Itsa Me – Destination Imagination!

A crucial part of all schools is teamwork, which is tested and presented in many ways. Most places will have group projects like PowerPoints and experiments, but PLP is on a whole other level, as they use the most team-reliant type of project, Destination Imagination (DI)! DI is a school-wide event, where people attend a school to witness their families and friends compete for first. There are 4 different challenge topics: Technical, Engineering, Scientific & Fine Arts, each getting a new challenge every year. This year, it was my first year in DI, and I got placed in the technical challenge this year – Pinball Hero! In Pinball Hero’s, each group has to create a working pinball machine, with 3 or more modules. The pinball has to complete one full pinball round where the size three soccer ball interacts with every module to get any points. And this year, we had to make it themed around an action/adventure movie. But, you’re not here to read paragraphs on the rules and regulations, so let me indulge you in the absolutely crazy process of making a pinball machine.

When it was first announced in early January, my mind instantly started brainstorming ideas for potential ideas. I was working on some plans when we were assigned our groups and challenges, and as soon as we did, my group started collaborating. It turned out that I wasn’t the only one with ideas, because our conversations were full of cool and crazy thoughts for modules, art and the story. We bounced things around but eventually ended up with the story idea of Mario. It was a classic, and everyone in my group was familiar with it, so it seemed like the perfect idea. Once we had the basics of the plan, we split up into 2 groups; one from the machine, and the other for the story. 

Jannik, Logan and I worked on the story and script while Magnus and Charlie worked on the actual machine. We stuck to the original elements and stories in Mario but added our twists to it.  We had fun creating it, reminiscing on the joy that Mario brings us, and focusing on the specific ideas we think would fit best. Then, once we had the story, I created the script to bring our story to life. While we did that, our 2 grade 10’s (Charlie and Magnus), worked diligently on the machine and the modules. We all communicated throughout the entire thing, to make sure the story matched the machine and vice versa. Everything and everyone was great and on the same page completely, until the semester change. During February, my group lost touch. We all had conflicting schedules, never agreeing on times to meet up, and having to do all our tasks on our own. I spent that time collecting my costume and making all the necessary props we agreed upon. 

I made fireballs out of whiffle balls, mystery boxes with cardboard, and fire flowers with both. It was stressful enough working together every day in Maker, but not meeting up added a whole new layer of anxiety. But finally, everyone’s schedules cleared up, and we started working again. The 10’s built and assembled the machine, while the rest of us started to paint it, adding more of the Mario feel to it. Before we even knew it, it was March 2nd, Destination Imagination Day! The day was eventful, to say the least. We all met at 8:30 am in our practice rooms and started rehearsing immediately. Hours and hours we practiced, trying to make sure everything was perfect for our 12:45 pm presentation time. In between we had our instant challenge, then lunch, and the next thing we knew, it was time! We grabbed our props, sign, and machine and headed onto the stage.

The presentation went well! We all remember our lines, acted to the best of our abilities, and completed a pinball round. Our group was sure we snatched a place on the podium, but when we talked to the appraisers, that idea was quickly dismissed. Because of some technical problems and actions, we placed last, and I was furious. How dare I put 3 months of hard work into it, just to end up at the bottom?! I didn’t understand, but I kept my anger inside as I congratulated the groups that won. I realized that my group has many things to improve from the art of the machine to the modules themselves. After the day was over, went home and started again from square one, thinking of new ideas to make sure we secure a podium spot for next time. We may have not won, or come close in any way, but we all learned the hard way, that if you want to win, then you need more than a half-finished product and a dream. So until the next teams, may the best and most improved machine win.

The Rise of the Frankenstuffies!

If you could create any random animal hybrid, what would you make? I ask this of you, because our most recent project, ‘Rise of the Frankenstuffies’, we all had to use our imagination and semi successful sewing skills to build the hybrid of our dreams. 

