Health Addiction DECIDE Model

D Define Addiction Consequences	Identify negative consequences of addictive behaviours you want to avoid. Explain why? Craving for that thing again Depression when I don’t get it Rash behavior, irritable I want to avoid these things because if I don’t get them, I will feel bad about myself and it will lead to repetitive and excessive behavior
E Explore Possible Options	List 3 possible choices you could make to limit or prevent your exposure to these consequences.  discipline (limit the duration/amount) of doing something eg. exercise, eating, internet  understanding-- if I better understand what is happening to me and the scary consequences, I will be more aware Adult: sometimes we don’t realise what we are doing and an adult is important to let us know and keep us on track with our goals
C Consider Possible Outcomes	Provide 2 positive and 2 negative outcomes of the choices listed above. Positive  with the 3rd one, there will be more discipline and supervision so  it will be easier to prevent our exposure to addictive things  with discipline, we will change our bad habits Negative  with the 1st one, chances are that when we are addicted we won’t easily stay disciplined or have enough willpower to continue with our goals. With the 2nd one, that may not be the most effective because a lot of the time we are aware of what we are doing and it’s just the choice we make from a source of motivation that affects everything.
I Identify your Values	What do you value about your health? About your future? Why is your reputation important to you? I am aware that addictive behavior leads to dire consequences; in fact, anything done in excess can be bad. My reputation is important to me because my family doesn’t encourage such behavior and they teach me to make the right choices. I am self-motivated to do well and I want my future to be as positive as possible so I can progress and be a role model to my family.
D Decide and Act in agreement with your Values	Provide an overview of how you could carry out a plan to have healthy lifestyle in high school and college.. Alternatives to risky behavior: D ifferent ways to deal with stress and entertain yourself - Exercise (not to the point of addiction) Art writing/reading Music Yoga Ways to say no respectfully and forcefully  – Start off by saying no, but if things go further, then  I can move myself away and/or reach out to an adult. How to avoid high pressure situations – stay away from potential danger and don’t think that if some group of people are addicted to something, that it is common and okay.
E Evaluate Your Plan	Identify a realistic goal that you would hope to achieve to prepare you for high school/ college pressures. Stay away from groups who may influence you and be clear about the consequences of addictive behavior.  How will you know if your plan is successful and that you have protected yourself? I will know when I am able to let such a surrounding not affect me .

Health PSA- Say NO to Drug Abuse

Science Semester 2 DSLO Reflection

           During the second semester of Science, we covered two main units: Chemistry and Physics. In Chemistry we learned all about phase changes of matter, particles, Kinetic Theory of Matter, calorimetry lab, Law of Conservation of Matter, limiting Reactants, balancing equations, and more. In Physics we are learning about simple machines, levers, mousetrap cars, wheels, and trebuchets, gravitational forces, mechanical and speed advantage etc. I have really enjoyed this semester a lot because Chemistry intrigues me the most and Physics is something I haven't at all learned about yet.

Collaboration

           Collaboration is probably one of the most important skills to develop in today's world, and this semester in science we have really honed those skills. A bulk of our activities were partner activities where we've had to collaborate with each other and conjoin our ideas into a group solution. One ideal example of collaboration was when we were doing the Design to Cool Soda activity, we worked in partners to formulate a group plan on how we best can lower the liquid's temperature. I learned a lot from working on this with my partner (Sriya) because I was able to add my knowledge and she was able to add her knowledge about which materials are the best thermal conductors and insulators.

           Collaboration is a skill that applies so well to the outside world, yet this semester of Science was able to incorporate that skill into its experiments through partner work and peer review. Another activity that was good with collaboration was the Crater Lab because we worked with a partner to observe how the change in height or mass of an asteroid affects the mass of ejecta when the ejecta is different materials (rice, coarse sand, fine sand). We needed good coordination and planning to keep our procedure organized, efficient, and accurate.

Critical Thinking

           I feel like this semester's Science has really pushed us the most in the direction of critical thinking, which is why it's the easiest to write about. Collaboration and critical thinking are like the ying-yang of values in our life, which I've observed science has touched. One of the most evident activities might be the Air Pressure Demonstrations Follow-up because we had to observe the demonstrations the teacher showed and explain our thinking of how it connects to particle theory. This hones our skills to apply situations to what we're learning and critically thinking about our unit and how it applies to our real world.

