Octo-cuffs!

In this investigation, I learned how different adaptations of animals can serve as creative ideas for humans. In this assignment, I was asked to research an animal that could inspire me to create a product, service, or skill. The study of Biomimicry guided me in my project. The most difficult part of this project by far, was finding a redesign strategy, because the way that animals live is complex. I had to dive deep into the research on a specific animal, but I learned a lot that I didn't know! I'm most proud of coming up with a solid idea, using the suction on Octopuses to increase the effectiveness of security! That's genius!

 Severed Octopus Arms Have a Mind of Their Own. Smithsonian. 21 November, 2013. 

• Octopuses are also known as Octopoda.
• They have neither an external nor an internal skeleton, which allows them to squeeze through tight places. 
• They have one pair of eyes (2) and four pairs of arms (8).
• They have a hard beak that they use in a scissor-like fashion to protect and fend for themselves, but somehow, their mouth is located at the center of their arms. 
• They are one of the most intelligent and flexible invertebrates. 
• They can be located in any oceans or seas. 
• Having more then 200 species, Octopuses are appreciated most by Mediterranean and Asiatic people, because of their meat.
• The range size for one Octopus is around 2 inches to 32 feet. 
• Hiding, ducking and diving predators, and using their ink, they have many ways to prevent becoming prey. 

"My collage", DR (me). 21 November, 2013. 

My inspiration and guidance was my teacher, who asked, "What can you do to better our lives right now?" Immediately, I thought of the Chicago Police. We discussed handcuffs and octopuses' suction. He raised some interesting questions: "How are they able to keep that suction?" and "How are they able to detach at ease?" I thought about it, and then I researched it. I propose that we do something to increase the effectiveness of our security. Better handcuffs can create an easier job for the police. 

My animal inspiration was the Octopus. Octopuses have suction cups on their arms. Their suction cups contain three different kinds of muscles that allow them to attach and detach, when pressure is applied. Both the funnel and the suction cup contain water inside them. The end of the cup is a sort-of spongy feeling and forms a seal on anything it attaches to. The water inside the cup is allowed to move around, creating suction. 

My form of handcuffs can be created in many ways. The way I vision my design is two cuffs that hold the victim hostage and two suction cups (matching the color of the cuffs) that destroy any hope of them getting away. The two suction cups will attach together on contact, like magnets. To release the victim, there can be a way of applying pressure to the cups in order to make them detach. The cups on the inside can hold water, which keeps the cups attached. Too much water can make them detach because the water isn't allowed to move around and create space for suction. The handcuffs today are not effective and break easy. The apply of pressure to the octo-cuffs allows no detachment from pulling and trying to break free. 

References:

"Octopus", Animal Planet. 21 November, 2013.

"Sticky Feet. I've Got Those Sticky Feet", Awesome Inc. 21 November, 2013.
"Common Octopus", National Geographic. 21 November, 2013.

He SHOOTS... He SCORES!!

In this investigation we learned how basketball affects society. In this assignment we were asked to pick a topic in basketball that connects to society. I chose shot selection. I spent a long while working on my slide and I believe I did a good job on it. I learned that basketball is society, I learned how connected they are.

The "Foxtail" Revolution

In this investigation we had to learn about our specific plant and how we, as humans, can learn from that plant. My elective, Bioneers, helps me understand how humans can learn from plants. I had a bit of difficulty with this project but I'm most proud of the research I did. Going more in depth in the research of the "Foxtail" plant was interesting. I learned the scientific name for "Foxtail" grass, Alopecurus. I have also learned the cautions of "Foxtail", such as its harmful, barbed spikes.

"Foxtail (diaspore)". Wiki. 10 November, 2013. 

"Foxtail Poster". DR. 10 November, 2013.

The Foxtail plant, or Alopecurus, is an annual native grass. Known to just appear in bodies of grass that have been left unattended, Foxtail only comes out from July to September. Its tiny, deadly spikes serve as protection and a hazard for dogs. Its barbed, razor-sharp spikelets are known to pass right through a dog's tissue, piercing the heart, or injuring them exceptionally.

Learning from this plant, we can study it's defensive system. The Foxtail plant can be beneficial in our defensive department. Its spikelets can be used for protection against dangerous stray animals. Instead of implementing scientific, expensive, defenses, why not use "Foxtail" and study how we can improve their defense to help improve ours. Its extremely thin and sharp spike serve as its leading source of protection, can we learn the ways of the Foxtail and use them in a similar way, to upgrade our defense? Using its way of smoothly passing through soft tissue, will it keep any known wildlife threats away?

Applying the uniqueness of the "Foxtail" to our defenses could turn out well. Free defense implemented? Someone call the government!! It may not be as much defense against human beings than against wildlife, but it's still one less thing we have to worry about. If you think about it, "Foxtail" is a nuisance, why not put some use to them? They are all over the U.S., that's just free protection for us,
against other nuisance.

