Ap Bio Lab One: Osmosis and Diffusion

Meghann Kiphart AP Biology Lab Report Number One Mrs. Irvine Introduction: Because all molecules have kinetic energy and are constantly in motion cells go through a process called diffusion. Diffusion is the movement if molecules from an area of higher concentration to and area of lower concentration. This process with continue to occur until an equilibrium is reached. Osmosis is a different and unique kind of diffusion. Osmosis is the diffusion of water through a permeable membrane. The phrase â€Å"permeable membrane† means that the membrane will only allow specific molecules through such a water or oxygen.In Osmosis water will travel from an area of higher water potential or an area of lower water potential. Hypothesis: I think that in this lab, osmosis and diffusion will occur between the solutions of different concentrations until a equilibrium is reached and there is no movement of water. Materials: EXERCISE 1A: Diffusion The materials include a 30-cm piece of 2. 5-cm di alysis tubing, 15-mL of the 15% glucose/1% starch solution, 250-mL beaker, distilled water, 4-mL Lugol’s solution, and string. EXERCISE 1B: Osmosis The materials used include 25-mL of these solutions: distilled water, 0. M sucrose, 0. 4M sucrose, 0. 6M sucrose, 0. 8M sucrose, and 1. 0M sucrose, scissors, string, a balance, six 250-mL cups, and six 30cm strips of dialysis tubing. EXERCISE 1C: Water Potential The materials that were used included 50mL of distilled water, 0. 2M sucrose, 0. 4M sucrose, 0. 6M sucrose, 0. 8M sucrose, and 1. 0M sucrose, six 250mL cups with lids, 4 potato cores for each cup, a balance, and paper towel. EXERCISE 1D: Calculation of Water Potential from Experimental Data This exercise required a calculator and a pencil. Procedure: EXERCISE 1A:Soak the dialysis tubing in water before you start the experiment. Tie off one end of the tubing to form a bag like structure. Through the open end of the bad, place the starch solution in to the bag. Tie off the o ther end of the bag to secure the substance inside. Make sure to record the color of the solution in Table 1. 1. Next you’re going to text the starch solution for the presence of glucose. Record the results in Table 1. 1. Fill a 250ml cup about 2/3 of the way full with distilled water. Add 4ml of Lugol’s solution into the distilled water. Record the color of the solution in the Table 1. . Put the bag in the cup full of the solution. Allow the bag and cup to stand over night. The next day record the final color of the solution in Table 1. 1. Finally test the liquid in the cup and in the bag for the presence of glucose. Record the final results in Table 1. 1. EXERCISE 1B: Get six strips of presoaked dialysis tubing and create a bag like was shown in exercise 1A. Pour 25mL of the six solutions into each of the six bags. Tie off the other end of the bags. Rinse each bag gently with distilled water and dry the outside of the bag with a paper towel.Weigh each bag and record the results in Table 1. 2. Put each of the six bags into the cups with the six different solutions. Let stand over night. The next day remove the bags from the water and carefully dry the bags with paper towel. Weigh each bag and record them in Table 1. 2. Gather the other lab group’s data to be able to complete Table 1. 3. EXERCISE 1C: Pour 50mL of the solutions into a labeled 250mL cups. Using a cork borer, cut the potato into 24 cylinders. (4 potato cores x 6 cups = 24 potato cores altogether) weigh the mass of each set of 4 potato cores.Record the data in Table 1. 4. Put 4 potato cores into each solution cup. Cover the cup with a lid to prevent evaporation. Let stand overnight. Remove cores from the cup and dry them with a paper towel. Then determine there combined weigh in groups of 4 (from the same cup). Record the results in Table 1. 4. Calculate the percentages changes in mass. Collect the class data and determine the class change in mass. EXPERIMENT 1D: Determine the solute, pressure, and the water potential of the sucrose solution. Then, graph the information that is given about the zucchini cores. Questions:EXPERIMENT 1A: 1. Which substances are entering the bag and which are leaving the bag? What evidence supports the answer? Distilled water and IKI are leaving and entering. Glucose is able to leave the bag. 2. Explain the results that were obtained. Include the concentration differences and membrane pore size in the discussion. Glucose and small molecules were able to move through the pores. Water and IKI moved from high to low concentration. 