Okay, so this summer has so far been awfully hot, and as lazy as I am, spending most of my vacation so far at home watching TV is as interesting as it gets. The occasional "walk to seven eleven" can be counted as exercise making up for the popcorn, of course.
And why does this concern any of you? It doesn't. These next few blog entries are simply for me to feel a bit better about myself, that during this break I was actually writing something. Instead of doing the usual blogs full of emotional content, I decided to make use of my time, and write about the movies I watched, regardless of how ridiculous the movies were. (however most of what I chose to spend my time on were fairly good movies). The movies I have watched so far are fairly new, but if I happen to mention a movie from years before, I will be sure to put the year it came out.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Parachuting vs Bungee jumping
Okay, so this entry is basically a reflection of my recent physics project.
During the past few weeks we have been working on group projects, trying to solve motions with equations and theories. Our group was set the challenge to bungee jumping and parachuting- bad thing is, we weren't allowed to be the divers, we used balloons instead.
BUT, all the physics behind these fun activities, is actually not that boring. At first, I pretty much went insane, panicking at the amount of work we had to do in such little time. Slowly, we figured out the forces behind these motions, and eventually it wasn't the grade that propelled me to finishing, but the fact that I wanted to do so.
I thought the idea of a real like situation, with us starting from zero and having to solve the problems was awesome, but I think there are things we could improve. For example I would really wish our calculations and theories were approved of, and what I mean is if we were wrong, Mr. Loken could correct us, especially in the maths. And maybe next time it would be nice if we were given more time to do such projects, because honestly they are a lot of work- interesting, but a lot of work.
Overall, I think it is a really great way of learning...and I would say, it is what HISers are all about, independent learning. These things, aren't what normal high schoolers get to do, and I really appreciate the face that I had this opportunity, Thanks buff guy
During the past few weeks we have been working on group projects, trying to solve motions with equations and theories. Our group was set the challenge to bungee jumping and parachuting- bad thing is, we weren't allowed to be the divers, we used balloons instead.
BUT, all the physics behind these fun activities, is actually not that boring. At first, I pretty much went insane, panicking at the amount of work we had to do in such little time. Slowly, we figured out the forces behind these motions, and eventually it wasn't the grade that propelled me to finishing, but the fact that I wanted to do so.
I thought the idea of a real like situation, with us starting from zero and having to solve the problems was awesome, but I think there are things we could improve. For example I would really wish our calculations and theories were approved of, and what I mean is if we were wrong, Mr. Loken could correct us, especially in the maths. And maybe next time it would be nice if we were given more time to do such projects, because honestly they are a lot of work- interesting, but a lot of work.
Overall, I think it is a really great way of learning...and I would say, it is what HISers are all about, independent learning. These things, aren't what normal high schoolers get to do, and I really appreciate the face that I had this opportunity, Thanks buff guy
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Strring Theory
Nova, a movie we watched in class, is a three hour long visual explanation to the theories of the universe.
Throughout this semester we have been working on problems based on how things move. And the equations we have been using were those of the scientist Isaac Newton. then eventually through David and Terence's presentation, we were given the ideas of Albert Einstein. And then again in this movie, a number of theories were introduced to us; string theory, quantum mechanics, general relativity, and within these theories the four forces that make sense of them. But what do i- Kristina Pringle- believe?
This is a question I cannot yet answer with assurance. All of these theories suddenly placed in front of me, from these great scientists... it is like playing the piano to a cow- it sounds nice but I don't understand. String theory, is one that they say can unite both quantum mechanics and gravity, but has not yet been tested. So, do i believe it? I would say, I am unable to give an opinion when I do not fully understand how both of these theories work. Like one of the spokesmen said "you cannot have two every wheres at the same time". If they are able to prove this string theory from experiments, and explain it in "human language" I may believe that it is true. But for now, i would say it is another philosophy.
Throughout this semester we have been working on problems based on how things move. And the equations we have been using were those of the scientist Isaac Newton. then eventually through David and Terence's presentation, we were given the ideas of Albert Einstein. And then again in this movie, a number of theories were introduced to us; string theory, quantum mechanics, general relativity, and within these theories the four forces that make sense of them. But what do i- Kristina Pringle- believe?
