"The Joy of Chemistry" Haiku

From when I wake up,

To when the sun sets at night,

Chemistry is there.

Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind “Rosie” Franklin was a hardworking female scientist that never received any recognition during her life time. I chose Franklin because she came from humble beginnings, and made a name for herself. She made a discovery that helped to fully understand the structure of DNA. James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins took the picture she constructed, and used it to build a model. Later those men won the noble peace prize for her discoveries. She continued to work even though she was never recognized for her findings.  I believe Rosalind Franklin truly loved science, and I respect her for her hard work through difficult times.

Rosalind Franklin was responsible for much of the information that we know surrounding DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid.  She took X-ray photographs of DNA that were explained as, "the most beautiful X-ray photographs of any substance ever taken." She used X-ray crystallography to photograph the newly discovered A and B substances. Franklin discovered that the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA is located on the outside of the molecule.  Her findings further clarified what scientist today know about DNA.  

Chemical Reaction Video

When I think science who comes to mind?

When I think science I think Isaac Newton. His most famous invention is the reflecting telescope, shared in public in 1672. This invention, started an interest in telescopes, and they become quite popular. Between 1665 and 1666 Newton spent this time in Woolsthorpe, and during that time he invented the branch of math called calculus, the three laws of motion, and lastly the law of universal gravitation. The three laws of motion are nicknames Newton's laws of motion. I admire Isaac Newton because of his ingenious works of science that laid the foundation for many scientific discoveries to come. 

Goal's for Chemistry

1. I hope to learn to be a partner, and to be easy to work with.
2. I hope to become a committed student throughout all my classes.

E-Portfolio Reflection Questions

1.  Why is this exhibit a good choice for placement in your e-portfolio?

          This exhibit is a good choice because I believe it was well done and that was reflected in the grade I received.  I learned a lot about how to use word to create an organized and neat timeline. This project helped improve my patience, because of the amount of time and effort needed to complete the project well. It is neat, clear, and organized therefore making it easy to understand and learn from. 

2.  What did you find most interesting about this exhibit activity and why?

          I enjoyed finding information on scientist in modern times. I think it is interesting that so many chemist had to get the information wrong to finally arrive at the information we believe to be true today.  I thought the different representations of atoms were interesting because it show the evolution of mans understanding of the atom over time.

3.  In what way(s) did you find this exhibit a challenge to complete? 

         This was a challenging assignment in general. We needed to have important, yet short bullet points of information for of 20 scientist. Working with a partner was difficult especially because of our busy schedules due to volleyball season. 

4.  If you were to do this activity again what changes would you make and why?

          If I was to do this project over again I would have started earlier so that I did not need to do it on the school bus back from Tyler, TX.  Also, I would have read the instructions more clearly so that I did not leave out any models.  Lastly, I would gotten together with my partner, and worked out what information is necessary, and not necessary instead of over text message or the phone.

5.  What change(s) in attitude or behavior helped you to meet the challenge?

          I carefully planed out the scientist I would research and witch my partner would. We worked to have all the information by a set date.  I was frustrated greatly with is project in the beginning but pulled though and finished.

6.  What grade would you give yourself for these reflections, from “1” to “4”, where “4” is the best? (Refer to the E-Portfolio Reflection Rubric.) Give specific evidence explaining why you gave yourself that grade.

          I would give myself a four on the reflection because I believe my answers with well thought out and well written.  They were personal answers reflecting back to my personal life.  Each question was answered completely always referring back to the project. 

If I was an element what would I be like?

My full name is Mereium. I am very stubborn and "hard-headed" therefore I would be a metal.  I am tough and strong, making my element dense. I would have a high melting point, because I don't crack under pressure easily.  I would be a flexible metal that could be pulled into a wire because I can adjust, when necessary. I would be a metal that does not bond well with other elements, because I am hard to get along with sometimes.