          I also feel critical thinking is the basis for all the DSLO's. From critically thinking and understanding our topic, we gain knowledge and questions that shape our inquisitive Character and that we later solve with our partners, building on Communication and Collaboration as well. We also learn cultural competence because when critically thinking we are more aware and we can connect the situations in Science to our life. Another activity that showed Critical Thinking was the Investigation 3.1 Analysis Questions because as you can see we basically take our knowledge about particle theory and critically think to answer analysis questions that apply it to situations.

          All in all, I feel this semester was yet again a successful one and one that helped me build on my strengths and weaknesses as a learner. It was wonderful to learn new things (physics!!) and explore others I was interested in (chemistry!!). It is really thought provoking how Science class can cover the DSLO's that shape our identity as a student at SAS and it really makes me enjoy Science more and appreciate its impact on our life.

RLA Favorite Poems

1.  "I'm Gonna Tell God Everything" 

This poem is about the recent gas bomb attack that killed many innocent children. This poem is in the perspective of a Syrian child who knows he/she is going to die soon. 

I'm gonna tell God everything
he'll come down with his blinding light
so that they can't see
or laugh
their finger pointing at me
instead
with their hands pinned to the ground
maybe they'll feel
my family's bones soiled and drowned.

It was my birthday today
but they just blew my sister away
"foo" like a candle!
Mama had said to sleep early the night before
or she'd punish us
they'd be no celebrations, no cake
but we were punished, punished
for living our childhood
I can still see it:
her nose kept running,
her eyes wouldn't wake
oh we were punished

I just pray for the day
when Syrian children will wake to the sound of birds
not bombs
when our walls will be dipped with memories
not sobs
many children breathe, but no childhood lives

And soon, this toxic air will fill my nose too
I'll drift away from my bleeding Syria
and gently settle on the clouds with my family
at least we'll find peace
together in heaven
Maybe I can even celebrate my birthday then
with my heat going
beat
beat
beat
beat
... cause I'm gonna tell God
everything.


2. Unbought and Unbossed

This poem is about Shirley Chisholm-- first black and female to run for U.S presidency. Her slogan is "Unbought and Unbossed" and this poem is in the time of 1972. 

What is freedom?

When all we can feel is the

Burn

Burn

Burn of wounds and slashes on the back

When all we can taste

Is the bitter

Crunch

Crunch

Crunch of sandy granules between our teeth

Even now, after the 14th amendment is ratified

“No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property”

the blacks here sit terrified, unsatisfied

With no sign of an arriving liberty

So tell me now, what is the cost?

To live with freedom, with dignity

Unbought and Unbossed?

3. Imagine That Cozy Saturday Evening

Imagine that cozy Saturday evening.

I’ve sunk in my bed

Springy, fluffed

Just like a good cake

I’ve cuddled my blanket

A nest of spun sugar and silk

And cotton candy

Sticky and sweet

I’m dipped in my pillow

In warm melted honey

Waiting for the sugar syrup to

Intoxicate

Rejuvenate

   Drown

My pillow

While it slowly seeps through the porous fabric

And I look outside

At the pitter-patter

Melted pearls trickling against the sugar windows

Until the windows shatter

The shards pierce my skin

And I realize

The pillow was my computer

The bed was my desk

And I’ve succumbed to school.

ART 8 Photo Essay

1. Which Photo from your essay was your best? Show the photo and explain why it was your best.

I liked the Macro of a bug I saw in the classroom. I thought it was the most challenging because the bug kept moving and I wanted to capture the various colors and textures of that bug. In the end, though, I thought it was pretty cool.

1. What is a Photojournalist?

a journalist who communicates news by photographs.

1. If you could do one category ( people, place, objects, macro) of your essay again which one would you re-do and why? Show the photo

I would do people again because I feel like I haven't played as well with the originality and technique as I could have.

1. What is exposure?  Give an example of a photo you took to help explain your answer.  

the amount of light per unit area (the image plane illuminance times the exposure time) reaching a photographic film or electronic image sensor

Health- Addiction

1. Define addiction

Addiction is when the body adapts to a substance and wants that substance in an increased quantity.