This is a question I cannot yet answer with assurance. All of these theories suddenly placed in front of me, from these great scientists... it is like playing the piano to a cow- it sounds nice but I don't understand. String theory, is one that they say can unite both quantum mechanics and gravity, but has not yet been tested. So, do i believe it? I would say, I am unable to give an opinion when I do not fully understand how both of these theories work. Like one of the spokesmen said "you cannot have two every wheres at the same time". If they are able to prove this string theory from experiments, and explain it in "human language" I may believe that it is true. But for now, i would say it is another philosophy.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Spoiling the Ending of "The Giver"
The Giver is a book we read as a class for Language Arts. The book talks about a boy names Jonas who lives in a what seems to be Utopian world. In what he knows as home, everyone is given rules to follow and things to do, no one objects the orders of the Elders; everything is under control.
At the coming of age he is assigned to one job which will change his life completely. With the help of The Giver, Jonas receives the truth through memories, those of pain and love which only The Giver possesses. The life he used to know- with no love, no war, no pain, no color- is now nothing compared to the hard truth.
Now this Entry I am writing is suppose to be about analyzing the ending and what I think of it. I would say that the ending of this book can have several different meanings, and it is only one's opinion, not a definite. Way back during Chinese New Year when I had picked up and finished this book, I couldn't make sense of the ending. In the last chapter it describes the unbearable cold as Jonas and his "little brother" Gabriel pass through the snow, now fighting the will to give up. Throughout his escape from his community, he looses slowly all the memories he had received which would go back to the people. By the end of the book, the two boys are so weak and vulnerable the snow could take them down any moment. I thought that the ending may seem too coincidental, the thought of his first memory being exact to the last event which ends the book. A sleigh waiting for him on top of the hill which he then slides down on with Gabe in his arms is just like what he experienced in the very first memory he received in the Givers room.
I would say he died from the cold, even though I would like to believe that he survived the weather and was brought in by the singing family at the bottom of the hill. But in this case I lean toward the negative side. I suppose that the coincidence symbolizes something the author was trying to say. My interpretation would be that when your so close near to death your memories flash through your head, and that the first ever memory he had was the one he saw last. The singing... was a memory he wanted to own; "For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing."
Of course, this is what I think, not what I know; and I may have completely misinterpreted what the author was illustrating. Sorry to the people who wanted to read the book, I just spoiled the ending.
At the coming of age he is assigned to one job which will change his life completely. With the help of The Giver, Jonas receives the truth through memories, those of pain and love which only The Giver possesses. The life he used to know- with no love, no war, no pain, no color- is now nothing compared to the hard truth.
Now this Entry I am writing is suppose to be about analyzing the ending and what I think of it. I would say that the ending of this book can have several different meanings, and it is only one's opinion, not a definite. Way back during Chinese New Year when I had picked up and finished this book, I couldn't make sense of the ending. In the last chapter it describes the unbearable cold as Jonas and his "little brother" Gabriel pass through the snow, now fighting the will to give up. Throughout his escape from his community, he looses slowly all the memories he had received which would go back to the people. By the end of the book, the two boys are so weak and vulnerable the snow could take them down any moment. I thought that the ending may seem too coincidental, the thought of his first memory being exact to the last event which ends the book. A sleigh waiting for him on top of the hill which he then slides down on with Gabe in his arms is just like what he experienced in the very first memory he received in the Givers room.
I would say he died from the cold, even though I would like to believe that he survived the weather and was brought in by the singing family at the bottom of the hill. But in this case I lean toward the negative side. I suppose that the coincidence symbolizes something the author was trying to say. My interpretation would be that when your so close near to death your memories flash through your head, and that the first ever memory he had was the one he saw last. The singing... was a memory he wanted to own; "For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing."
Of course, this is what I think, not what I know; and I may have completely misinterpreted what the author was illustrating. Sorry to the people who wanted to read the book, I just spoiled the ending.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Engagement Evaluation
Okay, this isn't something i like to do, to evaluate myself, but here it goes..
For community contributer..i think i would give myself a 1, because half the time i have NO CLUE what Mr.Loken is on about in class, but i try to make sense of what he says. Also because i do not often provide useful questions for the class. But i do try to explain my weird theories and interpretations to those of whom i work with.
