Every term there seems to be more work than the last, but the years keep speeding up. The second half of the year was equally, if not more eventful than the latter. Throughout the two years, I have been doing PLP, I always learn a new piece of technology in every term; Xcode for 2019 spring exhibition, 3Ds Max for Star Wars exhibition, Adobe Character animator for our revolutions project and the list goes on. Steadily I have improved my skills and work ethics after hours of repetition and what feels like hundreds of projects. Growing as a learner and a person in general, it is the time of year to reflect on the second half of the year.

Maker: Witness to history

In the emergence of COVID-19, our lives have changed dramatically and in this time we told stories of our community through a video and how it has changed during this difficult time. The virus has affected millions and killed hundreds of thousands but it merely about slowing the curve until there is a viable vaccine. This wasn’t like any other video I have created and I put in 10x the time and effort than any other video I have created. Learning from my mistakes from previous videos and exploring new technologies and skills, I created my best video to this date. Not only did I improved in my video skills, but I also showed revision regarding older videos this year.

Experiencing and learning about the different things the district is doing to protect the community through interviews showed the insight on the situation and the approach they are taking. Using new technology, I was able to create a video I thought was way out of my league. Most notably was the addition of the drone shots to aid the voiceovers the whole video and capture our community during this time. Editing was a completely different story compared to any other video I have created since I decided to use Adobe Premiere Rush, a simpler version of Premiere Pro. Premiere Rush has a simple interface but still has more than triple the number of tools than iMovie.

Planning was equally as important as the production as the plan is the groundwork for the whole project. Without a solid plan, the rest of the project will take 5 times longer. I was able to get a solid idea of my video and an easier life later on, not needing to change. Using a storyboard, I saved lots of time filming my drone shots and I was able to show the emptiness of our community. Creating a detailed script was greatly valued by me in the future as when it came to recording my voiceovers it did not take long.

Filming was set back a lot due to a mix up in shipping order for my drone. Regardless of the inconvenience, I couldn’t have controlled that outcome, I still had to finish and focus my energy on things I can control (habit 2). I was able to get some astonishing shots when the drone finally did arrive.

All good informative videos have music in them at one point, most of them use copyright free music but in our instance, we needed to make our own. To make an overall quality video, I wanted to spend a generous amount of time on the music. Taking inspiration from a YouTube video, I decided to create a Lo-Fi track using GarageBand on PC. Lo-Fi (or Low Fidelity) is a type of music that captures imperfections (like vinyl crackling) and is relaxing to listen to. The music incorporates chord progression and a drum beat that makes you nod your head. I added in a high melody, effects and it was pretty much done. Though it seems like a short process, it took forever.

The video itself turned out how I imagined and more (both in regards to the quality and length of the video). Despite being 13 minutes long (great for any YouTuber trying to make money but not so great for a teacher watching it), the product is something I put a lot of effort into and I am proud of it. I told the story of our community relating to the district and a story behind the scenes on the vast amount of work I put into each project. 

Humanities: Let’s Get Riel

Louis Riel, a Canadian famous for his story of fighting for the Métis and praised by many Canadians for his efforts for his contributions. Building our knowledge we researched the rights, treaties and about Riel in a long graphic novel. Alongside learning about Riel we created 3 images with a partner about historical significant post-WWI Canadian events. 

Half of this project was taken up by the book on Louis Riel and I enjoyed reading the book overall. The book had a very interesting take that was on Louis Riel’s side and took his interpretation of the story. Each part of the comic, we wrote a response, discussed our opinions and thoughts on the more questionable parts of the stories that haven’t been answered yet. As we got further in the book we experienced all of the things Riel did in his life and it was an easy way to learn about the story. At the end of the book and Riel’s life, he was hung for high treason and murder so we had to answer the question “Was Louis Riel a Hero or a Villain”?

As we learnt more about historical significance, we took the challenge to research, interpret and create a meaningful image that represents an event post WWI. I had a lot of fun creating these images for our Instagram account compiling of our entire class images. I was paired with Malaika and we chose to do the Komagata Maru Incident which was an event where the government turned down the boat because they didn’t want the immigrants.

