Redesigning in Englewood

For my class called Urban Planning, we were put to the test of redesigning a space that we thought we could make better. During these weeks, in our study, we learned a lot about ways to help to contribute to a better city and impact the world with our designs. We had two Fe's which we had guests come on google meets and give us insight from their point of view. One was from a tour of the Chicago Worlds Fair and the other was from a chemical engineer if I remember correctly. During our third unit, we watched many TED talks and have watched videos from the past and revisit to see if things have changed today. For this Ap, we had to choose a space that we could potentially redesign. I choose a location in Englewood at 6126 s Claremont Ave that has been unused for years now. Here's my redesign below.

JL 2020

JL 2020

3D Scale model

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e8SmEKbEtA-3VVqLYnOrR3SQc95WhZrt/view?ts=5ed6a950

Total Area= Aproxamitely- 70,700ft^2 and I got this by multiplying the length(200) times width(353.5)

The volume of at least two of my 3D structures=

Silo- The shape of this object is a cylinder and its volume is 785.4^3 ft I got this by following this equation. V=π r^2 h, here's it plugged into the equation π · 5 ^2·10

Center- Included a rectangular prism and a pyramid on top. The rectangular prism was made with 6 panels all across. Here's the equation that I used W.L.H and = 216 cubic ft. For the pyramid, I used a width of 4 a length of 8 and a height of 6. V=L.W.H/3 so that's 8*4*6/ 3 which gave me 64 cubic square ft     

A relevant quote from a local neighbor

“That place could turn into a market of stores or a grocery store. Better yet a
community center because that is what these kids need. Also, it could be a garden that teaches youth how to cultivate the area.”

Peter Calthorpe’s 3

• Persevere- The garden I added to my new urban space is an example of a persevering nature in places that need it the most. Not only is it good for the environment it’s good for people’s health and well being as sometimes nature is difficult to find in a big city.
• Bike- A component that I added around the open lot was a bike trail that expanded into a circle. This is important because it allows residents the option of either walking or bringing their bikes and riding them, rather than driving a car down the street. This reduces some carbon emissions while also getting a little exercise.
• Mix- I designed a scale model of a community center that could host people of all ages. This was the biggest thought for me because I saw an opportunity would arise if youth could interact with elders and young adults. Also since this community is predominantly black it would diverse the area and bring different faces together.

2 Spaces that inspired my design

These images below are 2 spaces that caught my eye and they’re both in Chicago. The first image is an overhead of Ping Tom park located in Chinatown. The Last two are images of Grant park skate park before it was made and after. Ping Tom park has a community when you go to the park and makes it walkable to access nature for people. There is also bike paths along the park and it’s located right next to urban living areas. From this location, I learned that a little thing goes a long way in creating a community park.

The Grant Park picture was chosen from May 2011 and July 2019. In the photo, you can see an open grass field and a couple of trees nearby. Fast forward 8 years you have a huge expansion of sidewalks, bike trails and nature brought in the heart of downtown. Not only was this a plus for bikers but it allowed local skaters a place to shred since the making of the skatepark. From this space, again learned that community is factored into creating longlasting worth caring about places.

(4) Google Map Images 

Problems encountered along the way 

I had one problem along my way and it was what to do with the space that would make it meaningful for everybody. Then I started to think about what do people need and what do people want and I tried to balance the inputs I was given. The solution was to make the idea simple. I used half of the space for a community center, a third for a garden, and another half for the redesigned buildings.

Purpose

• Community Center- Bring in a mix of ages and diverse the community and surrounding area.
• Garden- Provide nature in an urban area that needs to preserve the little it has.
• Building space- Reovationg the buildings can create an economic impact on the area by adding things such as green roofs and solar panels cost are reduced.
• Bike trail- Provides something for all to be free and able to walk or ride around as freely.
• More trash cans- Adding more trash cans helps reduce waste that lands near people's homes and helps hold people accountable who litter.

2 SDG11 targets
11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

This SDG target connects go protecting natural heritage to my garden created on my map in Fortnite.

I would say gardening has been important to African people for centuries and isn't taught as much as today. This is that we mostly rely on a market or food company to supply our food. But this local garden will not only make food to table it will help teach younger generations about the past.

11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities

SDG target 11.7 connects to my idea of a community garden and allows an easy accessible way to a green public space that is made for all people. This goal can be met if locals start demanding more parks and green spaces in their areas.

Overall this was my last action project and I thought it was made well. I wanted to do more but time wasn't on my side. I got to incorporate things I learned from this course into my redesigned space. I don't really have much to say but I enjoyed this project. Hopefully, I can use what I learned from my Policy course to talk to my Alderman and make it happen.

Cited source

Fortnite Map Created by J.L

Google Maps Images (4)

SDG11 Targets (2)

Seaons Clock

For my final AP in my STEAM class, Light, Sound, and Time we looked into many concepts such as sundials, sextants, longitude, and latitude and ancestors of time devices. We also were challenged to read a book called Einstein’s Dreams and presented to our class some basic and complex ideas about time discussed in the chapter. We dove into learning about different time zones and time paradoxes in space-time too. But for this final assignment, we were tasked to do research on a couple of time-telling devices, then after finding some to try and take inspiration from it and make your own. During this last unit of the course, my peers visited the Adler Planetarium and we also planned to host guests form a University to help us gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Personally, I found this course fun and challenging at the same time I have taken in a lot of information and it will definitely help me in impacting my future. Below is my presentation, enjoy.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17KPAbfh6Np9SqwWKJuCHmHYfJmhUxzBx/view

J.L- (2020)

In conclusion, I really liked the project. It was great to get in this creative mindset and make something that hasn't been made. The drawback that I take from this is the amount of time I had to complete it. If I had more time it would be more clear and thorough. Also, I would have loved to create a prototype.

