ELA Component

For my ELA component, I will be completing a journal. In this journal, I will record all my work and my experience throughout this PBL process. I would like to create a journal, because I feel as if it is an efficient way to gather all my information regarding this project.

I plan on completing about seventy pages of journal work. I also would like to include graphics, such as charts, images, and visually entertaining formats. Personally, I will feel more comfortable writing my journal, for it allows me to understand the purpose of my duty and what I could do to improve it.

I look forward to the beginning of my PBL experience, and I would like to share that with many others in a simple yet comprehensible way; a journal is the perfect solution.

Journal Entry #1 - 12/2/13

I am conducting an experiment related to the heart for this year's PBL. So far, I have gathered information about the general functions of the heart. The heart is a major organ in our body, and it plays a huge roll in the circulatory system. The heart continuously pumps blood throughout the body through blood vessels, veins, and arteries. The heart has four chambers - the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle. It is protected by the rib cage.

Journal Entry #2 - 12/12/13

Today, I received my PBL project package. It contains a bag of red balloons, clamps, rubber bands, red food coloring, clear plastic tubing, and electrical tape. I will have to create a model of the heart using these materials. I have until next Thursday to complete my project. I must take photos and videos of the materials I use in this project, as well as the procedure.

Journal Entry #3 - 12/16/13

Today, I decided to do some more research on the functions of the heart and how it effects other aspects of our body. Without the timely movelement of blood throughout our bodies, our bodies would not have enough energy to complete any type of activity. Without proper blood flow, humans would die.

I have planned to start my PBL project on Wednesday.

Journal Entry #4 - 12/18/13

I recently watched a video on YouTube related to the heart. In the video, a heart transplant was being performed. Watching this video amazed me, and I better understood how the heart works. The image of the heart beating astonished me and made me want to learn more.

Heart Transplant Video

I am currently working on my PBL project. So far, I have constructed the four heart chambers and the chamber passageways that connect them. The next step is to add the red food coloring to the heart model. I will then have to blow into the tubing to stimulate a beating motion.