Romek post 1

1) I've learned that in the Holocaust, the Jewish people were forced to "suicide". They had to dig their own graves and had no choice in it. After digging graves waist high, they were killed by Nazis and fell into their graves. It's a terrible thing to imagine, and I've learned that it's the most wrong thing someone can do, killing someone just because they have a certain belief.

2)
a. The family of David Faber is a caring family that looks out for one another, but sometimes is too afraid to act. They try to stay out of trouble and keep others out of it as well.
b. I think that David remembers everything because it was so life-changing and brought tears to him. It's not something that someone would easily forget, and I think that he would remember it even after he died.

3) David rescuing his father is a very courageous act, and even trying is showing courage in itself. He cares about his family so much he's willing to risk his life to save them. I also think that he is a little afraid of the future, but will act accordingly to the situation no matter how afraid he is. For example, on page 33: "I began to shake, harder and harder. My teeth chattered, and I staggered to the sofa." This behavior suggests he is afraid but at page 34, he decides to go despite his fears to save his father.

-Ethan

Mural Project Reflection

Name: Ethan

Project Reflection: Post on your Blog

Project Title: Aztec Mural Project

Class: CD Dates: 5-5-08

*You may type directly in this document and copy and paste into blog, or simply address each of the following in a post. It should be approx. 2 pages worth of writing.

PURPOSE: In this section, explain what you were supposed to learn and what you were supposed to do.

Sentence Starters

• The purpose of this project was to learn about…

• In order to learn about _________________, we had to create/perform/ write/etc…

The purpose of this project was to learn about Aztecs and how they created art. In order to learn about this, we made a mural relating to Aztec culture, such as sacrifice or social ranks. We also observed the Aztec culture and how they found Tenochtitlan. We also went on a field trip to observe murals and look at how they represent certain thoughts, ideas, and pictures. Lastly, we wrote an artist statement to explain what the mural represented.

WHAT I LEARNED

In this section, tell what information or skills you learned or improved.

Sentence Starters

• I learned about…

• I explored the concepts/topics of …

• In this project, I learned how to…. (skills)

Throughout this project, I have learned many skills and information. I explored the concept of how the Aztecs lived, and how they survived and made land to live on. I have learned how to paint a mural, and how to represent ideas through imagery. During the painting process, I have also learned which colors go together and which ones don't. Lastly, I learned why people create murals, which is because they need to express ideas, or perhaps just for the sake of art.

REFLECTION

In this section, reflect on your experience. Did you like the project? Why or why not? How did you do? What would you do differently next time?

Sentence Starters

• I enjoyed this project because…

• I feel like I could have done better on this project because…

• Next time, I would…

I enjoyed this project because we got to create a piece of art and be proud of it. I wasn't that good at painting (painting outside the lines), so I was limited to looking up images to trace and paint on the mural. It was tough tracing the sun, because it had so many details and the shadow would block the light. It was also tough choosing the right colors to put on our mural. Should it be lighter, or maybe a shade of blue darker? Next time, I would have chosen a different idea to represent on our mural.

ARTIFACTS

You should have at least one artifact from each project on your DP. What document, picture,link will you have for this project?

My artifact will be the artist statement.

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #3

1. Ton-Ton seemed like the type of person that wasn't too bright, and stuttered all the time. He also seems to follow any orders given, and just wants to stay out of trouble. But underneath, he is a nice friend that would go out of his way to help someone. He is actually bright, and he just is nervous.
2. The author stretches out the information as best as she can, which is excellent. She writes every little detail, including any obstacles that Matt and company must journey through. Even after Matt found Maria, the author kept on writing about what happens next, and reviewing crucial events in the story.
3. What do you think the importance of El Patron keeping everything he ever owned in his "tomb"? Do you think it was wise to do so?

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #2

4-8-08
Chapters 14-26

1. I think Tam Lin is sort of like Hagrid, from the Harry Potter series. I feel that like Hagrid, he tries and keep Matt out of trouble, and is usually very friendly to Matt. Sometimes he can be strict, but he helps Matt all the way. They both write a bit sloppily, which is another thing identical about them. Tam Lin seems to be very high strung, but underneath, he is ready to pounce any time.

2. The author's theme was probaly to believe people and give second chances. Work together with others, and good is ultimately better. Love is better than any treasure, and is not worth leaving, even if hardships must be endured. Be careful where you step, and always cut once and measure twice.

3. Why do you think El Patron educated, fed, and entertained Matt if he was going to use him for transplants anyways?

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #1

4-4-08

Chapters 1-13

1. During the story, Matt steals Maria's dog to try to get to talk to her, in order to apologise. I don't think this is a smart move at all, especially with all the evidence he left. Stealing the dog is a bad idea enough, because it would make Maria never want to forgive him anyways. There is almost no doubt that he as already pushed Maria to the point of no return.

2. It upsets me that clones are treated so cruelly. I feel that everything, wether clone or not, should have a fair chance at life. Instead, most of the clones are injected, and shattered to pieces. I feel so bad for the ones that get restrained and get turned into drool-bots.

3. Why do you think everyone treats clones so unkindly?

-Ethan