3. How could this experiment be modified so that quantitative data could be collected to show that water diffused into the dialysis bag?You could mass the bag before and after it is placed into the solution. 4. Based on your observations, rank the following by relative size, beginning with the smallest: glucose molecules, water molecules, IKI molecules, membrane pores, and starch molecules. Water molec ules, IKI molecules, Glucose molecules, membrane pores, and starch molecules. 5. what results would you expect if the experiment started with a glucose and IKI solution inside the bag and only starch and water outside? The glucose and IKI would move out of the bag and turn the starch and water solution purple/ blue.The starch couldn’t move inside the bag because its molecules are too big to pass through the membrane of the tubing. EXERCISE 1B: 1. Explain the relationship between the change in mass and the molarity of sucrose within the dialysis bags. The solute in hypertonic and water will move into the bag. As the molarity increases the water moves into the bag. 2. Predict what would happen to the mass of each bag in the experiment of all the bags were places in a 0. 4M sucrose solution instead of distilled water. With the 0. 2M bag, the water would move out. With the 0. M bag, there will be no net movement of water because the solutions reach equilibrium. With the 0. 6M-1. 0M bags the water would move into the bags. 3. Why did you calculate the percent change in mass rather then simply using the change in mass? This was calculated because each group began with different initial masses and we would have different data. All the groups need consistent data. 4. A dialysis bag is filled with distilled water and then places in a sucrose solution. The bag’s initial mass is 20g and its final mass is 18g. Calculate the percent change of mass, showing your calculations. 18-20)/20) x 100 = 10% 5. The sucrose solution in the cup would have been hypotonic to the distilled water in the bag. EXPERIMENT 1D 1. If the potato core is allowed to dehydrate by sitting in the open air, would the water potential of the potato cells decrease or increase? Why? It would decrease because the water would leave the cells and cause the water potential to go down. 2. If a plant cell has a lower water potential then its surrounding environment and if pressure is equal to zero, is the cell hypertonic or hypotonic to its environment?Will the cell gain water or lose water? It is hypotonic and it will gain water. 3. The cup is open to the atmosphere, what is the pressure potential of the system? The pressure potential is zero. 4. Where is the greatest water potential? In the dialysis bag. 5. Water will diffuse out of the bag. Why? It is because the water moves from the area of high water potential to an area of lower water potential. 6. What effect does adding solute have on the solute potential component of the solution? Why? It makes it more negative 7.Consider what would happen to a red blood sell placed in distilled water: A) which would have the higher concentration of water molecules? Distilled Water B) which would have the higher water potential? Distilled Water C) what would happen to the red blood cell? Why? It would leak, because it would take to much water. Conclusion: In Exercise 1A the data collected helped tell which molecules can and can not m ove across a cell membrane. IKI, we know because of its color change, was able to move across a membrane. Starch, although, is too large to move across a membrane.Glucose was able to move freely, along with the water, across the cell membrane. In 1B, it was proven that water moves faster across the cell membrane then sucrose. The water moved to help reach equilibrium between the 2 solutions. The sucrose molecules are too big to move across the membrane as fast as water can. In experiment 1C showed that the potatoes contained sucrose. The sucrose in the potato raised the solute potential, which lowered the water potential. The cup of distilled water had a high water potential water moves down the concentration gradient, causing the potato cores to take on water.

