TERM 1

Exit Card (31/8/18)The words that I chose are mucopolysaccharide and abyss.  I chose mucopolysaccharide as the most interesting word because its a really long word and rarely used in daily life. I chose abyss as the most useful word because it sounds very fancy and might be useful when writing poetry.   My favourite new vocabulary term from the novel is mucopolysaccharide because it’s very unique and distinct from other words.  It was very difficult for me to pronounce it the first time I read it. I asked my friends and searched on the Internet on how to say it. It's also my favourite because it's very difficult to spell. 

CHARACTERIZATION ESSAY – DRAFT (3/9/18)

1. Cora Peterson

Cora Peterson, also known as Cora or Ms. Peterson, is Dr. Duval's assistant who works at the CDMF as a technician. She is also one of the team members in the Proteus. She is described to be attractive and beautiful. Quotes from the book:

This was Duval's assistant - Miss Peterson, wasn't that her name? - looking down in the mouth but very beautiful and standing terribly close to Duval. 

"Don't be single-tracked. She's an extremely competent technician."

Cora has a really big crush on Dr. Duval, and she doesn't try to hide it. Grant and the other team members of the Proteus notices that she has a big interest in Dr. Duval. Cora cares and worries about Grant, but she doesn't like him in a romantic way. Quote from the book:

Grant’s eye moved to Cora Peterson again. She looked acutely embarassed, yet stared at Duval with the expression Grant had once seen in a beagle’s eye when its little boy owner returned from school. Grant found that intensely annoying.

Cora also doesn't want to be the damsel in distress, she doesn't want to seen less important than the men in the team just because she’s a woman. Quote from the book:

She said, "I have a position at the CMDF quite analogous to that of a number of men but I find myself blocked at every step by the completely extraneous fact of my sex. Either I receive too much consideration or too much condescension and I want neither. Not at work, at any rate. It leaves me a bundle of frustration.”

2. Agent Grant

Agent Grant is one of the team members in the Proteus. He is not a scientist or medical doctor, he is a US government agent. He is described as a young man (younger than Dr. Michaels) who has a lot of physically strength and is athletic, because he practiced football in college. Quotes from the book:

“As a muscle man, doctor,” said Grant. “My only qualification.” Michaels said, “Dr. Duval, this is Grant, a young man who will be

accompanying us.” Grant's lip quirked. "Sorry, doctor, but you've just said a naughty

word. At college, I majored in football with a strong minor in girls. Don't waste theory on me."

Where was the open, frank look? Where was the charming smile? Where were the dimples in his cheeks that drove girls mad? Only those dark, lowering eyebrows remained to give him that angry look. It was a wonder anyone recognized him. 

Even though Grant isn’t the smartest out of the team members, he still comes up with clever solutions and never gives up hope in difficult times. He was the one who suggested miniaturising air molecules from Benes' lungs so they could use it for the Proteus.Quote from book:

"Well, then, you must have miniaturisation equipment on board. You didn't pull it out last night, did you?"  "Of course we have it. But only on a small scale." "How large scale do we need it? If we lead air into the miniaturiser, we can reduce the size of the molecules an lead them into our air tanks."

Grant has a crush on Cora, but she likes Dr. Duval, so theres a bit of a love triangle in this story. Grant doesn't think that Cora is trying to sabotage the mission, and he got offended when Dr. Michaels thought so. He also offered to help get Cora when she was stuck in the hair cells. 

"That's just his way. He looks nervous all the time. And if he is, he has reason. He has a wife and two young daughters. Duval and his

assistant are both single." "I am, too," said Grant. "And you?"

 "Why Miss Peterson?""Why not? Nobody would pay any attention to her if she were seen fiddling with the laser. It is her province. And if she were intent on sabotage, she would naturally gravitate to that part of the mission with which she felt most at home-the laser.""Which would place immediate and automatic suspicion upon her-as it seems to have done," said Grant, with some heat.  "I see. You are angry."

"I do," said Grant, pointing. "Isn't that she? Cora! I see you. Move your arm so I can be certain."She waved."All right. I'm coming to get you."

Comments:

Mr. GlynnDon't forget when you write the essay that you need to focus on what the author is doing, and how. The evidence you provide for the crush isn't very strong. Look back at the scene where Cora first appears.