To Wear Or Not To Wear

For our second Action Project in A Nations Argument course, we were tasked to focus on our school’s Code of Conduct. Were challenged to pick a rule that we thought was unjust and create an argument about it. We also had to try and plot concepts we learned, while looking for contradictions and fallacies. The purpose of this project is to reinstate rules to make our school’s goals for the future stronger. During this class, I learned about syllogisms, premises, and conclusions and also the art of argument. I also learned that by being more straightforward with inductive premises your arguments can be sound and you can win more. Over the course, we visited a couple of court cases and tomorrow we will be welcoming a public defender and a state's attorney. This will definitely be a cool experience. We will ask questions and gain as much knowledge as possible about laws, arguments and unconstitutional topics. Below is my amendment, hope you enjoy it.

Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 13 Dec. 2015,

Above is a picture of a seventh-grade boy who was banned from wearing his Star Wars shirt to school because it has a gun on it. I'm arguing that he should be able to wear the shirt because it's his right to express himself and also guns aren't bad. People who use them decided to do unjust things with them giving a not so good look.

GCE Dress Code

GCE Lab School staff and students strive to create a community that does not judge people based on their dress or fashion, but which values individuality. Students are encouraged to dress in a manner which reflects their individuality and self-expression. At the same time, clothing reflects the educational environment and therefore should not be offensive, provocative, or disruptive to instruction. All students are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly and modestly in clothes that are appropriate for an academic environment. “Inappropriate” includes clothing that is designed to be erotic or suggestive of violence, clothing that reveals underwear or excessive flesh.

This rule is unjust because it doesn’t fully allow self-expression the way students need and want. This is a need because humans have a tendency to reflect on mood. We are social creatures, well most of us are. This isn't just me saying this it's scientifically proven. Mood boost increases the change that you may be wanting to reflect in your school or institution. When you're feeling upset or bad about yourself, your clothes have the power to boost your mood and change your attitude. Clothes actually tell a story about your character and by not allowing representation of yourself it hurts your mood and vibe.

This can lead to depression and harm to yourself or others.

I understand that school is a place to learn but when restricting someone’s freedoms of expression it can be drastic to one’s self and personality. Students should be allowed to wear what they please as long as it’s not too much skin or something you wouldn’t put on in front of your parents. School board, Perspectives students and donors contribute to this fine school and by allowing a student to just dress anyway can ruin the reputation of GCE. I understand that.

Syllogism
P1- Students should be able to wear clothes they want
P2- Clothes are cool and great when showing others
Conclusion: Let’s allow us, teenagers, to decide what we should wear.

My new amendment will change the original one by allowing students to have more freedom of expression when wearing clothes. This includes guns, drugs, and nudity. My amendment will conclude that on days where there might be guests or FEs students are absolutely required to dress in a unique professional fashion. Other than that individual choice should be an option for students.

Syllogism with a further investigation into why my amendment is possible.

P1- Students should be able to wear clothes they want
P2- Clothes allow individuality
P3- Attire preserves one’s self-expression
P4- Clothes depicts your identity
P5- Adding rules under circumstances of dress code differs passion for what a person might be proud or ambitious about 

Conclusion: Students shouldn't have restrictions on any fashion or trend at school unless it goes against GCEs visions. 

Clothes are the needles that thread creativity for future generations and now. By shedding light on the adolescent’s perspective it can be beneficial to the goals of the school and the individual. By allowing people to wear what they please increases the chance for people to open up and be a part of a bigger cause and school community. A lot of people don’t feel comfortable as the next person may feel, it’s all about coming to an understatement. Even if that understanding is to disagree.

Because of my new proposed amendment life here at G.C.E will be more vibrant and social. People’s clothes will spark conversations for our Soapboxes and regular days. Views of whatever gender will be expressed even if others may disagree. Even if you wanted to support the Presidential Election and you happen to wear a MAGA hat it wouldn’t be banned or scorned upon. Somethings are offensive I get, but little things will only make us grow stronger together if we start that dialogue. My amendment sets the bar for self-love and joy. Clothes do a lot, they tell a story and represent you. The “real you”.

The Constitutional amendment relates to my amendment because it represents freedom of speech and this means you have the right to express yourself through, religion assembly and petition. Freedom of speech also comes with the right to express one’s opinions without the fear of censorship or restraint.

This U.S. amendment supports my amendment because it contradicts what our student handbook says. It states that GCE does not judge people based on their dress or fashion, but which values individuality. Students are encouraged to dress in a manner which reflects their individuality and self-expression. Then later goes on to say, “clothes that are appropriate for an academic environment” and list things that are inappropriate. So how can we decipher what’s appropriate and what’s not so students can decide for themselves. My amendment demonstrates true citizenship by allowing people to thrive and create a prosperous community in whatever way they may desire. Without censorship.

Quote from my peer that supports my argument and its impact

Quote: “Clothes can affect the school positively by encouraging different styles and trends, also students should wear what they wanna wear.”

Speaker: N.L

                               3/12/20 

Three cases that have gone against people's first amendment right. These are cases that are unconstitutional and unjust for students at school or in any formal institution.

