You can see my favorite blog post here.
Why did you choose this?
I chose my 'Phases of Matter Lab 2: Solids and Gases with Dry Ice' blog post because I think it's one of my strongest blog posts of the semester. I remember feeling proud of what I wrote and of myself because I spent I spent a lot of time on it. The blog post was also in response of a very fun lab that I enjoyed.
When were you most curious?
I felt the most curious during the combustion reaction lab. I thought that atom structures was very interesting and I liked learning about the elements and different reactions. Then getting to lower the balloon onto the candle was also fun.
I also felt curious when I reviewed the Neil de Grasse Tyson interview and when I reviewed the first Cosmos episode to get an extra 15 points at the end of the second section.
When were you least curious?
I felt the least curious when I was researching the different fuels and ways to core a motor. I think the science behind the motors wasn't explained very much and I would have liked to learn the science behind my cored black powder motor. I think the instructions to research was a little vague and there were very few websites I found that really explained the fuels and ways of coring. Maybe if the instructions were to research the science behind the motors then that might encourage students to research the science.
How has this semester helped you for next and beyond?
Sometimes it was difficult to get to 250 points by the end of each section. In the second section, I think, I was really behind in points. I think it was because I didn't keep track of how many point I had and how many points I needed to get. throughout this semester I've practiced in time management and knowing my priorities. This will definitely help me next semester, especially in Spanish class, which will be a new learning experience altogether.
Give a few last words.
To future students in chemistry with Andrew:
This will be the only semester in high school (as far as I'm aware) where you will specifically focus on the chemistry of everything. I advise you to take this semester to learn all you can about elements, reactions, atoms, etc. In the end, if you do this, you will look back and feel like you learned everything you could. Not only learn, but have fun. You can have so much fun in chemistry if you focus on not only the learning aspect but also the enjoyment of what you're learning.
It's a little hard to get the hang of it but it will help a lot if you simply take notes during a lab. Taking notes about what's happening and why is very helpful in the long run. Also, do not wait until the last minute to blog. It's frustrating to have to write about your learning experience when you don't even remember what happened. So while it is fresh in your mind, blog it. If you don't have a lot of time in class, it will still help to briefly type what you want to mention in your blog post.