CHAPTER 11 - 15 (3/9/18)

SummaryThe team is afraid they don’t have any more air to complete the journey so Grant comes up with an idea to grab air molecules from Dr. Benes’ lungs and miniaturize it. They successfully gathered air, but because the air current pushed him upwards (exhalation), Grant was stuck in the top of the alveolus and was separated from the group. Luckily he successfully went back down before Benes inhales. After that, they try to pass through the pleura. Their laser broke, and they’re hesitant to move on. They only have approx. 30 minutes left, but they’re further away from the brain than they first started. They start accusing each other of sabotaging the mission, but in secret. They try to go to the brain by passing through a lymph node. They decided to go for the inner ear. In the inner ear, the Proteus overheats. The team has to go outside again to clean the intake vents. Someone in the secret base accidentally made a noise, causing Benes’ ears to vibrate. The team experienced a massive eruption, but everyone was safe. However, Cora got stuck in the hair cells and was swarmed by an antibody. Grant goes out to help her.

Vocabulary

Chapter 11

1. Invocation: the action of invoking something or someone for assistance or as an authority.

2. Pulmonary: relating to the lungs.3. Corrugated: (of a material, surface, or structure) shaped into

alternate ridges and grooves.4. Belligerent: hostile and aggressive.5. Wrench: a sudden violent twist or pull.

 Chapter 12

1. Chagrin: distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.

2. Pathogenic: (of a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism) causing disease.

3. Perforated: pierce and make a hole or holes in.4. Glinted: give out or reflect small flashes of light.5. Debris: scattered pieces of waste or remains.

Chapter 13

1. Pleural lining: the thin fluid-filled space between the two pulmonary pleurae (known as visceral and parietal) of each lung.

2. Brownian motion: the erratic random movement of microscopic particles in a fluid, as a result of continuous bombardment from molecules of the surrounding medium.

3. Spasmodically: relating to, affected by, or having the character of a spasm

4. Quandary: a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

5. Brittle: hard but liable to break or shatter easily.

Chapter 14

1. Lympathic: relating to lymph or its secretion.2. Interstitial: of, forming, or occupying interstices.3. Tendrils: a slender threadlike appendage of a climbing plant, often

growing in a spiral form, that stretches out and twines around any suitable support.

4. Shuddered: (of a person) tremble convulsively, typically as a result of fear or revulsion.

5. Antibody: a blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen. Antibodies combine chemically with substances that the body recognises as alien, such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances in the blood.

Chapter 15

1. Cochlea: the spiral cavity of the inner ear containing the organ of Corti, which produces nerve impulses in response to sound vibrations.

2. Interminable: endless (often used hyperbolically).3. Ventral: of, on, or relating to the underside of an animal or plant;

abdominal.4. Skittered: move lightly and quickly or hurriedly.5. Cannibalized: use (a machine) as a source of spare parts for

another, similar machine.

EXIT CARD (4/9/18)

The poem that I liked the best was Fabiola's ballad, which is titled 'From the Floors of the Deepest Ocean' because it's very well written and I really like the words she used to rhyme. 

Individual Poems

Monsters of the DeepVery intelligent creatures,The monsters of the deep, Their rounded bodies and eight long arms, The depths of the sea is where they sleep 

Shrimp, crabs and lobsters are the foods they eat They live in all of the world’s oceans But they like tropical waters where there is heat 

They have excellent eyesight,But sadly they cannot hearThe octopus has three hearts Sharks and eels are the ones they fear The octopus can protect itself in many waysTheir bodies can squeeze though any crack If it is caught by it’s predator,It can give up an arm and grow it back

ColourfulIt's the prettiest fish I’ve ever seen It lives in the ocean, a place I’ve never beenIt makes me thinkabout the colour pinkAs well as the colour blue and green

Sea Turtle The big sea turtleUsing its flippers to swim It swims far and wide 

CAREER DAY REPORT (6/9/18)

On Thursday, I listened to one of the guest speakers that came to our school for Career Day. My guest speaker was Dr. Enrico Rinaldi, he works as a hospital administration manager. My dream is to become a paediatrician, and I learnt a lot of things from him. The first thing I learnt was to become a doctor, I have to really focus on learning biology, chemistry, physics and math, but that doesn't mean  I can ignore other subjects in school. I also have to have good communication skills and analytical thinking skills, because doctors have to deal with patients almost all day. 

