For our most recent science project, our class turned into a buzzing science fair exhibition literally. Each group were assigned a pollinator to study, and my group focused on one of the most fascinating and beautiful pollinators out there: the hummingbird.
We dove into research to better understand how hummingbirds contribute to the ecosystem, what they need to survive, and how humans are both helping and harming them. We learned that hummingbirds are not just pretty to look at, they play an important role in pollinating flowers, especially tubular ones that bees might not reach. Their quick movements and need to feed often make them very effective pollinators.
During one class we even had representatives from the Butterfly Way Lane project to talk about their experiences as citizen scientists and how we as students could do our part in helping pollinators and why it was so important. The presentation they prepared was effective, educational, and informative which was very helpful in teaching us how we could do something similar at our spring exhibition!
Check out an example of my pamphlet here š
Pamphlet P.G 2Pamphlet P.G 1
Exhibition Day!
At our booth, we showcased everything we learned through posters, pamphlets, and conversations. We explained the doās and donāts of supporting hummingbirds:
ā Do:
Plant native flowers, especially red, orange, or pink ones that are rich in nectar.
Hang hummingbird feeders (with plain sugar waterāno dye!) and clean them regularly.
Provide perches and safe spaces free from predators like outdoor cats.
ā Donāt:
Use pesticides or herbicides in your gardenāthey can harm hummingbirds and the insects they eat.
Leave feeders dirty mold can make them sick.
Remove native plants or cut down important habitats.
We also created eye-catching pamphlets and posters with fun facts, care tips, and even a little myth-busting (like how not all sugar water is good for them if made wrong!). Our goal was to help people understand how even small actions like planting the right flowers or keeping a clean feeder can make a big difference.
Overall, the exhibition was a great way to share what weād learned in a creative and engaging way. It wasnāt just about the hummingbirds it was about raising awareness and inspiring others to protect all pollinators that keep our ecosystems healthy.
In our last humanities project, we dove deep into the complex, devastating, and emotional history of World War I but instead of just writing essays or giving presentations, we told these stories through comics.
The project challenged us to take everything we had learned about WWI ā the causes, the life in the trenches, the human cost, and the global aftermath and transform it into a visual narrative. This wasnāt just about drawing; it was about storytelling. Through character, dialogue, and emotion, we explored what the war looked like from different perspectives, whether it was a soldier in the trenches, a nurse in a field hospital, or a civilian back home and adding some Canadian aspects.
First look
For my comic, I focused on a French girl named Margret who enlists as a nurse at only 16 or 17 years old. Her younger brother, Luc, lies about his age and joins the army at just 14. The story flashes between the battlefield and their home life, showing the toll the war takes on both of them. In the end, Luc is fatally wounded and Margret, despite all her effort, canāt save him. When she returns home, her mother blames her forgetting that Margret was just a kid too. One of the most important lines in my story is: āHe was just a kid!ā followed by, āSO WAS I!ā because thatās the truth for so many during that time.
This comic allowed me to express the chaos and sadness of WWI in a way that felt real. It wasnāt just names and dates anymore. It was family. It was fear. It was trying to do the right thing in a world falling apart. Although the formatting is kinda messy and awkward it still has expression that makes it feel special.
Planning documentRough Storyboard
Final thoughts
Using a comic format helped me slow down and think carefully about how to show emotions, how to use pacing, and how to tell a meaningful story with both words and visuals. It taught me that history is not just about what happened, but how it felt and sharing those feelings can make a much stronger impact than facts alone.
This project was a new look at a way to create a final product that looked good and was more creative than a 300 word essay.
āThank you for coming to my presentation of learning. I am the expert on my own learning. I am also responsible and accountable for my own learning. You can expect me to give an honest evaluation of my progress. We will discuss my strengths and opportunities for growth. Thank you in advance for listening and for offering feedback that I can use to improve as a learner.ā
Iāll be answering the big question:
āHow can you showcase evidence to demonstrate that PLP Success Behaviors have prepared you to advance to the next grade?ā
Lets look at some examples
š§ Engagement
One of the most defining examples of engagement this year was my experience with Destination Imagination. From the beginning, I was involved in building props, planning skits, and solving challenges creatively with my team. Even during the tough times (like last-minute changes or tech failures), I stayed present and put in the effort to help push the team forward. After Regionals, I reflected on how our teamwork and problem-solving showed true grit and how I became more comfortable taking risks with ideas. I knew Provincials would bring even more growth, and I made sure to approach it with more confidence and a stronger voice and I even got 1st place for both the instant challenge and the solution!
