20 Time Reflection

        As the end of the project grows near, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on this project: the complex process, the endless planning and exploration, and the rewarding research.
        In the beginning, what I envisioned was a somewhat different end: I set out to create a series of videos that covered different aspects of biology, the various "gray areas" that I believed could stimulate mystery and learning. I planned to make 3 or 4 videos, a goal I now realize to be impractical and virtually impossible in the given 5-month time frame. Still, I tried my best to fulfill these expectations.

34 slides!

        With the commencement of research and compilation of the presentation came understanding. I recognized that the class time given was simply inadequate for the amount of research and work I wanted to accomplish, and thus ended up completing much of the video preparation at home. Between finding sources and images, compiling information, organizing my information into slides, and citing my seemingly infinite number of images, I ended up with a massive 11-page document (not included works cited) and a presentation with 34 slides. However, this process also yielded a plethora of information, and I learned quite a bit about the various periods of Earth's history and the unique in-depth characteristics and developments of each. In addition, I gained many soft skills, such as the ability to plan out a large project, as well as the ability to change and adapt my project based on changing factors. For example, when my schedule was affected by me getting sick, AP testing, and other schoolwork, I had to reevaluate and reschedule my project to account for the limited time.

11 pages of research!

        In general, I am satisfied with what I have accomplished, and after releasing my videos and trailer to youtube (information here), and perhaps a few other tasks, I will be concluding my project. Sharing and finalizing will be my priority for the remainder of my time, and thus I will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment and finality when it is all released. Though the project is not something I am likely to continue after this year of biology, the concept and ideology is something I will be taking with me, to future classes and endeavors. This never-ending search for answers is, after all, one of the fundamental concepts that drive science and technology forward.

Progress Report: Enrich and Extend

        Time is flying past, and so are my ideas for the remainder of my project. As the weeks in which I can work on my 20 Time are numbered, the opportunities for me to expand on my project are similarly restricted. Unfortunately, between getting sick, AP testing, and time-consuming "What on Earth projects," I have not had much time to complete my planned videos.
        However, I have been redirecting my efforts toward a goal I think is definitely practical: in order to publicize my videos and spread interest in biology, I will polish them (e.g. audio quality, speed, transitions, etc.) and then upload them publicly to YouTube. In addition, I have also been working on a trailer to promote the videos as a single project, which I will release along with the finished videos in the next two weeks.
        As the school year is ending, I too, am returning from this journey of a project. Expect a reflection soon, as I recap the process I have been through. I will also be doing a final write-up to conclude the project. Until then, onward we go!