The second thing I learnt was to never let anyone underestimate myself. In high school, Dr. Enrico's parents, teachers and principals never believed he would become a doctor, because he never had good grades and always got into trouble. However, he proved them wrong by studying hard and achieving his dream, which was to become a doctor. The third and final I learnt was that being a doctor is a very challenging job. Doctors have study for a very long time, and doctors can't save all their patients. However, being a doctor is also wonderful, doctors make an actual difference in the world by making people's lives healthier. As a conclusion, after listening to Dr. Enrico, I'm confident in pursuing a career in medicine. I think being a paediatrician will be challenging, but in the future, I would like to help people directly and make them feel happier.

CHAPTER 16 - 18 (7/9/18)

SummaryThe team has 12 minutes left to complete the mission, and they are reaching the base of the brain, where the clot is located. Dr. Michaels thinks Cora deliberately damaged the laser, he also believes that Dr.

Duval is a traitor and is trying to get Benes killed. They start to argue with each other in the Proteus. At the end of chapter 16, they arrived at the clot. They have 6 minutes left to complete the mission. Dr. Michaels thinks they should just give up on the mission and leave Benes’ body right away, but Grant thinks they should continue on. Dr. Michaels gets angry and tries to fight Grant. Grant starts accusing Dr. Michaels as the enemy agent.   They have 3 minutes left, Duval and Cora go out of the Proteus and heads over to clot, and the laser seems to be working. Grant leaves the ship to join them both, leaving Michaels and Owens alone in the Proteus. They successfully used the laser on the clot; however, Dr. Michaels betrays the team by kicking Owens out of the Proteus and leaving the team members behind. It turns out he is the traitor, not Duval. They’re starting to deminiaturise. They saw the Proteus being attacked by a white cell, Michaels is killed. Grant wants to save the ship so he attacks the white cell.  The team heads out for the eye and tries to get out through the lachrymal duct. They successfully went out of Benes’ body and completed the mission.  

Vocabulary 

Chapter 16

1. Poignant: evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.2. Subarachnoid cavity: a substantial space between the arachnoid

and the pia mater, it contains the cerebrospinal fluid.3. Oculomotor: relating to the motion of the eye.4. Malingering: exaggerate or feign illness in order to escape duty or

work.5. Shrewd: having or showing sharp powers of judgment.

Chapter 17

1. Strenuous: requiring or using great exertion.2. Pious: devoutly religious.3. Platitudes: a remark or statement, especially one with a moral

content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.4. Irresolute: showing or feeling hesitancy.5. Immobilise: prevent (something or someone) from moving or

operating as normal.

Chapter 18

1. Vicinity: the area near of surrounding a particular place.2. Protoplasm: the colourless material comprising the living part of a

cell, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and other organelles.

3. Amoeba: a single-celled animal that catches food and moves about by extending fingerlike projections of protoplasm. Amoebas are either free-living in damp environments or parasitic.

4. Detritus: waste or debris of any kind.

Chapter 1 – 2 (8/9/18)

SummaryOn a cold wintery night in February, Lieutenant Roger Shawn, standing by the side of the road with his binoculars, overlooks the small town of Piedmont, Arizona. He and his partner Private Lewis Crane, an electronics technician, are searching for the Scoop satellite that had already landed on Earth. It’s a satellite that contains secret capsules that analyses the upper atmosphere. The radio-directional equipment in their van located the satellite directly in the centre of the town. Shawn noticed big birds circling over buildings, so they decided to drive into town and have a look. 

Three hundred miles away from Arizona, Lieutenant Edgar Comroe is serving as the control officer in the Mission Control for Project Scoop. He monitors twelve other men in the skeleton crew, they were monitoring the progress and reports of Shawn and Crane’s van, Caper One. When Shawn and Crane was entering the town of Piedmont to recover the satellite, Shawn reports to Comroe that there many dead bodies in the streets. Then, Comroe calls Major Manchek, the chief duty officer. Crane reports that there is a man in a white robe stepping over the bodies. Shawn said the man was coming towards them. Suddenly. there was a high-pitched scream, and a crunching noise. After that, the transmission ended, and Mission control couldn’t contact them again.  

Vocabulary

Chapter 1

1. Cumbersome: large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use.2. Parka: large windproof jacket with a hood, designed to be worn in

cold weather.3. Futility: pointlessness or uselessness.4. Parlance: a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a

way common to those with a particular job or interest.5. Buzzard: a large hawklike bird of prey with broad wings and a

rounded tail, typically seen soaring in wide circles. 

