Just last week the entire middle school took trips all to different places of Indonesia for an extended study program. Seventh grade took a trip to Bali, an island to the east of Java. The first day, we had to be in our buses, headed toward the airport, at three am in the morning. The one rule I have is if the sun's not up, then I shouldn't be up either. I was still really excited about spending time with my friends in Bali. On day one after we got to Bali, we were given our keys, then sent to our rooms to unpack. The rest of my day was spent at the beach or the pool. Bali beaches are always really nice.
The rest of the week, my group went to Gunung Kawi, painted stones, swung around on trees at Treetop adventures, built rafts then raced, painted batik cloths, went white water rafting, and lastly almost learned Balinese dance.
I think I've learned so much more than I would have if I had gone with my family or just friends. The tour guides had so much information to share, and were great to interview or translate. I learned about Balinese temples, art, religion, music, and dance.
I think this experience has helped me more on my project than it would have if I had just used the internet for evidence or notes. When Balinese were asked the question, "Where do you think your economy would be without tourism?", our tour guide said they would all be dead. I think that's a little harsh, but in some way he's right. Bali needs tourism, and this would be one negative impact. I think Bali depends a lot upon tourism and that's probably the way it will always be. I hope in my study of Bali's tourism, I can find more positive impacts than negative ones.
For the next seventh graders going to Bali, I probably wouldn't change anything. Some people said they didn't like the food (mostly at the hotel), but I loved all of it. If I could go back to Bali, with the same group, with the same roommates, I definitely would. That was an amazing trip.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
JIS Field Study Reflection
Over the past month, we've been researching about whether or not JIS was ready for a major Earthquake. Throughout the investigation, the hardest part for me was learning how to use the new technology I was working with. I had to figure out how to use an online software called, "Voicethread" and Windows Live Movie Maker which I had been introduced to just recently.
With this task, I learned all kinds of new things I had never known before. I learned how to send surveys out by e-mail, and how to correctly format a bibliography. Just now, I also found out about the JIS emergency procedure manual, and cards. That would be VERY useful in case of an emergency. I learned more about the security of our school, which I doubted just a little bit before.
If I were to change one thing if I were to do this project again, I would start working on my final project much, much earlier. I really think I started too late, so I didn't have enough time to reach my expectations for this video. I ended up doing sort of a last minute video, so I didn't have time to edit. I now wish I had started earlier. Next project, I hope to start just about as soon as I finish the main research I need.
Yes, JIS is prepared for a major earthquake. Their budget is enough to repair and rebuild the school if it were to be knocked down. The school has close relationships with Pondok Indah hospital and the local police department, which actually impresses me a little bit. Most students also know what to do and wear to go. JIS seems very prepared.
I only have one suggestion for JIS, and I'm sure it's what most students would say. Even though JIS students know where to go, or where to find help, but I think JIS needs more earthquake drills. Attending the middle school, I've never had an earthquake drill. I've had fire drills, and drop & cover drills. We definitely need more drills for all types of situations our school community could encounter. So far, JIS has done very well with their preparedness levels. Good job, JIS community.
With this task, I learned all kinds of new things I had never known before. I learned how to send surveys out by e-mail, and how to correctly format a bibliography. Just now, I also found out about the JIS emergency procedure manual, and cards. That would be VERY useful in case of an emergency. I learned more about the security of our school, which I doubted just a little bit before.
If I were to change one thing if I were to do this project again, I would start working on my final project much, much earlier. I really think I started too late, so I didn't have enough time to reach my expectations for this video. I ended up doing sort of a last minute video, so I didn't have time to edit. I now wish I had started earlier. Next project, I hope to start just about as soon as I finish the main research I need.
Yes, JIS is prepared for a major earthquake. Their budget is enough to repair and rebuild the school if it were to be knocked down. The school has close relationships with Pondok Indah hospital and the local police department, which actually impresses me a little bit. Most students also know what to do and wear to go. JIS seems very prepared.
