Monthly Archives: October 2017

English 12, Grade 12

Gandalf’s Quote

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This quote from Gandalf really captures the essence of Allison Howard’s essay, The South African Storm. Allison discusses the issue of how conventional thinking can influence our instincts and cause us to act with a racist attitude. She suggests that even though she alone cannot fix the past or do anything to change racism around the world, she does have the power to change her own everyday actions. Those small actions change the present in the lives of those around her, which is what really matters. This idea is supported by Gandalf’s quote, which states small, daily actions defeats the greatest conflicts, which would be institutionalized racism in Allison’s essay. From my own personal observations, I have found that Gandalf’s saying is true. When I witness bullying happening around me, adult intervention does not always put an end to it. Instead, when other individuals of the same age stand up for each other, the bullies have less power over them. The more we include and accept others for their differences in our daily lives, the less opportunities bullies will have to take advantage of another’s weakness. Hence, this philosophy presented by Gandalf and Allison provides insight on making the world a better place.

Grade 12, Psychology 12

Neurons

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There are 3 types of neurons: Motor neurons, sensory neurons, and interneurons. Every neuron has three distinct parts: Axons, dendrites, and cell bodies. Axons transmit and carry signals to other neurons, and dendrites receive signals. The cell body supports the neuron’s life.

Neurons communicate by sending electrical pulses. This process is called action potential. They send electrical charges through depolarization and repolarization. At resting potential, the inside of the axon has a negative charge. During depolarization, channels in the axon’s membrane open up to let in sodium ions, which changes the charge of the axon. Next, in repolarization, potassium ions exit the axon, causing it to have a negative charge again. This process repeats itself all throughout the axon, which moves the charge through the neuron.

Synapse Structure and Function

Once the action potential has reached the end of the axon, also known as the axon terminal, it moves to the next neuron’s receptors. Little pockets of chemicals called neurotransmitters is released into the synaptic gap, and fits into the receptors of the second neuron’s dendrites. These chemicals trigger certain functions to occur. Some of them can be either excitatory or inhibitory. If it is excitatory, then the receiving neuron will continue to send the action potential. If it is inhibitory, then it will stop sending messages.