My Stars & Stripes Award Process

December 7th, 2016


Hello Readers,

I just wanted to give you an update on my posts. The reason there has been no posts lately for badges is because I am working on the Stars & Stripes Award. This award is the highest recognition in American Heritage Girls program.  The process takes at least 9 months to complete.

I am hoping to post a little while I go through this process.  Right now my project idea has been approved and now I am working on my project description.

Keep checking back for updates and to read my other posts!!!

Thanks for following and reading!

Photography Badge #26

Photography Badge #26
November 1st, 2016


Optional 26 wanted me to research two people who made contributions to the history of photography and how they furthered technological or artistic aspect of photography.

My two people are: Nicéphore Niépce and Alfred Stieglitz.

Nicéphore Niépce's contribution/technological futherment: He is believed to be the first person to invent photography by his invention of heliography, (sun drawing), with a camera. Also by making permanent images from photography.

Information websites: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicephore-Niepce and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nic%C3%A9phore_Ni%C3%A9pce

Alfred Stieglitz's contribution/artistic aspect of photography: by making photography a form of art that would be accepted throughout his career. Alfred also learned how photography used chemistry in making fine artistic photographs.

Information websites: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Stieglitz, http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/stgp/hd_stgp.htm, and http://iphf.org/inductees/alfred-stieglitz/

Photograph Badge #18

Photograph Badge #18
October 20th, 2016

Requirement 18 wanted me to find out what "speed" of a film means.  Also decide what speed of film is best in different situation.

Speed of a film or film speed definition: is the measure of a photographic film's sensitivity to light, determined by sensitometry and measured on various numerical scales, the most recent being the ISO system. A closely related ISO system is used to measure the sensitivity of digital imaging systems.

Shutter Speed video:

Film Speed video:

 
When is speed of film best used in different situations website: http://www.guidetofilmphotography.com/film-speed-uses.html

Camping Badge #17

Camping Badge #17
October 3rd, 2016

For number 17, the requirement wanted me to make a shelter or lean-to by only using a tarp and rope. Also to make my own bedding with natural items and a ground cloth.

I already make my shelter in a previous post.
http://myahgjourney.blogspot.com/2015/05/outdoor-skills-badge-22.html


Pictures of my natural bedding with a ground cloth. I used pine needles as the bedding.

Our Constitution Badge #10 Part of #19

Our Constitution Badge #10 Part of #19
September 12th, 2016

For requirement #10, it wanted me to memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and recite it to my Troop, Unit, or to another group

Preamble to the U.S. Constitution: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
 website: http://constitutionus.com/

What is the importance of the Preamble?
website: http://kids.laws.com/preamble-of-the-constitution

Who wrote the Preamble?
Gouverneur Morris
website: http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/2016/01/the-man-who-actually-wrote-the-words-we-the-people/ 

What does the Preamble do? A few examples.
1. Insure domestic tranquility
2. Provide for the common defense 
3. Establish justice
website: http://kids.laws.com/preamble-of-the-constitution  

Photograph Badge #24

Photograph Badge #24
September 14th, 2016


Optional 24 wanted be to learn about how a film are processed in a darkroom by watching a live demonstration or on videotape. I found a YouTube video.

How to processed a film in a darkroom:

Chemical dangers with a darkroom:

http://istillshootfilm.org/post/109209577550/how-to-handle-darkroom-chemicals

Our Constitution Badge #2 Part of #9 & #19

Our Constitution Badge #2 Part of #9 & #19
September 12th, 2016


Requirement 2 wanted me to read and memorize the 56 words of the The Declaration of Independence, Starting from "We hold these truths..." through "...consent of the governed."  Also what do these words mean?

The Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

Website for The Declaration of Independence: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

Talk about what these words mean with your family, friends, etc.

What do the words mean to you?
Please post your answer in the comment box.

