Life-thoughts
Life-thoughts are daily warm up questions that introduce the material/subject of that day's lesson. They are designed to make us think about certain topics before we are given any information about it, so that we understand how much we need to learn. Here I have highlighted 20 of my strongest life-thought answers.
Semester One Life-Toughts
August 30
How would you define healthy? Why is being healthy important to you?
I would define healthy as taking care of you body so that all the systems work properly and your nutrients are balanced. Having a healthy body is important because then you can overcome physical challenges in your life and give you confidence so your mind can be healthy. A healthy mind is free from stress and thinks positively about everything. You can define health by the efficiency in which your body functions. Things such as diet, exercise and mental stability can impact the overall health of your body.
How would you define healthy? Why is being healthy important to you?
I would define healthy as taking care of you body so that all the systems work properly and your nutrients are balanced. Having a healthy body is important because then you can overcome physical challenges in your life and give you confidence so your mind can be healthy. A healthy mind is free from stress and thinks positively about everything. You can define health by the efficiency in which your body functions. Things such as diet, exercise and mental stability can impact the overall health of your body.
September 4
What makes water so essential to life on earth?
Water is so important to the Earth because every form of life relies on it in some way to survive. Animals use water to drink, it makes up most of their bodies. Plants use water in a similar way. If animals or plants did not have any water, they would die. Even smaller organisms such as bacteria would die without water because it makes up their bodies.
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Class Discussion - Water makes up 70% of the human body. We also use water to sanitize, clean, and cook our food. There is not a living thing we know of that can survive without water. Water is necessary for metabolism, and cells need water to do their jobs.
What makes water so essential to life on earth?
Water is so important to the Earth because every form of life relies on it in some way to survive. Animals use water to drink, it makes up most of their bodies. Plants use water in a similar way. If animals or plants did not have any water, they would die. Even smaller organisms such as bacteria would die without water because it makes up their bodies.
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Class Discussion - Water makes up 70% of the human body. We also use water to sanitize, clean, and cook our food. There is not a living thing we know of that can survive without water. Water is necessary for metabolism, and cells need water to do their jobs.
September 5
What makes a scientist?
I think a scientist is someone who thinks in a certain way and is curious about everything. A scientist wants to figure out how the world works and might get frustrated if they can't. I want to be a scientist who has curiosity, but also respect for our world. If I have to hurt something in order to study it, then I will try to find another way or not study it at all. I think a lot of scientists have incorrect priorities and their knowledge is used for bad not good. If I become a scientist, I will respect what I study and I will not harm it physically or emotionally.
What makes a scientist?
I think a scientist is someone who thinks in a certain way and is curious about everything. A scientist wants to figure out how the world works and might get frustrated if they can't. I want to be a scientist who has curiosity, but also respect for our world. If I have to hurt something in order to study it, then I will try to find another way or not study it at all. I think a lot of scientists have incorrect priorities and their knowledge is used for bad not good. If I become a scientist, I will respect what I study and I will not harm it physically or emotionally.
September 6
Why do we study genetics?
I think we study genetics because then we can gain a better understanding of human, animal, and plant life so the science can continue progressing. We can also use it to improve the quality of medicine and figure out why health problems happen and how to fix them.
Why do we study genetics?
I think we study genetics because then we can gain a better understanding of human, animal, and plant life so the science can continue progressing. We can also use it to improve the quality of medicine and figure out why health problems happen and how to fix them.
September 9
What interests you about lakes, rivers, the ocean and marine biology? Why do we keep marine organisms in aquariums?
I am very interested in the ocean, but especially about the animals and organisms that live there. I love ocean mammals, such as seals or sea lions or freshwater mammals such as beavers or penguins. I think humans are drawn to the mystery of how different sea animals are from us. We wonder what it would be like to be a marine organism, so we keep them around to remind us of different worlds.
What interests you about lakes, rivers, the ocean and marine biology? Why do we keep marine organisms in aquariums?
I am very interested in the ocean, but especially about the animals and organisms that live there. I love ocean mammals, such as seals or sea lions or freshwater mammals such as beavers or penguins. I think humans are drawn to the mystery of how different sea animals are from us. We wonder what it would be like to be a marine organism, so we keep them around to remind us of different worlds.
