In head first or Over my head?

Hello friends and family, Airnest is back with another addition to his personal blog to rant on about life, physics, and any other subject worth mentioning that Mr. T and the internets can read and enjoy. The topic at hand tonight is "How Well Do I Think I Did in My First AP Fiziks Semester?"

Well first off, I would like to start off saying that the days spend from August 20 to December 19 in Room 72 were all sorts of fortunes for me-- some good, some bad, some ugly, some triumphant. I take the good with the bad because everything is an experience which wouldn't be the same without every little happening whether positively charged or negatively charged, moments which were really attractive or really, repulsive.

I do think that I got off to a red hot start then lost steam somewhere in the beginning of October, but was still chugging along, ran into some serious friction in November by furious college apps, but somehow managed to right the ship and keep a respectable pace all the way into finals week.

I credit my blistering inital velocity into the semester to the isolation time I spent in the summer slaving away at the homework. For the whole Unit 0 I prided myself on actually completing all of the summer assignment, and that force kept my momentum exponential for a long time. Actually, the summer work kept paying off all the way into centripetal motion, into electricity, and even a bit into magnetism. The major concepts I have down, I know it's just the really tough equations and problems I struggle with.

That's another thing with me and physics-- I enjoy learning it and going through the material more than any other subject I've gotten a hold of. The simple concepts of it really interest me, by far more than any war I've studied or novel I've read or any Mathematical concept I've memorized. I don't want to mislabel it as passion, but my sure interest keeps me going through the course and helps me in good times and in bad.

I guess that's why I can recall so many times where I've stuck around or stopped by Tillay's throughout a school day after first period, the stuff is cool. One time in particular I stayed for a fifth period and I got to catch an amazing Hewitt video about light and reflection and refraction-- blew my mind. He actually told a student to smoke and blow towards the laser to solidify his lecture. Crazy guy, that Hewitt. Kind of like Mr. T but not as sharply dressed, haha

My study habits morphed into "I gotta do this" to "It depends how I feel". Fortunately for most nights I always was in the mood for physics, even if that meant not being in the mood for Calculus. I did a great majority of my work and kept up with assignments, never really falling behind on anything or pulling a "John", I can say I kept things together for the most part.

The workbooks did wonders for my problem solving, especially the Hickman. Speaking of John, she should look into the Hickman workbook sometime, it would really help her out. The concept development workbook is just confidence-boosting questions to help organize information.

On a side note, Fusion is the most flawed website I have ever used, plus it's just plain ugly. The section links I know for a fact I have used, ranging from college use to research in engineering, to surveys, to good websites for understanding a certain unit more. I thank Big T for the useful links.

My problem solving is getting there. Like everyone else, it needs some work, but its headed in the right direction. My assumptions could use more help but I'm banking on trying to piece together the concepts I know better to improve myself here.

What I really think helped this semester is the many emails I've sent and received from Mr. T, not just about physics but about a whole bunch of topics. It helps me knowing I can go to someone with solid feedback about things, someone who can help me solve a magnetism problem in one email then talk about life and options in the next. I make an effort to keep a dialogue, and these talks and inside information goes a long way.




On that note, I believe I have accomplished enough to merit a 5 for the first semester. It sure wasn't pretty, but I know I put forth the effort and time towards the class and material, which helps. Not asking for 6++'s here, but it could get there with more "oomph".

Wishing the internets a very safe and merry Christmas!

BIG E

Flashing Lights

In dramatic fashion, Airnest still retains his A in fiziks. But how did he do it? Here are the burning questions that break down and reflect his grade...

How many Time Log entries do you have? How much total time recorded?

57 entries, with a total of 117 hours and 44 minutes

How many times have you logged on to Fusion?

36 times and counting..

LIST your number of total absences or Tardies.

1 absence, which I question. haha

HOW MANY TIMES have you attended a Tuesday after school sessions to make-up your class time missed for Absences?

Zero times on a tuesday, but one time on wednesday and two times on a friday for sixth period. Not including all of the days I spend being in Tillays room during 5th and 6th periods, I seem to be incognito on Tuesdays, but it's just because I disperse my time to come in all over the week!