A Personalised Induction Will Always Be More Effective The WritePass Journal

A Personalised Induction Will Always Be More Effective Introduction A Personalised Induction Will Always Be More Effective , p.24). Based on this, it is clear that the authoritarian approach is not viable, and as a result, it is not logical to oppose the personalised approach based on Hulls perspective since he does not take into account preferences and expectations of the participants. In addition, Freud’s research asserts that the process of hypnosis would give better results when the subject was on deep trance. Like Hull, Freud adopted the authoritarian technique in a more assertive manner hoping that he would get better results (Sofroniou 2010, p.12). He was particularly interested in the technique because he believed that it was the perfect way of accessing forgotten events and emotions, a cathartic process, which gave relief to his clients. However, Freud became uncomfortable with hypnosis because his patients did not respond uniformly to the process. He was also afraid that the direct suggestion technique might do away with symptoms that were important for the clients to retain. In addition, Freud had worries over the sexual perceptions that surrounded the hypnotic process, which labelled a client as ‘giving herself’ emotionally to the psychiatrist. Because of these reasons, as well as lack of sufficient experience with hypnosis both throu gh research and clinically, Freud decided to quit hypnosis (Zeig Munion 1999, p.48-49). If Freud had adopted the permissive approach, he would have succeeded because the personalised approach relies on suggestions that are in line with the client’s expectations, desires and likes, and as a result, the clients could not lose any important symptom. The permissive technique would also help him to eliminate the ill-sexual perception, since it gives the client greater responsibility unlike the authoritarian technique. State and the role theory Advocates of the state theory, which asserts that hypnotic induction arouses a unique modified state of consciousness in the patient, base their argument on the notable changes that occur to the brain during hypnosis, and to the dramatic effects, which hypnosis can cause such as the disappearance of warts and insensitivity to pain. They also claim that sometimes, both hypnotised and non-hypnotised participants take instructions differently. For instance, in a certain study, both the hypnotised and non-hypnotised were told to run their hands through their hair once they heard the word ‘experiment. The pretenders carried out the suggestion only when the psychiatrist said the word, but the hypnotised participants complied regardless of who gave the suggestion (Coon, Mitterer, Talbot Vanchella, 2010, p.194). Based on this, opponents of the personalised induction claim that the authoritative approach is as effective as the permissive approach. They support their claim by asserting that participants who do not respond to the permissive technique can respond to the authoritarian technique effectively, particularly those who respect authoritarian figures in their life. Moreover, advocates of the role theory assert that hypnosis is not a special state of consciousness. They argue that some of the changes linked with hypnosis can also take place without it. They claim that hypnotised people just comply with the demands of the situation, and act in conformity with a special role. From this point of view, hypnosis provides a socially logical reason to comply with someone’s suggestions, in the same way as a physical exam, which provides a logical reason of removing clothes on request. Supporters of the role theory justify their claims by arguing that non-hypnotised participants sometimes exhibit behaviours that are usually linked with hypnosis (Bernstein Nash, 2008, p.153). Based on this, I disagree with the opponents of the personalised induction who adopt the role theory to support their stance, because the theory rejects the idea of hypnosis without providing concrete reasons. The dissociation theory The dissociation theory provides substantial reasons why the personalised inductions should be adopted during the hypnotic process. The theory suggests that hypnosis is not a single specific state, but the general condition, which temporarily reorganises our normal control over actions and thoughts. Dissociation allows body movements to