Joy of Chemistry

Reactions and labs

Interestingly awesome

Chemistry is fun

Scientific Discovery:

Barbara McClintock is a famous woman scientist who is most known for her work on cytogenetics that led her to think that genes can be transposable and on bones.  She first saw changing colors in a maize kernal experient with controlled crosses.  Barbara discovered that transpotion and figured out that it is what makes physical genes turn off or on.  She won a Nobel prize for 'Physiology or Medicine' in 1983.


Why I picked Barbara McClintock:

I picked her because she is a very important woman scientist, whose discoveries were vital in the understanding of genes and DNA.  She also is the first woman to win an unshared Nobel Prize, which is amazing.  I think she has accoplished so much, and is very intelligent.  Her influence on the world has been remarkable.

Chemical Reaction Video Project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DE-DYut1J0

Albert Einstein

When I first think of science, my mind immediately responds with Albert Einstein.  He has contributed so much to the scientifical society of our world in so many ways.  Perhaps his most important contribution has been the Theory of General Relativity.  Furthermore he has contributed his knowledge of science through over 300 written works.  Lastly, Einstein inspires me to gather more scientifical knowledge of the unknown, just as he did. 

My 2 goals for the rest of the year.

Between now and the end of the year, I hope to achieve many things in Chemistry class.  First off, I want to be able to thoroughly understand the concepts of anions and cations, and our new topic, nomenclature.  I think that by reading the book and asking questions in class, I will be able to better understand these topics.  Also before the end of the year, I want to be able to become confident with drawing Lewis Dot Structures correctly.  It will take a lot of practice, but I really want to make sure that I will be able to do them correctly every time.

E-portfolio - Super Hero Project

E-Portfolio- Super Hero Project

1.  Why is this exhibit a good choice for placement in your e-portfolio?

When I did the Super Hero project, I used information about my element, Nickel, to show the different properties and interesting facts about it.  In this process, I feel that I have enhanced my skills on researching and collecting crucial information.   Not only was I able to present this information in an effective manor , using my poster, I also gained knowledge on an element that can be easily overlooked.

2.  What did you find most interesting about this exhibit activity and why?

 I thought that creating a visual learning tool, such as a poster board and super hero, was very interesting to the audience, as well as eye-catching.  This was very interesting for me to see the different ways I could interpret the properties and appearances of Nickel, into a super hero figure. 

3.  In what way(s) did you find this exhibit a challenge to complete?

In this Super Hero Project I found it was challenging when I was researching Nickel, and I had trouble settling on accurate information and numbers for my elements properties such as melting pt, and boiling pt.  However, this has helped me to understand that before I use given information, I should make sure my source is credible.

4.  If you were to do this activity again what changes would you make and why?

If I were to do the Super Hero Project again, I would make my poster more elaborate and have it contain more pictures of what Nickel can look like.  I would also make Nickel Man more appealing.

5.  What change(s) in attitude or behavior helped you to meet the challenge?

By working on the project closer to the date it was assigned, rather than the date it was due, I was able to check over it and not be rushed.  I also maintained concentration and focus during the time period I was gathering research.

6.  What grade would you give yourself for these reflections, from “1” to “4”, where “4” is the best? 

I would give myself a three or four because I felt that my answers to the e-portfolio were truthful as well as meaningful.  However I feel that I also could have been more elaborate on some of the questions.   (ex: # 3 and 5).  I mainly tried my best to give strong, solid answers about my Super Hero Project.