2. There are a number of different types of addiction.... what are they?

Alcohol and drug addiction are most common. Other ones include coffee addiction and technology addiction, which is very common amongst people who might not think they have serious addictions. Another addiction that may not be commonly told is exercise. The happy feeling we get from exercising is a mellow but similar effect that drugs can bring too. That is why some people get addicted to exercising, but this addiction may not be as negative as the rest apart from how it can cause over excursion.

3. What are the signs and physical symptoms that can indicate you have an addiction to a substance or behavior?

Common symptoms are irritability and aggressiveness. For example, if we stop looking at our phone or stop drinking coffee, we will feel negative symptoms like cranky and aggressive behavior and a strong want for that thing. Even though I don't have a phone, I see this with my siblings after they see iPad for a long time. They start screaming and throwing things.

4. What are coping strategies and how are they used to manage and reduce stress in your life, in a way that is not detrimental or harmful in the long term. 

Instead of using drugs or other substances to move away from stress, we can use more friendly options. Exercise is very helpful in making us feel happier and stress-free, releasing a similar feeling that comes from drugs, but is subdued and not as extreme. Yoga is a good form of exercise for stress relief. Other strategies are practicing hobbies like writing, art, games, sport and others that take us away from stress. The most important thing is family. In such an environment, family helps to enliven the environment and make us laugh. Spending time and going outside is very effective.

5. How may addiction be treated?

Instead of punishing the person and further shutting them down, we should understand why they're at this position and help to get them out of the depression. Addiction is best treated when the environment is positive, open, lively, and healthy. Family and friends should be around to keep a healthy communication and relationship, and that will bring positivity. 

Cyber Trolling

     
        I've realized how it's way easier to bully someone online because we feel protected and not so scared of saying derogatory language out loud. However, if we had to say the same thing to the same person, just in a different platform, it would be way harder. We wouldn't do that. The video shows how rare an occasion is when someone bullies another one verbally, face-to-face, with an audience hearing. The message I've learned is that if we can't confront the person and abuse them out loud, we shouldn't be able to do the same online. But I also feel that most of the people who troll actually don't hate the person, they hate themselves because they see a reflection of who they actually wanted to be. Trolling should stop. The main root cause of trolling are the various perspectives on insecurity and imperfections. Everyone is imperfect or has insecurities, but it is the lens in which they see through that changes their perspective about them. We shouldn't pull someone else down because of our perspective; someone else may end up doing the same to us too when their perspective changes.

Rosa Parks

1. Why is bus segregation even a big deal? Who cares who sits in the different parts of the bus? Why does this matter at all?

Bus segregation does matter because it doesn't matter where anyone sits on the bus, but what is affected is the esteem of the people being separated. To have a special spot for only the blacks lowers the importance or value of the blacks, and makes them feel worthless and not "up to the same level" as the whites. I can connect this idea to the book "To Be A Slave", where the slaveowners had ingrained in the slaves' minds that they'd need to serve their master in order to eventually reach up to their level. 

2. Put yourself in Rosa Parks’s shoes: You’re going home from work. You have a family. A small incident arises. What do you honestly do? How far would you go? (Jail? Pay a fine? Lose your life? Explain your limits.)

If I were to put myself in Rosa Parks's shoes, I would probably do the opposite of what she did. If I had a family, work, and a normal life, I would (like many) choose the safer option to pay a fine and end the deal. I would probably not question the unjust system and blindly follow what I'm told so I can feel secure and keep my family and job safe. It's easy to analyse her courageous action, but very hard to do the same. 

3. Parks’ words are very deliberate. She says, “You may do that.” What do you think about the wording of her statement?

She said "you may do that" deliberately because she didn't want to seem like she was being forced. The "you may" sounds like she is giving them permission, rather than them forcing her into arresting her. Another thing we can interpret is that she shows how she is at a higher level in character than the driver. She doesn't argue or act aggressively like some may if they were told they'd get arrested. This shows how strong Rosa Parks was in her beliefs and that she was willing to accept whatever consequences that followed.

SAS Eagle Design

In Art class this semester we worked on a 2D-design unit focused on variation.  We explored variations of themes and many different types of media and techniques. This was my final work.