We were first approached with the project in the beginning of February right after semester change. We were told to bring old stuffed animals that were ready to be repurposed and destroyed in the name of art. We were given free rein to pick and choose whatever materials we wanted to use for our creations. After scavenging around different tables for stray parts, I found a frog head, lamb body and ears, cat tail, and leopard legs. It was a mishmash of different textures and colors, but somehow it all seemed to come together in a weirdly cohesive way. Over the next two days, I spent every spare moment working on my creation. Sewing, stuffing, and stitching until my fingers were sore and slightly bleeding. But the result was worth it.

Process of Creating Leonid

After the assembling of our stuffies, we moved into 2 separate things at once. We were first given a book to read called “Levithan” by Scott Westerfield. This book was about an alternate world in the midst of war, where there were genetically engineered creatures called ‘Darwinist Beasties’. The creatures in the book were a mix of different animals, just like my creation. At the same time, we were tasked with creating a Hero’s Journey diagram for our stuffies. We had to break down their story into seven different sections, and describe our strange friend. It was a challenging task, but I dove in with enthusiasm. I wrote the entirety of Leonid’s story, bringing him to life with every detail. The combination of reading “Leviathan”, creating my Frankenstuffie, and mapping out his Hero’s Journey had opened up a whole new level of thinking for me, showing me how anything can spark creativity.

Once we our entire story, we had to choose one part to present in our film. I choose 3 parts and simplified them to the length of one, and it was no easy task let me tell you that. I love writing, I do it all the time in and out of school, but having full creative liberties on an assignment can cause writers block for me. So while everyone was writing, I was still plotting the perfect way to share Leonids story, and once I found it, everything fell into place. Words spewing from my brain onto the page instantly, and before I knew it, I arrived at the last part of the entire thing; the video.



This process was the most infuriating and difficult part by far. I realized some of the parts that I wrote about were going to be difficult, so I had to simplify even more while still portraying my story. Once I had my new final draft, I started gathering background photos for editing. But, I couldn’t find any, so I decided it would be more unique if I drew it all by hand. It took me hours and hours of drawing, erasing, redrawing and animating, but I finished it just in the nick of time. Before I handed it it, I added some sound effects and video effects to spice things up, then sent it in!

“How do we as writers make our message clear and engaging to an audience?”This is the driving question, the bigger question around the entirety of this project. The main focus is on how writers can make their message clear and engaging to an audience. The writer suggests drawing inspiration from various sources, incorporating elements that resonate with the audience, and utilizing creative storytelling techniques to make the message more captivating. By being creative, persistent, and innovative, writers can effectively communicate their message and capture the attention of their readers or viewers.

In conclusion, the ‘Rise of the Frankenstuffies’ project pushed me to think outside the box and get creative with my storytelling. From creating my own hybrid stuffed animal to mapping out its Hero’s Journey and bringing it to life in a short film, every step of the process was a challenge that ultimately led to a satisfying result. By immersing myself in the world of ‘Leviathan’ and drawing inspiration from various sources, I was able to craft a story that was engaging and unique. This project taught me the importance of perseverance and innovation in writing, as well as the power of storytelling to captivate an audience. Who knows what odd creature I may create next, but one thing is for sure – the journey of creating it will be just as exciting and rewarding as this one.

Now you, my amazing viewers and teacher, I would like your feedback on my video. After watching my film, click this link, and it will take you to a padlet. There you can give me feedback alongside comments for me to take into consideration. Thank you very much, I’ll see you next blogpost!

Rise of the Frankenstuffies Padlet

Is this Riel Life? Or is this Just Fantasy

In the short time before the semester changed, my PLP 9 class dove into the study of an important individual in Canadian history; Louis Riel. Now, I’m somewhat of a history hater, so when the project was first announced, I was disappointed. I have never felt any interest in historical events such as World Wars or ancient civilizations like my peers, so I was counting on this particular assignment to bore me. Yet, at this moment in time, reflecting on “Let’s Get Riel”, I feel more connected to my country’s past. However, if you aren’t familiar with this Métis legend, let me indulge you in his story, so sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy as I share with you a retelling of Louis Riel and his portrayal in history through my eyes.

