April 5th 2015, Entry #1
Today I formulated my idea and discovered what I’m going to do for my 2013-2014 Harmony PBL experiment. With help from the project database I was able to find something that is appealing to me. The idea seems like it will capture my attention long enough to complete the project over the year, so I’m excited.
I chose to do a project titled: “PBL Balloon Race”, a simple project that incorporates the foundations of chemistry - chemical reactions and reactions that yield gasses. Although this may seem like a simple project, I plan on learning about the history of chemical reactions, how they were developed, and why they’re one of the most important concepts in modern chemistry.
April 6th 2015, Entry #2
During the chemistry class period and F.L.E.X. period today I was able to create my blank Google site and begin adding some basic content to personalize it. I’ll soon being to start looking for previous research concerning my project such as topics in the fields of basic chemistry and chemical reactions. I don’t plan on using sources that aren’t found reliable, as we learned in English class that they may harm our new Chromebooks that were graciously given to us by Harmony Schools.
During my search for solid background information I’ll be using Google to learn about the history of chemical reactions and foundations of chemistry. Since it’s still early in the year we’re still learning about the fundamentals of chemistry in the class, which is a good thing because I don’t know much about the subject.
I’ve been using the Google Research tool and Google Scholar to find reliable sources concerning chemical reactions and reactions that yield gasses.
April 7th 2015, Entry #3
I’ve been looking for help from my fellow peers and teachers to point me in the right direction so I can complete my project in a reasonable amount of time, and of course, successfully. I’ve had a few people volunteer to offer in helping me do the experiment. My chemistry teacher, Mr. Dursun, has graciously invited me to perform my experiment inside his lab with supervision. Although the experiment isn’t difficult it’s always a good idea to have some form of adult supervision while conducting an experiment requiring the use of chemicals. I should be able to get the experiment done fairly quickly, I’ll just need to gather some basic materials to perform the experiment and then I’ll be most of the way finished!
April 8th 2015, Entry #4
When choosing a proper way to display data for this PBL experiment I went through a series of trials to determine which type of diagram could best display what I was trying to accomplish. Using Microsoft Office and Google Sheets I was able to cycle through several different ways of displaying the data. I chose to add some visual representations to my PBL website as well, something other than statistical data to entice readers. Since I enjoy photography a lot I was able to bring a personal hobby into a school project, which is nice.
Graphs and displays of data help readers and onlookers sort information better, this will help them discover what my PBL project is about faster than reading some text.
April 9th 2015, Entry #5
Concerning project revisions and modifications, I plan on correcting any mistakes my teachers fine as soon as possible, preventing people from getting the wrong idea from my projects is a high priority task for me. Hopefully I can get one of my peers or friends in higher grades (maybe even a teacher if I’m lucky) to look over the work that I type up and submit to see if anything needs to be revised for the better.
As far as the video goes, if the Harmony STEM department rejects or disagrees with any of the content I upload and showcase, I’ll quickly remove and modify it accordingly.
April 10th 2015, Entry #6
This journal entry will be dedicated to information regarding the completion of my experiment, including: details, outcomes, revisions, trials, and the process of setting the environment up accordingly for experimentation.
My procedure is as follows:
1. Label six Erlenmeyer flasks from 1 to 6. Using the graduated cylinder, measure 25 mL acetic acid and to each flask.
2. Label six weighing dishes from 1 to 6. Mass 0.50g, 1.00g 1.50 g, 2.00g, 2.50g, and 3.00g of sodium bicarbonate in each of the labeled weighing dishes.
3. Obtain six balloons and stretch them to allow for easy expansion. Using the funnel, add the sodium bicarbonate from the weighing dishes to each of the balloons.
4. Holding the balloon to one side carefully to avoid dropping the sodium bicarbonate into the acetic acid stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the flask. Repeat the process so that each balloon with the baking soda is placed firmly over each labeled flask.
5. Line up the Erlenmeyer setup from 1 to 6. With the team members working together, raise the balloons.to allow the powder to fall into the acid in the flask at the same time. (Make sure the balloon is firmly fixed to the flask.)
Safety precautions include, but aren’t limited to, Acetic acid is a skin and eye irritant. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a chemical-resistant apron. Review the Material Safety Data Sheets of the chemicals used for additional safety, handling and disposal information
and finally, Materials:
Weighing dish, 6
Graduated cylinder, 25 mL or 50 mL
Erlenmeyer flask, 125 mL, 6
Funnel Powder
Balloons, 6
Spatula
Permanent marker
Sodium bicarbonate, 10.5 g
Acetic acid, 1M, 150 mL
April 11th 2015, Entry #7
Throughout the development, experimentation, recording, and completion of my 2014 PBL project there were many frustrations and difficulties that I had to overcome. One of the major issues was balancing my homework and PBL at the same time. I had to make sure that I could complete the PBL project on time with my homework as well so I could keep my grades up. In the end I learned how to manage my time better and adapt my schedule around meeting different deadlines on time - a skill that’s actually useful in several real world situations.
Another issue that I overcame was using basic concepts of chemistry that were unfamiliar to me at the beginning of the school year to enhance the overall concept and purpose of my project. My teacher was able to help me learn more about the world of chemistry and just how much we actually use it day-to-day in our lives.
April 12th 2015, Entry #8
Performing this PBL experiment with help from teachers and peers at Harmony School of Innovation Fort Worth helped me understand the requirements of developing and completing a detailed complex project with many components. The fact that I was given a task and detailed instructions that were assigned deadlines helped to motivate me to complete the project on time with quality work. In a real world situation, while working for a large company (or on my own), I will need to have the skill and finesse to gather information on my own and put together a final project that is presentable to a company or potential investor.
In terms of my own, personal future goals, this project doesn’t quite relate to what I’d like to pursue in the future, which is photography. However as explained earlier above it has helped me learn how to manage my time wisely and develop a presentable project that could attract potential investors.
April 13th 2015, Entry #9
A lack of hands-on involvement in schools today has become a widespread problem affecting students around the nation. PBL, or Project Based Learning, provides an opportunity for students to have hands on involvement on projects that is normally not available to students around the nation. PBL helps students apply the things they learn to real life scenarios and teach what they’ve learned as a result. Even though PBL is not as in depth as a science fair project, the benefits that come with it are numerous. Students can do cool, interesting, projects that don’t require a lot of time dedication. PBL is a fun incentive for students to learn, and allows students to express the knowledge they’ve learned with the rest of the world. If PBL becomes commonplace in the future, students will finally have the ability to do hands-on projects with the knowledge they’ve learned.