Have you competed all of the ONLINE practice Questions for Units 4-7? The Online Practice Problems for Units 4 to 6?

I have tried my luck on the practice questions and practice problems and it is safe to say I am beyond major league hitters. Although I think I missed Unit 4 practice problems..and looking back on that, it was just a rough time for me to go through, and I didn't feel up for any assignments. I felt overwhelmed

Have you turned the 4 labs in before the deadline?

Kinda. They were one hell of a quadruple set of BS, though. The initiative was worth commending, the results were horrible when working with others. But there is always a lesson in everything.

Have you written out the answers to each Unit's Topics and Objectives? Do you write out the Vocabulary for each unit?

No, and no. I do make an effort to download each Unit's topics and objectives so i read each one though.

HOW MANY minutes do you spend studying for each quiz?

I spend usually an hour to an hour and a half, usually looking at the topics and objectives and reworking examples from the book and other previous problems.

HOW OFTEN do you use the Boyle, Hickman, Concept Development, and Hewitt Workbooks?

Very minimal.

Do you regularly go to the BOARD to solve problems? Do you make complete notes from the BOARD WORK sessions?



Are your Cornell Notes complete for Chapters 4, 5 and 16?



Are your Video Notes a complete reflection of the material viewed?



Are your Computer Notes complete for Units 4 through 6? Did you investigate any of the Section Links for Units 4 through 6?



Are you working in your triad regularly? With a partner?



Are you a good classroom citizen? Always wear the badge, keep your table area clean, practice courtesy & respect, return textbooks the next day, complete homework nightly, and follow school rules?



LIST the grade that you have EARNED to date. EXPLAIN below.

so you could be a better you

Well I wrote you a song, on a napkin today
It didn’t take me that long already knew what to say.
But it would’ve clearly been wrong cause it begged you to stay.
So I threw it away, threw it away.
Because,

Even though I like to keep you mine,
My plan is not to change your mind
I lock the feelings deep inside,
For another time, For another time,(Repeat x2)

Don’t get me twisted
Cause I admire everything that you’re doing
You have my best wishes
And, and I know that you’re gonna get through it
So girl if this is something that you’re needing,
To those feelings be true,
You can only love me, As much as you love you
But girl I know you know that it’s the truth, yeah.

Even though I like to keep you mine,
My plan is not to change your mind
I lock the feelings deep inside,
For another time, For another time,(Repeat x2)

I’m suppressing my fight
Cause I know that you’re right
Girl you gotta do what you gotta do
So you could be a better you
I put my questions on hold
And even though I feel cold
I’ll be bold for you
And trust that I know My Plan
Yeah, Don’t you change your mind for me, Baby yeah

Even though I like to keep you mine,
My plan is not to change your mind
Don’t change your mind.

Cleaning Out My Closet

Boyee! Air Salgado has returned, and he believe that he has worked as much of his butt off as sanely possible to earn him an A in AP Fiziks. This is because while being in a bit of a funk in life, despite being in a bit of an ebb workwise because of it, his resilience to continue to Put On still reigns supreme in the land. 

1. CORNELL NOTES for Chapters 1 through 5.   6 5 4 3 2 1

All chapters covered and cornelled, each of them done electronically, very neat, concise notes.

2. COMPUTER Notes/Tutorials Units 1 through 4 6 5 4 3 2 1

Computer Notes also completed, Tutorials well appreciated, cementing my knowledge of the subject matter

3. FUSION WEBSITE USE – Calendar, Section Files & Links 6 5 4 3 2 1

I check this site 2-5 times a day. I spend saturday afternoons digging in the section links, trying to sponge up whatever I can about my relative future. Very useful site, when it is acting right.

4. TEXTBOOK Chapters 1 through 5 Questions 6 5 4 3 2 1

The questions are one of my favorite parts of the chapter! They ask for theoretical thinking, something I really go to town on. I get these done with joy.

5. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT WORKBOOK USE 6 5 4 3 2 1

The only time I used it was during summer. I still remember a lot of the content from it. Slaving away and really doing all those pages of problems are paying off now.

6. HICKMAN PROBLEM-SOLVING WORKBOOK USE 6 5 4 3 2 1

I've yet to open it. My apologies, I've just taken different paths during studying, and it would be wise to implement Hickman.