 

For this assignment, we had to create a multi-paragraph composition based on our driving question, “How has the portrayal of Louis Riel changed over time?”. He was portrayed as many different things, but the evolution in itself reminded me of the power of perspective. History is not a fixed entity; it is subjective, shaped by the viewpoints and biases of those who record it. What we believe to be true today may be challenged and reevaluated in the future. It made me realize that our understanding of the past can never be fully comprehensive or objective. Growing up, I was taught a simplified version of history, where the heroes and villains were clearly defined. But as I delved deeper into Riel’s story, I realized that reality is far more complex. The struggles faced by the Métis people were not black and white; they were multifaceted and intertwined with issues of identity, land rights, and cultural preservation. In a way, studying the life of Louis Riel challenged me to question my own assumptions and preconceived notions. It made me realize that history is not just a static collection of dates and events; it is a living, breathing entity that continues to shape the present. 

While I’ve discussed a lot about his story and my thoughts on it, I haven’t talked much about the actual composition. This project was very challenging for me, as I couldn’t put my opinion into it. I’m usually a very opinionated person, you could ask anyone I know, so having to write a piece of literature while staying completely impartial was hard. I wrote drafts and drafts, each one different yet not meeting my personal expectations. Then something clicked, and I knew how I had to write. I wrote like someone who just knew the facts, the evidence given to them, like I knew nothing other than the impartial truth. And after revisions from myself and the teaches, I had a finished product that I was proud of.

So, is this real life, or is it just fantasy? Perhaps it’s a bit of both. The study of Louis Riel allowed me to step out of my historical apathy and explore the vibrant and often untold stories that shaped our nation. It reminded me that history is not just a subject to be endured; it is a lens through which we can better understand ourselves and our country.

How Do Ideas Drive Change? A Winter Exhibition ❄️

Exhibition day is supposed to be the day when you proudly present your finished product to the world, showing it off and reminiscing on the last few months of building, painting, planning, and overall design. But when you have 8 unassembled pieces of a Rube Goldberg machine, a documentary to finish, and 7 hours before people show up, exhibition day is one of the most stressful parts of PLP. Now, before we begin, let me take you back a 2 months, when our project, “Metaphor Machines” was announced.

I was assigned to the Haitian Revolution group as part of a project. Before diving into our specific revolution, we read ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell to understand how power can corrupt people and lead to conflict. We analyzed the characters and their actions, relating them to real-life historical events. We had passionate discussions about the characters’ intentions and the manipulation of power. Once we finished the novel, we were given our revolution groups. My group was tasked with researching and analyzing the Haitian revolution. My first job was to create an infographic educating our classmates about the causes, events, and impacts of the revolution. I wasted no time and started working on it immediately. After revising it myself and getting feedback from peers, I handed it in and moved on to the next step, planning.

The planning was probably the easiest part of it all. We first made individual plans, with connections and the metaphorical message behind them. For some, the metaphors proved to be challenging, but I found them easy because we already had the background information for our machines to help guide us. And after completing our ones, we gathered as a group to turn our 7 blueprints into 1 collaborative one.  Once we had a fine design, and it was approved by the teachers, we moved on to the hardest step of it all, the building. 

The building process was hands down the hardest part of the entire project. We all decided to work on our connections, but we also had to work on the design for our room, the supplies and the documentary, so things got out of hand fast. Some people did a lot, some people did nothing, and at points, there were times when I wanted to give up. But as a group, we pushed through and started working together. We made ramps, designed switchbacks, overcame obstacles and did a lot of painting, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day we were all waiting for exhibition day.

This day, on December 21st, the day of the exhibition, was the day that everything went south. While all of our connections worked on their own, which was a miracle, to begin with, when we put them together, nothing seemed to work. We tried moving parts, repositioning them and even scrapping some, but nothing seemed to work. When we took a break for lunch, I wanted nothing more for the day to be over, but by some blessing, we made the 2nd half of the machine work. Our next challenge was the documentary, and because the person in charge of it became ill at the last second, we had to finish it day of. But that didn’t stop us, and when the exhibition was in full swing, we had something to show people, and with our solid presentation, half a documentary and witty charm, which all worked out for the best.