My Pioneer/Patriot Sash

My Pioneer/Patriot Sash
August 17th, 2016


I have a total of 31 badges, 8- 15 hour service stars and 10- 20 hour service stars. Total of 18 service stars, three level awards, and my religion award.


The badges I earned are:
1. Stick Shifts & Safety Belts
2. Artastic
3. World Heritage
4. Our Flag
5. Textile Arts
6. All God's Children
7. Cooking
8. Internet Adventure
9. Fire Safety & Fire Building
10. Sewing
11. Home Care & Repair
12. Pet Care
13. Travel
14. Theater
15. Bible Basics
16. Horsemanship
17. Young Meteorologist
18. Sign Language
19. Daughter of the King
20. Citizenship and Government
21. Dance
22. Kid Care
23. Engineering
24. Family Helper
25. Emergency Preparedness
26. Money Management
27. Memory Maker
28. Outdoors Skills
29. Cake Decorating
30. Geology
31. Social Skills and Etiquette



 My recent level award

The three level awards I have earned are:
1. Lewis and Clark- 2012
2. Harriet Tubman- 2014
3. Dolley Madison- 2016


 Also I have 14 activity patches. 

They are:
1. Operation Christmas Child
2. Go Light Your World
3. American Heritage Girls Camporee
4. Like Mother, Like Daughter
5. Dad & Daughter
6. 2- AHG's National Day of Service
7. Free to B a Blessing
8. 2- Pen Pal
9. 2- Service Patches
10. Respect Life
11. Mother Daughter Tea

Home Decorating Badge #13

Home Decorating Badge #13
July 6th, 2016


Requirement #13 wanted me to talk to interior decorator. home fashion consult, or someone trained in this field and learn about their educational requirements. I don't know anyone who is a decorator so I found a website that tells about their educational requirements for the job.

About Interior Decorator and Educational Requirements.
website: http://work.chron.com/main-training-education-interior-designer-10329.html

Also the requirement wanted me to find out what were the basic principles of decorating, color schemes, styles of furnishings, and where to start.

Basic Principles link: http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/the-3-principles-of-interior-design & http://freshome.com/2007/07/12/7-most-important-interior-design-principles/

Color Schemes link: http://freshome.com/2014/10/30/10-color-theory-basics-everyone-should-know/ & http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/basics/how-to-pick-interior-color-schemes/#page=0

Styles of Furnishings link: http://www.furniturefirst.com/furniturefirst/design_styles.inc, & https://www.houseofhome.com.au/article/what-are-the-different-types-of-furniture-styles

Where to Start link: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17899330/list/how-to-decorate-when-youre-starting-out-or-starting-over

Home Decorating Badge #14

Home Decorating Badge #14
July 6th, 2016


For requirement #14, it wanted me to help paint a room, learn about different types of paints, and calculate the square footage of a room.

What is the difference between gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, flat finishes?
Here is a website that help define the differences in paint.
website: https://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/blog/know-the-difference-between-indoor-paint-types/

Definitions of paint types.

Gloss: a type of paint composed of pigments ground up in a varnish medium, which produces a hard, shiny, and usually durable finish Also called gloss

Semi-gloss: a paint that has or produces a moderate, satiny sheen
Satin:a fabric in a warp-effect or filling-effect satin weave, as acetate, rayon, nylon, or silk, often having a glossy face and a soft, slippery texture.
Eggshell: having little or no gloss
Flat Finishes: without gloss; not shiny 
*Definitions are from dictionary.com

What is difference between latex and oil-based paints? Latex paint drys in an hour and Oil-based takes 6-8 hours to dry.
website for differnece: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/differences-in-water-based-oil-based-and-latex-paints
website for paint drying time: http://mycolortopia.com/blog/how-to-paint/long-paint-take-dry-cure

What are the dangers of lead-based paint?
website: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/lead 

The room I was painting is 157 inches long and 163 inches wide.
To paint the room I will need two gallons and one pint of paint.