7. BOYLE WORKBOOK USE 6 5 4 3 2 1

Haven't opened this up either. I will.

8. PHYZ GUIDES Reading and Highlighting 6 5 4 3 2 1

I read them, I highlight them, but honestly, these haven't help me. I can try to read them again, but the information doesn't stick in my mind after doing so.

9. TILLAY PROBLEM-SOLVING HANDOUT completion 6 5 4 3 2 1

I understand the handout in class, but when I am at home studying or trying to do the problem, all of the work and fill in the blanks in the problem seem to befuddle me. I feel I grasped it better when you gave quick hints as the bell rang and I used my own brainpower to struggle and triumph.

10. BOARDWORK for Points – at least once a week required 6 5 4 3 2 1

I give the Board the business every time I come up to it. Ask the board, he knows...

11. CLASS NOTES – taken from lectures and problem-solving 6 5 4 3 2 1

I enjoy when you go over problems with the class, because you reveal little things here and there that make a substantial difference in my growth as a PSver. I like to ask questions that are burning.

12. VIDEO NOTES – taken carefully, reviewed, & highlighted 6 5 4 3 2 1

All for the exception of one video notes, which i was present but was not in the right mode to take notes, I have completed. I listen intently during the video, and understand the main idea the video is trying to get across, but I have yet to highlight my video notes.

13. LABS – all seven completed, electronically completed 6 5 4 3 2 1

Labs 1-5 are all good and down pat, but lab's 14 and 18 of the last frenzy of a few weeks ago are still a work in progress. There is an explanation, due to certain circumstances that my partner in Fiziks crime, Johann, is in. 

14. ONLINE GIANCOLI PRACTICE QUESTIONS – all done 6 5 4 3 2 1

The questions get completed with an average of 70% accuracy.

15. ONLINE GIANCOLI PRACTICE PROBLEMS – all done 6 5 4+ 3 2 1

All Practice Problems complete except for Chapter 4, but problems get done with a batting average of .500 right! That seems pretty swell

16. MATERIALS – brought to class every day 6 5 4 3 2 1

All materials come to class everyday, but maybe sometimes the laptop stays at home.

17. ATTENDANCE – on-time every day! 6 5 4 3 2 1

I am on time, ready to go, with a bright and smiling face, flashing the plastic, and hardly ever absent, if ever.

 

18. NOTEBOOK – everything organized, used effectively 6 5 4 3 2 1

It's been only a quarter and my 3-inch notebook looks 40% full...

19. QUIZ – see Mr. T for your average for Units 0 to 4 6 5- 4 3 2 1

20. GRADE EARNED for the first quarter 6 5+ 4 3 2 1

21. DESCRIBE why YOU earned the grade listed for #20. GIVE SPECIFIC Signs of

Excellence…look at how you answer the questions above it!

Honestly after my 6+ I really tried to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I already knew during the summer I had it in me to be an A+ Fiziks student, and seeing that Mr. T acknowledged it early, it was almost a monkey off my back, which made me able to concentrate on my work and my "weaknesses" rather than my grade from now on. 

There was a conversation I had with Johann right after self evaluations..saying that I honestly would trade my 6+ for everyone in the class to have A's. I also addressed how I felt about individuals in the class, saying that they want to get theirs first and then help out and work together when there's and extra opportunity...this is not the way, folks. 

Togetherness is how we will get ours, and I've been trying to work on being a "facilitator and motivator" more. I saw the "satisfaction" manifest in the self-balancing system, when I helped Mary build her first model. When she jumped for joy yelling out in triumph, my spirit was jumping right with her. I try to ask the burning question that benefits everyone during lecture, for example when I asked "How can I go from my assumptions, and transfer that to knowing which problem to use?" In the rare moments that Mona is up doing board work, I was there to chug her along. It really does feel good to help people reach new heights.

Maybe its not an ebb I'm in, but more of a step down to prepare to learn in a whole different way. Maybe I want a different 6+, that stands for academic values totally contrasting to the 6+ I earned for hard individual labor. But for now I take the 5+. 

22. IDENTIFY your three areas of STRENGTH and NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT.

I am a thinker. I think my own approach to any and all problems is a strength in its own right. 

