Task

For this project, our main objective was to design and build a model that mimics the function of the aortic valve in a human heart. Throughout this process, we tested different materials to use, made sketches of parts of the cardiovascular system, researched the function of the heart, and applied Young's Modulus to our data and conclusions.

Important Concepts

• force: the push or pull on an object with mass causes it to change its motion

• elasticity: ability of an object to resist a distorting influence and return to its initial state when that force is removed

• stress: the force acting on the unit area of a material

• strain: the deformation of a material from stress

• Young's Modulus: the property of a material that exemplifies the ratio between stress and strain

• aortic valve: one of the four valves that control blood flow in the human heart; separates the left ventricle and the aorta

• cross section: a surface or shape that is exposed by making a straight cut through something, particularly at right angles to an axis

• cardiovascular system: part of the blood circulatory system that is a system of organs and includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood circulated throughout the entire body

• left ventricle: one of the four chambers of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood

• right ventricle: one of the four chambers of the heart that pumps blood low in oxygen to the lungs

• pulmonary valve: one of the four valves of the heart that control blood flow in the heart; between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery

Reflection:

Throughout the course of this project, I felt that I was able to show some areas of strength. The dynamic of our group work ethic was strong, which reflected good Collaboration. I was able to pull my own weight and contribute to the success of the team. When the assignments started piling up, we, as a group, were able to divide up the work and complete different parts of the report, maintaining efficiency and allowing us to complete everything with quality. I took responsibility for myself when I was slacking off by holding myself accountable and getting back on track to working on the project. I was focused on building the heart valve, and I came to my group with questions and for their input. This work ethic resulted in a successful aortic valve model because we still understood the material of the unit. I also excelled as a Communicator. When a part of the report that someone else was working on looked incomplete, I respectfully asked that person if they needed help or could keep working on it. I encouraged my group members to do their part and asked them questions when I needed help as well. We were constantly communicating about our progress and what else needed to be done. This also added to the efficiency of our work ethic and gave each of us a better understanding of the concepts that we were learning.

Although this project was a success, there were some areas that I could work on in the future that could make projects better. As a Conscientious Learner, you're supposed to manage your time effectively. I failed to manage my time because I ended up doing a majority of my work last minute. I turned in a couple assignments late this unit when I could have been using time in class more productively. In the future, I want to strive to manage my time better by setting a goal for myself before the start of class. This would ensure that I have a plan for myself and allow me to know what I need to get done. I also could work on my Cultural Competency. There were times when I was stressed because of my lack of time management. Me being stressed out didn't benefit the group and prevented me from being productive. Next time, I want to check in with the progress that we've made because it's important to recognize our successes as a group. These minor goals can contribute to an even more successful work ethic.