Rube Goldberg/Satire Collaboration
This project, as stated in the title, was a collaboration between Physics and Humanities. We simultaneously studied the motion and forces of a Rube Goldberg Machine and the satire behind its workings.
From the beginning, satire was an integral part of these machines. The very act of accomplishing a simple task via ludicrously complex means is innately ironic. Often, the original creator of the idea used these machines to reflect on deeper issues in our society.
Above: My satire piece, A Miner Issue.
Imperialism Op-Ed/Visual Piece
Above: My Op-Ed on the topic of the Igbo Women's War.
Analysis/Reflection
What are you proud of?
This Op-Ed was the first academic piece I really wrote this year- and I feel I did an excellent job! Though at times I felt a bit uncertain writing it, I think my final draft is a work of art. Speaking of art, another part of this project I'm proud of is my quick shift from a physical visual piece to a political cartoon when I realized the former wasn't going to work. I feel I was able to create a good cartoon while still using my time wisely.
Where did you run into difficulties with this project, and how did you deal with them?
As I mentioned before, I realized quite late in the game that my plan for a visual piece wasn't going to work. I had planned to paint a stick as symbolism for the pestles of the Igbo women, but upon further research and experimentation I found it would be an undertaking greater than I imagined. Rather than worry about it nonstop over the remaining three days, I chose to switch to a political cartoon. I had already had a concept in the back of my mind which I was able to execute well. In the end, I feel it might've actually portrayed my ideas more effectively.
What have you learned over this project, and how does it show in your final project?
I definitely learned more about what exactly an Op-Ed is, and how to adapt my writing style to create one. Not only that, though; this project helped me to expand my knowledge on some of the roots and early trials of feminism. Along with racism, colonialists introduced sexism to the African peoples. It is mainly because of this that discrimination on the basis of sex still remains an issue in Africa, not to mention the rest of the world.
How have you grown as a writer over the course of this Op-Ed?
An Op-Ed is a piece of writing which expresses opinion in a confident and strong manner. As of the time I write this, I am not yet sure how my final work will be received. However, I do believe that I was a lot more confident when writing this piece. I'm still nervous about how people will judge my work- who isn't? Though I still cross my fingers in hopes that the subject matter comes across clearly, I know that the way in which I presented this piece was synonymous with that of an Op-Ed. I was able to further develop my skills in spacing, introduction, and evoking emotion through words.
"Sticks and stones may break bones, but words will change minds," I stated at the beginning of my essay. Not only is this an example of my learning the "punchy" Op-Ed format, it emulates what I hope eventually to become as a writer. In the future, I want to develop both my writing skills and perspective on life to a point where I can turn heads in the right direction.
Give yourself the score that you think best reflects your performance in Humanities 10 so far.
After reading the rubric, I believe a 10 reflects my Humanities performance so far this year. Though it seems a lofty number on this scale, I have no reason to believe that I do not live up to the standards listed on the rubric. I can't think of a time when I have turned in an assignment significantly past a deadline, and I make sure to complete assignments thoroughly. I don't find it hard to get engaged during class, and I am able to interact with my peers and teacher when necessary.
The two areas that I could improve in are as follows: time management and focusing in class. Sometimes, I end up talking to my friends rather than doing work. I will ensure in the future that I am finished with work, or at a stopping point, before doing this. I also am going to try and continue the use of my planner to stay organized and avoid procrastination with solid plans.