My ability to utilize the teacher as a great resource is also a strength. I wouldn't be doing as well without those countless emails and chats in and out of class time. 

My diligence through frustration and ability to be a good teammate are my best attributes. I show I am good individually, but what's more important is that I cooperate and never try to overtake anyone in a group. Sure if I was ever separated from Johann's group I'd obviously take on a different role relative to my new group, but I like how I can seem fit to the current situation, where Johann will want her perfection going on, and I am there every step of the way with her.

My need for improvement is just learning how to cope with life as it overwhelms me at times, and how to persevere and stay at an optimum level as a student while still keeping sane. I know there has been times where Life gives me haymakers and uppercuts, and it makes me not able to concentrate on anything but the current dilemma, but I need to learn to deal. I am on the destination towards that.

My areas of improvement, don't involve physics! It involves Calculus BC, honestly. And I am also trying to correct that area as well. That might take away some concentration away from Physics, but it doesn't take a make over in study habits to correct this, just a tinker. No worries on my part.

23. WRITE your own DEFINITION of PHYSICS based on your knowledge to date.

Physics is a new way of thinking. Physics is seeing life with a different frame of reference.

Physics isn't about memorizing, its about identifying, understanding and using, and applying 

what you know to solve problems.

24. HOW can Mr. T help you become a BETTER student?

Mr. T first and foremost does a phenomenal job as a teacher, about the course and about life in general. Even in 45 days, I have learned so much. For Mr. T to help me become a better student, he could bring the day when our tablet PC's come in and when our field trip happens come sooner!! Boy oh boy I will beast on those PC's... problem solving on a higher level. I enjoy our chats and emails, and it would be beneficial to have more of them. That would help the most. Other than that, I like the direction I'm going in, I just have to let you know when we need to have more reasonable deadlines better, thats all.

Going into my own personal ability to problem solve, I would say I am getting there. I am making strides, I can do the problems, which is pretty elementary. The big problem to solve is to truly identify what the problem is asking for, and to recognize it, and to apply what you know. If I learn to do that with the problems, solving them will not be an issue anymore. 

25. WHAT should Mr. T consider changing to HELP you become a BETTER student?

I like the idea where teaching and learning are one in the same... I would like it if there were more instances of that for me. 

26. LIST who you regularly study with in this class.

Johann Alcaraz, Maureen Tigno for the most part. Sometimes even Mary Leanne Regacho 

Ramos, but only once in a while. Johann and Maureen for sure. But I wouldn't call what I have 

with those girls an efficient triad...

27. SUMMARIZE your time log: number of entries and number of hours studied.

Summer: 41 entries, 59 hours, 35 minutes

1st Quarter: 40 entries, 79 hours, 57 minutes

Total: 81 entries, 139 hours 32 min

28. Any other concerns or comments?

I just want to be able to reach some agreement with somebody or people that "Hey, I want us to ride and die in Fiziks. I want to struggle with you." I've yet to find. In the meantime, I will be Cleaning out my closet.  

Love and Basketball

I've been watching a lot of movies lately. Love & Basketball today. Fit my mood. Probably not how I feel exactly, but the mood, yah.

I Put On

I, Earnest Salgado, firmly believes that I deserve a 6++ because I put in the most time from day one, and it has shows in my work and everything I do for my AP Fiziks class.

Homework

I treat homework very seriously, and it shows in the time and effort that i record in my time log. I obsessively check group fusion for updates and reminders of homework assignments. Fiziks homework is what I do first every night, or at least the thing i understand most every night. I email Tillay for help, and I am not afraid to ask questions. All homework assignments have been done elecronically and sent via email, almost always sent the night it has been assigned. Most importantly, I understand what I am doing and I never BS a problem or assignment. This all comes with putting in extra time to grasp things, not just to get things through.