1. Seventh-grader wearing Star Wars t-shirt is told by school administrators that it is BANNED 'because it has a gun on it'

Dailymail.com, Myriah Towner For. “Texas Student Banned from Wearing Star Wars t-Shirt 'Because It Has a Gun on It'.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 13 Dec. 2015, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3358570/Texas-seventh-grader-banned-wearing-Star-Wars-t-shirt-gun-it.html.

2. Student sues Wis. high school over dress code that bars him from wearing a shirt with a gun image
Wjrt. “Student Sues Wis. High School over Dress Code That Bars Him from Wearing Shirt with Gun Image.” ABC12, www.abc12.com/content/news/Student-sues-Wis-high-school-over-dress-code-that-bars-him-from-wearing-shirt-with-gun-image-568121681.html.

3. California school changes policy after banning shirt with gay message
“California School Changes Policy after Banning Shirt with Gay Message.” Al Jazeera America, america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/17/california-school-to-change-policy-after-banning-gay-t-shirt.html.

JJ's Diddley Bow

During our STEAM course Light, Sound and TIme, we went over sound as our seconded unit of the course and focused on how humans perceived sound and how other animals do also. We researched ear structures and learn about the anatomy of the ear. Learning about the ear helped me understand more as to why I can’t hear certain sounds that my dog maybe can. Over time in our investigation, we lent toward music and different frequencies of the pitch.

Recently for a Field Experience, our teacher’s close friend performed a sound bath for us. A sound bath is a meditative experience where sound waves are produced by various instruments and human voices. This was really unique and when she moved around the room with the gong I could hear the Doppler effect taken place. As we dug heavily into our calculations and equations we were given the task to create a diddley bow. A diddley bow is a single-stringed guitar-like instrument. Yet its played with a piece of steel or a glass bottle to give a bluesy type sound. Heres my diddley bow below hope you enjoy.

Sketch(2020)

J.L Diddley Bow (2020)

J.L Diddley Bow (2020)

Harmonics on the fretboard

J.L Diddley Bow (2020)

Heres a video I recorded of yourself playing my DiddleyBow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-naqOFH7omM

My diddley bow makes sound by the string that I have screwed into the wood. The string I have on my bow is the g string, its vibration rings throughout the air creating a frequency that goes through my soundhole and is amplified so I can hear. The bridge and nut create tension and support on my device. I also added a thick rubber band to help create more tension.

Important Terms

Key scientific principles such as sound waves, wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.
Sound Waves- A wave of compression that goes through the air.
Wavelength - The distance between successive crests of a wave
Frequency- The rate at which something is repeated over a particular period of time
Amplitude- The maximum peak of raise the volume

My first 4 harmonics and their approximate wavelength and frequency/pitch

Waves and Frequency Calculations (2020)

1st harmonic frequency- 84.2

1st harmonic wavelength- 4.073

2nd harmonic frequency - 168.4

2nd harmonic wavelength- 2.036

3rd harmonic frequency- 6.108

3rd harmonic wavelength- 0.017

4th harmonic frequency- 0.051

4 harmonic wavelength- 0.207

My data on the string gauge
String thickness- 0.18/1000th in
Sting Length- 24/1000th in

JL-2020

JL-2020

Calculations
Height of small piece of wood- 3in
Height of can hole- 2in
Distance from the battery to can- 26in
The hypotenuse of (the vibrating string)- 26.02in
Trapezoid Area- 65in
Upper Angle- 87.797in
Lower Angle- 92.202in
Cylinder Radius- 2in
Cylinder Height- 4.5in
Cylinder Volume- 56.22 inch

In conclusion, this project was very fun. I got to understand the basis of sound principles and create something that is unique. I learned a little more about guitars, and the process of creating it was extraordinary. I would love to do it again. Hopefully making it electric this time. Thanks for visiting my blog.

What Can Art Do?

For my course Rhetoric, I was challenged with the task to use art to express an issue.

This course has gone on for about 1 month and we looked at a few examples of how powerful art came to influence people. Going back in time colonists in the 13 colonies used images of all sorts to bring others together to revolt against Great Britain. They were successful in conveying a message to give people to interpret in there own ways. This plays a role in our world today a lot in protest against certain agendas. During one of our FEs, we actually visited a monument made of clay for Dr. MLK showing how segregation was a problem but some didn’t wanna face it. The course was made basically to get what you want no matter bad or good. The outcome is what we focus on. So without further ado, I present my art piece.

J.L 2019

Artist Statement
My name J.L, and in this art piece I decided to make this on an experience that affected me. So I picked racial profiling. I chose this topic because it's something that happens to me and family members often by police officers. In the artwork, I decided to go simple so I can better explain it. The scenery takes place on the south side of Chicago at sunset. There’s a foreground of apartments, small businesses, and liquor stores. The main focus is a police car racing down a one-way street were two black kids happen to be crossing while passing a ball. This is conveying how the system is nonfunctional and why it needs to change. I also added a caption on the side of the car saying, "see them". Mostly because that's their reaction seeing a black male. Then in my imagination by portraying a revolt against the police I adding a monster truck to run over the police car. This in my mind demonstrates a strike back against it. I wanted to show something.