The eagle design that was based on my personal interest was about my interest in literature and books. I chose a theme of my favorite books to show how much I treasure good books. This also reflects my passion for writing books. As a 5-year-old, I have written many stories, and currently, am also thinking about starting my own novel. In the background are some of my favorite books, most of which are by the authors Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, and JK Rowling. I chose a collage format because I thought I could clearly show my favorite books in a clean format.

The most challenging part of this assignment might have been working with watercolor for one of my eagle designs. The eagle cut-out had many turns and cuts so it was a challenge to get my brush around those. Also, I attempted watercolor poppies for the first time and it was certainly hard to not to make the red color bleed with the brown interior. In the end, I just chose the simplest way to depict poppies, with a round red base and a drop of dark brown in the center. 

I really found the collage technique interesting because of its simplicity yet complexity. Collaged eagles were really cool and complex by the looks of it because of how different patterns clash into a modern design; however, the process is that much simpler and quick to make. The efficiency of making a collage drew me into making two of my eagles collages.

SS Blogpost: My Name

        The name Vainavi means gold, or the Indian goddess of wealth, Lakshmi in the Sanskrit language. My mom said she named me and was attracted to the name because it sounded nice and was a very unique name for any country. Also, the meaning of my name means prosperity and the goddess of wealth, and the Hindu tradition values the family's daughters as the small goddesses of wealth in their house. My family thought that not only did the name sound unique, but the meaning was auspicious and implied that I would bring luck and wealth to the family. 

Health: Personal Choice Nutrition Video

Science DSLO Semester Reflection

        This semester, we have learned a lot in science. Through, worksheets, online/physical simulations, experiments, games, visual interpretations, and more, we have been able to explore our units of basic science skills and heredity. What we have done in science class reflects on the Desired Student Learning Outcomes of SAS. Some that I can directly connect to are communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. 

Communication       
        Throughout this semester in science, we have communicated our understanding in many ways that aren't just verbally. On a regular basis, we are given online worksheets to complete as an introduction or follow-up for an activity. In science, we are basically always communicating our understanding, be it through the result of an experiment, through entry tasks, or even verbally during discussions. During partner activities, we are expected to share our ideas and conjoin them into one answer. Our opinions can even differ, and that makes the communication with our partner more positive and flexible. Examples of communication needed would be like when partners made a model of the mitosis and meiosis process.

Collaboration

        Collaborating was definitely an integral part of science class. To start off, we would frequently get new seating arrangements with different partners to work with, and that ensured that students collaborate and work well with everyone. Science class even challenges the collaboration to a new level, where partners can have a difference in opinion and they have to join both opinions into one answer. Very often we conduct experiments and Lab assignments that involve a partner- but we don't only work with partners.

        Individual and self-paced work time helps the student individually process the lesson, and display their understanding and opinion freely. Science class has a fine balance of a collaborative and individual module. Examples of activities involving collaboration would be like the Cow Eye Guided Reading because we had to work with our partners to do the guided reading and combine our hypotheses. Another collaborative activity would be the DNA Extraction Lab. That involved a step by step process that required the communication and collaboration of partners in order to extract the DNA out of the wheat germ.

Critical Thinking

        Critical Thinking was definitely a part of the science curriculum. In Science class, we would be expected to show our critical thinking skills by asking questions involving deeper-level thinking and ability to transfer knowledge from class. In tests, there is an "Exemplary" section that requires applying what we have learned in different situations. There are also reflection questions in the class activities to help us critically think about the activity and how it's helping us better understand the unit. For example, in the Bunny Simulation Activity there were reflection questions to reinforce our understanding of Natural Selection.


        All in all, this semester of Science has used Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking as DSLOs to help us grow and meaningfully connect to these values. Exploring these DSLOs has helped me understand how the Science curriculum is truly meaningful and unique in helping us successfully enrich our learning. Connecting Science to the SAS DSLOs has just made me look foreward even more to the next semester and how that learning will connect to such major values.
 

RLA Persuasive Speech

I was proud of my projection and emphasis on certain words with eye contact and gestures. I could work on maybe slowing down at parts and using techniques like repetition. 

SS Federalism

RLA Journalism Podcast- "Angling the Mirror: Time to Reflect on the Quieter Side"

Math Reflection Post

SMART SLEEP GOAL

I want to make sure I’m in bed by 10p.m every school night. I will manage my work more effectively so that I’m able to hit the bed on time. Sleeping on time will help me feel emotionally healthier and boost my growth. I will make sure to check in on how I’m doing before December break to see how this change shows its benefits. As a reward, I will get the weekends to sleep later.