And lastly, to touch on our driving question: How do ideas drive change? Ideas have the remarkable power to ignite change by acting as the fuel that propels revolutions. They are like the metaphoric sparks that set in motion a Rube Goldberg machine, the simple yet effective series of cause and effect. As we collaboratively built our own Goldberg machine, we learned the importance of working together to overcome obstacles in our path. Similarly, when ideas are shared and combined, they become a force that can triumph over any hindrance, driving transformative change in the world. And even though we’ve faced challenges, we learned many valuable lessons, and that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Thrill Us: A Journey Through A Basketball 🏀

Why do people make thrillers? To add suspense, make us uneasy? Is it to scare us? To give us a gateway into another world? Well, in the case of teachers, its a task given to kids to make them understand film for themselves. And in my opinion, it’s difficult as heck. For this whole semester we’ve been studying the ways of filming. The different angles, specific lighting, characters, editing, the whole shabang. So after we finished our previous project, filming a remake, it was time to make a film on our own. 

We started by watching a collection of short thrillers to give us inspiration. Each film provided us with a different perspective on how to create suspense and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. We analyzed the various techniques used, such as suspenseful music, unexpected plot twists, and well-developed characters. We also studied the three C’s, (contract, clock & crucible), which helped us dig deeper into the world of media. And after breaking down the short thrillers and learning about the key elements that make a good thriller, we divided into groups to start planning our own film.

My group consisted of basketball players, including me, and it seemed only fitting that we incorporated our shared passion into our film. We decided it would start with 2 friends playing basketball, one makes a bad shot and sends the other friend on a wild journey to get it, and ends with a really dramatic and confusing twist. So once we had our plot, planned the shots we needed, and developed the characters, it was time to film. We were given 4 days to film and edit, Monday through Thursday, and it had to be submitted on Friday to watch, so we split the shots we needed into 3 days, leaving the last day for editing. 

Unfortunately, on Monday I was sick, but since I’m only in 1 shot, my group was able to film the designated shots without me. They started with the beginning, and worked their way down to 1/3 of it finished, which was perfect for the day. We were all determined to make the most out of the remaining days. On Tuesday, we gathered again to film the rest of the shots. Despite the setback of my absence on the first day, we managed to capture everything we needed. There were a few retakes here and there to ensure perfection, but overall, the filming process went smoothly.

With all the footage in the bag, we eagerly moved on to the next phase – editing. Wednesday was dedicated to transforming our raw footage into a thrilling film. We added special effects to intensify the suspense and make certain scenes look distorted. Dramatic music was carefully selected to enhance the overall atmosphere of the film. Applying filters in specific parts added an extra layer of intrigue to the visuals. One aspect that pleasantly surprised us was the sound quality of the running scenes. It was captured perfectly on set, so there was no need for reshoots or additional audio recording. This saved us a lot of time and allowed us to focus more on other editing details.

By Thursday, we were entering the final stages of editing. We added some finishing touches to ensure a seamless flow between shots and to fine-tune the overall pacing. It was a process of trial and error, making sure every scene was as captivating as possible. We meticulously scrutinized each frame, aiming for perfection. Finally, on Friday, we proudly handed in our finished product. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. We were thrilled to have created something unique and captivating, a film that truly immersed the audience in its suspenseful narrative. We couldn’t wait to see the reactions of our classmates and teachers. And to our surprise, we ended up having a film competition, and ended in a tie for 2nd place. 

Reflecting on the journey we took to create this thriller, I realize how much I’ve learned about the complexities of filmmaking. The process of planning, filming, and editing taught me valuable lessons about storytelling and the power of visual media. I now have a deeper appreciation for the art of crafting suspense and captivating an audience. And in the end, our group successfully completed our task of creating a thrilling film. We overcame obstacles, honed our skills, and embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. It was an experience that will forever be etched in our memories, reminding me of the incredible power of film has, and I will always be thankful that I got to experience a bit of the magic. 