The three images we needed to make were a draw on, quote and choice which we chose to create a T-shirt. With every image, we needed to plan out what we wanted to create so we couldn’t waste any more time changing our ideas. Using the skills I built throughout my 2 years of PLP, the creation was pretty simple but took time to finish. Drawing/Annotating with Sketches Pro, Editing with SuperimposeX and Designing a shirt with a website, were skills I used and improved. When it came to presenting, Malaika and I shared the story of our event and the images we created to memorialize the event and recognize the mistake. Our teamwork was highlighted as we used our traits to make the best possible project. Not only did I create images that I am proud of, I learnt about Louis Riel, the Komagata Maru and ethical dimensions.

Science: Meiosis Models

Design has been a big part of PLP projects and in this project, we used Tinkercad, a basic 3D modelling program made by AutoDesk. AutoDesk creates all kinds of programs, my favourite being 3Ds Max, a VFX and 3D design software I have used for prior projects. Combining these skills, I made models of mitosis and meiosis 1 & 2 to represent cell division.

Every day your trillions of cells are in a whole constantly in interphase or mitosis. Cell division is a regular for everyone but when a cell has a default, doesn’t kill itself and starts spreading out of control then that is called cancer. To learn and comprehend cell reproduction we watched a video and created a mind map on this matter. Khan Academy was used to teach us through video and then test us through quizzes.

3D Models seem difficult to create but with Tinkercad the interface and learning are easy. To what extent does this program take to be easy to use but giving up necessary tools. Tinkercad made by AutoDesk is taking hits at being too simple and other programs they make are way too difficult for people to learn in a week. If I were to have I put on the app then I would add a layers bar to select, hide and allow more options to the objects which would allow so many more capabilities. When grouping to shapes together the colours will change to one colour which almost makes grouping practically unusable. Otherwise, Tinkercad gets the job done and it can express the mitosis models despite the slow workflow. I was able to show both mitosis and meiosis 1 & 2 after hours of work and a detailed competency.

Despite the obvious problems with the video and nothing like the “witness to history” video it was showing my work and sharing how the cells work quickly and effectively. Using a script I created to 

Taking the initiative to finish the project was the hardest part because of the other 7 projects I had due at the same time. I eventually found the will to finish the project while still trying to produce high-quality work. I was falling behind in this project but I was able to catch up on this work and I learnt to finish first things first. Demonstrating this in a project, I started my tPOLs when I first signed up because it was a priority I had and I didn’t procrastinate at all. 

Math: Like Terms 

The action of simplifying terms or expressions that are like, known as Like Terms are useful for long algebraic equations. Like Terms similar to habit 7, sharpen your saw, is the choice between taking the time to shorten the equation and taking less time overall or trying to do the longer more challenging equation. Building our skills, Matthew, Angelo and I decided to make a “.io” game involving like terms using Unity and C#. Unity is a game development platform that allows people to create 2D and 3D games.

The game was divided by the game itself and the math involved, which required a detailed competency. The game we created was based on many common 2D “.io” games and it was a long and gruelling process. Incorporating math as much as possible we chose to use it as you level up, answer a question (add or subtract score), polynomials for different classes and algebra tiles for different sizes of food. The execution wasn’t what we had hoped but it was a valiant effort and in the short time we had, it was surprising to have a semi-working game. There were many things we could have improved on but as it was a new program it and there was very little time we couldn’t do the things we wanted.

Teamwork was essential for our game and group to function. Coding and new software are all interests we enjoy doing and a skill we all had a basic foundation. I improved my skills coding, using GitHub and getting familiar with unity which I will use later on more. This was another part of the reason I have started Harvard courses for coding and my interest in this area. It was a fun experience and it was the first time I have done a collaborative coding project. Our work ethics/commitment to getting it done in time and meeting outside of school to finish it showed the amount of work we all put in. It turned out at least and I am happy we put in the effort to make a game.

This was the end of another amazing year despite the end of it occurring through radio waves on our iPad. Online classes have become usual and I can’t remember the last time I had a proper school. This year I have continued the trend of learning new technology and in the future, I am not planning to stop. I have learnt and improved so much during this year thanks to the effort I put into each project. Transitioning into grade 10 I need to start volunteering and considering things for scholarships so my question is:

Question: How should I prepare from grade 10 onwards to have the best chance of getting scholarships (ie. volunteering)?