My capstone addresses the SLA core values in many ways. For one, collaboration was a major, if not integral, portion of my capstone. It was often necessary to reach out to coworkers to give feedback on my proposal as well as research paper. I also had to gain the backing of a knowledgeable team. With a great team behind me, it was easy to move forward with conducting our research. Another very important piece of this project was research. Countless hours were spent understanding the water hyacinth plant, removal and disposal methods, and its anatomy. This information was vital to properly conducting the project. Understanding the growth pattern of water hyacinth along with the tidal patterns of the Delaware made conducting research easier. In terms of the value of presentation and reflection, a great deal of attention was paid to the detail within the research paper. After reading some other published research papers on water hyacinth and its applications, I made sure that my paper was read over by many pairs of eyes. This ensured the quality of the project was evident in its documentation.

                To complete this capstone, four steps were followed. Research, comprehension, application, reflection. These steps were used countless times during the process of my capstone. Research was used to layer the basic understanding of all elements incorporated into my capstone. From understanding scientific measurements of the biology of a river to using probes for water quality testing. This research was often revised and revisited. Comprehension played a key role in the project. After conducting all the necessary research, the team got together to ensure that all information was not only relevant, but that it could also help us to direct our study areas to those in which finding/identifying water hyacinth would be possible. This step was also used to devise the course maps for the project. Application was the manifestation of our research and planning. We took everything that we learned and went into the field to collect our data. Over the course of two days, the team managed to visit 6 different sites. Three sites were on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River while the other 3 were on the Pennsylvania side. These sites were chosen after careful deliberation with the project team. We ensured that all sites had a relative proximity as well as being easy to navigate to. Reflection was the final step in completing this capstone. Reflecting on the team’s work, it was evident that our research could have a long term impact in the quality of our river. After conducting the project, it was evident that we needed to reach out to other agencies to ensure that the right people were aware that water hyacinth may have spread to Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey.

                One major obstacle that presented the project team early on were the effects of the sequestration. Due to the sequestration, it was unclear at times whether or not the research project would be able to move forward. Another factor that affected the project was the equipment needed. The boat that was set to be used had not yet undergone its inspection and checklist. For this reason, the course map was redrawn to allow us to visit sites in which we knew water hyacinth could exist while having access to the shore. In the end, these two factors caused the project to be conducted from shore instead of using the boat. During the course of the project, there were often many a time in which other knowledge bases were needed. Often, I tapped in to my coworkers. They proved invaluable with a plethora of information about conducting research projects, writing a clear research paper, and quality assurance standards to use while conducting research.

                I am most proud of the experience given by this capstone. Most students in high school do not get to conduct their very own research project. Having the experience of conducting and leading a research team for a project was very exciting. It showed me a lot about collaboration as well as effective use and consolidation of resources. When we found that we could not use a specific program or tool, we quickly turned gear to find another way of doing things. This project has also taught me a lot about environmental science as a major. It gave me a deeper understanding to the things that environmental scientist and engineers do on a daily basis. If I could do this capstone over again, I would change the timespan of the project. Having the research conducted in two days was sufficient for the scale of this project however, with a greater timespan, we could most likely get more locations surveyed.

                My capstone has made SLA a better place because of the people that I have inspired. When underclassmen would ask me about my capstone, they were instantly intrigued that I got to lead and conduct a research project. This also allowed me to network people to bring about more resources and materials for science learning at SLA. 

Mentors: Sherilyn Morgan, Renee Searfoss

Capstone Summary:

Conducted a research project on water hyacinth; an invasive plant species from the amazon.

Project Abstract: 

Water hyacinth (WH) has caused many issues in waterways both nationally and locally. Devastating lakes, rendering them useless for commercial fishing and recreation, water hyacinth has become a growing pain in many parts of the world. The objective of this study was to examine two questions: first, is there water hyacinth present in the Delaware River? And second, how does water hyacinth impact local aquatic vegetation and specifically submerged aquatic vegetation. To study these questions, a snapshot study was preformed on the Delaware River between the Commodore Barry bridge and the Schuylkill Expressway. The study, as a snapshot, suggests no vegetative growth of WH; but evidence exists indicating the potential for its existence within the study area.

About Me: Student, activist

Years in Philly: 18 years

Current Home: North East Philly

Dear Philly,

1/2 cup vegan margarine (80% fat is best)

1/4 cup  sugar

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg

1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps                                             

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Cream margarine until fluffy.
3. Add to organic unbleached sugar and blend.
4. Sift together dry ingredients.
5. Add to margarine mixture alternately with applesauce, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in vanilla and nuts.
7. Spoon into 12 cupcake pans sprayed with vegetable pan spray or use paper baking cups.
8. Bake 15-20 min.