September 20
What do you remember about kindergarden?
I remember Miss Sugarman, my teacher. I remember going down the slide on wax paper, because it made it slide faster. I remember the little cement corner area we would eat snack, and listen to stories called secret garden. I also remember my first friend, Rachel. My first learning experience was in kindergarden when we had to write all the numbers up to 100 and I was so proud when I finished. I remember the T-rex puppet named Rex who used to tell us stories, and the Lego table where I would play with the boys. I remember our Kindergarden play, Are You My Mother, where I was a sweet tart candy. I remember the 4 steps to friendship song, and I remember my 8th grade buddy, Taylor, who seemed so old and wise to me back then.
What do you remember about kindergarden?
I remember Miss Sugarman, my teacher. I remember going down the slide on wax paper, because it made it slide faster. I remember the little cement corner area we would eat snack, and listen to stories called secret garden. I also remember my first friend, Rachel. My first learning experience was in kindergarden when we had to write all the numbers up to 100 and I was so proud when I finished. I remember the T-rex puppet named Rex who used to tell us stories, and the Lego table where I would play with the boys. I remember our Kindergarden play, Are You My Mother, where I was a sweet tart candy. I remember the 4 steps to friendship song, and I remember my 8th grade buddy, Taylor, who seemed so old and wise to me back then.
September 26
What do you want to learn more about in regards to the brain?
Everything... I feel like I do not know anything about the brain right now. I do not understand how we are going to separate the sections in the sheep brain, because everything in the brain looks very interconnected. I do not understand how certain areas are contained and why they don't just connect to surrounding brain matter. I have become a lot more interested in how the brain controls the health of our bodies. I also would like to know more about how and why people have dreams at night.
What do you want to learn more about in regards to the brain?
Everything... I feel like I do not know anything about the brain right now. I do not understand how we are going to separate the sections in the sheep brain, because everything in the brain looks very interconnected. I do not understand how certain areas are contained and why they don't just connect to surrounding brain matter. I have become a lot more interested in how the brain controls the health of our bodies. I also would like to know more about how and why people have dreams at night.
October 22
What has working with the kindergardener taught you about teaching and learning?
Through teaching a kindergardener, I have learned quickly that kindergardeners need constant attention and need to have something to do all the time or they et bored and just leave. I have found that talking about them or what they have done recently is more interesting to them than talking about new subjects. What it has taught me about learning is how important it is to pay attention because people have a lot to tell me but I just might not see it yet.
What has working with the kindergardener taught you about teaching and learning?
Through teaching a kindergardener, I have learned quickly that kindergardeners need constant attention and need to have something to do all the time or they et bored and just leave. I have found that talking about them or what they have done recently is more interesting to them than talking about new subjects. What it has taught me about learning is how important it is to pay attention because people have a lot to tell me but I just might not see it yet.
November 12
What is one drug that positively and negatively impacted your life?
A drug that positively impacted me was antibiotics because as a kid I got sinus infections, finger infections, ear infections, or strep throat all the time. Antibiotics helped me fight off those infections, without them I do not know what would have happened to me. A drug that negatively impacted my life was this other kind of antibiotic that I had to get shot into my leg when I had pneumonia. It did help me get better, but it hurt so bad to have it injected into my leg, and I couldn't walk for a few days.
What is one drug that positively and negatively impacted your life?
A drug that positively impacted me was antibiotics because as a kid I got sinus infections, finger infections, ear infections, or strep throat all the time. Antibiotics helped me fight off those infections, without them I do not know what would have happened to me. A drug that negatively impacted my life was this other kind of antibiotic that I had to get shot into my leg when I had pneumonia. It did help me get better, but it hurt so bad to have it injected into my leg, and I couldn't walk for a few days.
January 8
What is one moment you felt really connected to nature as a child?
As a child I was very connected to nature because we wold go camping all the time, once a month or more. I loved hiking and just everything about being out in nature. I think this is because I had a lot of early experiences in nature when my parents were traveling home from Singapore. On the way when I was about two, we went to Thailand, Malaysia, and some other places where they went on hikes with me and rode elephants and stuff like that. When we moved to the US, we went camping a lot to places like Yellowstone, Brice Canyon, Grand Canyon, Utah, and other places. These trips helped me become more connected to nature because I learned to appreciate how beautiful or world is and why we need to keep it that way.