I believe that by looking at this people will shake their heads for a sec like dang this still going on. People that are black should care the most because this is a tactic used to keep us down and under self-conscious mind control. The power over my image reflects sadness, rage, and anger. Racially profiling has always been a problem though it occurs every day, in cities and towns across the country, when law enforcement and private security target people of color for humiliating and often frightening detentions, interrogations, and searches without evidence of criminal activity and based on perceived race. This is not only affecting blacks but many other minority groups as well. Most of the time in stop and search about 85 percent of the time people don’t have anything. Could you imagine, just to be stopped searched and harassed based on an assumption that society makes of your ethnic group? Crazy right. I myself have been stopped and searched 12 times this entire year. It takes a toll on me mentally and sometimes I don't even go outside to prevent any altercations.

For my art piece, I chose to draw on a big thick piece of a poster so I could color and express myself the way I felt best. Most of my materials included a drawing pencil, markers, and color pencils. This piece was rushed, I didn't take my time to add details. Art takes time to develop it’s a process that I have to learn to be more patient. My message is getting across by displaying younger kids and stepping into their shoes for a moment in time feeling that uncertainty of what's gonna happen next. I mostly tried to portray emotions in this by adding children because they are so fragile and innocent. Ethos was on the top of my list Logos came in next by showing how racial profiling should stop because it is wrong. My artwork for this project would be effective if it was posted around Chicago near schools and police stations. I feel like the more eyes and attention on a particular subject the more things get done. Also if the youth can see something that impacts everyone they will do things to make a change because they are the future.

Cited Sources

Natarajan, R. (2019, March 1). Racial profiling has destroyed public trust in police. Cops are exploiting our weak laws against it. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/12/15/racial-profiling-has-destroyed-public-trust-in-police-cops-are-exploiting-our-weak-laws-against-it/.

Yan, H. (2018, May 11). This is why everyday racial profiling is so dangerous. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/11/us/everyday-racial-profiling-consequences-trnd/index.html.

Rusty Supreme: Bike Design

Over the course of three weeks in my class Design and Engineering, we have been learning all about bikes and why they are important for people all over the world. We went to two bike shops, Working Bikes, and Earth Rider. There I discovered that in some countries bikes are a necessity and without them, people couldn't survive or make money. This term itself went pretty fast but I was able to obtain some knowledge. We found out that designing a bike is a difficult challenge. We first looked at examples of how to sketch ideas and then catered towards an audience for the bike. Random groups were chosen and we were given a person to design a bike based to fit them. The process was quite a struggle but we got through it. Here's a slideshow below with some further background info.

Persona: A 12-year-old boy from a small town rides his bike to and from school. His commute isn't that
far. The only problems he faces is riding down narrow streets and carrying his bike up and downstairs.
Since he lives in a populated tourist attraction he worries about people doing things to his bike.

Need: For the average rider to and from school. Lightweight but strong going to support rider on a rough surface.

Benefit: Easy access transporting, Less risk of vandalism, easy carrying up and down the stairs, Inward handlebars so he won't bump anybody.

Reason to believe: The process to design the bike took over a month and concluded many trial and error experiments. We did a lot of research and made adjustments based on personal fits

In conclusion, the Rusty Supreme design sparked off the idea that it already looked like a piece of scrap. The process that went into designing the bike was pretty challenging since I was paired with someone who had completely different views. Things that ultimately went well was our brainstorming of ideas and are concentration on what would work and what wouldn't. I feel this project was rushed and we needed a bit more time. From the project, I would take away that communication is important without it you are in trouble.

Hope Is Still Here

“Pinterest Climate Change 2019.” Pinterest.com

For our second unit of Rhetoric here at GCE, we focused on the question, how can we use rhetoric to change the status quo? We had a few guests come in that have challenged or had even altered the status quo as of today. Ugo Okere, 22 year old ran for Alderman and nearly came close to win but fell short in the run. His views matched the people and he was very passionate in his words. Also, Troy LaRaviere, the president of the Chicago Principal's Union came in and discussed his views on how things can change with one person’s action. He was a principal at a Chicago school and saw the impact on the future of society, and he wanted to change the result. He wrote an Op-Ed that made major headlines drastically changing his school’s system. I felt that I didn’t learn as much as I thought it was just things I herd already rephrased differently. Overall hearing others talk about change most definitely change my thought process and make me begin to wonder. What do I want to change?

My Op-Ed
Over many years and recently there has always been this stigma on climate change. Is it real? Oh no, that’s fake something made up by uneducated people. This drastic yet inevitable issue that we are facing is serious and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. The forces of mother nature are showing its power more frequently than usual, from hurricanes off the coast to catastrophic flooding.

You may be wondering why should I listen to this teenager from God knows where. Well, I’m here to tell you that I will most likely have to deal with the consequences that have been caused by major corporations and ordinary people. You reading this, on the other hand, will be of old if not dead. Believe when I say this there might not be a future for this place we call Earth if things continue.

The other day I was reading this article that talked about how doing simple things won’t change the climate. How constantly repeating yourself won’t change anything. This sparked an idea.... umm, it would make a difference if everyone would do something rather than just talk about it. But by making noise on an issue you get a lot of attention which can turn into action.

One person, in particular, Greta Thunberg has literally taken the world by storm. A 16-year-old Swedish teenage environmental activist caused a lot of controversy over her speech at the UN. “ People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!” This quote stood out to the adults there more than the facts of the global temperature rising. Shocking yes indeed.

I feel that as a country we have failed to understand how our actions result in the future. Nasa has recently uploaded an article containing jaw-dropping info.” limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require “rapid and far-reaching” transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities.” Hearing the facts from scientists tells people that it’s ok to do nothing because the task of reversing climate change is near impossible. Although these heavy-hitting heartbreaking words may be somewhat true it’s not too late to try.

