Survival
We as a class played a game introducing the new book(s) we were going to each individually read, "Lord of the Flies" or "Butterfly Revolution". The game we played was very similar to the book(s), which both represented survival and human nature in the true state of nature. We were divided up into table group of 4 students, then each group received an envelope. Each envelope contained a certain, yet each a different supply of construction paper. Every group had the same specific instructions, and we all needed the same types- same color with the correct sizes- of construction paper, but we all had different supplies. This brought the huge problem and point of the game, we needed certain resources, but we didn't have all of them. At first the classroom was fairly calm, while each group tried to figure out what to do to solve their problem. Soon the room broke out in chaos, with people running around, yelling trading their cardstock, then stealing others. This activity, like the book(s) we will read, demonstrates human nature in its natural state- nature.
Here are my answers to the Reflection Questions.
DAY 1:
We then were all assigned groups of 3, these would be our Survival Groups for the next 2 week. As a group we chose a name for ourselves, a logo and a slogan. Our group chose the name INSANITEE, we wanted to be crazy, unique and special, so we even spelled the word differently. Then, our logo, which was Albert Einstein, with his tongue sticking out, because that came to mind when the name was mentioned. My group's slogan is one that I personally and officially came up with, for it is a catch phrase I use for myself: "I/We don't get paid to make sense.". We combined all of these elements onto the poster paper we received, decorating it detailedly. These components all together wrap up what our group wants to be remembered and known for: crazy, zany, unique, and sometimes quite insane, yet because of that we come up with and produce beautiful and creative work. "You're mad." "Yes, and if I wasn't this would never work." Captain Jack Sparrow - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.
After that, we started an activity we did often. There was three huge whiteboards that we wrote on. One said Bravery, another Wisdom, the last Communication, which we all earlier had written on after the very first activity we did: we wrote our name on one of them- which best described us individually- Brave, Wise or Communicate well. We all received a note card, divided it into three pieces, then going around the classroom looking at all of the other group's posters. We wrote down which one was best described as being Brave, then another that was best characterized as Wisdom, the last one described as Communication. Next, we put the notecards in the corresponding envelopes, which wrapped up our day.
DAY 2:
The class was given the assignment a few days prior to complete have of our physics worksheet of Thermo Problem Set. The night before Day 2, we had to write down on a shared Google doc (shared with everyone) which 2 problems we could help others with and which 2 problems we could help others with. We, then got into our Survival Groups and went over the problems, checking to make sure we had the right answers and were on the right page. I helped my group understand what they needed help on, as well as helping about 10 others who wrote their name on the Google doc for needing help with the exact problems I knew very well how to do. I was very understanding and helpful when I was explaining the problems and how to solve them to others.
Later on, we did a physical challenge. We chose two members from our Survival Group to compete, one member for each round, therefore 2 rounds of the game. We all went into the turf/field, the area in which we'd play in was outlined with orange cones. The rules were each person playing that round would get one bean bag, then try to hit other players with it. The player hit would drop their bean bag, and freeze for 5 seconds, while the "hitter" would try and grab the bean bag from them in those 5 seconds. Some got out quickly, while others formed alliances with others and got many bean bags, winning that round. Some used techniques and strategies, while some weren't as wise or clever. After the two rounds we played the final round, and the winners were awarded victoriously. Next, we went inside, discussing and reflecting on the game.
At the end of the day, we did the same activity as before. We went around and chose, for those two activities- helping with the physics problems and the bean bag tag- which group displayed Wisdom, which displayed Bravery, and which displayed Communication.
DAY 3:
The next day we were all given a new challenge. With a limited supply of aluminum foil, "scrap wood" or cardboard, a tin pan, rope/twine, and duct tape we had to devise a plan of how to pop popcorn, which we were also given. My group teamed up with 3 other groups and collaborated. This is the plan we came up with:
The top image is the top object of the bottom image. The square in the center of the top image is the tin pan we used to try to pop the popcorn. The circle and lines around the square are reflectors, originally they would be made of cardboard, covered in aluminum foil. In the bottom object, the square and 2 vertical line segments under that is the base of the whole operation, supporting the objects above and under itself. The object under the base is another reflector, because our group members read that it's more important to gather heat from the bottom of the tin pan and then reflect it to the tin pan that other locations. This was our original plan, but we made some changes along the way.
