Below is my poster.
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| Drawing by GN, photo by Tim Reed. |
Sunday, November 17, 2013
View Point - An illustration of agricultural
In my food for thought course, we were assigned to create an four panel illustration, representing the four units of our course. The purpose of this action project was to convey our understanding and envision for the future of agriculture through an illustration. I enjoyed working on this action project.
Below is my poster.
Below is my poster.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Can the Dancing Plant Help us Produce More Energy and Fight Crime?
In my Bioneers course, we were assigned to identified a specific plant species and research about it. My chose to research the Codariocalyx motorius. By isolating unique functions and adaptations, I was able to imagine practical applications for my plant's unique adaptations. I created a poster showcasing what I learned from the plant and how that information can be applied for human purposes. My poster defines bio mimicry as using nature as an example to innovate human inventions.
Can the Dancing Plant Help us Produce More Energy and Fight Crime?
The Codariocalyx motorius, commonly known as the Desmodium gyrans, is a tropical Asian shrub. It’s widely distributed throughout South Asia, and is one of the few plants capable of rapid movement. The Desmodium gyrans is a telegraph plant. It is described in detail in The Power of Movement in Plants, a book written by Charles Darwin and Francis Darwin.
Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Codariocalyx
Species: C. motorius
The plant has a useful feature that makes it interesting. The Codariocalyx motorius is famous for its movement of small, lateral leaflets. Each large leaf is equipped with a hinge that allows it to move, so it can face the sun. Because of the weight of the large leaves, the plant uses lots of energy to move them. Each large leaf has two small lateral leaflets at its base. These small lateral leaflets move constantly along an elliptical path, testing the intensity of sunlight, and directing the large leaf to that area. This is a strategy used by the Desmodium gyrans to maximize its exposure to sunlight by tracking it.
Three things we can learn from this plant:
There are many lessons we can learn from this plant:
a. Working together – trust: Human societies should be built on collaboration/ cooperation. We should recognize our need for help. Nature rewards cooperation. The Desmodium gyrans’ leaves cooperate to take advantage of the best sun.
b. How small actors can help big ones: The small lateral leaves act as scouts. They test for the intensity of sunlight and direct the larger leaves to it. If it were not for this, the plant would have been wasting its energy.
c. Energy conservation: In order to prevent excessive radiation loss, as an adaptation the Desmodium gyrans has equipped each large leaf with two small lateral leaflets to conserve the plants energy. We human need to conserve energy. Conserving energy reduces water, air and soil pollution.
You have probably seen calculators with solar cells or surveillance cameras, or wind turbines.
We can apply this plant’s quality to modern problems, including energy generation and public safety.
a. Solar panels
b. Wind turbines
c. Public security cameras
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| GN, 2013 |
Solar panels:
A solar panel captures sunlight and converts it to electricity, much like autotrophs. Plants are able to convert light energy into chemical energy that is used to carry out various cellular metabolic processes. Solar panels turn light into electricity using photovoltaic cells. Sunlight consists of particles called photons. As the photon are absorbed by a solar panel, the photoelectric effect causes the flow of free electrons. A device alters this electricity, enabling it to power electrical items.
Thanks to a new algorithm calculation based on astronomical data, big companies have developed panels with movable mounting that precisely follow the course of the sun. This strategy is used only for large industrial production. My suggestion for smaller applications is to have small panel sensors that will direct the solar panels to the light.
Wind turbines:
Wind turbines or windmills convert wind energy into rotational energy. Wind turbines are controlled by computers. The computer monitors the direction and speed of the wind. The blades are twisted and are connected to a generator. The generator converts the rotational energy into electrical output. Wind turbines rotate clockwise.
Small turbines can be used instead of the computer to monitor the direction of the wind, so they are locally controlled.
Security camera:
Security cameras are used for crime prevention and evidence. They provide viable images of the perpetrators or criminals. They are placed in high-crime areas to prevent crime and identify criminals. Surveillance cameras provide a sense of security to many. Most security camera are either fixed or move constantly. Small noise and motion detectors can be used to move cameras to events of
interest. This will improve our security/ surveillance system.