I only have one suggestion for JIS, and I'm sure it's what most students would say. Even though JIS students know where to go, or where to find help, but I think JIS needs more earthquake drills. Attending the middle school, I've never had an earthquake drill. I've had fire drills, and drop & cover drills. We definitely need more drills for all types of situations our school community could encounter. So far, JIS has done very well with their preparedness levels. Good job, JIS community.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Stopping Disasters Game
Last class, we were introduced to a new game where you're placed in a type of scenario and you have to help the town/ village prevent disaster in their lives. One of the questions I'm supposed to answer is why I liked the game. I have to admit, I really tried and tried to enjoy, but I kept FAILING! I did nothing wrong, but somehow the final mission report ended up with a huge "FAIL" stamped on the front. I guess I do like the facts on the side, and how it tells you what this and that are used for.
I learned things like how having wetlands can absorb water in a flood situation, mangroves can dissipate the energy of waves, and that there are now fire resistant trees. That last one's pretty impressive. Trees that don't catch on fire. Anyways, yea I think I learned a lot of methods on preventing destruction that I had never even knew about.
Some information from class that I found in the game was, info about the seismometer and all that fun stuff. I thought it was really cool how I could relate those things I had learned in class to the game.
If I were to change one thing about the game I would probably include more scenarios. I know it's not exactly a natural disaster, but it would be so cool to add a volcano scene. That would probably be my favorite.
Okay now since I'm coming to an end on this post, I just have to say, that I finally passed my first round. The joy in passing is so incredible. I even got a gold medal. I'm so proud of myself right now for saving my small village in Asia from a tsunami. I HAD to post that. Yay.
I learned things like how having wetlands can absorb water in a flood situation, mangroves can dissipate the energy of waves, and that there are now fire resistant trees. That last one's pretty impressive. Trees that don't catch on fire. Anyways, yea I think I learned a lot of methods on preventing destruction that I had never even knew about.
Some information from class that I found in the game was, info about the seismometer and all that fun stuff. I thought it was really cool how I could relate those things I had learned in class to the game.
If I were to change one thing about the game I would probably include more scenarios. I know it's not exactly a natural disaster, but it would be so cool to add a volcano scene. That would probably be my favorite.
Okay now since I'm coming to an end on this post, I just have to say, that I finally passed my first round. The joy in passing is so incredible. I even got a gold medal. I'm so proud of myself right now for saving my small village in Asia from a tsunami. I HAD to post that. Yay.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Erynn Carter - Guest Speaker
Last Thursday we had a guest speaker who worked for a relief group called Mercy Core. This is one group I have actually never heard of. Her name was Erynn Carter. In the beginning of the presentation I was extremely bored and wondering how I was going to survive this. Throughout her speech, it got more and more interesting. At the end, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to hear about her and her experience being able to help people who have been affected by wars and natural disasters.
During the presentation, I found out that different parts and areas of the world all have different building codes on how a certain building needs to be built. Places with less money and a worse economy have poorly built houses and offices. So when an earthquakes strikes, these places won't be able to support themselves and will sometimes fall. She was also able to prove that children are always affected by wars or natural disasters. I found it interesting when she talked about the the different phases of emergency responses. Things like basic needs, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The basic needs would be things like water, sanitation, food, shelter, and health.
I only had two questions for her. She kind of answered one of them while she was speaking, then I had a friend ask her the other question. The second question was, "What kind of school did she go through to get the job she's in now?" That question was answered while she was speaking.
In conclusion, I loved having a guest speaker. She was really cool and amazing. I learned a LOT more about what's being done to help people after these disasters. I hope we can have another guest speaker for either this unit or the next. It's amazing how she's practically devoted her life to this cause.
During the presentation, I found out that different parts and areas of the world all have different building codes on how a certain building needs to be built. Places with less money and a worse economy have poorly built houses and offices. So when an earthquakes strikes, these places won't be able to support themselves and will sometimes fall. She was also able to prove that children are always affected by wars or natural disasters. I found it interesting when she talked about the the different phases of emergency responses. Things like basic needs, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The basic needs would be things like water, sanitation, food, shelter, and health.