Another example was in science class during our ChemHistory project, where we combined chemistry with storytelling and visual art. We learned about the periodic table, compounds, and elements and then chose one to explore in more depth through cyanotype artwork. I chose radium, not just because it glows, but because of the dark history behind it: the story of the Radium Girls factory workers who suffered radiation poisoning while painting glow-in-the-dark watch dials while keeping everything organized especially balancing this with other classwork but I kept track of my tasks and met deadlines. It was a great project and I loved presenting it to the other grades at the library and loved using it to show my learning and progress. By the end, I had a strong final product and a deeper understanding of how to manage a big project on my own.
Takeawayš¤: This project showed me that I can be responsible and dependable, especially when the work gets more complex.
šāāļøāā”ļøAgency
In our Humanities project āIn the Name of the Nationā, I had to do a lot of independent research to argue whether or not Quebec should join Confederation. I went deep into Canadian history and used what I found to create a clear, persuasive script. I even used feedback to improve my structure and make the message stronger.
It was a challenge keeping everything organized especially balancing this with other classwork but I kept track of my tasks and met deadlines. By the end, I had a strong final product and a deeper understanding of how to manage a big project on my own.
Takeaway: This project showed me that I can be responsible and dependable, especially when the work gets more complex.
š§āāļøSelf-regulation and Reflection
In my 2025 mPOL, I talked about how Iāve grown as a learner, especially in handling setbacks. One example was dealing with the pressures of group work in Maker and learning how to communicate better. I used feedback from teachers and peers to improve how I share ideas and listen to others.
I also reflected on my creative work like in DI and other group projects realizing that feedback wasnāt just about fixing problems, but about building something stronger with support.
Takeawayš¤: Reflecting on feedback helped me understand why I make certain choices and how to grow from both success and failure.
š Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV)
Throughout this year, Iāve seen how the PLP Vision, Mission, and Values connect to my growth as a learner. The mission to empower learners to be critical thinkers, communicators, and creatorsā really stood out to me especially in projects like ChemHistory and Destination Imagination. These experiences pushed me to create meaningful work, think deeply, and collaborate with others.
The value of reflection helped me understand that learning isnāt just about finishing tasks itās about why I do things, how I improve, and how I show up as a learner and teammate. Every challenge and revision this year helped me move closer to the kind of learner PLP encourages us to become. I think that following my VMV will help shape me into the person I strive to be and will act as a guideline for when I struggle.
šÆ Final Thoughts
This year Iāve learned how to:
Stay engaged by bringing meaning and purpose into my work
Take responsibility for deadlines, research, and personal growth
Use reflection and feedback to build better outcomes
Do I feel ready for the next grade?
Yes. Although I am not joining PLP again next here I think I am still ready, not because Iāve mastered everything, but because Iāve learned how to learn. Iāve built skills in self-management, collaboration, and creativity and Iām excited to keep growing from here.
How has Nationalismās influence shaped the global structure? Moreover, how has Nationalism impacted the establishment of Canada as a nation?
š Introduction:
In the In the Name of the Nation project, our class explored the birth of Canadian Confederation by taking on the perspectives of different provinces. My group represented Quebec, one of the most culturally unique regions in Canada, and we were tasked with answering the question: Should Quebec join Confederation in 1867?
Through a mix of historical research, debate, scriptwriting, and performance, we created a skit that examined Quebecās political and cultural concerns. This project helped me understand the role nationalism played both in unifying British North America and in creating tensions that still exist today.