In Chicago not too long ago, there was a strike for the climate that brought thousands of young people together just to show some hope. The strike on the other hand probably tripled the amount of Co2 emissions in one day from such a large gathering though. Imagine how my generation may feel, that their future children won’t have a pleasant life because of your actions of today. Picture droughts all over. Picture crops not being able to grow. Picture all the animals that we know and love no longer. Ask yourself do you want that on you?

Ways that we can try and change this is by taking action. It may sound like pie-in-the-sky but try walking to places, cycling, or using public transportation. This can somewhat help decrease carbon emissions. Also, you can reduce your waste and recycle. It makes no sense to disagree with the facts and just rather face them. For every argument there is about this time is being wasted. I believe that if everyone is on board then we can change the future. But only if everyone comes together.

So let’s get on track and save our home today people it’s now or never.

Addendum 

In my Op-Ed, I tried using pathos as my rhetorical appeal. I used pathos because I felt like I needed to reach the audience by making them feel guilty and to think about their children's futures in order to get through to people. I also used Logos by providing facts and Ethos on explaining why they should listen to me.

I used Metaphors, Alterations, Similes.

Impacting Designs For All!

In my Design and Engineering course, we have been learning how to be empathetic towards people with difficulties. Some examples include the elderly, people with disabilities and overall just making something even more effective. In our class, we were put to the task of being paired with a partner and challenged to pick a tool that we could possibly make better. We decided to choose a transfer shovel. It was simple but a cool tool too. Now we decided to make the shovel more comfortable towards people with back problems and also more natural at the same time. Brainstorming this design was pretty easy we just had to put ourselves in other people's shoes. Below is our design, enjoy!

 
Our research process for this project came from thinking outside the box mostly. We also did quite a bit of online research on elderly people and how gardening helps them feel better. It can be a coping mechanism to pass the time so we wanted to bring all those memories back by making a product that suits their needs. A setback that we faced was deciding on the size of the shovel itself. Since everyone is built a different way the tool may not be comfortable to someone really tall or short. So we added an extendable attachment to fit each individual consumer of our product.

Other shovels can't compare to the Transformer Shovel because we took multiple viewpoints and positions to make it. We considered people with disabilities, and also people who are getting to that older stage of life. Our product is safe and also very versatile, its blade can turn 360°. Our design provides extra grip comfort and wrist strap support. This stabilizes the use of the product and makes it even more effective. Our handle is contoured to the user's palm and fits almost perfectly. Also, our product is made out of the lightest and most durable wood, redwood.

The Transformer shovel has a simple machine of a lever. The shovel becomes a lever when you move out of the dirt. The resistance is the dirt on the head of the shovel, the end of the handle is the fulcrum, and the hand near the center is the effort. Also, the shovel is kinda making a seesaw motion as you go up and down.

Overall this project was used to make us think more broadly and engage more than one opinion when it comes to making and designing something. This wasn't a difficult task to complete but was challenging when trying to make something new off the top of our heads in little time. We eventually decided on a prototype and went with it, now I kind of want to make this revolutionary shovel.

Cooking for the Entire School

Define what community means to you: 

A Community to me is an environment of people that all come together to achieve a goal of success. There is lots of care for others and support is offered when need one another.

Explain why it is important to contribute to any community of which you are apart.

It's very important to volunteer every once in a while volunteering increases overall satisfaction and helps you feel good about yourself because you are helping others. It can also help to decrease stress and you get to move around a bit.

Talk about the process of planning and executing the lunch

To plan the lunch my Advisory and I came up with ideas by brainstorming meals that could be prepared within 40 mins. We took turns communicating effectively until we all came to agreements on what we wanted to serve. Before cooking, we prepared stations and washed our hands then got down to business.

Why we should encourage others to participate in their own communities 

We should encourage others to participate in their own communities because one small action contributed by one person can make the world a happier place. Its good to help others because we all need help and its a courteous gesture to do so. Kids in the community should try to volunteer at least twice a week to understand that the world is yours. Somethings that you can do are listed below

Volunteer activities
Walking your neighbor's dog
Picking up litter when you see it
Helping out at a Chruch or local food pantry
Visited a doggy daycare
Plant Flowers or trees
Tutor to people who need help
Giving to the homeless
Doing open peace circles in public places.

Solving Family Issues

In this class, Drama, we looked into the play, A Doll House. This play also looked into gender roles just like the play from the last unit, The Taming of the Shrew. We went on multiple FE's to the Goodman Theatre where we got some training on how to act and make sure that the plays that we curate are the best they could be. What we were asked to do for this term is have the main character from A Doll's House, Nora, a man, and a character who was a part of The Dinner Party. The Dinner Party was a famous feminist art installation by Judy Chicago. She featured multiple different influential women. We decided to choose the Indian God, Kali for our mythical character. The guiding question for this AP was, What would happen if gender roles were switched in society? Read and watch the rest of this AP to learn more, and check out my group AP's as well! NB &PA.

