Virtual Bead Loom Creation 1

The Virtual Bead Loom

Native American Beadwork is known to be very beautiful, but it is also mathematical.  This is because the elaborate beadwork is made by using the coordinate plane.  The key concept that we will be using in this lesson is using software to create a design by using the “Cartesian coordinate system.”  The type of symmetry that these Native American designs are based on is called “four-fold symmetry.”  Some characteristics that these four images have in common are that they have shapes, are symmetrical, are bright and use dark colors, as well, and could be divided into four sections; each section being symmetrical (four-fold symmetry).  The four images in the website are called “Embroidery, Plain Indians”, “Shoshone Beadwork”, “Pawnee Buffalo Hide Drum”, and “Navajo rug.”  Another symmetry used in this beadwork is called reflection symmetry.  Reflection symmetry is when one half of an image is the mirror image of the other half of the image.  One example of base four counting in Native American culture that is common is that in many native languages, base four counting is used.  In the Navajo culture, reflection symmetry is used.  An example is that sand paintings often use reflection symmetry to show the paired forces that is part of the Navajo religion.  Another example of how four-fold symmetry is shown and used is in Yupika parka decoration.  The parkas need to be symmetric so they developed a coordinate system that involved measuring vertical and horizontal distance on the parka.  A bead loom is machine that can create a four-fold system.  The bead loom utilizes a Cartesian coordinate system.  The beads are in rows and columns, like the x-axis and the y-axis.  Native American beadwork was developed before the Europeans arrived.  Two examples of where these designs were used are seen in wampum belts and beadwork.  Beadwork was also used to record messages and historic events.

Communication

From the texting/emailing log that I kept for a day, I can conclude that I use texting to communicate with my friends and parents.  Also, I don't use my email for communication that much, where as my mom uses her email to communicate with friends, family, and coworkers.  Since we only kept this log for a day, I can't draw that many conclusions, but I wouldn't say I am absolutely reliable on technology.

Scavenger Hunt Reflection

One area of strength that I am good at when conducting searches is using Google to quickly find the answers to my questions.  Two areas in which I could improve in is not using Wikipedia to find my answers and using "Advanced Google Search" to find more accurate answers.

Computer Buying Project Reflection

One thing that I learned from this project was how to insert a table into a Google doc presentation.  I also learned a lot about Mac laptops, which was interesting because I might buy a Mac laptop in the future.  One challenge I had while completing this project was finding what the processor and operating system was for both the Dell and Mac laptops.  I thought that it was fun working with someone in a different grade than me.

Partners Make Projects Easy

Working with both my partners has been working very well.  We have divided up the work equally and we have shared our power point on Google docs so we can all work on the project.  I think we will all complete our designated work and do well on this project.

My Life in Words

A Little About Me

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Berry and I am 15 years old.  I live in Reading, Massachusetts, even though I would much rather be living in an apartment in New York City.  I live with both my parents and our two cats, Madison and Mojo.  I am an only child, which most people think is awesome, but I don’t always agree.  I play tennis at the Woburn Racket Club throughout the year and I am on the RMHS Girls JV Tennis Team.  I also take dance classes at LaPierre School of Dance.  I take ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and modern.  My favorite class is ballet.  My fantasy is to focus on ballet and maybe become a ballerina.  Besides tennis and dance, I also play the piano.  As for activities in school, I am involved with the Yearbook Staff and I can’t wait to start working on this year’s yearbook!  My favorite subject is English.  I love to read and write.  Over the years I have read many, many books, but I think my top three favorite books would the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.  All of these books have all helped open the door for me to become a passionate reader and have inspired me to become a writer or journalist when I am older.  This year I am taking an elective called, Computer Applications, which I will write about on my blog. I hope to learn a lot more about computers which will help me in my everyday life and in school.