Blog/ Vlog Week 6:

Final Blog Post:

So far, throughout my genius hour project, I have gathered all of the necessary materials for completing this project. I have managed to use both a wooden, and composite hockey stick for comparison within my project. In the picture below, you can notice that I am using a composite
stick while playing hockey (I'm the goalie). I compared my rebound performance within playoffs, using both a wooden and composite stick. The timeline I originally planned was not long enough to properly test both types of sticks. It was also not long enough for each deadline to be met, having to resort to my past experiences for information. My Genius Hour project did not go along my original plans, and I had to change my time line frequently in order to progress. I have learned that that using a wooden hockey stick is more efficient, however using a composite stick compliments my style of player more. I have also realized that I was one of the causes for the "Wooden Hockey Stick" to become extinct. I overall plan to use the results I got from my project, and make a informed choice on my next hockey stick purchase.  


Heartwell, (2015)

Blog/ Vlog Week 5:

Week 5:

          Today I learned that my topic has a lot information regarding the gradual loss of wooden hockey sticks within the NHL. I also learned about the production of both wooden and composite sticks, which can be viewed on my "Movie Trailer". I never realized that the production of composite sticks were a two piece construction, only attaching the two pieces with resin, glue, and pressure. I also learned that with the production of wooden sticks, there is no two wooden sticks that are made the same. Like every tree, every wooden hockey stick is different. This was also found to be a reason why the professionals switched to composite, for the certainty of reproducing their stick with their specific specifications.
         
          What I learned about myself today was that I am a lot slower with technology than others. It took me a lot longer to complete the required tasks online than others because I tend to make sure I know what I am doing before I complete the task. I also think everyone was rushing out because it was the start of their reading week.

         Where do I go from here? Last week I took a slap shot to the shaft of my stick and it cracked. I will need to replace that stick, and I think I am going to make the switch to wooden hockey sticks. Being a goalie, a lot of goalies switched to the use of wooden sticks over composite sticks, the exact opposite of what is happening with players in the NHL. I will have to research more on the various wooden sticks I can choose from, and make the best decision off of that.

Have a great Thanks Giving!

Blog/ Vlog Post: Week 4

Reflection:
         Reflecting on what I learned about my topic today, I noticed that there were a lot of resources on my topic "Who Killed the Wooden Hockey Stick". This was more of a relief to myself, feeling relaxed and knowing that my topic was validated, and I can do a Genius Hour on it. I also learned that beyond the scope of myself physically relating to the topic, I could write about how in all of the current video games, every single hockey player is represented with a composite hockey stick.

         Today I discovered that my composite goalie stick was in fact broken, realizing that both the hockey sticks I use are in fact both broken. Luckily, my hockey club will cover the cost of my sticks, however I am stuck with my broken sticks until the season begins.

         My future direction regarding Genius Hour is to obtain a new hockey stick, and I need to decide whether or not I go for quantity or quality, getting 1 composite stick or 3 wooden sticks. These sticks range from the price of $120-320, and I am leaning towards the $300 dollar stick. This project is now costing me money. I would have had to get a new stick anyways, so regardless of this project I would have had to get a new one. I am very optimistic to find out what stick I find better, and the reasons why, instead of a status thing.

Week 4: It's not a Box

'Not a Box'

         This picture I drew, represents the creativity I got from viewing the video Taylor showed us about 'not being a box'. It represents a big question mark in the middle of the box, revealing that the box can be/mean anything to anyone, having unlimited possibilities of what it could become. I put a rocket ship and a castle, showing that it can be anything to anyone. 

Importance of Creativity:

         Creativity is becoming more and more important as we enter this technological age. It reveals that kids reveal themselves creatively through technology. It means that I have to become a more creative teacher, allowing the students to reveal themselves more so than before.