We started with the tin pans, then taped the aluminum foil in a square shape. We then adjusted the tape so instead of in being straight and flat, it curves up towards the sunlight so it collects heat for the popcorn. Because there was 4 of us groups working together, so we had to create 4 devices to pop the popcorn. A few of us worked on creating the process and parts I mentioned above, we created 4 in total. Unfortunately, at first we started taping the foil the "wrong" way, where the more reflective side of it was on the outside, so it didn't collect and much heat. We quickly realized the problem and got started on fixing it. Through this whole process, everyone collaborated very well, helping and supporting each other. There was a few of us who had the initial ideas and plans, then the rest of the group member helped us carry that out and complete the job.
After we completed that part of the job, there were others setting up the base of it and situating it on the tables outside so it could get the most sunlight. We had to make sure the structures weren't in the shade. Also, we created several reflected around the devices to get them even more heat. After a while of setting it all up and gaging the temperature, and watching others, we realized that we should, like we had originally planned, put reflectors under the devices, because that was the best way to collect heat. We also saw another group do the same thing, and we created a much larger version. We got to table a few feet from each other, then we suspended the tin pan from it in the center. Prior to that an few of us, the ones from before that created the tin pans and aluminum foil structures, also create almost a boat shaped reflector, about 4-5 feet wide and 6-8 feet long. We then attached this to the table under the tin pan. Then, because a few of other group members figured out that the turf/fake grass was really hot, we decided to move the operation to the turf. This was a little tricky, though.
Over all, I think we did very well, though no one popped any popcorn. We collaborated and communicated efficiently and effectively. Of course we had bumps and challenges along the way. We had trouble organizing everyone and keeping them on task. Like I said earlier, we mixed up the foil and little. Also we should have done what we did lastly much earlier so then it could collect more heat. I think the initial process was a good experience and I was very glad about how every one contributed, it really felt like team work. I enjoyed working with all of them and I learned and took away a good amount that will help me in the future.
On top of doing this long and difficult challenge, we also had to run a mile. Each Survival Group was awarded points for positivity, encouragement and perseverance.
DAY 4:
The following Monday we were given a new challenge, relating to the book(s) we were reading: either The Lord of the Flies or Butterfly Revolution. Here is the challenge we were given:
Third Challenge
It has been a week and the survivors are becoming overwhelmed and anxious with each other. Tensions are rising and are manifesting through snappy arguments, sarcasm, and in some cases, physical fights. Your survival group must show us how calm you can remain under pressure. At 1:00 we will begin our first series of debates. The conversations will revolve around human nature, The Lord of the Flies, and The Butterfly Revolution.
Our task was to use our "lenses notes" (we each read our book from a certain lense- history buff/news junky, character development, plot/theme point-person, author/philosopher analyzer), our observations form the book and our incredible brains to discuss and argue our sides of the question chosen in the form of an open debate.
Here are the guidelines of the debate:
Socratic Seminar
Here are the possible questions discussed for the debate:
Possible Debate Questions
1. If you could take one character from the book with you for a survival situation - which one would you take and why?
Group 2: Question 2 - Discuss the symbolism that has been referenced so far in the book. Identify an object that keeps coming up in the book. What do you think it represents? Why?
3. How does the author view human nature?
4. What most surprised you from the book? What was the most interesting?
Group 1: Question 5 - Which character best represents how you would act in a survival situation? Why?
6. Using the human nature philosophers: Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Voltaire, Astell - how would they discuss these texts?
Group 3: How would the book be different if the characters were female?
