This semester was my last stretch before having completed Calculus 1 and 2, Chemistry 141, and Biology 192. Although I did not stay in the SMART program this semester, I did take chemistry which was very similar to the work we did in SMART. As an aspiring chemistry major, I found satisfaction in discovering the interconnectedness between calculus principles and their application in chemistry laboratories. This realization not only affirmed my academic pursuits but also fostered a deeper understanding of my chosen field. Devoting considerable time and effort to mastering calculus this semester, I am cognizant that my final grade may not deviate significantly from previous performances. However, beyond mere grades, I have enriched my comprehension of a subject that resonates profoundly with my passion.
Integrative learning was a huge part of Calculus 2 labs. One of my favorite labs, Lab 7, displayed a lot of similarities with my chemistry curriculum. The lab discussed mathematical modeling of enzyme kinetics which made me think about my chemistry table that discussed the integrated rate laws. The table is shown underneath the enzyme kinetics graph and it looks extremely similar due to kinetics being a lot of mathematical modeling. This lab was interesting to me and helped me understand the integrative rate laws a bit better before taking my kinetics exam in chemistry (I got an 87% on the test!). Another component of Calculus 2 incorporated collaborative learning between us students.
Tyeon was my partner for all of the team quizzes we completed in class. During the team quiz for LT6, we made a simple integration mistake and were given a revision point to fix it. Rather than our integral converging to 1/4, we wrote 4 because we integrated incorrectly. I enjoyed working with a peer throughout this year; it helps to be able to talk a problem out with a friend rather than tackle a problem alone. A lot of the students also wrote on the whiteboard this semester when given problems in class which was helpful.
I wish I had access to my Journal 3, however, I discussed that going and writing on the whiteboard was extremely stressful and demotivating. The one time I wrote up a problem on the whiteboard, a classmate was quick to tell me I was wrong and I wanted to cry on the spot. I wish this had been a bit more collaborative and supportive between students who were confused rather than it being a competition between those who knew what was going on. With that being said, the team quizzes were valuable when completing this semester and I am thankful Tyeon was my partner!
One team quiz we could not figure out was LT14. We talked back and forth during it on whether we should do the original approach or the substitution approach. We tried substitution, however, we ended up getting the problem wrong and were not offered a revision point. Although this demotivated me a little bit, I studied a lot the following week to hopefully understand LT14.
On our last checkpoint of the semester, I finally earned a check for LT14 and used the substitution method correctly! I was so proud of myself because this was something I struggled to understand up until the final checkpoint. In Calculus 1, I found myself struggling with units and general comprehension. It is funny how in Calculus 2, it feels like a lot of the calculus caught up to me and I had to re-learn things because I did not try as hard as I should have in Calculus 1.
My effort in Calculus 2 shows my growth mindset throughout the year. I believe my confidence in calculus topics will help me in my physics class next semester. I am very excited to take physics as I finally understand concepts in calculus that were confusing to me last semester. My career path has also done a 180, and I am looking into becoming a PA which requires the GRE exam. The GRE exam contains a lot of calculus and physics material so hopefully studying for the exam should be less daunting due to my strong foundation.
Upon reviewing my previous portfolio, I noted that I successfully fulfilled the task of completing the homework assignments this semester, attaining a 91% in EdFinity. This is something I am very proud of since I struggled a lot last semester to find the motivation to complete the homework. It improved my foundation of the learning targets which allowed me to get checkpoints correct the first time without having to revise them. Additionally, in contrast to the previous semester where I completed only three labs, this semester entailed six, a more immersive experience that facilitated a deeper comprehension of key concepts in calculus, chemistry, and biology.
Wrapping up this semester, I cannot help but feel a sense of accomplishment and growth. Navigating through calculus, chemistry, and biology was no small feat, but every challenge brought its own rewards. Reflecting on my journey, I have encountered both triumphs and setbacks, but each has contributed to my development as a learner. Collaborating with peers, tackling tough problems, and persisting through moments of uncertainty have all been integral to my progress. While not every whiteboard session or team quiz went smoothly, each served as a valuable learning opportunity, pushing me to strive for improvement and I am excited to see what the future holds for me in STEM.
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