 

Jl, NB, PA (2019)

Sonnet to Petruchio

In my Humanities class this year called Drama we read the play The Taming of the Shrew by W. Shakespeare. We studied the difference in gender roles in the Elizabethan Era and today. Women in Elizabethan Era were stuck to chores, cleaning, washing, cooking things of this nature. Women that wanted to speak out were called shrews or being disobedient. In this play, Shakespeare wanted to shed upon this situation by bringing joy or lighthearted laughter to it. From the play, the two characters Petruchio and Kate's relationship with me isn't good or bad. She basically goes by whatever he says and obeys his commands like a dog. In my class, we also went on Trips to local theaters to get the scoop about plays, and how they impact people. For our Action Project, we had to choose a character from a play, and write a sonnet in Shakespearean style. In our sonnet, we had to give advice to the person we chose. I chose to write my sonnet to Petruchio. I wrote it to him because he was the main character that had his own view on life and gender roles. I wanted to write a sonnet to tell him how he should treat a woman. What I liked about this was I got to create something on my own. The challenges that faced me was finding the words that rhyme and that also made sense. I'm not good with my words, nor have I ever been. This for me took longer than expected but here you go. Hope you enjoy!



Sly like a fox, you seem to be fine sirs,

Petruchio it appears you lackwits.

Tending to gals like water rushing blurs.

You can’t let loose hate to whom thou emits.


A man should love with heart, not for riches,

Thou woman is precious like a flower.

Time has a toll over peasants who are vicious.

You know you can change actions any hour.

Sir, Kate is superior to dumb games.

She is a goddess that shall be worshiped.

Whom is the beast that intends to be tamed

Whose pointing fingers he knows his verdict.

"Katherine the curst," rowdy fellows say.
 Kate just be bold and say have a nice day.

(J.L) 2019

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In my STEAM Disease course, we focused on different diseases that are in our world today. Also we have looked at pass viruses, and illnesses. We were told to interview a family member or friend that had been diagnosed with a disease. We were able to pick our disease so I choose Rheumatoid Arthritis. I choose this because my grandmother has it, and it affects her in the worst ways. By learning more about the disease I can maybe help, and ease the pain.Now let me introduce my patient

My patients name is Tina, she is an older age woman that lives in Chicago, Illinois. Tina first started having symptoms at the age of 30 years old and began to have pain in her lower back and knees. At first her life was very physical. She would run, jump, go to parties and love dancing. But now because of the pain she can't as much as she use to. The disease that I'm studying is Rheumatoid arthritis. This disease appears in a unpredictable pattern in certain joints and can happen at random. Also excessive exercise can cause intense pain on the joints. Tina was a childcare taker for more than 35 years. So playing with children while always moving may have caused the start of this disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that affects many parts of the body. It starts from an improper immune system that isn't properly working. It causes the joint linings to swell, which causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Effects of this is that you get tired more quickly than you used to, and began to have restless sleep. Rheumatoid arthritis most often starts in the small joints of the hands and feet. Also it causes major swelling. This disease is common, more than 200,000 are affected each year.

Now for Tina's case she has trouble standing and walking. Its very painful at times, and sometimes she uses a cane to walk. Some treatments Tina has sought out is taking medicines that reduce her pain levels. She has had Chiropractic adjustments, and has done light exercises. While interviewing Tina she said "the most effective in taking the pain away was the heavy medicines. " When I asked how come? She simply responded " I was drugged up the pain felt neutral and disappears. When hearing this I was kinda confused. How come chiropractic adjustments didn't help? While doing research I have also discovered that cannabis has potential in treating chronic pain and other symptoms. It lowers stress levels and relieves tension. Here our some key terms- of Arthritis/ Arthralgia, Inflammation, Arthropathy.

Now lets find out about the anatomy and physiology of this disease.
The main body system affected by this disease is the nervous system and Circulatory system. The nervous system is a system in our body that acts as a control center for actions in our body. While having Rheumatoid Arthritis some motor skills can deplete in efficiency causing problems from person to person. The Cardio-vascular system is affected by tension in the joints of the body and from muscles. The blood flow in your body becomes unbalanced, while your heart has to work even harder to keep you going.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease mainly characterized by joint destruction. Although the impact of genetic factors is relative, the genetic basis is not sufficient to explain the triggering of the immune problems.

Etiology and risk factors of this disease?

Three factors: a relatively mild deficiency of cortisol, a deficiency of dehydro-epi-androsterone and infection by organisms such as mycoplasma. Doctors still don't know the actual cause. Risk factors of having this disease includes Obesity, increased risk of developing heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Epidemiology of the disease?

The exact cause of RA is unknown. The leading hypothesis is that RA is the result of an environmental exposure or trigger in a genetically susceptible individual. Some environmental factors related to women are at a higher risk than males.

Labeled picture of affected areas of the body

J.L(2019) Anatomy of Female

Cited Works
“Dr. Christopher L. Starks M.D., Urologist in Cleveland, OH, 44195.” FindATopDoc, www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/1422962-Christopher-Starks-urologist-New-Haven-CT-06510.




Fleischmann, Roy, et al. “Sarilumab and Nonbiologic Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inadequate Response or Intolerance to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors.” The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, Wiley-Blackwell, 28 Jan. 2017, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/art.39944.


“Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Rheumatology.org, www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Rheumatoid-Arthritis.


“Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis.

Atonement Podcast

Over the past four weeks, I have been studying the aspects of post- production in films. Also I have been learning how to critique them with my own analysis style. The class is called Ollywood where we watch and translate are techniques into short papers, videos or clips. We have studied so much, and I have learned a lot too. Recently we went on a Field Experience to an investment firm called Morning star. At Morning star we were introduce to a Set filming room, and we got to ask questions from some people on their media team. This was helpful and made me want to learn more. But get into details about what, anyway here's my podcast enjoy.