Chapter 2

1. Utilitarian: designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.

2. Stoichiometric: relating to or denoting quantities of reactants in simple integral ratios, as prescribed by an equation or formula.

3. Proposition: a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion.

4. Capsule: a small case or container, especially a round or cylindrical one.

5. Doused: pour a liquid over; drench.

CHARACTERIZATION ESSAY (9/10/18)

Characterization is the process authors use to develop characters and create images of the characters for the readers. Characterization can be direct, which is when an author tells readers what a character is like, or indirect, which is when an author shows what the character is like by portraying their actions, speech or thoughts. Characterization is a crucial part of making a story compelling. In order to interest the readers, characters need to seem real. Authors achieve this by providing details that make characters individual and unique. Good characterization gives readers a strong sense of characters’ personalities, making the characters more vivid, alive and believable. 

In the book Fantastic Voyage, Isaac Asimov uses different techniques to develop his characters and describe what his characters are like. One of the main characters of this book is Cora Peterson. The first method of characterization that Asimov uses to describe Cora is physical description. The author describes Cora’s appearance when she was first introduced in the story. In the book, Asimov wrote ‘This was Duval's assistant - Miss Peterson, wasn't that her name? - looking down in the mouth but very beautiful’, from this we can learn one thing about Cora, which is that she’s attractive or beautiful. The author described her without any dialogue, so it’s a direct characterization. We can also know more about Cora by seeing what other characters think of her. The author describes Cora’s personality through dialogue. From what Duval said, "Don't be single-tracked. She's an extremely competent technician”, we know that Cora is working as technician in the CDMF and she’s very good at her work. The author also uses her actions to reveal something about her.

In the book, the author wrote, ‘Grant’s eye moved to Cora Peterson again. She looked acutely embarrassed, yet stared at Duval with the expression Grant had once seen in a beagle’s eye when its little boy owner returned from school.’ What the author is trying to say is when Cora sees Dr. Duval, she is really happy. From this, we can tell that Cora has a crush on Dr. Duval or admires him a lot.  The author also uses dialogue to allow Cora’s words, reveal something important about her nature. In the book, Cora says, "I have a position at the CMDF quite analogous to that of a number of men but I find myself blocked at every step by the completely extraneous fact of my sex. Either I receive too much consideration or too much condescension and I want neither. Not at work, at any rate. It leaves

me a bundle of frustration.” From this we can learn that Cora doesn't want to be the damsel in distress, she doesn't want to be seen as less important than the men in the team just because she’s a woman. 

Another main character in this book is Agent Charles Grant. Similar to how the author described Cora, the author also described Agent Grant’s appearance. In the book, Asimov wrote, ‘Where was the open, frank look? Where was the charming smile? Where were the dimples in his cheeks that drove girls mad? Only those dark, lowering eyebrows remained to give him that angry look. It was a wonder anyone recognized him.’ We can see that the author described his facial features, one of them being his dark, lowering eyebrows. Another thing that the author does to describe Grant is by comparing him with another character. ‘Michaels said, “Dr. Duval, this is Grant, a young man who will be accompanying us.”’ From this quote, we can tell than Grant is younger than both Dr. Michaels and Dr. Duval. 

The author also uses dialogue to let the character reveal something about himself. From this quote: “As a muscle man, doctor,” said Grant. “My only qualification.” We can tell that Grant is quite muscular and relatively strong.. This can also be backed up by how Grant majored in football in college, ‘Grant's lip quirked. "Sorry, doctor, but you've just said a naughty word. At college, I majored in football with a strong minor in girls. Don't waste theory on me."’ 

Asimov also uses Grant’s actions to reveal more about him. When the Proteus was running out of air, Grant said, "How large scale do we need it? If we lead air into the miniaturiser, we can reduce the size of the molecules and lead them into our air tanks." What we can tell from Grant proposing this idea is that even though he’s not the smartest out of the group, he can still come up with clever solutions and he rarely gives up on a problem.  The author also uses Grant’s actions to reveal that he has a crush on Cora. In the book, Grant said,. "All right. I'm coming to get you." From this quote, we know that Grant helped save Cora from the hair cells. The author also uses dialogue to show Grant’s feelings towards Cora. In the book, Grant said,  "Why not? You're the most beautiful malingerer I've ever seen. Let's malinger together for a minute, if you don't think that sounds too improper." From the quote we can tell that Grant is attracted to Cora. Grant was also offended when Michaels accused Cora of sabotaging the mission, as stated in this quote: "Which would place immediate and automatic suspicion upon her-as it seems to have done," said Grant, with some heat.  "I see. You are angry."

