Entry #1 (8/18/16)
Our Physics teacher has notified us that we must choose a PBL project. He gave us a week to think about it, and then we had to email him what project we decided to go with. Eloisa and I decided to be partners for the project. We are both on a budget, so we had to think of a project that would not break the bank. Initially, I had proposed that we choose double ball bounce. It was quick, easy, and the supplies were cheap. However, we decided to go with the "three dimensional" hologram projector. It will definitely be more of a challenge, but hopefully the end result will be worth it. We sent an email notifying our teacher of our decision. We also created a google site for our project and sent him the link.
Entry #2 (9/8/16)
We had to create a new page on our website. The page was to be labeled "What is STEM SOS?". We then had to write three different paragraphs. These paragraphs had to answer various questions about STEM SOS. We then had to insert a picture onto that same page. Finally, we added links to that page. These links had to be labeled correctly and they needed to go to a new tab when opened. Eloisa and I split up the work in order to get it done efficiently. Luckily, we received a good grade, and we are ready to move on to our next task.
Entry #3 (9/15/16)
Earlier this week we went over who did the last task and who did not. We do this every week in class. Hopefully Eloisa and I will always have ours done. We also received our next task. We did the next two steps of task 3. First, we inserted YouTube videos onto our page. We also copied the information about the STEM SOS model provided. Next week, we will be finishing up task 3.
Entry #4 (9/22/16)
The last portion of task 3 was a bit difficult for me to figure out. We had to insert a picture onto our page. The picture we had to choose was the STEM SOS logo. That part was obviously pretty easy. The part I was having trouble with was inserting a link onto the picture. This was so that when someone clicked on it the STEM SOS site would pop up in a new tab. I had to re-read the directions several times, but eventually i figured it out. After that, I had to insert social media logos. I then had to insert links onto these logos so that they would redirect the viewer to the STEM SOS social media sites. This was much easier since I already figured out how to do this from inserting the link onto the STEM logo.
Entry #5 (9/27/16)
This week we actually have to start working on the project itself. We now have to start working on a new page. This page is to be titled "My PBL Project". We have the do the entire task this week. Eloisa did the writing portion of this task. This includes the introduction, materials, and title. I have to attempt to make the actual pyramid that will be "projecting" the three dimensional holograms. I also must get a few supplies, such as transparent paper or several CD cases.
Entry #6 (9/29/16)
Who would have known making a small pyramid out of paper would have been one of the most difficult, RAGE INDUCING experiences of my ENTIRE life? Getting all of my supplies together and watching various YouTube videos gave me the impression that this would be a rather simple task. I was most definitely wrong. It takes a steady hand (I am extremely shaky) and patience (which I severely lack). My mom tried to help me. After hours of hard work and dedication, we came up with a subpar flimsy little pyramid that barely works, but it does. At least it can do something. I am certain we will have to re-do it, but at least I have something to turn in tomorrow.
Entry #7 (10/6/16)
We have been notified that we must eventually make a new pyramid, at twice the size as the last one. I would be upset but in all honesty I was expecting that response. Anyways, this weeks task is fairly easy. We only have to make two paragraphs about our project. The first is the science behind it. The next is explaining how it helps society. We typed these and got them done pretty quickly. This was nice after the several hour long nightmare of trying to make the pyramid last week.
Entry #8 (10/13/16)
For this weeks task, we made four different questions concerning our project. Eloisa and I split up the work. We did two questions each. It took me a moment to think of questions, but I thought of them eventually. My first question was asking what gave the illusion of a three dimensional appearing inside of the pyramid. The next question I wrote was asking why holograms were useful. I then answered the questions as best I could. We finally get a week break so next week I'll be relaxing and probably not thinking about physics.
Entry #9 (10/19/16)
This week is break and I have only really played video games. I have eaten a lot and had a really messed up sleep schedule. We did receive our task for next week though. We have to do two really long assignments. The first has to be an English component. This has to be the Monday after we get back from break. The Social Studies component is due later and has a smaller word requirement. Eloisa and I decided to do one each. I chose the ELA component. I'll start next week because this week I'm going to just relax.
Entry #10 (10/27/16)
I'm finally getting started on the ELA component. I have been torn between writing the narrative essay or the journal. As you can tell, I have decided to write the journal entries. I actually somewhat enjoyed doing the assignment. It's interesting to reevaluate all that we have done in just one quarter. Eloisa and I still have to re-make our pyramid. Our physics teacher said that this quarter the tasks will become even more difficult. After seeing all that we have accomplished I know that we will continue to complete whatever task is given.