VEGAN BUTTER CREAM ICING

1 cup powdered sugar

3 tablespoons cocoa poweder

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 tablespoons of warm-hot water

Steps

1. Mix cocoa and powdered sugar
2. Blend in vanilla.
3. Add in water gradually

Recipe Analysis

This recipe doesn't really tie in culturally to me. However, it does tie in slightly to my family. My family has a small history of having lots of health issues so to have recipes that are as healthy and wholesome as possible is often preferred. This recipe is vegan, which means that it does not rely on the use of animals. Soy milk is a very popular milk alternative for vegans. Margarine is also a popular butter substitute.

The cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt are the most whole foods used in my recipe. Some of the stuff is processed. REAL soy milk is fairly unprocessed and because of this it generally would last only a few days in the refrigerator. Processed soy milk is designed to last about 2 weeks or more.

I chose this recipe mainly because after seeing how terribly we treat animals in the production of meats, I thought against using meat for a dish. Instead, I decided that since it’s a Friday, why not celebrate with some awesome vegan cupcakes! Doing something like this is good to bring attention to issues like animal cruelty.

I highly recommend the Millenium Series by Steig Larsson. It's a well written novel with great character development. The storyline is very intriguing as well.

 Este es dos cartes de un caso de abuso infantil. Los cartes describe los indicadores del maltrato. La pelicula que vimos por este unidad se llama "El Bola". La pelicula se trata de abuso infantil, y la tema de denuncio o hacer la vista gorda. Me encanta esta pelicula mucho.

            Este es un informe de abuso infantil. El denuncio de caso número 019-35A7. Pablo, también esta conocido como "El Bola". El padre, llama Mariano, esta el abusador. Hay mucho evidencia del abuso. El amigo de Pablo, llama Alfredo, denunció la situación a su madre. Alfredo se describe a todos los moretones que vio en la espalda y las costillas de Pablo. También, el se describe las mentiras de Bola.

            Este es un documento de la maestra de Pablo. Se describe los eventos de clases todos los días con Pablo. Ella describe a Pablo como un chaval enérgico, talentoso, y inteligente. Ella escribe.

“Pablo esta un chaval bueno. El es justo cuando nosotros tenemos los discusiones de clase. También el recibe buenas notas y su ética de trabajo es muy alta. Es muy obvio que él es un estudiante que puede ir a lugares. Pero es muy difícil para hablar con el ahora. Pienso que él se cambié de alguna manera. Después del semana pasada, veo un mejor cambio en él. Ahora, él tiene un mirada en sus ojos que es oscuros y triste. En mi opinión, creo que algo está pasando en su casa. El no pasar un rato con su grupo normal y también al ha estado fuera de la escuela sin excusa durante varios días.”

            Este es muy ridículo. Porque los niños tienen que sufrir. Pablo esta sufriendo en su casa. Es muy, muy necesario que para obtener los documentos del hospital por Pablo. También, por el caso, entrevistas de los amigos de Pablo y Alfredo.

Saludos,

            Señor Alejandro Montevista

Por Chavales Internacional, 

            Este carta es de la madre de un niño. El se llama Pablo pero todos llaman “Bola”.

“Por Alejandro Montevista,

Su padre, mi esposo, lo abusa Pablo. El padre, Mariano, le pega a Pablo mucho. Si se mira la espalda de Pablo, puede ver los moretones y cicatrices. Antes de ahora, tenía miedo de denunciar el maltrato infantil. Pienso que ahora es necesario a no hacer la vista gorda, y entonces necesito denunciar a la policía. No sé mucho de la ley de abuso, pero pienso que ustedes deben prevenir esto comportamiento preocupante. No es justo a someter Pablo a este maltrato y crueldad. En el pasado, me enfrentaba con el padre, pero todo el tiempo me gritaba. Hasta recién, no pensé que era capaz de darle heridas y dolor a Pablo. Yo sé que el comportamiento del padre es inaceptable.

            Por favor ayúdame,

                        Aurora” 

Pienso que nosotros tenemos un responsabilidad a ayudar el chaval. Escribir de nuevo muy pronto para que podamos contactar con las personas y los organismos apropiados.

Saludos,

            Alejandro Montevista

I. Antes de la unidad, cuando pensabas en Hugo Chávez, ¿cuáles palabras de llegaban a mente? Para ti ¿era una figura positiva o negativa?