Once we had our facts, we wrote a script that reflected the political tensions of the time and also made it fun. Hereās a quick look at some lines that reflect the debate:
šØ Jean-Baptiste: āConfederation could put heavy financial burdens on Quebec! Weād be forced to share our revenues with other provinces.ā
šØ Macdonald: āBut Confederation protects Quebecās identityā¦ control over education, civil law, and language the very pillars of your culture.ā
This project showed me that nationalism is more than just pride in your country Ā itās about the struggle between unity and identity. In Quebecās case, nationalism meant wanting to preserve its French roots while also considering the security and economic benefits of joining a larger country. That balance is what shaped Canada into what it is today a federation made up of provinces with unique voices.
āIn the Name of the Nationā was a fun, insightful, and challenging project. It taught me how to use storytelling to explore serious historical questions, and how nationalism helped both unite and divide Canada. By stepping into the shoes of Quebecās leaders, I better understood what it means to be part of a nation and why protecting culture, language, and autonomy is such a powerful force in shaping a countryās future.
For the final part of this project, I created a video focused on Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. This habit is all about balanceātaking care of your mind, body, heart, and soul so you can keep growing and avoid burnout. After exploring the first six habits, I realized how important Habit 7 is for maintaining the energy and motivation to apply the others in real life.
Middle: My Video Story
My video tells the story of two students who are completely stressed out, overwhelmed by studying and schoolwork. Theyāre tired, frustrated, and not making any progress. Then, a third student approaches them and introduces them to Habit 7.
She explains how sharpening the saw means making time for self-care in all areas:
Mind: Take breaks and do something fun or creative to refresh your brain.
Body: Move around, stretch, or go for a walk.
Heart: Spend time with people who make you feel good and supported.
Soul: Find peaceāmaybe through music, nature, or quiet time.
The three of them decide to go on a walk together, enjoying fresh air and time away from the stress. By the end of the video, the two students feel much better and are ready to return to their work with a clearer mind and more positive energy.
This short but powerful scene shows how even small changesālike taking a walkācan help you reset and recharge.
End: My Reflection on Habit 7
Habit 7 taught me that pushing through stress without stopping isnāt always the best choice. Sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is pause, breathe, and take care of yourself. Creating this video helped me think about the ways I recharge, and it reminded me that taking breaks actually helps me be more productive and creative in the long run.
Just like the characters in the video, Iāve felt the stress of doing too much at once. But now, I understand how important balance isānot just for school, but for life.
Watch My Habit 7 Video!
Final Thoughts
Habit 7 ties all the others together. Without balance, itās easy to lose motivation, burn out, or feel stuck. This final part of the project helped me realize that personal growth isnāt just about working harderāitās about working smarter and caring for myself along the way.
For this part of the project, I created a short video that explores Habits 4, 5, and 6 from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Instead of just explaining each habit, I used three fun and memorable stories to demonstrate what they look like in real life. My goal was to use voiceover, strong visuals, and clear storytelling to make the habits easy to understand and apply.
Storytelling With Purpose
Each story in my video connects directly to one of the habits and shows how these skills can solve real problems in smart and positive ways:
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Story: You and a friend are selling two different types of cookies at a bake sale. At first, youāre competing for customers, but instead of fighting, you combine your stands. Now everyone gets more optionsāand you both win.
Message: Itās not about one person winning and one losing; itās about finding solutions where everyone benefits.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Story: You go to the doctor for stitches, but instead, they hand you a lime. Obviously, thatās not what you need!
Message: This silly situation shows how important it is to listen and understand someoneās needs before offering your own solution.
Habit 6: Synergize
Story: You and another person both want the same apple thatās high in a tree. Neither of you can reach it alone, but by working togetherāone person lifts the otherāyou grab it and split it.
Message: When we work together and value each otherās strengths, we can achieve more than we could alone.
The voiceover adds personality and clarity to the storytelling, and the visuals were chosen to make each habit entertaining and easy to remember. I made sure to follow the Benchmark 2 expectations for sound quality, timing, and format.
What I Learned by Telling These Stories
This video taught me how powerful simple stories can be. Explaining these habits through creative situations helped me understand them better myself. I now see how Habits 4ā6 are about relationshipsālearning to cooperate, communicate, and collaborate. These are skills I know Iāll use both in and out of school.