Works Cited:
- Darwin, Charles. The Power of Movement in Plants. New York: Da Capo Press, 1966. Print.-
- “How Windmills work.” – Our Green Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/from-the-wind/how-windmills-work
- Codoriocalyx motorius. (2013, May 23). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:19, November 10, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Codariocalyx_motorius&oldid=556437291
- Chasteen, Stephanie, and Rima Chaddha. "How Do Solar Panels Work?" PBS. PBS, 24 Apr. 2007. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/how-solar-cell-works.html\
- Mr. Dr. Norbert Aschenbrenner. "InnovationNews." Solar Panels Track the Sun For More Efficiency. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. http://www.siemens.com/innovation/en/news/2011/solar-panels-track-the-sun-for-more-efficiency.htm
Friday, November 8, 2013
Rise Up and Take Action - A Freedom song
In my Global Peace course, we were assigned to research a civil rights leader or any nonviolent leader. I wrote a Freedom Song that highlighted the struggles of Susan B. Anthony and how she overcame them. Also, we were assigned to reflect on our own struggles. The purpose of this action project is to put ourselves into the shoes of a nonviolent leader, and be inspired by their actions.
san B. Anthony. (2013, November 8). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:30, November 8, 2013,
FREEDOM FIGHTER:
I wanted to fight against slavery,
Vile, wicked, sinful slavery,
I wanted to speak to the crowds
Who came to abolitionist meetings.
Who, like freedom riders,
Spoke up for the oppressed.
The men said, “It is an abomination
For ladies to speak in public.”
I disagree. I am Susan B. Anthony.
I am strong for the mothers
The wives, and the daughters
I am strong for those profoundly asleep
I am the hinge between freedom and dependence
Once upon a time
A woman could not
Vote
Keep her wages
Own or inherit property
(Unless, like me, she was a “spinster”)
Get a divorce
(Unless her husband wanted one)
Keep her children after a divorce.
I began to fight for women.
I did not live
To see women vote.
But I changed the rest.
The welfare of women
Is the welfare of all.
PERSONAL POEM:
I am caught between worlds.
At home I eat fufu,
And speak French.
At school I eat pizza,
And speak teenager.
I am making a whole
From pieces of two kits.
I learn the lessons
Of my ancestors,
And wear the clothes
Of my descendants.
I am, in myself, diverse.
If I can live with my differences
We can all live
With one another’s differences.
Sarvodaya.
Worked cited:
- Susan B. Anthony. (2013, November 8). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:30, November 8, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Susan_B._Anthony&oldid=580693977
- "Susan B. Anthony House." :: Her Story. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2013. http://susanbanthonyhouse.org/her-story/biography.php
- More, Men For Women's Rights In 1848 Frederick Douglass and Many More Men Came in Support of Equality Read. National Parks Service. National Parks Service, 25 Oct. 2013. Web. 08 Nov. 2013. <http://www.nps.gov/wori/historyculture/susan-b-anthony.htm>.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Hero's Journey
In my Stories course, we were assigned to write an analysis for a fictional hero and non-fiction hero based on Joseph Campbell's model of the Hero's journey. We study Joseph Campbell's Monomyth theory. The purpose of this action project was to analyze our heroes and their stories. My analysis is a combination of a presentation and detailed summary. I enjoyed working on this action project.
Below is my written analysis and presentation.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning thief is a fantasy film set in the 21st century. The film borders around the Percy Jackson novel series, by Rick Riordan. In the film, the gods of Mount Olympus and monsters seemed to have walked right out of Percy Jackson’s mythology book and into his life. In the film, Percy is portrayed as a brave and courageous teenager.
Call to adventure
Unaware of his true identity, Percy is a troubled 16 years with ADHD and dyslexia, with an unique ability to stay underwater for a long period of time. On a field trip to the museum, a fury disguised as Mrs.Dodds attacked Percy and demands for Zeus’s lightning bolt. Zeus’s lightning bolt is the most powerful and devastating weapon. It can destroy mountains and kill Titans.
Mentor/Helper
Percy’s best friend, Grover and Mr. Brunner, his latin teacher helped scare the fury away. Mr.Brunner has Grover take Percy to his mother Sally to Camp half blood. On there way to camp half blood, they are attacked by a minotaur. Percy loses his mother during this battle.
Threshold
By using the minotaur’s horns, Percy was able to kill the minotaur. from all the shock, he fainted. A couples days later, he learned he was the son of Poseidon, that Mr.Brunner or Chiron was a centaur, and that Grover was a satyr, his protector. Chiron shared all of his knowledge with Percy, and warns him of the danger that lays ahead.
Growth/Skills
Percy began training to use his powers, which include water manipulation and water healing. After winning a capture the flag game, he received a fiery apparition of his uncle Hades, who reveals that his mother is with him in the underworld. Percy decides to disobey Chiron and go to the underworld. He is accompanied by Annabeth, daughter of Athena and Grover. Luke, son of Hermes provides them with a shield, a pair of winged sneakers, and a map showing the locations of three pearls.