Antes de la unidad, no sabía mas de Hugo Chávez. Sabe que el era una persona politica, pero no sabía mas de eso. Palabras de llegan a mente esta agresivo, inteligente, y militar. Para mi, el esta una figura negativa. Aunque, ahora pienso que Hugo Chávez tiene mas características negativas y buenas también. Palabras de llegan a mente esta agresivo, inteligente, y militar.

II. ¿Qué aprendiste sobre él?

Aprendo que el tiene la presidencia de Venezuela por 12 años, usa un gobierno democrática socialista, y hablar mas. También, el gobierno de Chávez controla la industria del petróleo.

III. Ahora ¿Eres Chavista u Oposición? ¿Votarías por él si fueras Venezolan@? Explica tu respuesta / da evidencia.

Soy un antichávista. Pienso que Chávez realmente no cuida de todo los personas en Venezuela o por los pobres. Aunque el tiene ideas buenas, en realmente no función. Chávez apoya los pobres y la clase obrera, no solo los ricos y la clase alta pero la sistema no trabaja por todos. Entonces, si fuera Venezolano, no votaría para Chávez.

IV. ¿Qué fue lo que más te gustó de esta unidad?

Como los otros, me gusto por que aprendemos de historia y cosas controvertidas. También, la actividad de propaganda era muy divertida. Era un actividad diferente, para mi.

Hola, me llamo Salvador Allende. Soy el ex-presidente de Chile. Cuando el año era 1973, estaba el presidente socialista, y tenía la presidencia por tres años. Soy una socialista y también tengo la amistad con el USSR y Fidel Castro. Nosotros éramos amigos porque creamos en el comunismo y los valores socialistas. Tengo 65 años ahora. Mientras fue presidente de Chile, he trabajado para dar atención de la salud y los derechos básicos para todos. La tensión entre todos de los personas. Aunque no todas las personas le gustaban mis reglas, sabían que mantener las cosas justas. Soy un luchador por la clase obrera y luchar por personas de pocos recursos. Los realidades de mi época era mas tensión entre de la clase alta y clase media. Fue una guerra civil y Pinochet trabajo a derrocar la sistema socialista. También, los comunistas usaron muchos manifestaciones para expresar los necesidades de la clase obrera, la clase media, y personas de pocos recursos.

El mural que escogí se llama "Guernica". Este obra fue un mural famoso  de Pablo Picasso. En el mismo, puedo ver los muertos, un toro, una bombilla, y muchas cosas otras. También, el mural no tiene colores excepto negro y blanco. Era muy interesante para mi. Aunque, este obra tienes colores apagados y el tono fue vacío de vida. Pienso que representa el terror de la lucha.

En Chile durante 1973, yo era el presidente y fue un golpe de estado. Antes de el golpe de estado, fue mas manifestaciones de los pobres. Aunque, General Pinochet y los militares mataron mas de los pobres en los pueblos y barrios. También, ellos movieron los pobres fuera de Santiago. No estoy de acuerdo con los acciones de Pinochet. El no tiene la razón a tener la presidencia de Chile. También, los acciones no tiene sentido. Esta igual a los razones de los acciones en Guernica. Los objetos en la obra se llama Guernica representa terror, un mal uso de poder, y un luchar por el futuro. Picasso pintó este obra para muestra los acciones horribles en Guernica y los problemas que nadie sabemos de. Creo que el pensó en derechos humanos y la responsabilidad para ayudar los que sufren. El situación de Guernica esta tanto a la guerra civil de Chile. Picasso era un persona con los republicanos de la guerra civil de España. Era importante porque el bombardeo de Guernica fue muy, muy horrible y muestra la destrucción de los Nacionalistas.

En conclusión, yo pienso que Guernica tiene significa por los personas que sufriendo. También, pienso que este obra representa los muertes en la guerra y los injustos humanos.

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

- Revelations 21:6

Chapter 1

“Finally we’re here!”. You could hear all of the kids rejoicing, finally having arrived at our destination. New Haven, the city of wonder... But how could this utopia have survived? After all the bombs dropped, how was it possible that an entire city survive? I wasn’t the only one but hell it was rough. I still couldn't believe the fact that a whole city stood, in a Utopian state in all it’s glory, unscathed and untouched by the Great War. It seemed almost surreal. I thought back to the times when I had to kill just to make it through a day. Not just animals…but the raiders…even some of the wastelanders. But things were going to be different here, I thought. But I could not have been more wrong.