Creating this video also helped me improve my skills in scripting, voice acting, and editing, and Iām proud of how it turned out.
Watch My YouTube Short on Habits 4ā6!
Final Reflection
Making this video reminded me that learning doesnāt have to be boringāit can be creative, fun, and meaningful. By using storytelling, I was able to bring Coveyās habits to life and show how they apply to everyday situations. I hope my video helps others remember and use these habits, just like I plan to.
For this project, I created a YouTube Short that breaks down the first three habits from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. I chose to create an informative and engaging video that would help others quickly understand each habit and how it works in real life. From the beginning, I wanted the video to be clear, helpful, and to the point just like the habits themselves.
The Video Creation Process
My video follows this structure:
Habit 1: Be Proactive ā I gave an example of taking control over how you respond to problems, rather than blaming others.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind ā I shared how setting a clear goal can keep you focused, like planning out your day to avoid distractions and can use things like VMV to help you.
Habit 3: Put First Things First ā I showed the importance of doing the most important tasks first, like homework before video games by using the big and little rocks metaphor.
Each habit was paired with a realistic example to help the viewer connect with the message. The visuals were chosen to match the examples, and I paid attention to the sound quality, timing, and clarity, making sure everything aligned with the Benchmark 2 expectations. This project helped me understand the habits more deeply, because teaching something forces you to really learn it.
Growth Through Teaching
This video wasnāt just about checking off an assignment it was about learning how to communicate a big idea in a small amount of time. Through this process, I learned how to structure information clearly, how to stay on-topic, and how to make sure my message could connect with others. I used Habit 3: Put First Things First throughout the video, balancing time between filming, editing, and revisions.
Iām proud of how it turned out, and I now have a better understanding of what it takes to produce content that informs and engages
Throughout this project, I used questioning to better understand my identity, values, and future aspirations. Some of the key questions that guided my reflection were:
ā¢ Who am I beyond the surface?
I explored aspects of my personality, interests, and values that define me, particularly my passion for art and storytelling.
ā¢ What goals matter to me, and why?
I reflected on my goal-setting journeyādrinking more water for better health, volunteering to contribute to my community, and developing my art portfolio to prepare for my future in animation.
ā¢ How have my experiences shaped who I am today?
Looking back at past experiences, I realized how my love for creativity has been influenced by the people around me and how my involvement in volunteering has helped me grow in confidence.
ā¢ Where do I see myself going?
I thought about my aspirations, particularly my goal of studying art and animation at NYU or California arts. This question helped me identify the steps I need to take to reach that goal.
These questions made me more intentional about my learning and personal growth. Instead of just thinking about what I āshouldā do, I focused on what truly matters to me and why.
š¬ Using Technology to Tell My Story
Technology played a huge role in how I conceived, created, and presented my story. I used different digital tools throughout the process:
ā¢ Storyboard/Scriptwriting:
Before jumping into video creation, I mapped out my ideas using aĀ script to ensure my message was clear and engaging. This helped me structure my thoughts and avoid rambling.
ā¢ Video Editing & Visual Storytelling:
I used I movie and keynote to edit my video, adding elements like music, visuals, and transitions to enhance my storytelling. I also experimented with animation and effects to bring my ideas to life.
ā¢ YouTube & Digital Sharing:
After completing my video, I uploaded it to YouTube, making it accessible to others. This was a big step for me, as sharing personal reflections publicly can feel vulnerableābut it also showed me the power of using technology to express my thoughts and inspire others.
š Evidence of My Learning
To show my growth throughout this project, I included evidence from different parts of my journey:
āļø Goal-Setting Activities (WDYRW, Managing Me, Goal Tracker, Think It & Ink It activities)
ā¢ I tracked my progress toward my goals and reflected on my challenges and successes.
ā¢ Doing activities from the book helped me process my thoughts and stay motivated.
ā¢ Planning my video step-by-step allowed me to tell a cohesive and meaningful story.
āļø Final Video
ā¢ My video captures my self-reflection and showcases my creative approach to storytelling.
