to get something so much heavier than the bill, to lay on top of it. It was a lot of moving the coin back and forth to the right place. In the end it remained balanced and a sigh of relief was released.

Journal Entry 7 : Well, it seems to me that the worst has passed. Today, I will begin my (Soda Can Balancing) demonstration. The best part about this one is that its a great excuse to get my mom to buy me a soda ;). Thankfully, this demonstration was by far the easiest and oddly enough, one of the more entertaining ones for me to do. The soda can, with just a slight amount of water inside, stayed balanced on a corner of the aluminum can. Even though it would tilt a bit more than it was supposed to, giving the impression that it was going to fall over, it remained just right on one corner. This demonstration excited me the most.

Journal Entry 8 : Now, the moment you have all been waiting for, the final balancing demonstration. Presenting, the one, the only, (Bird Balance) demonstration! This demonstration really in a sense kicked the laws of gravity to the curb and showed off, by distributing all of its weight towards the beak of the bird. It then focused the pressure onwards to one end. This allowed the body of the bird to lay freely while remaining balanced. When I went to get the bird from my teacher, he seemed enthusiastic about what the toy was capable of as well. This object sure drew attention as I carried it out of the classroom on the tip of my finger.

Journal Entry 9 : I really enjoyed these demonstrations. Each one had a different challenge that I had to overcome. Although at times it may sound or look simple, you never really know until you try it for yourself. The projects worked with a few attempts, but I know I can do better and get it on my first try. So, I kept practicing and eventually was able to do it without all of the constant frustration. This was definitely a fun way of learning something new that as well entertained. Time well spent.

Journal Entry 10 : To conclude my journal entries, I would just like to express my gratitude to all those who took time to read my inputs. I truly had a blast doing these demonstrations and extremely encourage anyone to try them out for yourselves, to see what results you may end up with. Science widens your perspective on how you see the world around you. Balance is just one of the many examples. When you think about it, balance can be found anywhere, from a lamp up on a shelf, to an up-hair-do above ones head. I tried it out and accomplished it, something I would have never imagined possible if I didn't try it out for myself. So don't be afraid to take that balanced step towards a greater knowledge of the unknown.