How to calculate paint for a room.
website: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-calculator

Geology Badge #18

Geology Badge #18
April 30th, 2016


For requirement #18, it wanted to know how rocks and minerals differ, how to identify minerals, define Mohs Scale of Hardness, and look up what my birthstone is.

How do rocks and minerals differ?
website: http://www.diffen.com/difference/Minerals_vs_Rocks

How do the luster, color, streak, hardness, specific gravity, cleavage, fracture and crystal form, help identify minerals?
websites: http://utahscience.oremjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/sciber00/7th/earth/sciber/minerid.htm & http://www.rocksandminerals4u.com/properties_of_minerals.html

What is the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness?
Definition: The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale that characterizes the scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material.
website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_scale_of_mineral_hardness 

Last it wanted me to find out what my birthstone is. My birthstone is Emerald.
 

Geology Badge #15

Geology Badge #15
April 30th, 2016

Requirement number 15 wanted me to learn about three volcanoes and ho the differ. They are: shield, cinder cone, and composite.

How do volcanoes differ?
websites: http://study.com/academy/lesson/types-of-volcanoes-shield-cinder-cones-composite-cones.html & http://www.zmescience.com/other/science-abc/types-of-volcano/

Shield Volcano
website: http://www.zmescience.com/other/science-abc/types-of-volcano/

Cinder Cone Volcano
website: http://www.zmescience.com/other/science-abc/types-of-volcano/

Composite/Stratovolcano
website: http://www.zmescience.com/other/science-abc/types-of-volcano/

Last it wanted me to draw and label a cross-section of a volcano.

My cross-section of a volcano

Geology Badge #9

Geology Badge #9
April 30th, 2016


This requirement is part of #14 for the Pi/Pa girls.

Requirement #9 wanted me to dig a simple Perc Test that was 8in. deep and 4in. wide. Then I had to fill it with water and put a ruler in the hole. The requirement wanted me to time the process to see how long it took for the water to drop 3 inches. Also, it asked what does the soil look like during a dry spell or after a long rainy spell.

My soil was wet and muddy because it has been raining at our house.

Why would the Perc Test be good for a garden?
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6VV6OU3ssA

What is a Perc Test?
Definition: is a test to determine the absorption rate of soil for a septic drain field or "leach field". The results of a percolation test are required to properly design a septic system.

My hole at 7inches.




















My hole at 4 inches. It drop 3 inches in 51 minutes.

Geology #22

Geology #22
April 28th, 2016

For optional 22, it wanted me describe the four main types of coastal zones.  They are rocky, sandy, coral, and wetland.

Rocky Coastal Zone: Rocky coasts are continuously cut back by the sea and are characterized by erosion features. They have a slow rate of morphological change, and experience the main erosion processes of: mechanical wave erosion, abrasion and hydraulic action; weathering - physical, salt, chemical and water-layer leveling; bio-erosion - biochemical and biophysical; and mass movements by rock falls and toppling, slides and flows.
weblink:  http://www.marbef.org/wiki/coastal_zone_characteristics

Sandy Coastal Zone: Sand is a very common marine sediment and is transported along the shoreline by littoral transport. Sand transport (littoral transport or littoral drift) is driven by the breaking waves and the long shore currents in the wave breaking zone. The appearance of a natural sandy beach is determined by hydrographic conditions and geology. Any interference will cause a reaction in the form of a shoreline response. Therefore, understanding of physical processes is important and the development of suitable solutions required, supported by numerical modelling if needed.
weblink: http://www.marbef.org/wiki/coastal_zone_characteristics

Coral Coastal Zone/Coral Reef: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef

Wetland Coastal Zone: https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/coastal-wetlands

What are the features of waves like: crest, wavelength, trough, wave height/amplitude.

