In Social Studies, we learned about First Nation history in Canada. We learned about the impacts of what happened in the past and how it affects First Nations people today. Working in groups, we created PowerPoint presentations reflecting on specific topics such as reconciliation, the Indian Act, and indigenous woman’s rights. My group’s topic was Indigenous Cultural Appropriation. In addition, we had to research about two recent stories in the news relating to our topic, as well as come up with a discussion question for the class.

Cultural Appropriation of Canadian First Nations Presentation

Criteria:

I tailor my work to appeal to my intended audience and use language and visual design elements appropriate for them. (2)

I understood that effective PowerPoint presentations use minimal text and simple images that capture attention. To achieve this, I made sure to limit my slides to contain less than 20 words (excluding the image sources). I also chose images that would represent what I would be speaking about. For example, I used an image of a Canadian flag with a traditional indigenous art style patterns. This is a simple image that enhances the meaning and aesthetic of the presentation and doesn’t distract the audience.

I look at controversial issues or topics from opposed perspectives to gain a more complete understanding (12).

Cultural appropriation is a very controversial topic. When I researched, I found various news articles with different opinions on cultural appropriation. I read articles that were written by Indigenous people and other people learned that everybody defines cultural appropriation differently. I came to the conclusion that everyone has a different idea of what is offensive and what is acceptable.

I ethically use content that is not created by me by using creative commons licensed audio, video, or images and by properly citing these resources within my work (14).

For this project, I used simplistic images to create visual interest and impact. I made sure to give credit to the original creators of the images by providing the link to the image source below the images I used.

In English, we had a week-long project called ZIP. We had to ask an inquiry question and conduct research to try to answer it. We also had to create a learning artifact, something that represents what you have learned over the entire project. My inquiry question was “What are the essential components of an addictive video game?”. I chose this topic because I was interested in and passionate about game design. My final learning artifact was an original video game that I made that incorporated engaging game components that I had researched.

Below is my learning artifact, an original video game that I made.

Criteria:

I constructively build upon or synthesize the ideas of my peers. (4)

As I developed my game, I asked my peers to playtest the game and provide me any feedback or suggestions. I synthesized the feedback and suggestions that I received and improved my game. One example is when somebody suggested that I add more levels. I built upon there suggestion and added addition levels, as well as new game mechanics.

I determine and use the most effective medium for my work. (6)

Since my topic was about game design, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate medium for my learning artifact than a video game. When I designed my game, I incorporated elements that would engage the player that I learned about from my research. Some of these elements include scoring, levels, and music.

I design my work with consideration given to aesthetics and design, such as consistent color schemes, symmetry or organization of visual elements, and overall layout. (7)

I decided to create a game with simple graphics as an aesthetic. My game’s graphics are simple, but also effective. The simplicity of the graphics doesn’t distract the player from the core mechanics of the game. I also used consistent color schemes in my game: red, grey, and white. I also made sure that the overall layout of my game was organized by designing a menu, settings, and level select screen.

In English, we had a big project called eminent. We had to research one influential figure that benefited the world positively. The person I chose for this project was Terry Fox. In addition to our research, we also had to present a speech from the perspective of an inanimate object or another person. I chose to create a speech from the perspective of Terry Fox’s artificial leg. Here is a copy of my speech: Eminent Speech

Criteria:

I critically assess research sources for Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose. (9)

For this assignment, I used my research skills to find various sources for my research and to create a bibliography. I assessed each source that I found critically by checking for the date published, reading about the author’s background, as well as looking into the purpose of the source. I used reliable, purposeful sources such as the official terry fox foundation website.

I attribute credit to ideas that are not my own by preparing a Bibliography/Works Cited and by using in-text citations. (13)

For this project, I properly cited all of the sources that I used in MLA format. All of the sources are alphabetized. Eminent Grade 9 Works Cited

My work demonstrates a positive, productive, and empathetic worldview. (15)

While I worked on this project, I was inspired by Terry Fox’s determination. My final speech emphasizes Terry Fox’s Determination and demonstrates the power of perseverance. My speech was inspiring, encouraging others to never give up and highlighting the power of teamwork. These ideas represented in my speech demonstrate a positive and empathetic worldview.

In English, we had a unit focusing on William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. After completing the book, we worked on a written analysis of one character from the play. We had to work together in groups of four. The character from the play that we analyzed was Oberon. We had to write literary paragraphs about his wants, fears, defining characteristics, and conflicts.

Midsummer Night’s Dream Character Analysis

An illustration of Oberon from William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream that I created digitally.

Criteria:

I used digital spaces to plan and execute collaborative projects with my peers. (1)

For this group project, my group and I did the majority of our work on a shared word document. We communicated online to discuss and set timelines, as well as provide feedback to each other.

I enhance the impact of my research or presentation through the creative use of technology. (5)

I decided to create the illustration of Oberon digitally. I wanted to create a unique illustration that represents Oberon’s character. I used computer software to add meaning depth to my drawing.

I challenged myself to increase my technological literacy by working with apps, software, and mediums that I was not familiar with in the past. (8)

I created the illustration for the project using PaintToolSAI and Photoshop CS6. I was unfamiliar with digital art and using PaintToolSAI, but I challenged myself to learn something new and I learned a lot through this experience. Click here for the illustration(PSD document).

In Science, we learned about different types of electrical circuits. To expand our learning, we did a research-based project on a common household electrical appliance. We had to take notes, write a summary, provide illustrations and diagrams, and write a conclusion to summarize our learning. We would then present our research in small groups. I chose to do my research on the washing machine. From this project, I expanded my scientific thinking into our everyday lives and learned that common appliances such as washing machines are much more complex than they appear.

Washing Machine Research Project

Criteria:

I respond to the work or ideas of my peers in a way that is compassionate and productive. (3)

When my peers asked questions about my topic in my group, I tried to answer the questions to the best of my possibility. I also increased productivity by asking my peers when they were presenting. In addition, I also gave my peers encouraging feedback on their presentations.

I go beyond google and use databases to find scholarly research sources. (11)

Instead of just googling, I used databases provided by the Gleneagle Library Website to find resources. In addition, I also used reliable videos on Youtube to gain additional information about how washing machines function.