What Happens In Loon Lake, Stay’s In Loon Lake 🏔️🌨️🌲

PLP 9 just got back from the Loon Lake Learning Advance, and it’s safe to say that this field study has been my favourite out of them all. We spent a week away in the forest of Maple Ridge practicing our collaboration and learning to trust our peers as well as ourselves. Pinicale Pursuits, the program that had us, and Johno, the leader who was with us through most of the trip, made the environment of the trip more welcoming and comfortable. 

Tuesday, my group, the otters, went rock climbing and were pushed out of our comfort zones. It was exciting to challenge ourselves physically and mentally and we saw how determined and resilient our peers were. We learned about planning our next steps and strategizing to overcome obstacles. In the afternoon, we had group discussions with Johno, where we appreciated the unique strengths and qualities of our group members. It was heartwarming to see the support and encouragement within our group.

On Wednesday, we started the day by participating in a challenging low ropes course. It required teamwork and trust as we navigated through the ropes and obstacles, supporting and encouraging each other. After that, we split into smaller groups for a thrilling scavenger hunt, using maps and compasses to find hidden challenges in the forest. It tested our critical thinking and creativity. We then had a meaningful discussion about our individuality and created posters to showcase our unique qualities. Sharing and affirming each other’s posters brought a touching moment of love, support, and genuine connections. Then to end the day, we gathered in the gym and did a few more bonding activities, bringing us closer as a class.

 

Thursday was full to the brim with events, and after breakfast, we started on the first one. Our animal groups were given colours, then split into 3 smaller groups to compete in a variety of challenges. This activity as a whole tested out time management, teamwork and attention to detail, as we raced for 1st place. My team ended last, but that didn’t stop us from learning and enjoying it while it lasted. Afterwards, we were put into 3 groups, and lead through 3 different activities. We did the high ropes that made us get out of our comfort zone, shelter building to help our skills of survival, and lastly trust falls, where we had to fully trust ourselves and others.

By the time Friday rolled around, we were getting ready to welcome our parents like Pinnacle Pursuits welcomed us. We gathered in our fruit groups one last time, as we discussed the 5 key things we learned over the week and put them in categories. Clear communication, social awareness, leadership, internal talk and emotional intelligence was what we decided. My group got leadership, so we wrote a script, made a poster and soon enough our parents arrived. Throughout the gathering, we presented our ideas and thoughts surrounding leadership to different people, and at the end shared goals we planed to take home with us. My goal is to think before I feel. I’m someone who would react before actually proceeding the information in a logical way, so that’s something I’m trying to bring back to Seycove.

In conclusion, Loon Lake was a transformative experience for me. The program and Johno created a welcoming and comfortable environment for us to learn and grow. We did activities like rock climbing, low ropes courses, scavenger hunts, and team challenges, which pushed us out of our comfort zones and helped us develop trust and teamwork skills. The discussions and reflections throughout the week fostered genuine connections and support within our group. We shared our learnings and goals with our parents and I want to work on improving my leadership skills. Overall, this field study was an unforgettable experience that taught us valuable life lessons and strengthened our community bonds that we will never forget.

Take Your Kid To Work Day: CoastPowertrain Style 🚛

Have you ever been to a heavy duty truck mechanic shop? No? Well neither had I, that is until now. For take your kid to work day, instead of going with either my mom or dad, I decided to go with my aunt and uncle to their company. Coast PowerTrain is a heavy duty truck mechanic shop, and I got to spend the day shadowing my aunt as she did her daily routine. 

She picked me up at 7am to drive to New Westminster, where its located. We started by getting me situated in my aunts office, then she took me on a mini tour which ended by the coffee machine. After that, I got started on my first job, moving old files and statements into the storage room. It was a tedious task, but it gave me an opportunity to learn more about the company and its history. The files were stacked high, filled with decades worth of information and transactions.