After being shown to our living quarters, we were all given standard issue clothing. I couldn't say that they were stylish, but hell, it was better than my ragged, war-torn battle gear. The one rule that I despised was no weapons. But hell, in a utopia, shit ain’t always pretty and prim is it? I kept my gun close and my family closer and nothing was going to stop that.

Chapter 2

Damn it. I knew this was gonna happen. As he awoke to the sound of a door closing ever so softly, he turned to confront his son. Silently, almost effortlessly, he got up from his bed and approached his son. "Where have you been?". I could see it in Blake's eyes… Searching for some wise ass excuse to his mischief. "Uh… nothing. I just came back from a short walk." he retorted. He just didn't get it, I guess. "Bullshit and you know it. I don't want you sneaking out like that. At least tell me next time. Now go to your damn room." A sigh of relief filled the air as I eased up. "Blake," he said, almost expecting a response. 

"Yeah Dad?" 

"I love son. Don't ever forget that. But don't pull this crap again o.k.?"

"Yeah Dad. Sorry, I just wanted to go out and have some fun you know?" he responded groggily.

"Yeah I understand. Now get some sleep."

… 

It was 6 o'clock. God the time flied. As I got up, I felt a sharp pain in my hand. "Uh." I let out a short groan before getting up to check if Blake was still sleeping. Sure enough, he was out like a light. I decided to leave him a note and let him get some more rest. "Hunting time." I said to myself quietly, as I grabbed the keys and my hunting rifle. I frantically scrawled a note on a crumpled piece of paper lying on the table.

Blake,

I left out to do some hunting. Hopefully I can catch something half decent. Don't go anywhere until I come back. Food's in the fridge and there's still some cola on the counter if you want it.

Dad

That would suffice, I thought. As I grabbed my duster, I had a feeling it was going to be a long day.

Walking through the serenity of the apartment almost made me wish I had stayed just a bit longer to clear my head. Before leaving I grabbed my gas mask, locked the door and headed out into the bright sunlight. "Damn," I said. "Near goddamn blinding out here." Quickly throwing on my duster and shades, I began the walk to the gates. After picking a breakfast in the market, which consisted of eggs, a small steak, and a slightly irradiated water; I stopped into a few stores. None of them had what I needed. But every one of then had what I was looking for. Ammunition. The easiest and cheapest commodity to buy and sell. Hell, come across a dead man out in The Wastes and you could have one hell of a dinner that night. I guess this time I would be rolling out with just 30 .308 Armor Piercing rounds and just 4 standard .308s. Capable enough to stop a few coyotes, or raiders for that matter. Out here, there was no good or evil. There was only survival. What I once thought was evil became my good. Living in The Wastes really could blur a man's sense of morality. Even when a raider begs for their life, you take it. Because if not, they would've taken yours, even if they say otherwise a million times over.

Those guards always seemed to have an affinity for my rifle. Always stopping me to see the gun, even when I didn't have it they wanted to talk about it. Hell, maybe one day I'll find a near useless one that I can fix up for them.

As I finally exited the gates, just after talking with the guards, I looked out and saw emptiness. A vast emptiness left only by a post-apocalyptic desert. Not even a trace of life…But somehow, somewhere there was the waters of life… just like Revelation 21:6…"To him who is thirsty I will give to drink freely from the waters of life."

Chapter 3

Finally I arrived at my planned spot. It felt so good to be back in a familiar place. Home sweet home. I started to unpack my gear and lay out the days plan. Water, check. Armor piercing rounds, check. Variable optics scope, check. Now all I had to do was make sure the rifle was ready. All the time I had at home, I still couldn't resist cleaning and checking it in The Wastes. 

As I began to check my rifle and next thing I know, I got 2 raiders staring down at me. I could hear their footsteps before they even found me but damn, this was gonna be a rough one. As one began to reach for my shoulder, I flipped him over my back and onto the ground. In one swift motion, I picked up my rifle and fired a shot right into the knee of the 2nd raider. Instead of reloading, I knew it would be quicker to use my combat knife. In a whirlwind of precision, I swept down, avoiding a lunge from the wounded raider and slit the dazed raider's throat. Then, swiftly removing my blade, I slowly walked towards the injured raider.

Spinning the knife around my hand, I was his God now. I determined whether he lived or died. I could be his saviour or the harbinger of death. I could have spared him, but I couldn't show mercy to the merciless. So I took his knife, tossing it aside carelessly and hugged him, driving my knife deep into his heart. I knew my face was the last image to be burned into the recess of his mind.