Movement Description for Accompanying and Evading

• TOUCH : 2 handed carry while moving, from ground and upright positions; fluid running motion with ball in front to enable passing options on both sides; using misdirection and fakes effectively http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-V_I3OufSY

• BASKETBALL: 2 handed catch, control while dribbling; effective scanning to see the field of play at all times; being aware of space and changing direction to create, or eliminate open spaces https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMtY-dxN82U

• FLAG FOOTBALL : catching a spiral pass downfield, controlled carry while evading, executing patterns to optimize space and evade defenders http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPqmmsjOdtU

FITNESS DECIDE Model

         DECIDE :   My FITNESS Plan

D Define the Problem	Select the FITNESS COMPONENT or SKILL COMPONENT you’d most like to improve this year. (Fitness: Cardio, Muscular Strength, Muscular endurance, Flexibility, Body Composition.core strength) (Skill: Balance, Agility, Coordination, Power, Speed,  Reaction Time) Explain why you chose this component. I chose this component because I want to improve on my mile time to at least 8:25, and I want to improve on my overall stamina for all sports. Create and  link a short video (10-15 seconds) that illustrates your chosen component. (using your laptop, iPad, iPhone, or other device). Upload to youtube and paste youtube link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUl0bcCqZWg
E Explore the Alternatives	List 3 other Fitness/Skill Components that you could also improve and explain how they will benefit your overall fitness: Skill: speed (will help me also with my reaction time, and will help train me with my cardio) 2. Fitness: core strength (this is great for body composition and balance as well because these skills involve pure core strength in order to balance and hold the body in a certain position.) 3.  Fitness: flexibility (warms up my muscles and joints and allows for a better session. Loosens muscles that are tight. Having a flexible body can help me just overall perform better, as I would have loose muscles and maximum blood circulation.
C Consider the Consequences	Identify 2 positive and 2 negative possible outcomes as a result of your choice: (Ask yourself … how risky is each alternative? What are the chances of success? How would it affect my short term fitness? How would it affect my fitness long term?) Positive Working on my cardio means I will be able to sustain energy and fitness on cardio related activities for a longer period of time.      2. I will be able to improve my mile time and strengthen my cardio endurance Negative      1.  If I just focus on my cardio, I may be weakening other components of fitness because I’m not practicing those.     2.  Being fit doesn’t just mean in terms of cardio stamina, there are many other components that won’t get better if I leave them alone so my overall performance won’t be that strong
I Identify Values	This decision is important to me because.......... (Why do you value fitness?) I value fitness because I know how important it is for my body. Without fitness, there is a very high chance of diseases and problems later on. The highest percentage of the reason why people die in America is because of lack of fitness (even higher than smoking or drinking!!) Also, being fit overall just helps with a person’s confidence and self-esteem. I want to push myself this year to improve my mile-time, and if I am able to improve on my cardiovascular endurance, I will approach PE more confidently and positively.
D Decide and Act	Create an action plan for improvement.  Outline a plan for a week of fitness activity that will improve your chosen component. Creat a video (10-15 seconds) of your chosen activity to help illustrate your plan.  Day 1: Pilates (20 min) + 2 laps around the SAS track in the morning (with 5 min warm-ups) Day 2: Pilates (20 min) + 10 min exercises (dynamic and static) Day 3: Swimming (60 min) Day 4: Pilates (20 min) + gym (60 min) Day 5: pilates (20 min) + 2 laps around track in morning (with 5 min warm-ups) Day 6: gym (60 min) Day 7: pilates (20 min) and exercises (10 min) I will run outside in the school mornings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUl0bcCqZWg I will do pilates to improve my flexibility, core strength, muscular endurance, body composition, and also stamina I will swim and go to the gym as part of my major workouts to improve cardio I will make sure to continue doing warm-up exercises and stretches to keep my muscles ready for exercise and improve many other fitness and skill related components.
E Evaluate the results	My goal was to improve a specific fitness component.  I will know that my decision and action plan has been effective when.........  The mile-times throughout the year will be evidence for this. If I am able to improve bit by bit on my mile times and overall stamina, then that means that my decide plan for improving my cardio is effective.