š½ļø My Final Unboxing Me Video
š Telling My Story: Who I Am & Where Iām Going
Through this project, I told a story about my identity, goals, and aspirations. My video reflects:
ā¢ Who I Am: An artist, a storyteller, a learner who is constantly growing.
ā¢ What Drives Me: My passion for art, my desire to make an impact through creativity, and my dedication to self-improvement.
ā¢ Where Iām Going: Pursuing my dreams of studying animation and continuing to build a portfolio that represents my unique artistic voice.
This project helped me see that storytelling isnāt just about words on a page or images on a screenāitās about how we reflect, grow, and communicate our truth in a way that resonates with others.
š Final Thoughts
This experience pushed me to think deeply about myself and my future. It also helped me become more comfortable using technology as a storytelling toolāsomething that will be valuable in my creative journey. Iām excited to take what Iāve learned and apply it as I continue working toward my goals!ā„
Our team went through several stages of design while creating our solution for the DI challenge. We started with brainstorming ideas for our 8-minute story, focusing on the theme: how something small and/or simple can create a big impact. After exploring different directions, we decided to tell the story of a poor musician whoās trying to get her sick mother out of the hospital. A small yellow piece of paper becomes the turning point in her lifeāa seemingly insignificant object that ends up changing everything.
We chose music and dance as our Team Choice Elements, weaving them into the story to highlight emotional moments and add depth to our performance. We experimented with different musical pieces and movement styles, choreographing sections that enhanced both the message and mood of each scene.
One of our biggest creative challenges was designing a Special Effect that would enhance the Emotional Momentāa key scene where the main character expresses desperation and hope through song. After testing several options, we landed on a combination of fabric, cool motion, and minimalistic set design that created a powerful visual and emotional experience.
Story Development
Crafting a compelling story that met all the challenge requirements while still feeling original and meaningful was a huge part of our journey. Our Focal Characterāthe struggling musicianāwas at the heart of our story. We made sure her motivations and emotional journey were clearly shown, especially in the moment when she discovers the yellow paper that changes everything.
We went through many drafts, revising dialogue, character arcs, and pacing to make sure the story flowed well and kept the audience engaged. We were especially proud of how naturally the Emotional Moment emerged, supported by theatrical elements and our Special Effect to heighten its impact.
Provincials: Stepping Up
After Regionals, we knew there was still room to grow. At Provincials, I personally pushed myself even more by writing and performing an original song for our Emotional Moment. Songwriting and singing helped me tap into the characterās emotion in a more powerful way, and I could feel the audience connecting with that moment. It was a risk to add something so personal and vulnerable, but it paid off and became one of the strongest parts of our performance.
We also refined our set, costumes, and transitions based on feedback from Regionals. Our team got better at using innovative and creative solutions to enhance the storyālike designing interactive props and rethinking staging to emphasize the transformation caused by the yellow paper. It was amazing to see how each little detail added up to something really impactful.
Skills Iāve Gained
Compared to last year in PLP 8, this yearās DI challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I built new skills like adaptabilityāthings went wrong all the time, and I had to learn to adjust quickly and stay calm under pressure. I also learned more about performance design, like how lighting and staging can completely change the mood of a scene.
Most importantly, I developed confidence in myself as a performer and creator. Writing a song, singing it live, and telling a meaningful storyāall while sticking to the time limit and challenge rulesāwas something I never thought I could do.
Communication & Collaboration
Our team truly grew together through this process. We practiced active listening, worked through disagreements respectfully, and supported each other during every rehearsal. The pressure of Provincials could have divided us, but instead it made us stronger. We leaned on each other and celebrated our successes together.
The Outcome
Iām proud to say that we won Provincials, and it felt like all of our hard work, creativity, and risk-taking really paid off. This DI journey showed me how powerful collaboration and storytelling can be, and how even the smallest ideaālike a yellow piece of paperācan make a big impact.
Iāll be adding photos and a link to our final performance video soon!
