Context of the Project
The Double Helix and disease event contained multiple stages. The first of which was to read the book Double Helix by Nancy Werlin. While reading the book we discussed bioethics topics such as modifying human and animal DNA. Next, we studied DNA and how it replicates and carries genetic information. Then, we split up into groups and studied a genetic disease which we were assigned. My group studied ALS. After we had learned about our disease, we were to create a poster board about the disease and present to the school during lunch. We set the event up so that people would walk around to different groups and the group would present the information to them. The entire BioLit class presented their disease on the same day.
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Growth in Biological Science Knowledge and Thinking
Through this project, I studied genetic diseases along with DNA and how it is replicated. I was surprised to learn that there are so many different types of RNA involved in replicating DNA. In the book Double Helix we discussed topics such as bioethics concerning modifying human DNA. The specific genetic disease that my group studied was ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). I learned that ALS has no cure and that the information about ALS is very minute. My favorite activity in this project was when we individually extracted strawberry DNA using just soap, salt, and rubbing alcohol. It was my favorite because it was interactive and the DNA was visible to the naked eye. Seeing the stringy substance was a surreal experience because the strawberry's genetic code was right in front of my face and it served as proof that what we were studying was real.
Growth in English Knowledge and Thinking
I grew in English knowledge and thinking because we read Double Helix. I have always considered myself a good reader, but not proficient at comprehending what I'm reading. I have never enjoyed reading much at all. It was always hard for me to sit still and follow a story. Whenever I'd read, my eyes would read the words but the information would immediately disappear from thought . The way that we read Double Helix made the process much easier for me. Ms. Coyle read the book out loud while students followed along. This allowed me to read it in my head as well as hear it from an outside source. Also, this prevented my mind from wandering off into abstract thoughts. This is the first time that I have ever read a book like this and I believe that it really helped me. I fully understood the plot of the book, which is a first for me. We also did summaries every few chapters as well as character analysis. Along with this, we studied vocabulary in the book as well. This allowed me to hear, read, and write the information in the book to ensure that I understood it well.
Growth in Oral Communication
To end the project, my group had to make a poster board with all the information that we could find on ALS. We made many presentations to students over and over again. These repetitions helped me grow in oral communication because I presented many times and improved each time. Repeating the same presentation allowed me to practice my presentation. Usually when I have to present something, I never practice my presentation. I think that scripting my presentation hinders my presentation skills. This was the first time that I was able to practice a presentation and get used to the material. Overall, I think it helped me in the end, which is more than I can say for some of my group members.
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How I Took Ownership of My Learning
Let's talk about GRIT. My grit score at the start of the year was 3.875. I retook the test at the end of the year and scored a 4.125. This shows a large scale of improvement in my opinion. I took ownership of my learning in this project because during the presentation I sort of managed the team organization. This is also something that I think I could improve on. Sometimes I'm team leader and I control everything that goes on without fully considering others. Anyways, I was responsible for typing out the text that was present on the poster board. This allowed me to further understand the material and make my group's presentation run smoother.
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