Chapter 3 (15/9/18) 

Summary    The Andromeda Strain is said to be the first ever biologic

crisis. Manchek listens to the replay of the tape from the van. It is revealed that the van radio is still broadcasting, and the engine is still running. Manchek ordered Comroe to have someone do a flyby over Piedmont, and to bring in technicians. Samuel “Gunner” Wilson flies the Scavenger, a reconnaissance jet aircraft, the operational version of the X-18. He flies over Piedmont, and puts down a phosphorous flares. Gunner sees bodies everywhere.     Back in mission control, Manchek and Comroe are joined by Jaggers, a technician who is a master of reconnaissance interpretation. They are viewing infrared films of Piedmont. There were around forty white spots on the film and Jaggers explains that those are the dead bodies. They can tell from the film that the van is still running, however they can’t be certain all the bodies are dead. There are 3 bodies that appear to be warmer than the rest of the bodies, which means that they died not too long ago. 2 bodies were identified as Shawn and Crane, but they cannot figure out who the other body is. The other body was seen moving to different places, indicating that it's still alive.     Later, films taken by the Scavenger were brought in, Wilson was also there to report what he saw. The film is then frozen at a single frame, which shows an old man in white robes looking up at the plane, confirming the man is alive. Manchek declares a state of emergency without proper authorization. Manchek orders Comroe to call General Wheeler, and ask him to come down immediately.

Vocabulary1. Propitious: giving or indicating a good chance of success.2. Aide: an assistant to an important person.3. Misanthropic: having or showing a dislike of other people.4. Vagaries: an unexpected and inexplicable change in a

situation or in someone's behaviour.5. Plodding: slow-moving and unexciting.6. Reconnaissance: military observation of a region to locate

an enemy or ascertain strategic features.7. Vasoconstriction: the constriction of blood vessels, which

increases blood pressure.

Chapter 5 (15/9/18)

Summary       Manchek believes it is necessary to call up a Wildfire Alert. A second cable names the five scientists who have been alerted. In Washington, married couple Allison and Jeremy Stone were hosting a party where

everyone had stayed late. Around 1 AM, they were visited by two military men that asked to meet Dr. Stone. Stone tells his wife that he needs to leave immediately, and he doesn’t know when he’ll be back.         In the car, Stone was handed a file named PROJECT SUMMARY: SCOOP. He doesn’t know anything about Project Scoop, but it was too dark to read in the car. Stone began to think about a symposium in Long Island he attended 5 years ago, where an English biophysicist, J.J Merrick, presented a paper about contact with extraterrestrial life. He believes that the first human interaction with aliens will consist of contact with simple organisms, like bacteria or viruses, rather than complex organisms like us humans.      Many scientists didn’t take it seriously, however, Stone did. He was a professor at bacteriology at Berkeley, and he had achieved many great things, such as winning the Nobel Prize. In a paper he wrote, he stated that it was possible for extraterrestrial organisms to contaminate the earth via space probes, so NASA shouldn’t sterilise it after it lands on Earth. So he and a couple other scientists wrote a petition to the US President to make a facility where they would be able to isolate and study alien life and protect earth. The Department of Defence agreed to do so, and once money was funded, construction proceeded rapidly. The Wildfire Laboratory, was built in 1966 in Flatrock, Nevada. After the laboratory was finished, the Wildfile Alert team was formed, it consists of five scientists who would study any new organism in the event of a biologic emergency.         In the Boeing 727, Stone reads Project Scoop file. Its revealed that the true purpose of Scoop was to find discover new biological weapons of war. It orbits 17 satellites around Earth, collecting organisms and bringing them back to the surface. The 7th satellite, Scoop VII, is the one that landed in Piedmont. Stone was informed that Kirke is ill and will not be able to join the team. He starts to think about the members in the team, Leavitt, who is a clinical microbiologist, Burton, a pathologist, Kirke, an anthropologist, and Mark Hall, a surgeon. Stone seems to dislike Hall.  Leavitt visits Hall in the hospital, telling him he needs to leave urgently right before he wanted to start a surgery. They head out to the airport to go to Nevada.