References:

“Foxtail grasses can be lethal to dogs”, Dogheirs Team. 6 November 2013.

“Foxtail Grass”, The Scott’s Company. 6 November, 2013.

"Foxtail Control in Pastures and Hayground", Oregon State University. 8 November, 2013.

"How would Nature solve green building challenges", Biomimicry Institute. 8 November, 2013.

"Plants", Exotic Plants. 8 November, 2013.
"Meadow Foxtail", Plant Materials Handbook. 10 November, 2013.

"Keep It Cool"

In this unit, we discussed Global Warming and how it affects the environment around us. We researched how weather and climate are changing over a period of time, due to Global Warming. We conducted this investigation to help us become meteorologists in our own little worlds. I was surprised to find out how pollution can affect wildlife and the melting of ice caps. The most challenging part of this project was the slideshow below, it was a long process but worth it. I'm proud of myself for accurately converting Fahrenheit to Celsius!

The Environment's End

Reflection: The purpose of this investigation is to help us understand the importance of keeping our environment stable. This project was all based on MDG’S 7 & 8 (Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnership for Development). Our teacher let us choose what issue we wanted to address in our poem. As seen in my poem, I chose Deforestation. I chose Deforestation because it seemed interesting and nobody else really picked it. I wanted to expand my mind to new things. The most important thing to get out of this project, is a feelings for how people are trying to handle our world’s problems. The most difficult part of this was definitely my picture, I’m not a drawer at all. So for me to create this, it was pretty awesome.

“The Environment’s End”, DR, Drawn, 17 Oct, 2013.

My photo represents an overall unhappy environment. Trees on fire, deadly looking roots, smoke all in the air. Clouds turning black and the sun unhappy.

“The Environment’s End”

They are not good people,

They obliterate natural environments.

All the things we love, need, praise, are lost

Not destroyed, but completely destroyed

Deforestation is a crime, a felony,

It should be forbidden,

Our animals come to your home, tear it down

then call it a day.

You’re not alone, they feel the same way.

Fires spread from forest to forest

but men don’t care, they promote it.

How do we expect to reach our goal,

if Men don’t go through with it?

We have to keep our forests safe.

Every year,

30,000 sq. mi of forest land are lost

due to Deforestation.

Is this what you all want?

Fire, death, natural extinction?

At the rate we are going,

ALL rain forests can vanish in 100 years.

That’s not cool,

At least someone notices it.

FOTFP ( Friends Of The Forest Preserves)

have been helping with our Deforestation problem

for over 10 years.

They understand how Deforestation can

not only harm the environment, but us too.

If you didn’t know,

Deforestation lets off bad toxins in the air,

polluting our oxygen that we breathe in.

A wise lady I once spoke to,

told me that Deforestation can lead to disease spread.

Imagine if an infected rodent got kicked out of his natural habitat

and he had to find a new home,

coming in contact with more humans,

giving away diseases.

About 70% of our animals live in forests,

they can’t adapt anywhere else.

So now, you’re killing animals too?

Some type of American,

I thought we needed animals to survive?

How can you just sit there and stare at me,

while this is happening as we speak?

Unless you want an unstable environment I would take action,

NOW!

References:

“Deforestation: Facts, Causes & Effects”, livescience.com,  Jessie Szala, Web. 13 Oct, 2013.

“Protect, Restore, and Promote”, n.p. Web. 13 Oct, 2013.

“Deforestation”, environment.nationalgeographic.com, n.p. Web. 17 Oct, 2013.
Kanusch, Barbara, personal interview with CDC worker, 16 Oct, 2013. 

Filter That Water !!

This water unit was all about water filtration and how water is given to us. We have been studying how water is made into potable drinking water through the “Water Cycle”. I have to say, i’m kind of proud of my water filter and how it worked. The most difficult part, by far, would have to be gathering materials for the project. I have learned that no matter how much some water is filtered, it will still be dirty.

“Filter that water”, D.R., 1 Oct. 2013.

The only materials needed for this project are: cylindrical container (preferably tall), knife/ scissors, 2 Mason jars, grass/dirt, unfiltered water source, charcoal/ activated carbon, and coffee filters. To build a filter, take these steps: First, gather the materials above. Cut the cylindrical container in half and poke a hole in the cap. Next, stuff the cotton balls in the cap of the bottle. Layer grass and dirt on top of the cotton balls. After, put the cylindrical container in the mason jar, so that the filtered water can be collected. Test the pH of the unfiltered water and record. Pour unfiltered water into the cylindrical container. After the water has filtered through the apparatus, add a pinch (about a gram) of activated carbon. Gently swirl the water to mix the carbon. Filter the water a second time through coffee filters into another Mason jar. Lastly, re-test the pH of your filtered water and record.