In this course I have learned a ton, and will most likely use these skills later in my life. I enjoyed making a podcast for my first time. It was difficult to start but I got it done. Its not perfect but I did my best.

Making a More Resourceful World

In my Biomimicry class we have been studying how to make a product more sustainable. We looked at how long things take to decompose, and how to make a product with using the least material as possible. When you think how many natural resources we use its crazy. That's why I like this idea of an Eco friendly product that isn't bad to our environment. Also making consumers happy for getting what they want. Anyway here's my presentation enjoy.

      

               
 
In my conclusion I enjoyed doing this project. I would have liked it even more if we actual designed are products. I learned some new things from this and I will definitely keep looking at ways to make my world a better place. Furthermore before you think about creating anything, think how many resources do I need? After answering that question you will come to realize its not worth it.

Movie Critiquing 101

Over the course of 3 weeks my classmates and I have been on a journey of becoming little film critics, and really getting into depth of film.For our first term we discussed Pre- Production, and this is a really important job to set the tone of the film. We started to analyze the classic movie Jaws form 1975. We learned that a movie is a series of film put together by a team of directors. We have also read the amazing screenplays and also analyzed a couple other films. Such as The Lord of the Rings, and Some short clips of Star Wars. To get a better understanding of people called location scouters we went on an F.E. to capture a scene for our randomly selected movie scenes in Chicago on Lower Wacker Drive. This leads up to my presentation of The Godfather. In this I will analyze most things that occur in film Pre -Production and my overall opinion of this film. So stay tuned.

                                     

Plot Summary

The plot of The Godfather begins as "Don" Vito Corleone, the head of a New York Mafia "family", watching his daughter's wedding with his wife Carmela. His son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not want to come part of his father's business. Through Michael's life and experience he is clear of the family business. The business of the family is just like the head of the family in the mafia, their kind and, a God to those who give respect, but given to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. Don Vito lives his life in a way of a old timer like in the 50s or 60s , but times are changing and some don't want to follow the old ways and look out for community and the family. An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don's influence to further his plan. He doesn't want to really get involved and this cause the action in the scene. The power of the Don's world ways and the new ways will demanded a terrible price, especially from Michael, all for the sake of the family. This then leads to men dying along the way. The four elements of the film is the desire is to save the family. The crisis is a problem that occurs in the family, and they start to lose money from competitions with other mafia groups in New York City. What awakens the protagonist is people in his family that start to become under attack. This makes Michael feel under a lot of pressure and in his head he doesn't really want to get involved. Although he loves his family very much and proceed throughout the next two films. The journey is the quest that the antagonist must take is to kill the head of the Corleone family which is Vito or his family members.

Character Analysis

Michael Corleone is the protagonist in The Godfather 1 QUOTE: “Only don’t tell me that you’re innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and it makes me very angry.” Michael is the protagonist because he is going towards the greater good of the story and wants the best for his family. He does whatever it takes to protect and preserve his tradition. This includes murder and destroying other families. He is a businessman and wants to continue to increase his success. Actor: Al Pacino -American actor - He was actually born in New York so he could relate to this time in era and events occurring. He also has a reputation for being a kingpin type guy or head of a Mafia. So this movie was really great for his personality. He also of Sicilian heritage which resembles in his acting.The movie was focused on Vito but after he died it was Michael.

Barzini is the antagonist he wants to overthrow the power of Don Vito and sell drugs in New York. One QUOTE that I really liked: "If Don Corleone had all the judges, and the politicians in New York, then he must share them, or let us others use them. He must let us draw the water from the well. Certainly he can – present a bill for such services. After all – we are not Communists." Actor: Richard Conte -American Actor - Born in New Jersey almost near New York. He has been in over more than 100 films, and is very experienced in violent films. Or films that have shooting and gangs. The Godfather was just his big role and his high point in his career.

Dialogue

In the movie The Godfather my favorite scene was the beginning of the movie in the Don's office. He was talking to an old time friend that need some help because he was in some sort of trouble. The scene shows his compassion and love for others, and how the movies setting will be plotted throughout the film. This leads to the future duration of the movie. The dialogue was in a 70's style and it was a bout a 5 min conversation. But their conversation was so emotional that when they talked you could feel every word.They spoke in a calm manner and it was rather straight to the point. I think the dialogue was rather effective. It reels the viewers in more to the film, and it makes viewers feel like they're in the family. The screenplay was written by Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo and Robert Towne.

Inspiration

The historical part of the film came from earlier gangs in New York. Like the Mafia which were mostly Italians. Other inspiration came from other Italian families. The Corleone family itself was not a crime family it’s based on the historic House of Borgias. Which is an Italian family during the Italian Renaissance. The family was known at the time for their corruption and greed, these traits can be found in the Corleones. Also other inspiration came from real life mob bosses such as, Frank Costello, Joe Profaci, and Carlo Gambino.

Stage Production

The set design was very old fashion like in the seventies time period. The house were older structurally built, and the cars in the movie had way older models than today. They had very distinct wallpapers in the houses also drapes that added a menacing look to the background scenery. There was old dusty pictures of people hanging on the wall,and a dimmed lighting in most scenes. The props like chairs and signs were very rusty but had a sturdy build and made you feel cozy in a way while looking at them. The spots for the locations was very successful in the story telling of the film. There location for the house was good because it made like a great drug kingpin look. Or a castle look fit for a king. In the houses the furniture arrangement was key to this movie. Also the type of dark colors they used in the furniture. The furniture set the theme or tone for each different scene. The locations choose in the movie were wise and well planned out and provide a landscape of imagination of what to appear next in the film.