Vocabulary

1. Epidemiology: the branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health.

2. Parasitology: the branch of biology or medicine concerned with the study of parasitic organisms.

3. Symposium: a conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject.

4. Speciation: the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

5. Viable: capable of working successfully. 

Chapter 8 (15/9/18)

SummaryDirective 7-12 is apart of the final Wildfire Protocol. It calls for a thermonuclear weapon to be used in the location where extraterrestrial organisms are detected so they can be destroyed and not spread out. The code for the directive is Cautery. The President chose to postpone calling Directive 7-12 for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Instead, he called out the National Guard and cordoned off the area around Piedmont for a radius of one hundred miles.

Vocabulary

1. Exogenous: having an external cause or origin.2. Thermonuclear: relating to or using nuclear reactions that occur

only at very high temperatures3. Cauterize: burn the skin or flesh of (a wound) with a heated

instrument or caustic substance in order to stop bleeding or to prevent infection.

4. Entail: involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence.

5. Repercussions: an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one. 

Chapter 11 (15/9/18)

Summary     Stone shows the team members 2 surviving victims, Peter Jackson and a baby. They think that Directive 7-12 was already called, and Piedmont is now destroyed by a nuclear blast, however, thats not the case. Stone and Burton also explains about what happened in Arizona to Hall and Leavitt.      They start to go through the 24-hour sterilisation and decontamination procedures. They start off with Level II, where they remove their clothes, got into a steam room, took a shower to disinfect themselves. After drying themselves with hot air, they were given clothing that resembled surgical uniforms. Then they head on to Level III, where they were physically examined. In Level IV, where they went through immersion baths, ultraviolet and infrared light, ultrasonic vibrations, and an ultraflash apparatus.    They were given some time to sleep, however Burton has a hard time sleeping. He tries to recall what he knows about blot clots, but he still

couldn’t figure out why the bodies could die without bleeding. Meanwhile, Leavitt was thinking about how the team might be committing extraterrestrial murder. 

Vocabulary

1. Intravenous: existing or taking place within, or administered into, a vein or veins.

2. Dextrose: the dextrorotatory form of glucose (and the predominant naturally occurring form).

3. Clanged: a loud, resonant metallic sound or series of sounds.4. Hamper: a basket with a carrying handle and a hinged lid, used for

food, cutlery, and plates on a picnic.5. Incinerated: destroy (something, especially waste material) by

burning.6. Staphylococcus: a bacterium of a genus that includes many

pathogenic kinds that cause pus formation, especially in the skin and mucous membranes.

Chapter 25 – 27 (15/9/18)

SummaryWillis, an highway patrol officer in Arizona gone mad, shot 5 customers

and later killed himself in a highway diner. He passed through Piedmont on the night of his death, he also had an ulcer and took aspirin. Hall contacts Dr. Smithson, who is the chief medical officer for the Arizona highway patrol. Hall realises that both Jackson and Willis were in acidosis. Suddenly, the emergency bell rang, and Hall left the room.

Levitt experiences an epileptic seizure because of flashing lights. The seal in the lab was broken, which led the whole lab to be contaminated and Burton being infected with the Andromeda. They try to save him by running oxygen into his body, however Burton tells them to inject the Kalocin drug into this body. The drug acted to destroy all organisms, and had no effect on organ systems. Stone rejects his idea, because even though many people who took the drug were cured, they died not long after. 

Hall goes back to lab to think things through. The organism attacks through the lungs, entered the bloodstream, localised in the walls of arteries and veins, and produced damage. He thinks that fast breathing kept the organism from getting to the lungs. Hall soon realises that the Andromeda Strain grows within a narrow range of pH. It will only grown within the range of pH 7.30 to 7.43. If the medium of growth was too acid, or too basic, the organism will not multiply. People who are acidotic or alkalotic will survive. 

Vocabulary

Chapter 25 

1. Phenolic: a mildly acidic toxic white crystalline solid obtained from coal tar and used in chemical manufacture, and in dilute form (under the name carbolic) as a disinfectant.

2. Ulcer: an open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane which fails to heal.

3. Acidosis: an excessively acid condition of the body fluids or tissues.

4. Inquiry: an act of asking for information.5. Methodically: done according to a systematic or established

procedure.