How the filter worked was simple; the different layers in the cylindrical container filtered out the bigger debris, whereas the charcoal bound to impurities in the water and sterilized it. My filter worked by using the different properties inside the filter to catch extra dangerous particles in the unfiltered water. The layers catch the debris that shouldn't be in the water, such as dirt, sand, and waste particles. I know that my filter did something to my water, because not only did the color change, but so did the pH.

Before filtration, the water measured a pH of 7, which is neutral, meaning neither acidic or basic. Water at a pH of 7 is health to drink, and falls within the “safe zone” for humans. I was extremely surprised that the filtration process LOWERED the pH to 5, a more acidic value, and outside the “safe” drinking range. Using the log equation for pH (pH = -log [H+]), I know that a pH of 5 is 100 times more acidic than a pH of 7, and also has more hydrogen ions.

I would like to follow up this project with more experiments. In doing so, I might figure out why the pH became more acidic, rather than just cleaner and better tasting. I also wonder, if I had started off with an extremely acidic or basic pH, would the filter have improved the quality of the water? These are some ideas I’m interested in exploring.


References:
“Water Purification.”, n.p. Web. 4 Oct. 2013.

Salário de 3 pontos

In this investigation, I learned the importance of Gender Equality. Throughout the investigation I realized that the way women are portrayed, is the whole reason why they are treated differently. If women continue to do the same things, how do they expect people to look at them differently? If women follow their own stereotypes then how are they going to ever change the men's perspective? As explained in my title; "Salário de 3 pontos" (3 point salary), i'm researching Women's Basketball Salaries v.s. Men's Basketball Salaries in The U.S. and Brazil.

"My visual." D.R. Creation on Spreadsheet, 2 Oct 2013.

This graph represents basketball players average salary over the last couple of years. 
I used colors based on the colors in the two countries flags. 
This visual explains it all, gender inequality is major in this department.
                    

Springfield
607 East Adams
Suite 1520
Springfield, IL 62701

Dear Mark Kirk,

I am DR. I go to GCE( Global Citizenship Experience), a very different school. I live in the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago, IL. I am regarding the pay of athletes. My investigation is addressing MDG 3 (Millennium Development Goals), about gender inequality and empowerment of women. The target of MDG 3 is to eliminate gender inequality in all economical ways by 2015. I am addressing a certain part of MDG 3, though i’m addressing, MDG3: 3.2, talking about women’s wage comparisons. Right now in our country, players in The NBA ( National Basketball Association) get payed up to 100 million dollars a year. Meanwhile, players in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) get payed up to 107k a year. Earlier in my investigation I saw a film called, “ Miss Representation” and I realized how women are portrayed, is the whole reason why they are treated differently. How women are expected to act, is why people don’t realize their inner ability. Even the name of “Alpha Male” explains it all, this name is so stereotypical that people don’t realize it. We are missing key ideas in everything, leaving women out of the picture.

In the last couple of years, Brazil has made major changes in their professional institute. Some of their professional sports are Co-Ed, like volleyball. Even though their basketball isn't Co- Ed, their players are relatively payed the same amounts (men and women). If you think about it, some very talented payers like; Tiago Splitter and Leandro Barbosa come from Brazil. Brazil is actually a widely sports based country. They have won tons of metals in Olympics and professional competitions.

I believe that Brazil's example of gender equality can rub off well on the U.S. In my visual it shows how equal the salaries of players in Brazil are (men and women). Even though they get payed nowhere near as much as NBA players, you can see the difference in salaries. We, as a country, need to acknowledge the fact that we have an equality issue. Just the fact that we have a 4.5 million dollar gap in our professional institution, should notify you why we aren't in the top 50 countries, regarding gender equality. I can suggest that we start closing in that salary gap by taking away unnecessary money from NBA players that don't deserve it. In my opinion, Women's Basketball players work as hard as Men's Basketball players and should get payed somewhere near the same amount that NBA players get payed.

In conclusion, I want to see more women treated equally in sports. Why is it that WNBA players can get payed up to only $107,000 and NBA players can get payed up to $70 million? Why is it that I cant name any WNBA teams, but I can almost name all the players in the NBA? We are richer than Brazil, doesn't this mean we have the resources to make this happen? We are even one of the richest in the world, and we can't use the resources provided to even out women's salaries? Why is this so? Why can't we offer a better living for our women? All I am asking for is reasonable equality.


References:

“Top Sports Salaries by Country, 2011.” topendsports.com, n.p. Web. 2 Oct. 2013.
“The Global Gender Gap.” forbes.com, Meghan Casserly Web. 2 Oct. 2013.
“About Mark.” kirk.senate.gov, n.p. Web. 2 Oct. 2013.
“How Much Money Do Basketball Players Make In Brazil.” wiki.answers.com, n.p. Web. 2 Oct. 2013.
“NBA’s ‘average’ salary -- $5.15m -- a trendy, touchy subject.” nba.com, Steve Aschburner Web. 3 Oct. 2013.