Trials/Challenges
The trio located the first pearl at Medusa's Lair. Percy decapitated her and took her head for later use. The second pearl is in the Parthenon in Nashville. Percy recovers the pearl. However, they are confronted by Hydra. They petrified her by using Medusa’s head. The Third pearl is in the Lotus casino in Las Vegas. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover ate the lotus flower and forgot their purposes. Poseidon spoke in Percy’s mind, which helped him return to his senses. With all of the pearls in their possession, they located the portal to the underworld.
Return
In the underworld, they meet Persephone and Hades. Hades finds the lightning bolt hidden inside Luke’s shield, revealing that Luke was the lightning thief. Because there was only three pearls, Grover volunteered to stay with Persephone, enabling Sally to leave the underworld. The three teleported to the Empire State building, Mount Olympus. Luke attacked Percy.
Revelation/Discarding old self/Accepting the new role
By accepting his identity, he was able to harness the complete power of water. Percy defeated Luke, returned the lightning bolt to Zeus, which allowed Poseidon to briefly speak to his son. The film ends with Percy and Annabeth reunited with Grover and returning to camp Half Blood to continue his training.
Heroes take many forms when we are children, from comic book superheroes such as superman to imaginary friends. As we reach adulthood, our definition of a hero becomes clear, and our heroes become those who we love and admire. Heroes are typically identified with good qualities. Many define heroism as bravery. The dictionary defines bravery as showing no fear. We are all heroes and have our own heroes. My hero is my mother. My mom has always been the backbone of our family. I have always tried to live through her.
The image above is a comic strip showing six different phases of my hero’s educational paths and struggles.
Call to adventure/Threshold
My mother grew up. My mother grew up in Divenie, a village in the Congo. At the age of 3, she started working in the fields/plantations with her parents. “ I worked 5 hours a day,” she said in her interview with me. She lived in a humbled home. She started school when she was 5 years old. “Going to school was a struggle for me,” she said remorsefully.
Trials/Threshold
My mom, never received the support she needed. “ My parents weren’t able to support me financially or emotionally,” she said. My mom never gave up on her studies. She left the village to go to the city and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She walked about 20 kilometers each day to attend school. My mom was able to support herself financially, by making clothes.
Mentor/Discarding old self/Revelation
Her grandmother supported her emotionally. “ If it wasn’t for my grandmother, I would have lost my mind,” She said lovingly. However, she struggled with keeping up with other students. By her senior year, she got pregnant with her child and stopped going to school. “ Unfortunately, my dream never can true,” She said mournfully.
Below is my written analysis and presentation.
Hero’s Journey
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning thief is a fantasy film set in the 21st century. The film borders around the Percy Jackson novel series, by Rick Riordan. In the film, the gods of Mount Olympus and monsters seemed to have walked right out of Percy Jackson’s mythology book and into his life. In the film, Percy is portrayed as a brave and courageous teenager.
Call to adventure
Unaware of his true identity, Percy is a troubled 16 years with ADHD and dyslexia, with an unique ability to stay underwater for a long period of time. On a field trip to the museum, a fury disguised as Mrs.Dodds attacked Percy and demands for Zeus’s lightning bolt. Zeus’s lightning bolt is the most powerful and devastating weapon. It can destroy mountains and kill Titans.
Mentor/Helper
Percy’s best friend, Grover and Mr. Brunner, his latin teacher helped scare the fury away. Mr.Brunner has Grover take Percy to his mother Sally to Camp half blood. On there way to camp half blood, they are attacked by a minotaur. Percy loses his mother during this battle.
Threshold
By using the minotaur’s horns, Percy was able to kill the minotaur. from all the shock, he fainted. A couples days later, he learned he was the son of Poseidon, that Mr.Brunner or Chiron was a centaur, and that Grover was a satyr, his protector. Chiron shared all of his knowledge with Percy, and warns him of the danger that lays ahead.
Growth/Skills
Percy began training to use his powers, which include water manipulation and water healing. After winning a capture the flag game, he received a fiery apparition of his uncle Hades, who reveals that his mother is with him in the underworld. Percy decides to disobey Chiron and go to the underworld. He is accompanied by Annabeth, daughter of Athena and Grover. Luke, son of Hermes provides them with a shield, a pair of winged sneakers, and a map showing the locations of three pearls.