Wave Crest/Wave Trough: http://www.everythingmaths.co.za/science/grade-10/08-transverse-waves/08-transverse-waves-03.cnxmlplus & http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/Lesson-2/The-Anatomy-of-a-Wave

Wave Wavelength: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/Lesson-2/The-Anatomy-of-a-Wave

Wave Height/Amplitude: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/Lesson-2/The-Anatomy-of-a-Wave

What causes waves?
weblink: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/wavesinocean.html

What causes tides?
weblink: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/tides/tides02_cause.html

What is coastal erosion and how can we protect our coasts from becoming severely eroded away?
weblink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastal_erosion & http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Protection_against_coastal_erosion

Camping Badge #13

Camping Badge #13
April 13th, 2016


For requirement 13, it wanted me to design a typical campsite that included a dining area, cooking area, fire pit, tent area, and a bathroom area.

A picture of my designed camping area:    

 














Also, it wanted to know how weather, water, and the lay of the land is important in designing a campsite. I discussed this part with my dad.
                                                  

Geology #17

Geology #17
April 27th, 2016


Requirement #17 wanted me to choose a national or state park.  I chose Jockey's Ridge State park.

Jockey's Ridge is the tallest sand dune system in the Eastern part of United States. The height differs between 80 to 100 feet. 

Number 16 also wanted to know what outstanding or unique features can be found in the park.
Jockey's Ridge can be described as a big hill of shifting sand.

The main geologic process to form these features is by strong water currants that push the sand from offshore areas onto a beach. Then the wind takes the sand and blows it to form the sand dunes. 

The information for this requirement is found at: http://www.ncparks.gov/jockeys-ridge-state-park/history

Geology Badge #16

Geology Badge #16
April 27th, 2016


For number 16, it wanted me to define eight different terms.  They are:

Focus: the point of origin of an earthquake
Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/focus?s=t

Epicenter: Also, epicentrum. Geology. a point, directly above the true center of disturbance, from which the shock waves of an earthquake apparently radiate.
 Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/epicenter?s=t

After Shock: A less powerful earthquake that follows a more forceful one. Aftershocks usually originate at or near the focus of the main earthquakes they follow and can continue for days or months. They usually decrease in magnitude and frequency with time.
 Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/aftershock?s=t

Seismograph: any of various instruments for measuring and recording the vibrations of earthquakes.
Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/seismograph?s=t

Richter Scale: a scale, ranging from 1 to 10, for indicating the intensity of an earthquake.
Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/richter-scale?s=t

Surface Waves: a seismic wave that travels along or parallel to the earth's surface.
Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/surface-wave?s=t

P Waves: a longitudinal earthquake wave that travels through the interior of the earth and is usually the first conspicuous wave to be recorded by a seismograph.
Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/p--wave?s=t

S Waves: a transverse earthquake wave that travels through the interior of the earth and is usually the second conspicuous wave to reach a seismograph.
Dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/s-wave?s=t

Also the requirement asked if our area is prone to earthquake hazards like: landslides, ground rupture, shaking, liquefaction, or tsunamis.

Landslides
link: http://wlos.com/news/local/nc-geological-survey-talks-landslide-concerns & http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/Natural_Disasters/eqhazards&risks.htm

Ground Rupture
link: http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/Natural_Disasters/eqhazards&risks.htm

Shaking- could not find anything about shaking for our state. If you find something about it, please post in the comment box.

Liquefaction
link: http://geology.com/usgs/liquefaction/

Tsunamis
link: http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/Natural_Disasters/eqhazards&risks.htm

The last question number 16 asked was:
What are the safety instructions for your area during an earthquake?
Link: https://www.thehartford.com/resources/home/earthquake-safety

Stick Shifts & Safety Belts Badge #20

Stick Shifts & Safety Belts Badge #20
April 26th, 2016



For requirement number 20, it wanted me to research different types of fuel available for today's cars.

Different types of fuel are: gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum, compressed natural gas, ethanol, and bio-diesel.
weblink: http://www.ehow.com/list_7347672_six-fuels-used-today_s-vehicles.html 

Also it asked what do the different octane ratings mean.

Octane ratings definition: Octane rating or octane number is a standard measure of the performance of an engine or aviation fuel. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating (igniting).