Here are the what and how we get points for our Survival Group regarding the debate:
Debate Points
How the debate went was like this:
There was an inner rectangle with that round of the debaters sitting at it, with the outer rectangle seating those who weren't currently debating. They were giving points to those on the inside who showed Bravery, Wisdom and Communication skills, along with their names and what they did, those on the inside could do that as well. The debaters would then, receive their question to discuss and start the debate of 15 allotted minutes with their opening statement. The group would then proceed to openly discuss other's opening statements or bring up their own opinions regarding the debate question. Once the first round of debate was over, in which consisted of those who read Lord of the Flies, the next round began. It consisted of those who read Butterfly Revolution and followed the same procedure as the first round. I debated from the perspective of the philosophers I'm researching (Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Astell), because I'm not reading either book. I did this debating in the third round which an open discussion. It was a cool experience, though I wish we could have gone longer, much more in depth and those who really cared about discussing who do it, not spending as much time on the opening statements. I did really enjoy hearing others perspectives and the thoughts behind it, giving me new thoughts and open insight. I hope to do this again sometime.
DAY 5:
On this day we got another task:
Fourth Challenge
After a week of being stranded on this island, we have hope! We may have seen a ship at the horizon! In an effort to get the ship's attention, we will use the remaining supplies that we have to try and send an SOS to the ship. Your task is to create a hot air balloon device that will carry our message out to sea. Hopefully someone will rescue us!
Awards: furthest, quickest ascent, most likely to attract attention
We had to construct, with our Survival groups, a device that would attract attention and rescue us. We were given the supplies of 20"x20" tissue paper, glue and wire. We also had to write a note explaining the situation and our need for rescue. Our group teamed up with other groups- the same 3 other groups we created the "solar ovens" with. Together, we ended up creating 5 devices. Our teacher would then inflate it with the hot air of a heat gun. One was a sort of ballon shaped which kinda worked, but not perfectly. Another was more of a long octagon, but because of the fact that it had so much excess tissue paper, it didn't float well. The original one, which was the one I was apart of creating, was modeled after some one's paper lunch bag that I found. We then added wire on the bottom for a base. This idea however, didn't work as well, from the weight of the wire on the bottom. Even after we took it off we realized that we needed to create some sort of funnel so the air couldn't come out. We created this in the next device. It had a rectangular shaped top with a connecting funnel at the bottom. Through many, many adjustments it still didn't work as well as we hoped. Thankfully, now we know how to create a proper one. We didn't fail, we just found several ways of how not to build a signaling device. One device, worked, however. We created a cube a this device worked very, very well. We even let it go outside, twice, to see how far it'd go. I enjoyed the experience through the challenges and ups and downs. It was a true learning experience in which I took away and experienced much to help me in the future of learning and survival in the "real world".
DAY 6:
A few days later we were given a new task. We did another Socratic Seminar by this time we were debating with another team. And we were also divided amongst our literary lenses. It was very similar in some ways to our other debate, there was the same protocol and "instructions". The inside group, those who read Butterfly Revolution, stated their opening statements of what struck them about the book and why, then entering into an open discussion about that topic. Each round lasted about 15 minutes. The next round came, with those who read The Lord of the Flies, and followed the same discussing procedure along with the same opening question/topic of what struck us about the book and why. The next round followed and was an open discussion of both books. I participated in this round by listening, we were discussing our personal views on human nature. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to speak for we were cut short, the other team had to leave. We resumed this discussion with our whole team, at least those who wanted to and our teacher asked me to start.
I must tell you I actually didn't read either of the books, because I didn't feel comfortable with it. Throughout the books, I found when I was researching which one to read, that many times there was violence and killing with discomforts me, one because I find it to some extent wrong and because I have a very vivid and sometimes crazy imagination, that sometimes does things that I really don't want it to do. Then, because I'm a very visual person, I won't forget what I imagined. For example, my brain could put myself in the position of some one hurting or killing some one else, and that would be very hard for me to handle. That is why I am the Philosopher of the class, analyzing the different philosopher's views, specifically on human nature. I also read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I also read The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Then, I stated my view on Human Nature:
I am a Christian, so I believe that we are naturally selfish. God loves and created us, yet we sinned, disobeyed Him. This shows that we'd rather go our own way and be selfish than follow and obey the One who loves us. Also, as I've mentioned before I read The Communist Manifesto, and it describes communism and getting rid of social classes. Unfortunately, communism will never work because humans are too selfish. I know that we are selfish because of my person experiences and because I believe in the Bible and the truths it says. Though we are selfish, through trusting in God and believing in Him, we can do selfless things and follow after Him instead of ourselves.