Once I had finished moving the old files, it was time for my second job – filing the new purchase files. This task was much more organized and straightforward. I was given a list of files to locate and sort through, making sure each document found its rightful place. It felt satisfying to bring order to the chaos, knowing that these files would be easily accessible for future reference.

With my assigned tasks completed, I decided to take some time to explore the mechanic side of Coast Powertrain. As I walked through the bustling workshop, the sound of tools and machinery filled the air. I saw a team of skilled mechanics working diligently on various vehicles, from buses to concrete trucks. They were engrossed in their work, fixing engines, replacing parts, and ensuring that each vehicle was in top condition.

     

After spending some time in the mechanic side, I continued exploring the rest of the facility. I stumbled upon the shipping department, a bustling hub of activity. Boxes and packages were being labeled, organized, and loaded onto trucks for delivery. My uncle, the general manager, was overseeing the operations, making sure everything was running efficiently. Feeling a sense of accomplishment from my day’s activities, I decided to head back to my aunt’s office for lunch.

Once lunch was finished, I was given my last task of the day, inventory. I got suited up in a work jacket, shown the basics, and I was on my way. I headed upstairs to the smaller parts, and went row by row. It was a big job, taking up several hours to finish it all. But once I was done, I was satisfied with my efforts. Then at 4:30pm, it was time to head out for the day.

I got to see what it’s like to run a company, and let me tell you, it’s no easy job. While I wasn’t working, I was watching my aunt send out hundreds of emails, do payroll, taxes, alongside many other things. She was the controller, the glue that held that company together, and she was handling that pressure with ease. I know that I will never be a mechanic or anything in that, but I have a newfound respect for the people who are, who help change the transportation industries and systems for the better.

The Canadian Rockies: The PLP Way 🏔️🚞

As I stood atop the towering peaks of Sulphur Mountain , the crisp mountain air filling my lungs and the unreal views unfolding before my eyes, I couldn’t help but marvel at the profound impact of geography on our lives. My recent eight-day trip to Banff, Alberta, focused on exploring the five themes of geography (Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement & Region), and exploring into the rich history of the Canadian Pacific Railway, has left an mark on my understanding of Canada’s western landscape and the unique lifestyle it has fostered.

Our journey took us through a diverse range of locations, each filled with its own stories and important facts that help make the West. From the historic Rogers Pass, where the jagged mountains where railway workers who connected a nation, to the enchanting Cave and Basin, with magical underground hot springs and a pungent sulphur smell.

Yet, it was the breathtaking ascent up The Six Planes of Glaciers hike that truly made me appreciate the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. With every step along the trail, I could feel the earth’s geological history beneath my feet, as the intensity of the hike challenged my body.

During our journey, I came to realize how the geography of the West has shaped not only the land but also the people who call it home. The majestic mountains, deep valleys, and massive waterways have carved a rugged character into the region, one that mirrors the resilience and diversity of those who have settled here. The Canadian Pacific Railway, a symbol of determination and nation-building, served as a testament to the transformative power of geography.

Yet, this trip was not just about the land; it was also a profound lesson in the people who inhabit it. As I interviewed locals for my investigative video I discovered a shared sense of wonder and appreciation for the vast expanse of the Canadian West. It was also a bonding experience for my classmates and I, spending everyday together only strengthened the relationships we made.

Everything we learned along the way was put into a multi touch book. It gave us questions that would guide us to a deeper understanding of the locations, but also give us space to make our own interpretations and connections. It is what holds all of our knowledge of the trip, and it shows our personality while exploring the sights and significance of the West.

As I reflect on those eight unforgettable days, I can’t help but be grateful for the opportunity to explore my own country and learn about its history in such a immersive way. This journey has not only deepened my understanding of the geographical forces that have shaped Canada’s western landscape but has also given me respect for the people who have made it their home. It was more than a trip; it was an expedition of self-discovery, resilience, and learning all about the beauty and history of the Canadian Rockies and the wild, Wild West.