āThank you for coming to my presentation of learning. I am the expert on my own learning. I am also responsible and accountable for my own learning. You can expect me to give an honest evaluation of my progress. We will discuss my strengths and opportunities for growth. Thank you in advance for listening and for offering feedback that I can use to improve as a learner.ā
The purpose of this reflection is to answer two essential questions:
How have I demonstrated growth as a learner this year?
How can I push myself out of my comfort zone to take more risks in my learning?
At the beginning of the year, I created my Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV), which focused on academic growth, personal development, and effective time management. My goal was to challenge myself, engage in learning, and prepare for future opportunities. Today, Iāll reflect on my progress in Humanities, Maker, and Science and how I will continue using my VMV strategies to finish the year successfully.
Humanities: Learning Through Challenges
This year, my Humanities projects helped me develop communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.
ā¢ Peak Potential: Reading Banner in the Sky and traveling to Alberta for a field study helped me understand both mental and physical perseverance. I hiked trails ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours, which was exhausting but rewarding. One of the biggest challenges was interviewing strangers for our videoāI had to step out of my comfort zone to approach and talk to people confidently.
ā¢Vive Les Machines a Methapors: Researching the French Revolution and creating a metaphor machine to explain its impact helped me develop my ability to translate historical concepts into visual storytelling. Presenting our project at the Winter Exhibition taught me how to engage an audience and explain complex ideas in a clear way.
ā¢ Frankenstuffies: The Rise of Change: In this project, I combined research on the Industrial Revolution with creative storytelling by designing a character from hand-sewn stuffed animals. It was fun but also challenging to stitch the character together and use green screen techniques to bring my story to life.
How I grew: I improved my public speaking, creativity, and ability to connect history to engaging narratives.
Next steps: I want to speak up more in class discussions and take a leadership role in group projects.
My individual infographic
My groupās Infographic
Maker: Developing Technical and Creative Skills
ā¢ Peak Potential (Video Focus): I created three different videos: a TikTok-style video, a silent film, and a documentary-style video with interviews. Each one taught me different editing and storytelling techniques, especially how to match visuals with tone and pacing.
ā¢ Running a Remake: My group recreated a short YouTube film, RUN, shot-for-shot. This project required detailed planning, precise camera work, and teamwork. I learned that even simple shots require many takes to get them just right.
ā¢ Unboxing Me (Ongoing Project): This project helped me reflect on my personal goals and interests. Writing a script about who I am and what I want to achieve made me think more about my future and how I can reach my goals.
How I grew: I became more confident in video editing, storytelling, and working with a team under tight deadlines.
Next steps: I want to experiment with more advanced editing techniques and take more creative risks in my projects.
Science: Overcoming Challenges in Hands-on Learning
ā¢ Handle with Care: I studied ecosystems by observing the ocean and documenting a food web. This project taught me how to analyze real-world environmental systems and think critically about sustainability. Creating an interactive map helped me learn how to organize and present scientific information digitally.
ā¢ Watt the Heck: I created an infographic about wind power and then built a working circuit for an Operation-style game. Understanding circuits in theory was one thing, but actually wiring them in real life was a challenge. I struggled at first, but eventually, I figured out how to troubleshoot issues and complete the project successfully.
ā¢ ChemHISTORY: Learning about ionic compounds, polyatomic compounds, and transition metals helped me understand how elements interact to form new substances.
How I grew: I improved my scientific research skills and learned to work through hands-on challenges, even when things didnāt go as planned.
Next steps: I want to ask for more help when I donāt understand something and find ways to apply my science learning to real-world situations.
Final Reflection: Connecting Back to My VMV
This year, I have grown as a learner by:
ā Building problem-solving skills through research and hands-on projects.
ā Taking initiative by stepping out of my comfort zone to interview people, present to an audience, and push through difficult tasks.
ā Improving time management by balancing multiple projects and staying organized.
ā Developing resilience by working through challenges in hands-on projects, especially in science and video production.
To continue growing, I will:
ā Take more risks by volunteering to present and lead discussions.
ā Strengthen my technical skills in video editing and science labs.
ā Improve my self-advocacy by asking for help and taking on more leadership roles.
Thank you for listening! Iām excited to continue growing as a learner and applying these lessons for the rest of the school year.