As for active learner, i would give myself a 1.5? I often panic at the sight of a complicated problem, because my brain reacts a little bizarre when it comes to things with a lot of math. But i do like trying to understand those of what im clueless of, and i am really grateful for people like Terence and Jenai who exchange ideas with me about problems [jenai mostly explains ha, she's smart you see]
I would probably give myself a 1 for high character, because i feel really ashamed of my "appearance" in class. I often slouch in my seat or support my broken-like head with my arms because of the forever going math class i have right before physics. I apologize for disrespecting
Mr. Loken if he felt offended by my lack of enthusiasm [my brain just doesn't function too well after maths]. Apart from that i do try not to make a huge scene in class and i believe i do respect others.
Critical thinker and Probelm solver is probably harder to give myself credit for, because i often do not get the questions and it takes me an extremely long time understand what the question is asking me. I also freak out when i really don't understand anything but i do try and solve each problem i'm set to. I often say i give up, and sulk because i'm clueless but inside i'm very unsatisfied, which keeps me going ha, trying to find the answer with others help. So overall i think i'd make it to a 1.5
Last but not least there is effective communication. This i am totally not good at with verbal explanations, as you would see in any podcast i do or when i give a short lecture of "what i think i know" to my friends. I don't do well explaining through my mouth but i think i do it better on paper. In class when i try to make my point in discussion, it never really...gets through. I think it is something i could improve on, not only in science, but actually everywhere. So maybe i'll pass with a 1.5
[this is for Sir Loken] you may have had even lower estimates for my grade, who knows. I know the overall of my "self evaluation" is very low, but i have been pretty honest with what i think about myself compared to others in the class
For community contributer..i think i would give myself a 1, because half the time i have NO CLUE what Mr.Loken is on about in class, but i try to make sense of what he says. Also because i do not often provide useful questions for the class. But i do try to explain my weird theories and interpretations to those of whom i work with.
As for active learner, i would give myself a 1.5? I often panic at the sight of a complicated problem, because my brain reacts a little bizarre when it comes to things with a lot of math. But i do like trying to understand those of what im clueless of, and i am really grateful for people like Terence and Jenai who exchange ideas with me about problems [jenai mostly explains ha, she's smart you see]
I would probably give myself a 1 for high character, because i feel really ashamed of my "appearance" in class. I often slouch in my seat or support my broken-like head with my arms because of the forever going math class i have right before physics. I apologize for disrespecting
Mr. Loken if he felt offended by my lack of enthusiasm [my brain just doesn't function too well after maths]. Apart from that i do try not to make a huge scene in class and i believe i do respect others.
Critical thinker and Probelm solver is probably harder to give myself credit for, because i often do not get the questions and it takes me an extremely long time understand what the question is asking me. I also freak out when i really don't understand anything but i do try and solve each problem i'm set to. I often say i give up, and sulk because i'm clueless but inside i'm very unsatisfied, which keeps me going ha, trying to find the answer with others help. So overall i think i'd make it to a 1.5
Last but not least there is effective communication. This i am totally not good at with verbal explanations, as you would see in any podcast i do or when i give a short lecture of "what i think i know" to my friends. I don't do well explaining through my mouth but i think i do it better on paper. In class when i try to make my point in discussion, it never really...gets through. I think it is something i could improve on, not only in science, but actually everywhere. So maybe i'll pass with a 1.5
[this is for Sir Loken] you may have had even lower estimates for my grade, who knows. I know the overall of my "self evaluation" is very low, but i have been pretty honest with what i think about myself compared to others in the class
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
First Entry
Hey everyoneeee, this is my first official blog for everyone to see :)
This semester's science class is taught by our very own Brent Loken- the buff guy.
His classes are filled with challenges- although they squish my brain- are very tough. But the feeling of accomplishment is always right after the answer!! (gosh i sound so wise, haha)
Despite the confusing methods of physics, I think with our teachers help and support we will be able to pass this course and learn tons.
This semester's science class is taught by our very own Brent Loken- the buff guy.
His classes are filled with challenges- although they squish my brain- are very tough. But the feeling of accomplishment is always right after the answer!! (gosh i sound so wise, haha)
Despite the confusing methods of physics, I think with our teachers help and support we will be able to pass this course and learn tons.
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