3D Design & Animation Blog - Fall 2024

Reflection Essay Checklist

Introduction

• I have clearly stated the project, skill, or design I focused on. (e.g., "Modeling a Lamborghini in Maya").

• I have briefly mentioned why I chose this project or skill and its relevance to my interests or goals. (e.g., "I’ve always been passionate about car design, and this project allowed me to explore that interest through 3D modeling").

• I have explained why this project or skill is important to me on a personal level. (e.g., "Learning this skill brings me closer to my dream of exploring car design as a career").

• I have mentioned a main insight or initial lesson that I have learned from the project.  (e.g., "This project taught me that mastering even a single detail, like the curve of a fender, requires patience and precision").

Body

• I have  organized body paragraphs by specific aspects of the project. For example challenges, skills learned, and personal insights (e.g., one paragraph on learning new software techniques, another on overcoming challenges).

• I have described what I did in each part of the project, giving enough detail to help the reader understand the process. (e.g., "To create the front fender, I had to carefully adjust vertices and edges to capture the car's unique curves").

• I have mentioned specific tools, software, or methods I have used, and explain why they were important. (e.g., "I used Maya’s mirroring tool to ensure symmetry, but had to fine-tune vertices to get a seamless look").

Conclusion

• I have briefly summarized the main skills or insights I have gained from the project. (e.g., "This project taught me not only the technical aspects of 3D modeling but also the importance of patience and attention to detail").

• I have mentioned how working on this project contributed to my personal or academic development. (e.g., "Completing this project has given me more confidence to tackle complex design tasks").

• I have concluded with a final thought or reflection on the overall impact of the project. (e.g., "Looking back, this project was a stepping stone in discovering how much work goes into creating designs that not only look good but feel real").

Overall

• I have taken a break and then revised my reflection.

• I have checked for clarity, coherence, and logical flow between paragraphs.

• I have  corrected any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

• I have posted this reflection in my project journal.

Write a reflection which must include BLUE questions and could address any of the following questions.   Add date and put it under the project goal or associated mini goal.

1. Project Progress and Milestones

• What progress have I made toward the project goals so far?

• What major milestones or achievements have I reached?

• Are there any areas where I’m ahead of or behind schedule?

2. Challenges and Problem-Solving

• What challenges or obstacles have I encountered, and how have I approached solving them?

• Are there recurring issues or setbacks that I need to address differently?

3. Skills and Knowledge Gained

• What new skills or knowledge have I acquired through this project?

• How has my understanding of design or my specific project topic evolved?

4. Time Management and Productivity

• How effectively am I managing my time and resources?

• Are there specific tasks or aspects of the project that I am spending too much or too little time on?

6. Creative and Critical Thinking

• How have I demonstrated creativity in solving problems or generating ideas?

• How am I thinking critically about my work, evaluating my designs, or considering alternatives?

7. Next Steps and Goals

• What are my primary goals for the next phase of the project?

• Are there new approaches or adjustments I should try to improve my project’s progress?

8. Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

• What has been the most rewarding part of this project so far?

• How has working on this project impacted my confidence or interest in design?

Reflection Essay Guidance

1. Understand the Purpose and Audience

• Know why you're writing this reflection. Is it for personal growth, academic assessment, or to express your insights? Tailor your tone and content accordingly.

2. Brainstorm and Outline

• Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts, emotions, and initial reactions. Ask yourself:

  • What happened?

  • Why was it important or impactful?

  • How did it make you feel?

  • What did you learn from it?

• Organize your thoughts into a loose outline. This will typically include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Write the Introduction

• Open with a brief overview of the experience or topic you’re reflecting on.

• Consider including a “hook” to engage the reader, like an intriguing question, a vivid description, or a meaningful quote.

• Conclude the introduction with a thesis statement or main idea that summarizes the essence of your reflection.

4. Develop the Body Paragraphs

• In each paragraph, focus on a specific aspect of your experience or insight.

• Use descriptive language to recreate the experience for the reader and share your personal reactions and feelings.

• Analyze why the experience was meaningful, how it affected you, and what you learned from it.

• Make connections to broader themes or lessons whenever possible.

5. Write the Conclusion

• Summarize the main insights or lessons you’ve discussed.

• Reflect on how the experience has impacted you, your perspectives, or your future actions.

• Leave the reader with a lasting thought, perhaps a question or a call to reflection in their own life.

6. Edit / Revise / Reflect / Refine

• After finishing your first draft, take a break, then return with fresh eyes for revisions.

• Check for clarity, coherence, and flow. Ensure each paragraph logically leads to the next.

• Correct any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

• Make sure the essay accurately represents your experience and insights.

• Ensure that your tone is authentic and that the essay feels personal and reflective.

Following these steps will help you create a well-structured and meaningful reflection essay.

I am sorry I will be out today for a district meeting.  Here is what you need to do . . . 

1st: The goal for today is to FINIISH anything that is MISSING,  look at Power School.  

2nd: Work on your Final 3D Project and show 90 minutes of progress on your project.  

I am totally sorry that I have to miss another class.  I hate that I am not here to show you what to do.   Today you will need to state what your final project focus will be.  Then find at least 4 QUALITY resources to help with your final project.  Make sure you start watching to make sure they are worthy and of quality.  For example if you want to design cars, for tutorials that will help you learn 3d car modeling.   Make sure you choose something that you want to spend the time doing and keep in making sure you do not have to finish the project, you are graded based on documentation and the hours you spend.  Don't choose a simple project thinking it will be easy, I will ask you to start a 2nd project if it is too simple.   Choose something you want to really learn no matter how big or difficult it is.  Have Fun!!! 

Sorry Guys, I have a sub today; he is a great teacher please treat him with respect.  The Drone soccer team is heading to Nationals.   

Please use the time wisely, we do not have many days left of school . . .

Sorry Guys, I have a sub today, please complete the following . . .

Make Sure you Finish the Following for Your Final Project . . .

We focused on IBL and assigning materials . . .

I am sorry but I am out today 10/6.  Today you are to finish ANY  and ALL of your missing assignments and the final render of the lightsaber assignment I assigned to you last class.  Please check to make sure everything is posted and published.   And refer to the example website:  https://sites.google.com/cherrycreekschools.org/digitaldesign/home

I am sorry but I am out today; I have a district meeting.  Today you are to finish any of your missing assignments and the NEW assignment I assigned to you last class: The Lightsaber.