What is one moment you felt really connected to nature as a child?
As a child I was very connected to nature because we wold go camping all the time, once a month or more. I loved hiking and just everything about being out in nature. I think this is because I had a lot of early experiences in nature when my parents were traveling home from Singapore. On the way when I was about two, we went to Thailand, Malaysia, and some other places where they went on hikes with me and rode elephants and stuff like that. When we moved to the US, we went camping a lot to places like Yellowstone, Brice Canyon, Grand Canyon, Utah, and other places. These trips helped me become more connected to nature because I learned to appreciate how beautiful or world is and why we need to keep it that way.
Semester Two Life-Thoughts
January 14
Describe your experiences in the ocean, a lake, or river, or on a boat.
My favorite experience in a lake was in North Carolina when my family and I went to visit my cousins during the summer. It was so cool because the water was 80 degrees and we could go swimming at nigh in the dark. It was really dark there because they have a law to protect the lakes that you can't build houses within a few hundred feet of the shoreline. The only lights we could see was the small white lights at the edge of each dock. It was really fun when we jumped off of the dock during the day because the dogs joined in with us. It was also really fun when we went tubing, even though it was scary at first. We were going so fast because my uncle's boat is very powerful. During the same trip to the lake, my dad and I took the canoe out around the lake. It was amazing how the lake sort of matched your mood, such as when we were in an excited mood we could use the lake for tubing, and when we we were in a peaceful mood, we could just row around and look at the nature.
Describe your experiences in the ocean, a lake, or river, or on a boat.
My favorite experience in a lake was in North Carolina when my family and I went to visit my cousins during the summer. It was so cool because the water was 80 degrees and we could go swimming at nigh in the dark. It was really dark there because they have a law to protect the lakes that you can't build houses within a few hundred feet of the shoreline. The only lights we could see was the small white lights at the edge of each dock. It was really fun when we jumped off of the dock during the day because the dogs joined in with us. It was also really fun when we went tubing, even though it was scary at first. We were going so fast because my uncle's boat is very powerful. During the same trip to the lake, my dad and I took the canoe out around the lake. It was amazing how the lake sort of matched your mood, such as when we were in an excited mood we could use the lake for tubing, and when we we were in a peaceful mood, we could just row around and look at the nature.
January 17
What job would you see yourself doing on the research vessel Mellville?
I would see myself being a scientist working in the little floating lab studying animals or ocean volcanoes or something. I think my day would be spent collecting samples and data, and analyzing it in the lab. But it would also be really fun to be the person who gets to drive the ROV around. That job would be really exciting, but also you would have a lot of responsibility because you are responsible for making sure the ROV can do its job collecting samples and you have a lot of responsibility. If you crash the ROV that would be really detrimental to the whole research project. Also, you would have to do a lot of preparations before and after the mission to make sure the ROV can do its job once it is launched.
What job would you see yourself doing on the research vessel Mellville?
I would see myself being a scientist working in the little floating lab studying animals or ocean volcanoes or something. I think my day would be spent collecting samples and data, and analyzing it in the lab. But it would also be really fun to be the person who gets to drive the ROV around. That job would be really exciting, but also you would have a lot of responsibility because you are responsible for making sure the ROV can do its job collecting samples and you have a lot of responsibility. If you crash the ROV that would be really detrimental to the whole research project. Also, you would have to do a lot of preparations before and after the mission to make sure the ROV can do its job once it is launched.
January 23
What is your idea about humans encroaching on natural pockets?
I think we as humans should respect the native species by stopping development in natural pockets. We should make laws that ensure nobody will hurt areas that are home to important native species, because if we don't they might go extinct. We have to do our part to protect the natural world, because those species were there long before us, so they should have the right to the land. When we develop areas, we as humans need to make sure that our priorities are in line. It may not seem like developing one small natural pocket will harm much, but it really does. People need to understand the importance of every species and understand that they all play a part in the food web. Messing with one species natural habitat can actually be harming hundreds of other species.