Costume Design

The outfits in the film was mostly suits and ties for the people dealing with business. There also were fancy shirts with slacks here and there in the film. The women had on skirts with simple and vibrant color dresses. And overall I think there attires fitted with all the characters personalities. The vibe for most characters was to be in a gangsta attire and have a suit and tie and look professional. The extras on the streets were also dressed nice and there wasn't any poor dressed people. The main costume designer was Anna Hill Johnstone. She made the wardrobe choices for The Godfather which were to create a lasting effect on the viewers perception of the Mafia. Anna has won Two Oscars- for costume design.

Conclusion of Film

Overall this was a great film. It was very inventive to the viewers while also leaving room for imagination from the audience. It was action packed, had great dialogue from motivated actors, and amazing set designing all over. If I were to rate it I would give it an A+ 100%. From this project I have learned how to watch and analyze a film. Also to understand all the work that goes into one single film. One person can't do everything by themselves.

Citations

Theseventies.berkeley.edu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scenic_design

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File:The Godfather movie logo.png
Created: 28 April 2018

Earths Population Changes

For our 3 unit of Population class, we learned a lot about the population of our picked organisms over a ten year time period. We went over our symbiotic relationship of our organism compared to humans and, other organism. Then we learned about the steps that you categorize them in boxes. For example a bird and an alligator this is an example of mutualism. For my project I choose to do the grey wolf and I learned that they are very important to the environment. With there numbers steadily increasing they are surely showing signs of rebirth. This is an important job because without them, we see would see how other species would be affected. During your course of unit 3, we also learned about statistics, arithmetic and geometric sequences. We later had to apply this in are 10 year model for both humans and, the grey wolf. Anyway here is my presentation. 

Humans relationship with Grey Wolfs 

Humans are affecting the grey wolves population by their habitat being destroyed at a rapid pace. People are continuing to want more and more land to place their homes on or their farms/ranches. Businesses also continue to tear down the areas that these animals inhabit. Without a vast habitat for them to live in, they struggle to find enough food for survival. Their habitat has been on a constant change ever since humans populated in their areas. Overall causing a drastic decrease in the grey wolves population. Most wolves were either hunted by humans or killed for sport. There symbiotic relationship would be a competition because humans are taking over the grey wolves habitat and one is benefiting and the other is depleting in numbers.

Grey Wolves Population /Human Population

Year	Grey Wolf Population	Human Population
1990	1,306	5.29 billion
1991	1,340	5.38  billion
1992	1,397	5.43  billion
1993	1,463	5.46 billion
1994	1,533	5.63  billion
1995	1,647	5.71  billion
1996	1,810	5.80  billion
1997	2,023	5.88  billion
1998	2,762	5.96  billion
1999	2,388	6.04  billion

Although the time period in this graph does not portray a decrease in total of the grey wolves population. About 1 decade before this the numbers were way lower, but since they were almost extinct humans chose to create areas, and sanctuaries for them to obtain a steady pace in reproducing offspring and increasing population over time. On the other hand the human population is increasing rather faster and is more consistent along the years compared to the grey wolves population.

Graph comparing the two populations

Humans population would be a Geometric sequence because there's a dramatic change in population as it increase by 1.28 percent approximately by each year. This would be represented as

G= 5.29  and R= 1.28

The grey wolves population is although technically a sequence but it isn't an arthritic or a geometric sequence. There's isn't any numerical repetition of order and isn't continuous.

Transcript 1-­2 minute video

Hello and welcome to my video about how human population growth affects other populations.
In this video we will be discussing facts, data and how humans have a symbiotic relationship with grey wolfs.

The scientific name for the grey wolf is Canis lupus it first appeared about a million years ago in Eurasia and later migrated to North America.

The grey wolf lives in the dense forest of the Northern Hemisphere and ranges to Europe, Asia, Africa and Antarctica. The grey wolf has evolved to have a thick coat of fur. This for them provides warmth for them. Over the years their habitat has been on a constant change ever since humans populated in their areas. Overall causing a decrease in the grey wolves population. Most wolves were either hunted by humans or killed for sport.

Humans and grey wolves have a symbiotic relationship with each other that would be a competition because humans are taking over the grey wolves habitat and one is benefiting and the other is depleting in numbers.

From my research I have found that grey wolves can run up to speeds of 31 – 37 mph. Their average lifespan is from 3-5 years, and they have a very incredible sense in smell. The Grey wolf's long nose holds the key to its abundance of smell. They have a sense of smell that is about 100 times greater than humans and they use this sense while hunting. Grey wolves are also social animals that live in packs up to 7-8 wolves. Which means they need to communicate by howling in different tones and, pitches to get there message through to each other from long distances.

Now let's talk about humans!

Humans tend to live on average up to 79-81 years. Humans reproduce at a rapid pace.. On average there are 353,000 babies born each day around the world. Overall this increase in our population ultimately depletes other species growth rate and that is what leads to extinct animals.

Later on in this project made two graphs that show the population growth for both grey wolves and humans.

Here is my graph.

In both of my graphs they portray an increase in numbers for both populations over a ten year period.

And that's about it , Thank you for watching and have a great day.

Cited Sources
http://www.multpl.com/world-population/table/by-yea
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf/aboutwolves/mi_wi_nos.htm