Blog 22: Senior Project Reflection

(1) Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Block Presentation and/or your senior project? Why?

I am most proud of the information that I gave to my classmates. Although I know that I could have presented it much smoother, without saying as many "umms", I still feel that I was able to get most of the information that I wanted to give across to my colleagues. As for the entire senior project, I'm most proud of learning more than I had originally expected about the fire service. 

(2) Questions to Consider

a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Block Presentation (self-assessment)?

AE       P          AP       CR       NC

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)?

AE       P          AP       CR       NC

(3) What worked for you in your senior project?

What worked best for me in my senior project was being able to study a topic of my choice. If not for this option I probably would have dreaded my entire senior year. Because I had the opportunity to study a career path of my choice conducting research and making contacts was actually a pleasant experience because I knew that in the long run that hard work and dedication would pay off.

(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would have you done differently to improve your senior project if you could go back in time?

If I could go back in time and changed anything in order to improve my senior project I would focus on preparing more for all of my assigned projects. Procrastination did play a factor in some parts of my senior project and it also contributed to unnecessary stress. For the future I plan on writing out a schedule and sticking to it in order to avoid this from happening again. 

(5) Finding Value

How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors?   Be specific and use examples.

Senior project has helped me so much in the career path that I have chosen to pursue. For started it helped meet tons of new people who have an interest in the fire service, as I do. Aside from meeting my mentor, Firefighter Cunningham, I've also met several explorers, many of which are like brothers to me. From being constantly exposed to people who have already achieved my goals, I've also been able to plan out my path to follow after high school. I want to becoming a certified EMT and after having some job experience become a paramedic, while still continuing to apply to different fire departments. From being able to learn about the fire service, I've been able to shape my personal goals in order to help me obtain my dream job. 

Blog 16: Advisory Meeting #2

EQ: What is the best way for a team of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities while fighting structural fires? 

Answer #2: The best way for a team of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities when fighting structural fires is by conducting routine equipment checks. A firefighter's equipment is their first line of defense and is also critical for being able to fight structure fires. Their personal protective equipment, ladders, ropes, and trucks should be constantly being checked in order to insure a safe day at work.

Support 1: Personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of a firefighters coat, pants, hood, helmet, boots, gloves, breathing apparatus, and personal alert safety system (PASS). As explained in "The History of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment" by Paul Hasenmids, PPEs are a firefighters first line of defense against heat and exposures. I was also told, while conducting my 3rd interview, that most firefighters start off their day by checking their personal equipment and later learned how a little act can make such a big difference. 

Support 2:  A self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a device that all firefighters use in order to receive breathable air when put in dangerous atmospheres. As I learned from being part of an explorers program, there a nine different components that make up an SCBA. I was also told that this piece of equipment needed to be cleaned and inspected daily and after each use.

Support 3: In the article "8 Ways to Protect Against Cancer with PPE" by Grace Stull I learned that personal protective equipment does not only protect a fireman from heat, but it also helps reduce the risk of obtaining any disease. This article specifically focuses on cancer, but I've also heard about the effect that other chemicals can have on the health of firefighters, such as carbon monoxide. From conducting research checks I've learned the importance that PPEs can have on a firefighter's health and why it's crucial to make sure they are always in working condition. 

Research Sources: 

Jeffrey O. and Grace G. Stull. "8 Ways to Protect Against Cancer with PPE." Firerescue1.com. Firerescue1.com, 28 January 2014. Web. 6 February 2014.

Hasenmeier, Paul. "The History of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment." Fireengineering.com. Pennwell, 16 June 2008. Web. 6 February 2014.

McCromack, Jim. "A Guide to the Daily Equipment Check." Firefighter Nation. Firefighter Nation, 1 Mar. 2011. Web. 21 Feb. 2014.

Concluding Sentence:

The best way for a team of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities when fighting structural fires is by conducting routine equipment checks.

Blog 13: Lesson 2 Reflection

Content:

1. Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Lesson 2 Presentation and why?

• After completing my 30 minute presentation, I would have to say that I'm most proud of being able to control my nervousness better than in my 10 minute presentation. I know that I still need to work more and spend more time practicing my presentation, but for the most part I'm content with how I did. 

2. Questions to Consider
       a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 2 Presentation (self-assessment)?

       AE       P          AP       CR       NC

       b.     Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 2 component contract.

• The reason why I feel that i deserve a "P" grade on my my Lesson 2 project is because I met all of the requirements, while still trying to incorporate a fun and interesting presentation. Both my hook and lesson activity required each student too think about a possible answer or write down their thoughts. Aside from that, I feel that my first answer was a very specific response to my essential question. I also sited my research and reference my mentor a little. While meeting all the requirements, I even tried to focus on asking the class lots of questions in order to keep them engaged. 

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 2?

• I believe that I excelled in being able to give the class a specific answer to my essential question. Even though I may have bored some, I  feel that those who did listen and were actively engaged in my presentation were able to learn something new. 

4.  (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 2?

• If I could go back in time and redo my Lesson 2 I would choose to practice presenting my power point more than I did the first time. Aside from that, I would also want to try to focus more on making my presentation fun and engaging for the entire class. Maybe next time I'll give little rewards in order to grab the students attention. 

5. Finding Value
What do you think your answer #2 is going to be?  

• I'm thinking about revolving my second answer around the firefighter's equipment. I could possibly say that another way for a group of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities when fighting structural fires is by making sure that their personal protective equipment (PPEs) is in working condition at all times. I would have to do more research on this, but for now I'm thinking about focusing on the importance that fire equipment may have on a firefighter's life.