What is your idea about humans encroaching on natural pockets?
I think we as humans should respect the native species by stopping development in natural pockets. We should make laws that ensure nobody will hurt areas that are home to important native species, because if we don't they might go extinct. We have to do our part to protect the natural world, because those species were there long before us, so they should have the right to the land. When we develop areas, we as humans need to make sure that our priorities are in line. It may not seem like developing one small natural pocket will harm much, but it really does. People need to understand the importance of every species and understand that they all play a part in the food web. Messing with one species natural habitat can actually be harming hundreds of other species.
January 27
What plants that you know of have medical properties and are used for healing purposes?
I know that Aloe Vera can be really good for your skin if you break off a leaf and rub the wet sap stuff on your skin. Also, chimpanzees use a type of tree shoot to cure intestinal parasites. I also know of this kind of leaf that grows in the mountains of California that was used by the Native Americans as bandages.
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Class Discussion: Things are considered drugs if they have an effect on the body beyond energy. People typically consume plants in a variety of ways including eating, drinking, topically, smoking, or injecting.
What plants that you know of have medical properties and are used for healing purposes?
I know that Aloe Vera can be really good for your skin if you break off a leaf and rub the wet sap stuff on your skin. Also, chimpanzees use a type of tree shoot to cure intestinal parasites. I also know of this kind of leaf that grows in the mountains of California that was used by the Native Americans as bandages.
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Class Discussion: Things are considered drugs if they have an effect on the body beyond energy. People typically consume plants in a variety of ways including eating, drinking, topically, smoking, or injecting.
January 28
What is compassion, and how can reading be used as a tool to teach compassion for the natural world?
Compassion is the feeling you get when you know you love something and care about it a lot. Usually it is if you feel bad for something or someone that is weaker than you or powerless. Reading can be used to teach kids compassion for the natural world because it can help them connect to one character and that can help them feel connected to the world. Reading can also teach children important information about the natural world and the problems it is currently facing. If kids can feel more connected to specific organisms, they will be more motivated to help that organism in the future.
What is compassion, and how can reading be used as a tool to teach compassion for the natural world?
Compassion is the feeling you get when you know you love something and care about it a lot. Usually it is if you feel bad for something or someone that is weaker than you or powerless. Reading can be used to teach kids compassion for the natural world because it can help them connect to one character and that can help them feel connected to the world. Reading can also teach children important information about the natural world and the problems it is currently facing. If kids can feel more connected to specific organisms, they will be more motivated to help that organism in the future.
April 8
How much time did you spend outside during break and in what context? Did you see any new animals?
Over the "choose your own adventure" week I spent all day outside hiking and that was awesome. During intersession I spent almost every day outside, but we were mostly at zoos and other controlled environments. During the spring break, I spent a lot of time outside. I went to the beach which was really beautiful, even though the water was freezing. I also went to a dog fair and got to see a lot of new animals, breeds of dogs that I had never seen before in real life. I learned a lot about dogs and dog breeds that day. I also saw a ton of really cool new species over the hike and intersession week, such as the second rarest tree in the world (Torrey Pine). At the zoo there were a lot of new animals that I had never heard of or seen before.
How much time did you spend outside during break and in what context? Did you see any new animals?
Over the "choose your own adventure" week I spent all day outside hiking and that was awesome. During intersession I spent almost every day outside, but we were mostly at zoos and other controlled environments. During the spring break, I spent a lot of time outside. I went to the beach which was really beautiful, even though the water was freezing. I also went to a dog fair and got to see a lot of new animals, breeds of dogs that I had never seen before in real life. I learned a lot about dogs and dog breeds that day. I also saw a ton of really cool new species over the hike and intersession week, such as the second rarest tree in the world (Torrey Pine). At the zoo there were a lot of new animals that I had never heard of or seen before.
April 9
What would you like to discover?
I would like to discover a cure (besides antibiotics) for respiratory infections in rats, because that is one of the number one cause of death in pet rats probably. Wile respiratory infections can be cured with antibiotics, most pet owners do not have enough money to obtain the expensive medication. Also, administering medication to rats is quite difficult. It would also be really cool to discover a new species of plant or animal. I want to discover new surgery that can help lots of animals, but I don't know what that will be because I don't know what the problems of veterinary medicine are yet. Maybe I can come up with an easier way to spay dogs so we can finally have a world with no more homeless pets.
