Let me start off by saying that I have always known about light pollution, but have never known the extent of the damages that it causes. Since last year, I saw myself growing a large interest in Samuel’s STF topic. At times it even intrigued me more than my own topic. Fast forward to this year, I remembered him talking to me about how this topic could very important to me. He gave me a brief breakdown on the topic, but when he got into how light pollution harmed our biotic community I was instantly hooked.
As a group we already knew we wanted to break down our STF into parts (animals, economy, human health, ecosystems). Obviously I took the section that involved animals, after all it was the main reason I joined the group in the first place. Most of our work and research was done outside of school and when we would gather on Wednesday we talk about our progress and share how everything intertwined with each other. A little towards the end of the first quarter, I got to work on our website while Michael contacted stakeholders.
The research aspect leading up to the portfolio went as expected. I knew I wouldn't have trouble with this part because I enjoy learning about new things, especially topics that I am passionate about. I've always been focused on how animals were being harmed by climate change and pollution. Never did I think to consider that light pollution played a huge factor. Based on my research, I have come to the conclusion that light pollution harms wildlife and ecosystems because artificial light radically alters an animal's environment.
For example, light pollution interferes with nocturnal animals to make their night seem like day. It negatively attracts animals and insects such as sea turtles and moths. Artificial light also disrupts the migration of birds and other animals. These are some of the few examples, some that I didn’t even know of.
That being said, when I wrote my articles, I found myself being very passionate about the topic while writing, especially when it came to talking about sea turtles. At one point I realized that there might have been to much emotion in my articles, that instead of speaking logically I was writing out of spite for humans. Although, I still am at lost for words at the damage we make by over using artificial light. Nevertheless, I still went back and I overlooked my articles. I tried using more logic because in the end my goal is to inform people not hate on them.
Overall, I think the research aspect of this project went, and continues, to go very well. I'm glad I can focus on something that i’m very interested in. In a way this project makes me feel close to home because a lot of the animals that are affected happen to be sea animals. However, I do think my articles need more help, I am determined to have two great writing pieces before our final is due. To conclude, I hope this branches out into a potential internship or even career, and I hope my group is willing to put in the effort to make this work.