Independent Study Update

1) What have you chosen to do as your first independent study?

- I have chosen to join a fire explorers program at the West Covina Station 1.

2)  How does this task relate to your essential question?

- This task relates to my EQ because joining a fire explorers gives so much experience (learning the basics/training) of working together with others trying to be successful fire fighters.

3)  What tasks associated with your first independent study have you accomplished so far?

-Well, my independent study is joing a fire explorers and that specific program does not approve everybody. I have got to go in January for the try outs and just do my best to get in the program. I've talked to the chief (over the phone) and got my number to call me so I can go for the try outs coming soon. The chief seemed very pleased of me calling because he had sent me an email explaining which station to contact him and to get information on joining the fire explorers.

Interview 2 Questions

1) What got you interested becoming a fire fighter?

2) How did you get started in fire fighting? Ex: what schools or programs?

3) What do you enjoy most about being a fire fighter? Why?

4) What is the hardest thing or job you have to do in fire fighting? How do you work to make it easier for yourself?

5) How long have you been a fire fighter? What position/rank are you working in which fire department?

Defining the Essential Question

1) What is most important in becoming a successful fire explorer?

2) Important- looking for the right classes/programs to get myself started in the right path.

Successful- getting to my goal, actually working inside a fire department for my city.
Fire Explorers- joining the West Covina Fire Post 465 and learning the basic skills of becoming a firefighter and talking to the W.C. Fire advisors of getting me into EMT and EMS classes.  

3) I believe my EQ answers are mainly joining the fire explorers at West Covina, volunteering extra time at the fire department to learn more skills, and keeping up a physique diet. 

4) The most important source so far I have is Fire Fighter Jason Robles. He has provided me the time to give me an application to join the explorers and has told me his experiences of becoming a firefighter which is no easy task, but he, since he is my advisor, is teaching me new understandable ways to get hired to work in a fire department.  

Essential Question

EQ: "What is the best quality needed in becoming a sufficient firefighter?"

a) There are different definitions for 'qualities.' Other qualities needed to become a sufficient firefighter.

b) Whats one of the best qualities becoming a firefighter- having a good body health and or top physical shape. Or quality can be knowing good knowledge.

c)  Joining the Fire Explorers. Taking college 'Fire Classes.' Going to fire departments and asking questions to the Fire Chief.

5 min Presentation Reflection

What would you say stood out about your presentation performance and what was most challenging to do and why?

- I would have to say that most stood out in my performance was I shook the Firefighters hand and said my name in a loud enough voice. Just after, he asked to sit down and we started asking questions. It was good that I talked about our school, i-Poly, because he had never heard of it and wanted to know more about parking lot K. So every time I would ask a question about the smartest way getting into Firefighting and then he would ask about i-Poly. Talking about my job (high school projects) and talking about his job (Firefighting), I think was my best performance. The most challenging thing to do in my interview was giving him my full eye contact because he was telling me so much good information to write down, but I knew we had to just put our focus straight and write after he is done. Also I think it went good because his name is Mike.  

Interview 1 Reflection

What is the most important thing I learned from the interview and why?

- The most important thing I've learned about becoming a Firefighter is actually a lot of important facts. Well, I learned that when you are ready to become a firefighter you first have to take fire classes in college and study for the writing exams. Then just as soon as your done with that, you can apply for The Pack Test. The Pack Test is not a test that demonstrates that an incumbent firefighter is "fit for duty." It's a test that studies on one specific firefighters fitness and how that firefighter can work for the Wildland Fighting. To be accepted you got to be able to complete the firefighters fitness standards and the wellness fitness completion, successfully. So, reading more in depth about The Pack Test, I have got to bring in all of my dedication and 100% strength.    

5 min Presentations

-For my 5 min presentation I am going to be talking about how and why fire fighters use fire hydrants.

1. Talk about the use of fire hydrants
2. Show my picture of a red fire hydrant
3. Explain the difference from yellow and red fire hydrants
4. Show my picture of a yellow fire hydrant
5. Explain how fire fighters actually use the fire hydrants with their hoses
6. Lastly, explain why some fire hydrants explode with water shooting sky high!

-Well, maybe I can ask them questions so they can answer to get a better understanding.

-I am going to bring in 3 pictures (or maybe one big one) of the fire hydrants. The first one is going to be a red fire hydrant with a fire fighters hose attached. The second, a yellow fire hydrant. The third, a fire hydrant that is shooting out water.

Research Semester 1

Service Learning

Science Fair

Research Semester 2

Research Semester 1

Product

Math

Interview 1

Who am I going to interview?
-I am going to interview a firefighter, named Mike Saldana, at the fire department in Hacienda, close to my house.

What are some other questions I may ask that I came up with?
-Do you think I can become a fire fighter at such a young age?
-Without EMT classes, would I still be able to be a "good enough" fire fighter?

Independent Study 2

Independent Study 1

I-Search

Exit Interview

Career