Cycles
Carbon Cycle
"The cycle of carbon in living things in which carbon dioxide is used in photosynthesis to form food and growth substances and is later returned to the environment by respiration, decay, and burning." The carbon cycle is the process when carbon journeys from the atmosphere into the earth then back to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is taken from the air and used to make food by plants. Animals eat the plants where carbon starts being stored in their bodies or released as CO2 by respiration. |
Oxygen Cycle
"The process by which oxygen released into the atmosphere by photosynthetic organisms is taken up by aerobic organisms while the carbon dioxide released as a by-product of repiration is taken up for photosynthesis." The oxygen cycle is connected to the carbon cycle. Plants create oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. The trees use sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce energy in order to release oxygen. Animals breathes in the oxygen and then exhales out carbon dioxide. |
Nitrogen Cycles "A continuous series of natural processes by which nitrogen passes successively from air to soil to organisms and back to air or soil involving principally nitrogen fixation, nitrification, decay, and denitrification." Bacteria known as "nitrogen-fixing bacteria" are organisms that convert nitrogen from the soil into ammonia. The ammonia can then be taken up by plants. When nitrogen is fixed, there are other bacteria that convert it into nitrate- this process is known as nitrification. |
Loops
Positive Feedback Loops
A positive feedback loop occurs in nature when the product of a reaction leads to an increase in that reaction. If we look at a system in homeostasis, a positive feedback loop moves a system further away from the target of equilibrium. It does this by amplifying the effects of a product or event and occurs when something needs to happen quickly. Example: An example of a positive feedback loop is child birth. During labor, a hormone called "oxytocin" is released which intensifies and speeds up contractions for mothers. Negative Feedback Loops A negative feedback loop occurs when the product of a reaction leads to a decrease in that reaction. Therefore, a negative feedback loop brings a system closer to a target of stability or homeostasis. Negative feedback loops are responsible for the stabilization of a system, and ensure the maintenance of a stable state. Example: An example of a negative feedback loop is "Thermoregulation." If your body temperature changes, mechanisms are there in order to restore your levels back to normal. |
Food Journal
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Food Journal
For our food journal, we were required to log everything that we ate over a long period of time. With each log, we had to answer 4 questions...
1. What did you eat?
We logged every meal we ate for a little more than a week.
2. Is it organic?
"produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents."
It was important that we answered this questions so that we know where and how our our food has been grown and transported to. It also tells us if there are any artificial ingredients included.
3. Is it locally soured?
"The food is grown, produced and/or processed locally and then sold within the same specific geographical area. ... Food is considered locally sourced if it is produced and sold in the same local area."
This information will tell us if the food we consumed was grown and purchased in the same local area.
4. Is it processed?
"Food processing is any deliberate change in a food that occurs before it's available for us to eat or purchase."
This information will show the artificial changes in our food that we consume.
For our food journal, we were required to log everything that we ate over a long period of time. With each log, we had to answer 4 questions...
1. What did you eat?
We logged every meal we ate for a little more than a week.
2. Is it organic?
"produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents."
It was important that we answered this questions so that we know where and how our our food has been grown and transported to. It also tells us if there are any artificial ingredients included.
3. Is it locally soured?
"The food is grown, produced and/or processed locally and then sold within the same specific geographical area. ... Food is considered locally sourced if it is produced and sold in the same local area."
This information will tell us if the food we consumed was grown and purchased in the same local area.
4. Is it processed?
"Food processing is any deliberate change in a food that occurs before it's available for us to eat or purchase."
This information will show the artificial changes in our food that we consume.
Analysis
After completing my food journal, I noticed that I don't eat very healthy. 90% of the foods I eat are not organic, not locally sourced, and processed. I compared my food journal results to the results of some of my classmates and I noticed that I'm not the only one who doesn't eat organic or locally sourced meals. I think my results show that it is harder to eat organic foods or locally sourced meals because sometimes those foods tend to be more expensive. I can improve my diet by making it my goal to eat a locally sourced meal at least once a week. Eating locally sourced meals are important because it supports local. This will also improve my health and I will know that all the food I am putting in my body is organic and locally grown in my community.
After completing my food journal, I noticed that I don't eat very healthy. 90% of the foods I eat are not organic, not locally sourced, and processed. I compared my food journal results to the results of some of my classmates and I noticed that I'm not the only one who doesn't eat organic or locally sourced meals. I think my results show that it is harder to eat organic foods or locally sourced meals because sometimes those foods tend to be more expensive. I can improve my diet by making it my goal to eat a locally sourced meal at least once a week. Eating locally sourced meals are important because it supports local. This will also improve my health and I will know that all the food I am putting in my body is organic and locally grown in my community.
Food Security
Food Security is "the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life." Basically, food security occurs when there is 100% access to nutritious food. Food security is important because it allows you the option to eat a locally sourced meal or to have access to nutritious foods. Without food security, you are forced to purchase foods from the store that may not be organic or could have been processed. |
CTAHR Learning Field Trip
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This learning trip was an amazing experience with Dr. Radavich. Not only did we gain new knowledge on how plants are grown and what can affect their process, but were also given the privilege to physically help out. We had to rake weeds and replant. I was grateful for the opportunity to help give back to the ʻāina because the ʻāina takes care of us. We also learned the importance of healthy soil and the importance of organic nutrients. These are important because they affect the way plants are grown. I was very thankful to have been apart of this learning trip because these are the rare opportunities I get to mālama honua. I am also thankful that we got to work together as one community and share the gift of aloha ʻāina. |
Hydroponics
My group (Palikū, Leina, Cullen) were given the responsibility to look after the cabbage plants. It is our kuleana to go down to the mala and make sure that the plants are getting even amounts of sunlight and water. We also have to track the growth rate and make sure that the plants are growing healthy and sufficiently. Additionally, we are required to feed the plants every so often to make sure they are getting organic nutrients to help them flourish. So far, all the plant are growing pretty well, some better than others. My group and I go down to check almost every class to make sure everything is running smoothly. These pictures show how they have progressively grown from the very beginning. |
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