Chapter 26 

1. Electroencephalogram: a test or record of brain activity produced by electroencephalography.

2. Incontinence: having no or insufficient voluntary control over urination or defecation.

3. Sedated: calm (someone) or make them sleep by administering a sedative drug.

4. Edema: a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.

5. Superinfection: infection occurring after or on top of an earlier infection, especially following treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Chapter 27 

1. Coagulation: (of a fluid, especially blood) change to a solid or semi-solid state.

2. Phenobarb: also known as phenobarbitone or phenobarbital, phenobarb is a medication recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy in developing countries.

3. Meticulous: showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. 

4. Expressway: an urban motorway.5. Dispersed: distribute or spread over a wide area.

Assessment (17/9/18)

For this term in English, I read the book Fantastic Voyage by Isaac Asimov. 

From reading this book i learnt more about:a. History and Geography This book took place during the Cold War, so from reading this book, I learnt a lot more about the Cold War. I learnt that there were 2 parties involved, the US and the Soviet Union. I also learnt that the war happened in the 1950’s. During the war, the US and the Russians were competing with each other on who can develop the best technology. In the book, they were competing on miniaturisation technology.  

b. Science The book is about a team of scientists (a government agent) that goes inside a human body to destroy a blood clot. Because the story mostly takes place inside the body of Dr. Benes, I learnt a lot of things about the organs, organ system and the human body system in general. For example, I learnt more about how the circulatory system, I learnt what a artery and vein was, I also learnt how the heart and the brain were connected. I also found out what an antibody was, which is a blood protein that helps attack viruses inside the body. When they were inside the lungs and explaining about what's happening, I learnt more about the respiratory system too. 

c. Writing and storytelling From reading this book, I learnt about the different methods of characterisation, which are different ways the author uses to develop their characters. I learnt the difference between indirect and direct characterisation. 

d. General English Another thing this book taught me is how to correct my grammar and spelling. Isaac Asimov has really good grammar, and he doesn't misspell words. By reading this book, I learnt how to write better sentences, and how to correctly spell words I had difficulty with. 

e. General KnowledgeI rarely read science fiction books, and this is the first time I’ve actually finished one. This book taught me what science fiction novels are like, how they are written and what I can expect from reading other Isaac Asimov books.  

Vocabulary terms I’ve learnt: 

1. Poignant2. Subarachnoid cavity3. Oculomotor4. Malingering5. Shrewd

6. Electroencephalogram7. Incontinence8. Sedated9. Edema10.Superinfection11.Insignia12.Bristled13.Extraneous14.Melange15.Hairbreadth 16.Cerebral 17.Deprecatory 18.Mucopolysaccharide

What I've learnt about social problem solving In the book, the team has to work together to solve problems that they face throughout their mission. For example, halfway throughout the journey, they suddenly ran out of oxygen. They come up with an idea to miniaturise air molecules from Benes’ lungs and put in inside the Proteus. To gather the air molecules, the team has to work together because it is not an easy task to do. It has taught me that to solve a problem, we must team up. Because if we work together, we can work quicker and more effectively. 

What I've learnt about meta-level thinking The characters used a lot of meta-level thinking skills. Throughout the book, they plan the strategies they will use to solve a problem, and they evaluate it if its effective or not, like when they stopped the Proteus from overheating, they tried to figure out what to do, and when they did figure what to do, they evaluate it again if their choice is the best thing to do. I learnt that its important to use meta-level thinking skills when you want to solve a problem. 

What I've learnt about good and bad leadership Throughout the book, the author gives us an example of both good and bad leadership. An example of bad leadership was when Dr. Michaels suggested they should just give up and leave Benes’ body. A good leader should encourage their members to keep going and get their goal accomplished. An example of good leadership in the book is when Grant rejected Michael's idea and stayed positive that they would complete the mission, and in the end they actually did. I learnt that it's important for a leader to take initiative, encourage the members, and stay calm during difficult times. 

What I’ve learnt about adaptation and agility In the novel, things don’t always go as planned, and unexpected things happen from time to time. For example, the Proteus went off course in the beginning of the mission. In another part of the book,  the Proteus overheats when they arrived in the inner ear. Outside the Proteus, Grant

got stuck in the top of the alveolus and Cora got stuck in the hair cells. All of these were unexpected, but the characters were able to adjust themselves to changing situations. I learnt that it is important for us to be able to adapt because it can make us solve a lot of our problems. 

