This project was all about investigating crime scenes and the sciences around forensics. We each were assigned one of three crime scenes and were told to collect and analyze the evidence that was present at the crime scene. Throughout the process we were given different papers and reports to examine, and we even analyzed a few pieces of evidence ourselves, such as testing the synthetic DNA provided by Colleen and processing the blood spatter and fingerprints on the evidence.
This project was difficult for me to connect to and enjoy, but I did enjoy the various labs we performed when examining the evidence. My favorite lab was processing the DNA because it was quick and interesting and showed us results quickly. I ended up leading a DNA lab during the exhibition that showed the public what we did in class and how we extracted the DNA of strawberries. I did not enjoy the end of the project when we discovered who murdered the victim because I did not really understand the process we went through to close the crime. I worked well with my partner and we each did equal parts throughout this project. She helped me through the confusing parts and explained everything in needed. I hope I was just as helpful to her. Though this project had some confusing parts for me, I did enjoy the overall experience.
Dissection of a Fetal Pig
In Biology we dissected our choice of either a cat. a fetal pig, or a shark. I chose the fetal pig, and so I learned about it's anatomy and physiology. I was gone for the first week of dissection so though my dissection time was very limited and my learning rushed, I learned about the four main categories of the body: the urogenital, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Monkey Medley
Monkey Planning Project For this project we researched the eating habits of monkeys and chimpanzees and we made recipes to send to a shelter for monkeys. For the challenge extension I researched and based my recipe off of a monkeys diet with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. this was challenging because not only did we have to use an almost exact amount of select types of food, we had to make them an almost exact amount overall as well. My recipe (called Monkey Medley) and meal plan sheets are below.
Habitat Assessment
Habitat Assessment Reflection For this project we went over to the DNS property and assessed the habitat. We then created graphs and charts and researched bullfrogs and leopard frogs. The final result of this project was a Habitat Assessment paper. This paper explained our results I words as well as including charts, improvements, and our research on the frogs. The paper ultimately ended up teaching me about technical writing and how to accurately write objectively.
I am satisfied with my paper because I feel like I did really well. I was slightly overwhelmed in this project and managed to finish the challenge extension as well, and am proud of the results. I spent a lot of time on this paper and think it deserves a good grade because my effort should show through in the final result.