Here are my answers to the Reflection Questions.
DAY 1:
We then were all assigned groups of 3, these would be our Survival Groups for the next 2 week. As a group we chose a name for ourselves, a logo and a slogan. Our group chose the name INSANITEE, we wanted to be crazy, unique and special, so we even spelled the word differently. Then, our logo, which was Albert Einstein, with his tongue sticking out, because that came to mind when the name was mentioned. My group's slogan is one that I personally and officially came up with, for it is a catch phrase I use for myself: "I/We don't get paid to make sense.". We combined all of these elements onto the poster paper we received, decorating it detailedly. These components all together wrap up what our group wants to be remembered and known for: crazy, zany, unique, and sometimes quite insane, yet because of that we come up with and produce beautiful and creative work. "You're mad." "Yes, and if I wasn't this would never work." Captain Jack Sparrow - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.
After that, we started an activity we did often. There was three huge whiteboards that we wrote on. One said Bravery, another Wisdom, the last Communication, which we all earlier had written on after the very first activity we did: we wrote our name on one of them- which best described us individually- Brave, Wise or Communicate well. We all received a note card, divided it into three pieces, then going around the classroom looking at all of the other group's posters. We wrote down which one was best described as being Brave, then another that was best characterized as Wisdom, the last one described as Communication. Next, we put the notecards in the corresponding envelopes, which wrapped up our day.
DAY 2:
The class was given the assignment a few days prior to complete have of our physics worksheet of Thermo Problem Set. The night before Day 2, we had to write down on a shared Google doc (shared with everyone) which 2 problems we could help others with and which 2 problems we could help others with. We, then got into our Survival Groups and went over the problems, checking to make sure we had the right answers and were on the right page. I helped my group understand what they needed help on, as well as helping about 10 others who wrote their name on the Google doc for needing help with the exact problems I knew very well how to do. I was very understanding and helpful when I was explaining the problems and how to solve them to others.
Later on, we did a physical challenge. We chose two members from our Survival Group to compete, one member for each round, therefore 2 rounds of the game. We all went into the turf/field, the area in which we'd play in was outlined with orange cones. The rules were each person playing that round would get one bean bag, then try to hit other players with it. The player hit would drop their bean bag, and freeze for 5 seconds, while the "hitter" would try and grab the bean bag from them in those 5 seconds. Some got out quickly, while others formed alliances with others and got many bean bags, winning that round. Some used techniques and strategies, while some weren't as wise or clever. After the two rounds we played the final round, and the winners were awarded victoriously. Next, we went inside, discussing and reflecting on the game.
At the end of the day, we did the same activity as before. We went around and chose, for those two activities- helping with the physics problems and the bean bag tag- which group displayed Wisdom, which displayed Bravery, and which displayed Communication.
DAY 3:
The next day we were all given a new challenge. With a limited supply of aluminum foil, "scrap wood" or cardboard, a tin pan, rope/twine, and duct tape we had to devise a plan of how to pop popcorn, which we were also given. My group teamed up with 3 other groups and collaborated. This is the plan we came up with:
The top image is the top object of the bottom image. The square in the center of the top image is the tin pan we used to try to pop the popcorn. The circle and lines around the square are reflectors, originally they would be made of cardboard, covered in aluminum foil. In the bottom object, the square and 2 vertical line segments under that is the base of the whole operation, supporting the objects above and under itself. The object under the base is another reflector, because our group members read that it's more important to gather heat from the bottom of the tin pan and then reflect it to the tin pan that other locations. This was our original plan, but we made some changes along the way.
We started with the tin pans, then taped the aluminum foil in a square shape. We then adjusted the tape so instead of in being straight and flat, it curves up towards the sunlight so it collects heat for the popcorn. Because there was 4 of us groups working together, so we had to create 4 devices to pop the popcorn. A few of us worked on creating the process and parts I mentioned above, we created 4 in total. Unfortunately, at first we started taping the foil the "wrong" way, where the more reflective side of it was on the outside, so it didn't collect and much heat. We quickly realized the problem and got started on fixing it. Through this whole process, everyone collaborated very well, helping and supporting each other. There was a few of us who had the initial ideas and plans, then the rest of the group member helped us carry that out and complete the job.