occur under voluntary control and the involuntary processes to be controlled voluntarily. As Hilgard proposed this theory, he asserted that the relaxation of control occurs because of the social agreement between the hypnotist and the hypnotised person to share control (Bernstein Nash, 2008, p.153-154). In other words, the theory supports the idea that for the process to be effective, the participant should be an active participant, something advocated in the personalised induction approach. Modern hypnosis Based on contemporary hypnosis, a personalised induction seems to be the most effective approach in hypnosis. The approach takes into account the client’s values, desires, and it views the subjects as active participants. It also supports the idea that it is imperative to have the patient as relaxed as possible, get them involved in the in the process, and discuss the expectations and goals of attending the therapy with the client. Furthermore, the modern hypnotherapist starts the therapy session by establishing a rapport with their patients, which is a key aspect of the personalised induction approach (Gaschler 2009, p.21). In the course of the personalised induction, strong relationships between the clients and the therapist are necessary in order to ensure the client is fully involved in the process. Learning Modalities Overtime, personalised induction has stood out as the best because it takes into consideration learning modalities, which are key channels through which people receive, store, and give information. Modality is comprised of perception, sensation, and memory and the key senses include smell, taste, visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic. Knowledge of modalities enables therapists to personalise screeds for each client. When a patients modalities are ascertained, it becomes easy to discuss with them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed (Hogan LaBay 2007, p.226-239). As a result, it becomes easy to achieve the objective of the therapy. Conclusion The above discussion has suggested that personalised induction is more effective than the authoritarian approach. This is because we have different likes, dislikes, desires, perceptions, and we come from different cultural backgrounds. Consequently, to achieve remarkable results in the process of hypnosis, the hypnotist should take into consideration all this aspects. Although a standardized approach (authoritative approach) can be effective in some instances, it only works on subjects who respect the authoritative figures. Moreover, the authoritative technique assumes that all people react in the same manner to suggestions. However, this should not be the case since we possess different traits. Thus, the personalised induction or the permissive approach is the only method through which noteworthy results can be achieved during the hypnotic process, since it acknowledges that we have different likes, dislikes, perceptions and that we come from diverse cultural backgrounds. References Bernstein, D. A., Nash, P. W. (2008). Essentials of psychology. Boston, MA, Houghton Mifflin. Chapman, R. A. (2006). The clinical use of hypnosis in cognitive behavior therapy a practitioners casebook. New York, NY, Springer Pub. Coon, D., Mitterer, J. O., Talbot, S., Vanchella, C. M. (2010). Introduction to psychology: gateways to mind and behavior. Belmont, Calif, Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Erickson, M. H., Rossi, E. L., Ryan, M. O. (1998). Mind-body communication in hypnosis. London, Free Association. Gaschler, T. (2009). Modern hypnosis techniques Pt. 1. Pt. 1. [Bad Sachsa], Steiner. Hamill, D. (2012). An Introduction to Hypnosis Hypnotherapy. Bolton, MA, eBookIt.com. Hawkins, P. (2006). Hypnosis and stress a guide for clinicians. Chichester, England, Wiley. Hogan, K., LaBay, M. (2007). Through the Open Door: Secrets of Self-hypnosis. Gretna, Louisiana: Pelican Publishing. James, U. (2006). Clinical hypnosis textbook: a guide for practical intervention. Oxford, Radcliffe Publishing. Pintar, J., Lynn, S. J. (2009). Hypnosis a Brief History. Chichester, John Wiley Sons Sheehan, L. (2005). Basic Hypnosis Manual. Raleigh, North Carolina: Lulu. Simpkins, C. A. (2001). Self-Hypnosis: Plain and Simple. Tuttle Pub. Sofroniou, A. (2010). The misinterpretation of Sigmund Freud. [Raleigh, N.C. ], Lulu Com. Zeig, J. K., Munion, W. M. (1999). Milton H. Erickson. London, Sage Publications.

