At the end of the third quarter, we started this project. It consisted of 2 components. The first part was to write an argumentative essay explaining why you decided that your state fish should replace the current state fish. The Humunukuapua is not endemic, not very nice, and does not carry reef importance. The fish I chose was the Hawaiian White-Spotted Puffer since it's cool and endemic to Hawaii. We had to research elements of your fish, like family, genus, importance, and cultural history. The second part of this project was creating a physical element, like a model or a poster. I made a model on a stilt. The main skill that showcases this project is interpersonal since presenting this presentation to a bunch of 5th graders is harder than you would think. And the 5th graders were asked to pick which one was the best. Interpersonal played the effect of needing to connect on their level, which means explaining higher leveled topics and words. As I stood nervously in front of the judgmental class of 5th graders, it reminded me they are only 5th graders, so I feel this improved my 21st century skill since you shouldn't be afraid to present, it's just people. From this assignment, I am most proud of my visual element. I procrastinated and was time cramped, while creating this, but in the end it was a masterpiece. I created it out of lots of tape and paper and then painted it with acrylics. In the past, especially in this class we learned a lot about the order of taxonomy, kingdom, phylum, class, and order. Prior to the essay we also learned about endemic species and species that relate to an economical effect.In the future, I am on the fence about doing an internship at Maui Ocean center, but with some knowledge about endemic species, family, and other marine science information. I am sure it would be useful.
The most difficult task I took on during this project was trying to figure out my visual element, a day before presentations. I was struggling with what to focus on, I could have painted, but that would’ve been the easy option. I really wanted to make a paper mache, but it would take too long to dry. I tried multiple options and none of them worked. In the end tape saved the day. Next time an improvement to my work would be in the essay, instead of why only my fish would be best, I would have explained why other fish would not meet the target of my Hawaiian Puffer fish. This would include more talk in my essay on why the Humunukuapaapa shouldn't be state fish.