Me llamo Alejandro Johnson. También me llamo "Paz" en la cultura de grafiti. Otro de mis nombres está “Stryk”. Soy de Filadelfia y vivo en la sur de la ciudad. Mi obra de arto se llama "El Nuevo Día con la Paz".  En mi comunidad, hay mas que todos de la gente gustan. Está un parque un calle atrás de me casa y también muchos tiendas pequeñas. Mi barrio no tiene la violencia ahora pero en el pasada o, sobre 2007 a 2009, hay mas violencia y asesinatos. El sur de Filadelfia tiene una historia muy rica. La cultura es muy diversa. No es una rica mezcla de las culturas italiana, hispanos y afroamericanos. Solía haber una gran cantidad de asesinatos. Durante un verano, en realidad testigos de un tiroteo. Fue realmente aterrador. Pero ahora mi barrio es mucho más seguro.

Mi mural se muestra mis pensamientos a la paz y mi ciudad. Uso mas colores pero uso mas de azul y rojo. Pienso que los colores vibrantes está importante a muestra las imágenes. Uso un robot para decir “Amor, la paz, y la felicidad.” El robot está feliz y uso imágenes para decir la frase. Decidí usar un sol rojo en el fondo para dar la sensación de un Nuevo día. Además, yo incorporó un pájaro para representar a la libertad y la libertad de la paz. Yo uso la palabra “amor”. También yo incluyó un signo de paz entre la z y la a.

Para mi, el arte publico está fundamente en la cultura de los barrios. Así lo veo, un barrio sin grafiti está un barrio sin vida. El grafiti está una parte de los barrios y una parte de la corazón de los ciudades. Aunque el grafiti es un crimen, no es justo para criminalizar este. Por lo tanto, es un desperdicio de los recursos y dinero también. Todos los niños disfrutan mucho jugando al aire libre en el sur de Filadelfia. Cuando pueden salir a la calle un arte asombroso ver públicas o graffiti, que se lo agradezco mucho. Creo que es una de las razones por las que el público es tan importante. Entonces, este es desde mi punto de vista y otros personas piensan el opuesto.

Alex Johnson

Mar Adentro y La Muerte ¿Un crimen o derecho?

            La película “Mar Adentro” se trata de un hobmre llamado Ramón Sampedro. El era un pescador pero después de un accidente que es una tragedia, el era un tetrapléjico. El es la protagonista de la película. Mar Adentro tiene lugar en Galicia, España. Ramon lucha por los derechos humanos a vive y a la muerte. El piensa que la muerte es un derecho y por que el esta sufriendo, el quiere a quitarse la vida. La película muestra la lucha de Ramón por los derechos y opinas de mas personas en España sobre la eutanasia.

            La película, Mar Adentro, es controvertida porque presenta unas preguntas polémicas tales como los vidas de los tetrapléjicos, ¿la eutanasia es un crimen?, y los derechos humanos y ¿si la muerte es un derecho? Para la sociedad estas preguntas abren debates feroces porque mas de la gente en España piensan que eutanasia no es un crimen. Sin embargo, la iglesia y los juzgues piensan que la vida vale la pena y que la vida es un derecho.

            Para mi, la eutanasia no es un crimen. Como yo lo entiendo, en España, la eutanasia no es legal o es legal pero necesito los jueces a aprobar. Es ridículo que los jueces creen que los personas que están sufrieran necesitan a vivir. No es justo por los jueces a imponer sus creencias a Ramón Sampedro. Ramón esta lucido y el entiendo que para quitarse la vida, es necesario por otros personas a ayudar Ramón. Ramón tiene el derecho a tomar la decisión y es los mas importante a respetar el deseo de Ramón.

            Como yo lo entiendo, Mar Adentro es un buen película. La película tiene suspenda y ación en partes perfectas. La actuación en todos los escenas fue muy buen. Lo que Ramon separaba por tanto años es la fin de la película. La muerte de Ramon fue conmovedora y muy emocional. Además, los poemas y diarios de Ramón fue interesante y la contenta era muy difícil para entender. Para mi, esta película de Alejandro Amenábae es conmovedora, y brillante también. Esta película me fascinó. 

I decided to study graffiti. I think graffiti was really a challenge because it's a very complex form of artwork and is often controversial. A lot of the graffiti I used to do were just sketches on paper and now I think I'm really more into the style of graffiti. 

I did a lot of different things this quarter. For one, I decided to use a lot of inspiration. The main inspirations were a picture of an eye and some modern L.A graffiti. Here are my inspirations:

When I made this I didn't need a lot of stuff. I got a box from my dad's job and some old boxes from creams and medicine.