I only had two questions for her. She kind of answered one of them while she was speaking, then I had a friend ask her the other question. The second question was, "What kind of school did she go through to get the job she's in now?" That question was answered while she was speaking.
In conclusion, I loved having a guest speaker. She was really cool and amazing. I learned a LOT more about what's being done to help people after these disasters. I hope we can have another guest speaker for either this unit or the next. It's amazing how she's practically devoted her life to this cause.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Is Indonesia Developed or Not?
Now, when I think of a developed country, I think of a country with nice sidewalks and clear skies. To me, I also think of first world countries as countries whose government is organized and independent.
When I think of third world countries I think of countries where, on almost every street motorcycles are weaving in and out of the cars and buses. A third world country is also WAY more affected by a natural disaster than than say New York or Australia.
I though about those two types of countries. Then I though about second world countries. Most people never really talk about these countries. So I deiced to "Google" the phrase. Google is just so wonderful for anything. I found the term "Second World" is a phrase used to describe countries that are allied with or are supported by the First World countries. There was also a picture and I really like it, so I put it in this post.
So getting back to the topic question, Indonesia is developed in some areas. In Jakarta, there are different places that would be able to go through a natural disaster with minor damage, unlike places like Kampungs or villages. In general, I say no, Indonesia is not developed or ready for a huge natural disaster. Japan is developed and the destruction they encountered was horrific. If Indonesia had an Earthquake the same magnitude as Haiti, the destruction would be worse. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country, and having about 12 million just in the city of Jakarta, is more than in all of Haiti.
Over all, my opinion is probably no to the question, "Is Indonesia Developed or Not?"
When I think of third world countries I think of countries where, on almost every street motorcycles are weaving in and out of the cars and buses. A third world country is also WAY more affected by a natural disaster than than say New York or Australia.
I though about those two types of countries. Then I though about second world countries. Most people never really talk about these countries. So I deiced to "Google" the phrase. Google is just so wonderful for anything. I found the term "Second World" is a phrase used to describe countries that are allied with or are supported by the First World countries. There was also a picture and I really like it, so I put it in this post.
 | ||
| Blue= First World Red= Second World Green= Third World |
Over all, my opinion is probably no to the question, "Is Indonesia Developed or Not?"
Friday, January 27, 2012
Why do people live in areas affected by Natural Disasters?
Last Social Studies class we talked about why people would live in places where they could be affected by a Natural Disaster. It didn't seem like a very smart idea the first time I heard of people who lived in places like the slopes of Mt. Merapi. Now, it makes more sense to mean because some people have to and they don't really have a choice.
We learned about three different approaches that people take when living in areas affected by disasters. These approaches describe why people live where they live.
The first approach is the Fatalistic Approach. This means, the homeowners know of the dangers, but if the natural disaster happens, then it happens. They're kind of just saying, " If the disaster occurs, then we can't really stop it. We know what will happen, but let's just try living here." That's just a little bit of what I think they would say.
The next approach is the Acceptance Approach. This is when the advantages of living in that area, outweigh any disasters that may occur. For example, the villagers living on the slopes of Mt. Merapi have better soil to farm with than other farmers who may live in the countryside. Or people who work in San Fransisco can't work elsewhere because they have jobs in that city, even if earthquakes can affect the city regularly.
The last approach is the Adaption Approach. With the adaption approach, this is where the three 'P's can be used. These three mean that the disasters can be predicted, prevented, and protected. When I say prevented, I don't actually mean that you can prevent the disaster from occurring. What I mean by that is, you can stop more destruction by occurring.
Natural disasters cause all kinds of destruction, but if more cities could prepare themselves, we'd be ready.
We learned about three different approaches that people take when living in areas affected by disasters. These approaches describe why people live where they live.