Trials/Challenges
The trio located the first pearl at Medusa's Lair. Percy decapitated her and took her head for later use. The second pearl is in the Parthenon in Nashville. Percy recovers the pearl. However, they are confronted by Hydra. They petrified her by using Medusa’s head. The Third pearl is in the Lotus casino in Las Vegas. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover ate the lotus flower and forgot their purposes. Poseidon spoke in Percy’s mind, which helped him return to his senses. With all of the pearls in their possession, they located the portal to the underworld.
Return
In the underworld, they meet Persephone and Hades. Hades finds the lightning bolt hidden inside Luke’s shield, revealing that Luke was the lightning thief. Because there was only three pearls, Grover volunteered to stay with Persephone, enabling Sally to leave the underworld. The three teleported to the Empire State building, Mount Olympus. Luke attacked Percy.
Revelation/Discarding old self/Accepting the new role
By accepting his identity, he was able to harness the complete power of water. Percy defeated Luke, returned the lightning bolt to Zeus, which allowed Poseidon to briefly speak to his son. The film ends with Percy and Annabeth reunited with Grover and returning to camp Half Blood to continue his training.
Non-Fictional Hero
Heroes take many forms when we are children, from comic book superheroes such as superman to imaginary friends. As we reach adulthood, our definition of a hero becomes clear, and our heroes become those who we love and admire. Heroes are typically identified with good qualities. Many define heroism as bravery. The dictionary defines bravery as showing no fear. We are all heroes and have our own heroes. My hero is my mother. My mom has always been the backbone of our family. I have always tried to live through her. The image above is a comic strip showing six different phases of my hero’s educational paths and struggles.
Call to adventure/Threshold
My mother grew up. My mother grew up in Divenie, a village in the Congo. At the age of 3, she started working in the fields/plantations with her parents. “ I worked 5 hours a day,” she said in her interview with me. She lived in a humbled home. She started school when she was 5 years old. “Going to school was a struggle for me,” she said remorsefully.
Trials/Threshold
My mom, never received the support she needed. “ My parents weren’t able to support me financially or emotionally,” she said. My mom never gave up on her studies. She left the village to go to the city and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She walked about 20 kilometers each day to attend school. My mom was able to support herself financially, by making clothes.
Mentor/Discarding old self/Revelation
Her grandmother supported her emotionally. “ If it wasn’t for my grandmother, I would have lost my mind,” She said lovingly. However, she struggled with keeping up with other students. By her senior year, she got pregnant with her child and stopped going to school. “ Unfortunately, my dream never can true,” She said mournfully.
Monday, October 7, 2013
4 MILLION YEARS IN 25 SLIDES - Evolution
Friday, September 20, 2013
Order - A Project on Classification
In my population course, we identified anatomical characteristics, we were able to create our own dichotomous key, and evaluate it using mathematical concept and diagrams. We organized all of the pieces into an ready to present poster format. The purpose of this action project was to explore the advantages and disadvantages of trying to categorize life.
Below is my poster and a document containing information within my poster!
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Below is an written form for clarity!
Below is my poster and a document containing information within my poster!
Below is an written form for clarity!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Believe Your Truth- PODCAST BY GN
Please listen to my podcast and read my script below.
I believe in myself. My name is GN, but that is a label. Like every student, I am a person who gets up in the morning, goes to school, and comes home. We all have the same desires; we fear and love in the same manner. We end up diverse because of an innumerable set of occurrences. I am who I am because of my experiences and memories, not because of my name, skin color, or country of origin.
The dictionary defines belief as “an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.” A belief is something one accepts as true or real, a firmly held opinion or conviction. Beliefs are the fundamental ingredients in identity. They are the answer to the question of who we are. Belief can influence our behavior; therefore it is of great importance. Because belief is an acceptance of truth, it is important to know what we mean by truth. I define truth as the individual person, his or her practices, and what is right and wrong.
Small miracles in my life led me to believe in God. When I was a little kid, my family was very poor. Our status as legal immigrants in Gabon limited work opportunities. My mother and father worked many hours a day in order to pay the bills, until one day, my father was offered a job as a janitor at a local market. His salary covered everything. For us, it was a miracle.
One of the reasons I believe in God is that faith gives an explanation of something greater than myself, giving my life purpose and meaning. In life’s randomness, so many of us rush through the days, unmindful of the preciousness of who we are, and forgetful of the abundance of love given to us and the opportunities that surround us.
Like my father’s new job, the innumerable set of occurrences that make me unique, my experiences and memories, are small miracles. The same miracles that give me faith in God allow me to believe in myself.
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