Correcting

I correct my homework files with the "track changes" tool on microsoft word 2007. It writes in red underlined font, and whenever we go through problems in class, I use this tool to write down what Mr. Tillay says to better improve my work for next time. I constantly type notes when Mr. Tillay is speaking because I have learned that there is much value to what he says, and if you miss something, you arent as fortunate. I also make a point to implement the corrections he says in class into my work. For example, when he reviewed problems and reminded us about the problem solving format in Fiziks, I immediately started using it that very night. I also believe in trying because being wrong is not a bad thing, only another opportunity to learn things in a new way

Class Participation

I make a conscious effort to be respectful and courteous not only in first period, but throughout my day, and daily activities. Everyday I have my badge on, and I greet Mr. Tillay with a smile. After that I get into my learning mode because its time for business. You cant waste time in class because it is only a 57 minute period, and time is against us with such a rigorous course. Although there has been many an occasion when I make Big T laugh. Besides that, I pay close attention to everything that is written on the board, and especially to the things Tillay says. I type away so I wont miss it.

I am never afraid to ask, and questions come naturally when you are paying close attention. I come up to the board frequently and masterfully do my thing up there. Keeping my area clean is easy since all i have to do is lean back and throw things into the garbage. I push in my seat at the end of class. Many days I can be found in at lunch or 5th period either working on assignments, and I always look for a little input from Tillay before leaving.

21st Century Skills

The internet access in my home is Comcast, and I have a desktop pc and laptop, which means my internet capabilities are wireless. I'm not sure what the AUP form is...and I havent used the classroom computers yet. I've only used my laptop up until this point. I do have a USB, and it is currently in Tillay's possession. On my USB are all my folders made up for the class, and I try to update it so the work I do is on the USB as well. I like my seat in class-- seat A1, at table 1. I like that. I go on fusion each day to remind myself of what to do, and what is due. Sometimes fusion can be faulty, but we must live with it. I do look forward in the calendar and backwards in the calendar, and sometimes i venture into the section files now and then. I send ALL homework assignments electronically, and I have done the Respect and Courtesy essay for extra credit. Other than that, I havent done much extra credit. I've been working on maximizing on the credit credit. But I do need to improve on the extra credit part.

Assessments

I never stress about Tillay assessments, quizzes, or exams because I know that effort shows through, and mastery is clear when you've honestly put in the time. All quizzes I've taken I feel confident about up until this point, and even if I dont score so high there is a lesson to be learned in it. To score better on these tests, it is always key to read directions carefully and to keep track of time. But nothing can substitute for putting in time to master the information.

Notebook & Materials

The notebook is the most questionable aspect to me in Fiziks. There are some handouts i cannot sort into which divider it goes into, but I know where things are, and I keep my notebook manageable. It will never get to a point where it becomes a forest of papers, and it gets impossible to search through. I am on point with materials, I must say. I bring my materials daily, just in case. But i still havent used my protractor! =[

Attendance

I have not been absent or tardy to an AP Fiziks class yet, but the VERY first day of school Mr. Cartwright had leadership miss their very first class of the year! He promised us it would be marked excused, but what a stretch for students to miss part of their first day of school! Other than that, I have been on time and ready to learn everyday. Although I am ASB President, I separate my duties from my academics, which i feel is important to do so. I feel it is disrespectful to not organize your time well enough to be doing leadership activities during a class. Education is always first for me, no matter my responsibilities. I am aware of the 3% extra credit, and what to do when I am tardy.

Grade-to-date

I really feel like I deserve a 6++. I told my classmates I was serious and they laughed. It is one thing to feel like you deserved a 6, it takes another to actually feel like you earned a 6++. I feel like I've done enough to earn that grade because time and time again I show up with the goods and deliver for you, Mr. Tillay. I take everything you say to heart and remember them well and implement them into what I do in order to get better as a student. I've put in the most honest time for your class, spending hours just sitting there solving problems. I can actually say that I competed ALL of the summer homework, honestly. I help out my classmates whenever I can by comparing work and helping them solve through problems, and i love to work together. Some people in class I feel like they try to hold out on me, even if I help them, but thats okay. As long as everyone gets the point, I feel satisfied. Everytime I go up to the board for boardwork I masterfully solve the problem, and I am passionate about solving it. It's almost a competition to me. I know I haven't done everything perfectly but thats not anywhere close as to why I feel like I deserve such a high grade. It's because of my intense dedication to the course and the passion I have for learning physics that I show each and every day. Not only do I do the assignments, but I UNDERSTAND them. I grind through and the results show. I put on.