The first approach is the Fatalistic Approach. This means, the homeowners know of the dangers, but if the natural disaster happens, then it happens. They're kind of just saying, " If the disaster occurs, then we can't really stop it. We know what will happen, but let's just try living here." That's just a little bit of what I think they would say.
The next approach is the Acceptance Approach. This is when the advantages of living in that area, outweigh any disasters that may occur. For example, the villagers living on the slopes of Mt. Merapi have better soil to farm with than other farmers who may live in the countryside. Or people who work in San Fransisco can't work elsewhere because they have jobs in that city, even if earthquakes can affect the city regularly.
The last approach is the Adaption Approach. With the adaption approach, this is where the three 'P's can be used. These three mean that the disasters can be predicted, prevented, and protected. When I say prevented, I don't actually mean that you can prevent the disaster from occurring. What I mean by that is, you can stop more destruction by occurring.
Natural disasters cause all kinds of destruction, but if more cities could prepare themselves, we'd be ready.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Natural Disaster #2
Cyclone Video
I watched the video of when Mrs. Buckley went through a cyclone in North Australia. She works as a fifth grade teacher in Pattimura, and was also my fifth grade teacher! Isn't that just so wonderful?!?
Okay, so I noticed that Mrs. Buckley explained more of what to do in a cyclone rather than her experience in the cyclone. Another fact I had just realized from this video is that typhoons,cyclones, and hurricanes are all tropical storms. I didn't think much about it before because when I think of the United States, I don't mainly think of it as a tropical region. I guess I forgot about how the South- Eastern part of the U.S.A. has places like Florida and Louisiana which actually are tropical.
The first step in keeping yourself and others safe from a cyclone, would be being able to predict it. Unlike most other natural disasters, cyclones can be predicting a LOT earlier than a tsunami or a volcanic eruption. So pretty much, right when you turn the TV or the radio on, cyclone warnings are blasted out. I'd probably be most likely to turn the TV on first, considering the radio here has barely any English channels.
She also advises that the first time you hear about any natural disaster, you need to get to the store FAST and buy all the supplies you need in order to survive if the storm or disaster lasts longer then it's supposed to. My family wouldn't be as freaked out as most of the other families here because we all have our own packs filled with MRE's, clothes, flashlights, and other survival essentials. I'm actually really glad that my mom has prepared these emergency bags for us so in case of emergency and disasters, we're ready. This really is a good idea for anyone who could be affected by a natural disaster. Extra food storage, can also mean extra time to live when a HUGE disaster strikes. I'll be ready. =)
I watched the video of when Mrs. Buckley went through a cyclone in North Australia. She works as a fifth grade teacher in Pattimura, and was also my fifth grade teacher! Isn't that just so wonderful?!?
Okay, so I noticed that Mrs. Buckley explained more of what to do in a cyclone rather than her experience in the cyclone. Another fact I had just realized from this video is that typhoons,cyclones, and hurricanes are all tropical storms. I didn't think much about it before because when I think of the United States, I don't mainly think of it as a tropical region. I guess I forgot about how the South- Eastern part of the U.S.A. has places like Florida and Louisiana which actually are tropical.
The first step in keeping yourself and others safe from a cyclone, would be being able to predict it. Unlike most other natural disasters, cyclones can be predicting a LOT earlier than a tsunami or a volcanic eruption. So pretty much, right when you turn the TV or the radio on, cyclone warnings are blasted out. I'd probably be most likely to turn the TV on first, considering the radio here has barely any English channels.
She also advises that the first time you hear about any natural disaster, you need to get to the store FAST and buy all the supplies you need in order to survive if the storm or disaster lasts longer then it's supposed to. My family wouldn't be as freaked out as most of the other families here because we all have our own packs filled with MRE's, clothes, flashlights, and other survival essentials. I'm actually really glad that my mom has prepared these emergency bags for us so in case of emergency and disasters, we're ready. This really is a good idea for anyone who could be affected by a natural disaster. Extra food storage, can also mean extra time to live when a HUGE disaster strikes. I'll be ready. =)
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