The Moving Images in the Rockies

“How might I use the moving image to tell a story?”

This is the driving question for our entire Maker class. We were asked this at the beginning of the school year, to help us imagine whatever our answers might be. And though it is only October, I have hundreds of answers and 4 videos to show my learning. So sit back and relax as I take you through a journey, the Maker way.

We started the whole project with the Silent Video. We were put in groups of four, and had to plan a video using no words to be filmed at Three Valley Gap, a ghost town and our 2nd stop of the first day. We decided on a story like a comic, that followed a chase between 2 people. The concept was to make an old timey movie that was a minute or under. Our plan had to follow the format of a Story Spine, and once we had an approved plan, we could start deciding props and finalize our ideas. And once we got on the bus and arrived, it was go time. 

Once we got there, we immediately split up into our groups and started filming. My group decided to start at the Golden Wheel Saloon and followed a path that led to the Roundhouse, where all the trains were kept. We filmed along the way, and once we had our last shot and got it approved by Mrs. Maxwell & Miss Kadi, we started editing. And 2 weeks later, we submitted it to the public (or at least to YouTube).

I was on trip 2, so while trip 1 was away, we started a new video, one all about us. We were given some questions to answer about ourselves, what we like, dislike and what we dream about. In class, we were to create a script that would be the voiceover for our video, but most of the filming was done on our own time. We had a week to have a rough cut, a peer critique, and a final copy by Friday. So, once we got all the information we needed, I started planning.

I spent Monday and Tuesday on planning and writing my script, trying to find unique ways to express my personality through my writing. I made sure I had enough shots to fill up the time, and once I was certain with my script, I started filming. Most of it I was able to film by myself, but for some of the frames I required help from someone. Wednesday and Thursday were filming days, and once I had everything, I began editing, and had a finished product by Friday morning. I was proud of my video, how I was able to answer the questions and show a lot of my personality and what makes me, well me!

Trip Montage (Video #1) Clap Trend (Video #2)

Before trip 2 left, we were given another assignment. The TikTok videos were the only ones that were completely up to us. The guidelines were simple, you had to have 1 video that shows you on the trip, and everything was up to us. Maddie, a friend, and me decided we would do 2 videos together. The ideas had to be briefed and approved by the teachers, then you could start filming. There were no designated spots for us to film, so we had endless possibilities. 

On the trip, Maddie and I filmed in several places. Lake Louise, Moraine and Minnewanka, Columbia Icefield, Cave and Basin, and many more. We did 2 different videos, one with a montage of photos from the trip, and another was a clap video. We had so much fun coming up with creative ideas and filming our TikTok videos. We wanted to showcase the beautiful locations we visited, but also inject some humor and personality into our videos. The montage video featured stunning shots of the scenery, interspersed with funny moments throughout the trip. It was a great way to capture the essence of our trip and create a lasting memory.

The last video we did was the most challenging by far. We had to come up with a thesis to base the whole video around, and we had to interview people to find evidence towards it. This particular video connects more with the Humanities Blogpost, as we are connecting our thesis to that driving question, “How has the geography of the West shaped who we are?” For my investigative video, I decided to focus on the stereotypes surrounding the West Coast Life. I spent multiple hours brainstorming ideas before finally narrowing down our thesis statement: “The West Coast is known for its beautiful and unique sights, but it is also known for its specific symbols and stereotypes.”

To gather evidence for my video, I interviewed as many people as I could, trying to get a variety of differing opinions. I gathered information, took photos and videos, and captured footage of my interviews. Once I had all of my necessary shots and photos, I started the editing.  The editing process was a lengthy one, as I had hours of interview footage and breathtaking scenic shots. I carefully selected the most compelling stories and visuals that best supported my thesis. Finally, after countless hours of editing and refining, I had my finished investigative video that I was proud of. 

