Unit 7 Blog Reflection

• Reflect on your learning and growth as a student.  Consider experiences during labs, 20 Time, homework etc.  Check in on your New Year's goals, and modify them if needed.

This unit, we learned in depth about muscles and it was really interesting to learn about the different types of muscles and their corresponding movements, the effects of various drugs and steroids on the muscles, and the various types of oxidative fibers. I felt that this unit corresponded a lot with the previous unit, since a lot of the muscles that we learned a lot about in either lectures or labs seemed to be closely related to the bones from the previous unit.

 In the beginning of the unit, we started with Synoial Movement Dances, in which we had to use the various types of muscle movements (e.g. flexion, adduction, abduction, etc.) three times in a dance to help ingrain the types of muscle movements for the quiz and test. I really enjoyed this activity since I found that repeatedly seeing and doing the movements enabled me to permanently remember the muscles.  

 Another interesting thing that we completed this unit was the chicken dissection, in which we dissected a chicken carcass to compare and contrast the physical and functional differences between chickens and humans. It was really shocking to see how unbalanced the chickens were since they often toppled over with parts of their bodies (e.g. the pectoralis major) far larger in proportion compared to the rest of their bodies. On the other hand, humans generally seem far more proportional. 

Deltoid/Biceps/Triceps from the Chicken Dissection

Whole Chicken before dissection

 Furthermore, we also completed a muscle contraction skit, in which our group incorporated a white board and various markers to demonstrate the muscle movements. Although the process was quite difficult, watching the end result enabled me to learn more in depth of the steps of muscle movement. 

One thing that surprised me a lot about this unit was the effect of steroids and life choices on the body. For instance, stimulants, which are able to help increase heart rate and blood pressure are effective in stimulating the central nervous system has many negative side effects, including dehydration, heat stroke, and insomnia. Even massages, which are responsible for helping muscles relax and stimulating the nervous system can cause an increased blood pressure and even heart problems. 

 In general, I really enjoyed this unit and I felt that I was able to learn a lot about the various types of muscles with the help of labs, lectures, and various activities. With my 20 time project, I've had a couple setbacks in the past few weeks; however, I think that I've learned about the accumulation of trash and have effectively made a few successful art projects. I also feel like I've done well on my New Year Goals, in which I've spending a lot more time getting sleep and getting my homework done ahead of time.