Our car uses the number 87 for its octane number at the gas station.

The last thing the requirement wanted me to do was to calculate the gas mileage of our car.

How to calculate the gas mileage
weblink: http://eartheasy.com/article_gas_mileage.htm

Our gas mileage for our car is 20mpg.

Camping Badge #14

Camping Badge #14
April 18th, 2016



Requirement #14 wanted to describe types of animal that might be attracted to your campsite by improperly stored food. Also, describe methods to secure food from wild animals, bad weather, and spoilage.

Animals that would be attracted to your campsite by improperly stored food could be deer, mountain goats, marmots, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, bears and some birds.
Weblink: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/food-storage-requirements.htm 

How to secure food from wild animals


How to secure food from bad weather
Place food in a waterproof bag or container so it does not get wet.

 How to secure food from spoilage

How to secure food using a bear wire

Stick Shifts & Safety Belts Badge #24

Stick Shifts & Safety Belts Badge #24
April 18th, 2016

For optional 24, it wanted me to design my ideal car. Also, it asked what fuel it would use, how many seats, color, safety features, and style of the car.

My car fuel would be gas, seat four, the color would be lime green, and the style of the car would be a Toyota Highlander. The safety features would include: air bags, daytime running lights, nighttime running lights, and a braking system.
 

What would your ideal car look like? What safety features would it have? How many seats would your car hold? What style of car would it be?

Post pictures and your answers in the comment box below.

Safety features in a car.
Link: http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/Safety-Features/Safety-Features-List/

Camping Badge #25

Camping Badge #25
April 13th, 2016


For optional 25, it wanted me to know the importance of safe, clean water and how to identify safe and unsafe water.


Importance of safe, clean water and how to identify it:
YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxR-WtgF-gQ  , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUvmZZESmDg , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RL7IQ5fcCw , & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMP9-49I1U4


Also, the optional wanted me to learn and demonstrate two methods of water purification. They are:

Boiling Water

YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrwZn7llsyw, & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kieGBkOdyMU
Website: http://www.wikihow.com/Purify-Water

Creating a Purifying System in the Wilderness- Method 2
Website: http://www.wikihow.com/Purify-Water
 

Camping Badge #26

Camping Badge #26
April 10th, 2016



Optional 26 wanted me to describe the advantages and disadvantages of using white gas, propane, and butane stoves.

White gas stove: aka. “Coleman Fuel stove"
Advantages: hotter fuel source, cheaper,
Disadvantages: frequent cleaning, heavy,
Website for safety procedure: http://www.livestrong.com/article/137699-safety-using-liquid-fuel-camping-stove/

Propane stove
Advantages: simple to use, clean burn, no odor, full simmer control, no maintenance required, & many brands
Disadvantages: tend to fail in cold temperatures, fuel somewhat expensive, & fuel canister not always available
Website for safety procedures: http://www.livestrong.com/article/165273-propane-stove-safety/

Butane stove
Advantages: inexpensive, works quickly, easy to use, less toxic, better for the environment, easy to carry, & energy efficient
Disadvantage: when it's below freezing, the gas does not work as well 
Website for safety procedures: http://www.ehow.com/about_6676681_butane-stove-safety.html

Camping Badge #28

Camping Badge #28
April 10th, 2016


Optional 28 wanted me to research three different types of sleeping bag filling.

Down sleeping bag filling
Advantages: lightweight, breathable  & best heat option
Disadvantages: price is more expensive, take a long to dry, not warm when wet, & not easy to clean

Synthetic sleeping bag filling
Advantages: quick drying, insulates when wet, less expensive, 
Disadvantages: less warmth for its weight, bulkier, & hard to clean

PolarGuard/Polarguard 3D/PolarGuard Delta sleeping bag filling
Advantages: not bulky, light weight, dries quickly, does not lose insulation when wet, & easy to clean
Disadvantages: it's stiff, & little expensive