Conclusion

Through these four videos, I have learned the power of storytelling through the moving image. Each video allowed me to explore different aspects of filmmaking, from silent storytelling to personal reflection, and from creative expression to investigative journalism. I have not only expanded my editing skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the art of visual storytelling. As I reflect on my journey in the Maker class through the Rockies, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore the world of filmmaking and discover my own voice within it.

My tPOL

“Thank 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.”

DRIVING QUESTION

Why do you feel you are ready to advance to the next grade level?

As I stand here and think about the past school year, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me. It’s hard to believe that an entire year has gone by so quickly.  As a student, I have experienced a wide range of emotions over this year – excitement, anxiety, joy, frustration – you name it. But despite all the ups and downs, I can honestly say that this has been a transformative year for me in many ways. It’s been a unique year, and I want to take a closer look at what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown as a result of my experiences. 

https://www.blog44.ca/izabeller/2023/01/25/mpol-2023/

To go back to my mPOL at the beginning of the semester, I talked a lot about how I had always felt as if my opinion should only be expressed outside of school, and that my work should show what I think the teachers wanted to hear. But now, I have started expressing my opinions more and more, which has not only helped my work but made me a good leader in other people’s eyes. I think that point was a really good learning skill for me in the fall, and it will help me feel good about my work for many years to come. 

Strengths 

https://www.blog44.ca/izabeller/2023/05/28/plp-oregon-2023-

One strength that came up this semester was my perseverance. I knew I had some, but it was tested throughout the PLP 8 trip to Oregon. During the trip, we were faced with a lot of challenges, from working with new people on quests to being flexible as we travelled all around Oregon. At times, I was exhausted and wanted to go home, but I pushed through and kept going. I realized that my perseverance not only helped me feel better about my learning but also inspired me to enjoy all of what our head teachers had planned for us. This realization gave me a sense of pride and motivation to continue pushing through the days to come. Some days were hard, from being tired, thrown into new surroundings every day, and never knowing where you might end up. I feel as if the trip made me appreciate getting to learn and grow as a student by putting us into these situations, and I think this has changed my outlook on learning for the better. Overall, this experience strengthened my belief in my abilities and taught me that perseverance can truly make a difference in achieving our goals.

       

Growing points 

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/842310134/

One of my biggest growing points this semester is when we were assigned to make video games. I love science, and the context around the game, different states of matter and how they affect us, I loved learning about that. But coding games are not a strength for me. I procrastinated so much, trying to think of a way to figure out how to create a game, I started to fall behind. But I watched a few videos on YouTube, asked my teacher and peers, and spent hours on it, and I finally figured it out. I do have to give a special shout-out to Finn, who helped me with the fine-tuning of the coding process, and without him, I would have a half-finished video game. I now have lots of respect for coders and video game designers. The entire creation process was not made for the faint of heart, but it was a good learning and growing experience for me and will come in handy in the future. 

Accomplishment 

I am adding a new category to my list of strengths and areas to grow, which includes reflecting on my accomplishments from the past year. I am proud of how much I have grown as a learner, specifically in public speaking, collaboration, and time management. I overcame my fears and gained confidence, learned the importance of collaboration, and improved my time management skills even more. Reflecting on these accomplishments reminds me that growth is continuous and I am excited to continue developing as a learner in the future. Both exhibitions, my mPOL and even my blog posts are all evidence of how I have grown as a learner. From being a student who wrote their assignments for the teacher’s preferences to express my feelings and opinions, or even the confidence I hold, are all signs that I am heading in the right direction, and make me extremely excited for my future years in PLP.  

Conclusion 

The driving question puzzled me for a while, but I now am certain that I have figured it out. This last year has been crazy in the best and worst ways, which have caused lots of opportunities for growth and learning moments. I have learned skills I never thought I could comprehend, let alone master. From becoming more confident in my own opinions, to directing an audience, to even writing a blog post. I know that these are just the beginning of my learning and discoveries, and I feel as if I can’t wait to experience them all. So to answer the driving questions, I don’t feel ready at all, but I have tools and experiences that can help me along the way, and that’s as ready as I can be.