I think that leadership can come from the bottom as well as the top of an organisation. Leadership doesn’t always come from the “captain” or the leader of the team, I think that leaders can come from anyone in the team. For example, Grant isn't really the captain of the team, he's not a scientist and he's not really the smartest out of all of them either. However, Grant comes up with ideas on how to solve problems and asks the other members if they think its the best solution. Grant is also optimistic and rarely gives up.  I learnt that anyone can show signs of leadership, if they are able to guide the other team members and help them in difficult times to achieve their goal. 

Poetry Assessment (17/9/18)

What I've learnt about English from doing the projectFrom doing the poetry book, I learnt how to write new types of poetry. For example, I learnt about how to write an ode and a ballad. I also learnt a lot more vocabulary terms, and how I can improve my poetry writing skills. I also developed my audience-centered communication skills, and practiced speaking in english, by reading my poem in front of the class. 

What I've learnt about Science from doing the projectI learnt more about animals while i was doing the project. Mostly I learnt about the scientific/Latin name of the animals. For example, I learnt that Tursiops is the Latin name for dolphins. I also learnt more about the animals themselves, like their habitat, diet and predators. I learnt that octopuses mostly live in tropical waters, and they usually eat shrimp, crab and lobsters. Another interesting fact about them is that if they're caught by their predators, they can give up an arm and grow it back later on. 

What I've learnt about Meta Level Thinking from doing the projectI did Meta level thinking when I was doing the project. While I was writing my poems, I reflected on what I liked about it, what I disliked and how I could improve it. It made think/reflect on how well I was performing when writing poetry, and what I can do to help with my writing skills. It also made me reevaluate the steps that I took to do this project.  What I've learnt about social problem solving from doing the projectI came across a few problems/difficulties while doing this project, for example, one of my team members wasn’t writing her poems that should

be done for the group, so I found a way to solve that problem which was by talking it out. By communicating with her, I found out that she didn’t really understand how to write that type of poem, so I helped her out with it. I learnt that communication is a crucial thing in social problem solving.  What I've learnt about leadership and adaptation from doing the projectFrom doing this project, I learnt how to develop my leadership skills. For this project, I was the captain of my team, I compiled everyone’s poems, made the layout for the poetry book, printed it as well as reminding other people to do their work. I learnt that to become a good leader, I have to listen to my members and help them in difficult times, so that’s what I did. I also learnt how to adapt to new environments while doing this project because this is my first time working together with my team members in a project. Other things I've learnt from doing the projectFrom doing this project, I learnt how important time management skills are. Compiling every group and individual poem from my team members while also writing my own was very difficult and time consuming. Other than this project, I also had to work on other projects as well. However, I still managed to submit the poetry book even before the due date and got feedback from the teacher before I printed it. So, I learnt that if I can use my time wisely and effectively, my work would be done quickly. 

Poetry AnalysisIn the poem titled 'Windchime' written by Tony Hoagland, the lines

of each stanza varies. In the 3rd stanza, there are 6 lines, however only 5 lines make up the 1st stanza. The poet also didn't use a rhyming scheme, because none of the words at the end of each line rhymes with one another. The type of poem is mostly like a free verse, because it doesn't follow any rules from any other type of poem. 

In the 1st stanza, the poet says that a girl is up bright and early to hang the wind chime at the porch. In the 2nd stanza, the poet explains that the girl doesn't know how to attach the nail to the wall without dropping anything that she is holding. In the 3rd stanza, the girl noticed that the windchime isn't there.  In the 4th poem, the poet talks fondly about the girl, and how he will miss her if someday they can't be with each other anymore. 

From reading this poem, I feel like this is a love poem, because the poet really admires the girl. He talks fondly of her, she says that her lips are kissable and that he would miss her if she leaves. I feel like the author is talking about his wife or significant other, the point is that he's taking about someone he loves. The girl isn't doing anything extraordinary or impressive, she's just doing an everyday thing. But, because the poet is very much in love with her, he still loves everything that she does. In the poem, the girl woke up bright and early, and she probably wasn't looking her best at that time. However, the poet still admires her, and it shows that he doesn't care about her appearance. 

Comments:

Mr. GlynnPlease go though and correct all the lower case "I"s.