After we completed that part of the job, there were others setting up the base of it and situating it on the tables outside so it could get the most sunlight. We had to make sure the structures weren't in the shade. Also, we created several reflected around the devices to get them even more heat. After a while of setting it all up and gaging the temperature, and watching others, we realized that we should, like we had originally planned, put reflectors under the devices, because that was the best way to collect heat. We also saw another group do the same thing, and we created a much larger version. We got to table a few feet from each other, then we suspended the tin pan from it in the center. Prior to that an few of us, the ones from before that created the tin pans and aluminum foil structures, also create almost a boat shaped reflector, about 4-5 feet wide and 6-8 feet long. We then attached this to the table under the tin pan. Then, because a few of other group members figured out that the turf/fake grass was really hot, we decided to move the operation to the turf. This was a little tricky, though.
Over all, I think we did very well, though no one popped any popcorn. We collaborated and communicated efficiently and effectively. Of course we had bumps and challenges along the way. We had trouble organizing everyone and keeping them on task. Like I said earlier, we mixed up the foil and little. Also we should have done what we did lastly much earlier so then it could collect more heat. I think the initial process was a good experience and I was very glad about how every one contributed, it really felt like team work. I enjoyed working with all of them and I learned and took away a good amount that will help me in the future.
On top of doing this long and difficult challenge, we also had to run a mile. Each Survival Group was awarded points for positivity, encouragement and perseverance.
DAY 4:
The following Monday we were given a new challenge, relating to the book(s) we were reading: either The Lord of the Flies or Butterfly Revolution. Here is the challenge we were given:
Third Challenge
It has been a week and the survivors are becoming overwhelmed and anxious with each other. Tensions are rising and are manifesting through snappy arguments, sarcasm, and in some cases, physical fights. Your survival group must show us how calm you can remain under pressure. At 1:00 we will begin our first series of debates. The conversations will revolve around human nature, The Lord of the Flies, and The Butterfly Revolution.
Our task was to use our "lenses notes" (we each read our book from a certain lense- history buff/news junky, character development, plot/theme point-person, author/philosopher analyzer), our observations form the book and our incredible brains to discuss and argue our sides of the question chosen in the form of an open debate.
Here are the guidelines of the debate:
Socratic Seminar
- 3 rounds - choose at least one representative from your group for each round. Each person must participate at least once!
- One person that has read Lord of the Flies
- One person that has read Butterfly Revolution
- Last person who needs to be part of the seminar
- Opening Statement around the table (30 seconds to give your initial response to the question)
- Open Discussion - anyone can participate. Please remember to "share the air."Outside circle - using post-it notes - recognize people for the various categories. Write their name and what you want to recognize them for.
Here are the possible questions discussed for the debate:
Possible Debate Questions
1. If you could take one character from the book with you for a survival situation - which one would you take and why?
Group 2: Question 2 - Discuss the symbolism that has been referenced so far in the book. Identify an object that keeps coming up in the book. What do you think it represents? Why?
3. How does the author view human nature?
4. What most surprised you from the book? What was the most interesting?
Group 1: Question 5 - Which character best represents how you would act in a survival situation? Why?
6. Using the human nature philosophers: Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Voltaire, Astell - how would they discuss these texts?
Group 3: How would the book be different if the characters were female?
Here are the what and how we get points for our Survival Group regarding the debate:
Debate Points
- You receive points for wisdom, communication, bravery, and collaboration
- Using evidence from the text will boost your scores
- Making connections between texts, real life, and other books will also boost your points
How the debate went was like this:
There was an inner rectangle with that round of the debaters sitting at it, with the outer rectangle seating those who weren't currently debating. They were giving points to those on the inside who showed Bravery, Wisdom and Communication skills, along with their names and what they did, those on the inside could do that as well. The debaters would then, receive their question to discuss and start the debate of 15 allotted minutes with their opening statement. The group would then proceed to openly discuss other's opening statements or bring up their own opinions regarding the debate question. Once the first round of debate was over, in which consisted of those who read Lord of the Flies, the next round began. It consisted of those who read Butterfly Revolution and followed the same procedure as the first round. I debated from the perspective of the philosophers I'm researching (Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Astell), because I'm not reading either book. I did this debating in the third round which an open discussion. It was a cool experience, though I wish we could have gone longer, much more in depth and those who really cared about discussing who do it, not spending as much time on the opening statements. I did really enjoy hearing others perspectives and the thoughts behind it, giving me new thoughts and open insight. I hope to do this again sometime.