What would you like to discover?
I would like to discover a cure (besides antibiotics) for respiratory infections in rats, because that is one of the number one cause of death in pet rats probably. Wile respiratory infections can be cured with antibiotics, most pet owners do not have enough money to obtain the expensive medication. Also, administering medication to rats is quite difficult. It would also be really cool to discover a new species of plant or animal. I want to discover new surgery that can help lots of animals, but I don't know what that will be because I don't know what the problems of veterinary medicine are yet. Maybe I can come up with an easier way to spay dogs so we can finally have a world with no more homeless pets.
April 10
If you were the plant you adopted outside HTH, what would you think of humanity?
If I was the Plant I adopted (weed), I would not have a perspective or an opinion about humanity due to a lack of brain. According to what we know about science, plants are not capable of complex thought or opinion forming. But, from a fictional perspective... I would be very disappointed in humanity because they make it harder for me to to do my job (change carbon-dioxide into oxygen). Also humans always interfere with natural selection and kill random plants, even the strongest kind, like trees. Humans in general have not enough respect for me and my relatives.
If you were the plant you adopted outside HTH, what would you think of humanity?
If I was the Plant I adopted (weed), I would not have a perspective or an opinion about humanity due to a lack of brain. According to what we know about science, plants are not capable of complex thought or opinion forming. But, from a fictional perspective... I would be very disappointed in humanity because they make it harder for me to to do my job (change carbon-dioxide into oxygen). Also humans always interfere with natural selection and kill random plants, even the strongest kind, like trees. Humans in general have not enough respect for me and my relatives.
April 11
Do you believe in evolution? Do your friends?
Yes, I do believe in evolution. It makes sense to me, and the arguments on the other side personally seem improbable to me. I think evolution makes sense because things are always changing and adapting, which is the meaning of evolution. I think it is strange for people to think that the world will stay exactly as it is now, because they don't seem to understand how small of a part of history us as humans really are. Some of my friends believe in evolution, and others don't. I usually try to refrain from discussing this topic with the friends who do not believe/agree with it because I try to respect her opinions while staying true to mine. Sometimes agreeing to disagree is the most effective in that situation.
Do you believe in evolution? Do your friends?
Yes, I do believe in evolution. It makes sense to me, and the arguments on the other side personally seem improbable to me. I think evolution makes sense because things are always changing and adapting, which is the meaning of evolution. I think it is strange for people to think that the world will stay exactly as it is now, because they don't seem to understand how small of a part of history us as humans really are. Some of my friends believe in evolution, and others don't. I usually try to refrain from discussing this topic with the friends who do not believe/agree with it because I try to respect her opinions while staying true to mine. Sometimes agreeing to disagree is the most effective in that situation.
May 8
Write down a description of a typical ant. Describe their behavior.
A typical ant for Carlsbad has three body segments; a head, a midsection, and a rear. I think most of the ants in my area have large lower jaw that they use to carry food with. I know that they deposit a chemical from their bottoms as the walk which other ants can detect. This is how they stay in a line, and find their way to food or their hole. I have seen ants cary really large pieces of food, almost the size of their whole body. The ants that I see in my house are black/brown and very small. I have also seen larger red ants when I was camping once, and at the SD Zoo, there is an exhibit of leaf - cutter ants. Those ants are much larger and have different shaped jaws designed for cutting leafs.
Write down a description of a typical ant. Describe their behavior.
A typical ant for Carlsbad has three body segments; a head, a midsection, and a rear. I think most of the ants in my area have large lower jaw that they use to carry food with. I know that they deposit a chemical from their bottoms as the walk which other ants can detect. This is how they stay in a line, and find their way to food or their hole. I have seen ants cary really large pieces of food, almost the size of their whole body. The ants that I see in my house are black/brown and very small. I have also seen larger red ants when I was camping once, and at the SD Zoo, there is an exhibit of leaf - cutter ants. Those ants are much larger and have different shaped jaws designed for cutting leafs.