DAY 5:
On this day we got another task:
Fourth Challenge
After a week of being stranded on this island, we have hope! We may have seen a ship at the horizon! In an effort to get the ship's attention, we will use the remaining supplies that we have to try and send an SOS to the ship. Your task is to create a hot air balloon device that will carry our message out to sea. Hopefully someone will rescue us!
Awards: furthest, quickest ascent, most likely to attract attention
We had to construct, with our Survival groups, a device that would attract attention and rescue us. We were given the supplies of 20"x20" tissue paper, glue and wire. We also had to write a note explaining the situation and our need for rescue. Our group teamed up with other groups- the same 3 other groups we created the "solar ovens" with. Together, we ended up creating 5 devices. Our teacher would then inflate it with the hot air of a heat gun. One was a sort of ballon shaped which kinda worked, but not perfectly. Another was more of a long octagon, but because of the fact that it had so much excess tissue paper, it didn't float well. The original one, which was the one I was apart of creating, was modeled after some one's paper lunch bag that I found. We then added wire on the bottom for a base. This idea however, didn't work as well, from the weight of the wire on the bottom. Even after we took it off we realized that we needed to create some sort of funnel so the air couldn't come out. We created this in the next device. It had a rectangular shaped top with a connecting funnel at the bottom. Through many, many adjustments it still didn't work as well as we hoped. Thankfully, now we know how to create a proper one. We didn't fail, we just found several ways of how not to build a signaling device. One device, worked, however. We created a cube a this device worked very, very well. We even let it go outside, twice, to see how far it'd go. I enjoyed the experience through the challenges and ups and downs. It was a true learning experience in which I took away and experienced much to help me in the future of learning and survival in the "real world".
DAY 6:
A few days later we were given a new task. We did another Socratic Seminar by this time we were debating with another team. And we were also divided amongst our literary lenses. It was very similar in some ways to our other debate, there was the same protocol and "instructions". The inside group, those who read Butterfly Revolution, stated their opening statements of what struck them about the book and why, then entering into an open discussion about that topic. Each round lasted about 15 minutes. The next round came, with those who read The Lord of the Flies, and followed the same discussing procedure along with the same opening question/topic of what struck us about the book and why. The next round followed and was an open discussion of both books. I participated in this round by listening, we were discussing our personal views on human nature. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to speak for we were cut short, the other team had to leave. We resumed this discussion with our whole team, at least those who wanted to and our teacher asked me to start.
I must tell you I actually didn't read either of the books, because I didn't feel comfortable with it. Throughout the books, I found when I was researching which one to read, that many times there was violence and killing with discomforts me, one because I find it to some extent wrong and because I have a very vivid and sometimes crazy imagination, that sometimes does things that I really don't want it to do. Then, because I'm a very visual person, I won't forget what I imagined. For example, my brain could put myself in the position of some one hurting or killing some one else, and that would be very hard for me to handle. That is why I am the Philosopher of the class, analyzing the different philosopher's views, specifically on human nature. I also read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I also read The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Then, I stated my view on Human Nature:
I am a Christian, so I believe that we are naturally selfish. God loves and created us, yet we sinned, disobeyed Him. This shows that we'd rather go our own way and be selfish than follow and obey the One who loves us. Also, as I've mentioned before I read The Communist Manifesto, and it describes communism and getting rid of social classes. Unfortunately, communism will never work because humans are too selfish. I know that we are selfish because of my person experiences and because I believe in the Bible and the truths it says. Though we are selfish, through trusting in God and believing in Him, we can do selfless things and follow after Him instead of ourselves.