Some Effects of Lead Contamination on Liver and Gallbladder Bile

Some Effects of Lead Contamination on Liver and Gallbladder Bile Article Summary Lead poisoning is one of the common health problems affecting mankind today (Bhagwat, Patil, Sontakkem, 2008). The article â€Å"Some Effects of Lead Contamination on Liver and Gallbladder Bile† explores the toxic effects of lead on the human liver.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on â€Å"Some Effects of Lead Contamination on Liver and Gallbladder Bile† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to the article, lead â€Å"results in weight loss, poor liver functioning, and abdominal pain† (Bhagwat et al., 2008, p. 3). The authors wanted to examine how lead affects the hepatobiliary system. This system is mainly composed of the gallbladder and the liver. Medicines containing lead affect the normal functioning of the liver. The toxin can also result in â€Å"peri-portal inflammation† (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 140). The â€Å"toxic compound also causes proliferation-effect on smooth muscle cells† (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 141). Increased levels of lead will eventually result in liver damage. This situation occurs because there are free radicals associated with the toxin. Lead also â€Å"disturbs most of the biochemical processes associated with the hepatobiliary system† (Sipos et al., 2003, 141). This compound can eventually produce gallstones in the liver (Sipos et al., 2003). Review of the Article The article supports the toxicological effects of lead. According to many studies, lead is a toxic natural compound. The compound can be found in different food materials and water. The absence of a feedback mechanism explains why this toxin is less available. However, continued intake of certain compounds such as â€Å"amino acids, vitamin D, ascorbic acid, fats, and sodium citrate increases chances of lead poisoning† (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 140). The article goes further to highlight the effects of lead on the human liver. The compound als o affects the intestinal system. It causes abdominal discomfort. The â€Å"toxic compound also stimulates intercellular signaling between hepatocytes and Kupffer cells† (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 141).Advertising Looking for article on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Lead will eventually result in liver damage. Lead also affects different biliary processes in the body. Many people have developed numerous health complications due to prolonged exposure to this compound. That being the case, people should embrace the best practices in order to address the problems associated with lead poisoning. This practice will support the health needs of many people in the society. Analysis and Discussion The authors have used a proper approach to complete their study. They have highlighted the potential sources of lead. They have also analyzed the pathways associated with lead poisoning. They have also ex amined how this compound affects different systems in the body. The compound is also deposited in the liver. It affects the normal functioning of the organ. Prolonged exposure to the toxin will also affect many body functions (Bhagwat et al., 2008). This discussion supports most of the concepts gained in class. The authors have also explained how continued exposure to the compound can affect different biliary processes (Sipos et al., 2003). The body is also a complex system. Every organ or system supports a wide range of biological processes. Failure of different organs will â€Å"affect the normal functioning of the other systems† (Bhagwat et al., 2008, p. 5). This knowledge encourages people to focus on the best health practices. Patients should get the best medical support after ingesting large quantities of lead. New studies are also required in order to understand how this toxic compound affects other body systems. This knowledge will support the health needs of many pop ulations.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on â€Å"Some Effects of Lead Contamination on Liver and Gallbladder Bile† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Bhagwat, V., Patil, A., Sontakkem, A. (2008). Occupational Lead Exposure and Liver Functions in Battery Manufacture Workers around Kolhapur (Maharashtra). Al Ameen Journal of Medical Science, 1(1), 2-9. Kacew, S., Lee, B. (2013). Lu’s Basic Toxicology: Fundamentals, Target Organs, and Risk Assessment. New York, NY: Information Healthcare. Sipos, P., Szentmihalyi, K., Feher, E., Abaza, M., Szilagyi, M.,†¦Blazovics, A. (2003). Acta Biologica Szegediensis, 47(1), 139-142.

Why International and Domestic Terrorist Hate Research Paper

Why International and Domestic Terrorist Hate - Research Paper Example The fight against terrorism is a global responsibility however, there is need to identify why these terrorist groups target specific regions and nations while attacking. According to LaFree et al (2012) international terrorism has been a threat in USA since 1970. The targets being populated areas and government premises. The tactics have changed over the years but the impacts of their attacks have been devastating both to the affected individuals and the country’s economy. The major tactics used by al- Qaeda remains facility attacks such as the September 11 attack. The main aim of these terror groups is to psychologically and physically affect their targets. The higher the causality would imply their success in their attack. The first reason as to why the hate is the fact that the two regional locations of USA and the terror group have had its historical differences. The historical rivalry has played part in making USA their target. Historical differences have culminated into hatred and lack of trust between the terror group and the nation. The previous leaders of the group also have had their differences with the state hence this has played part in creating animosity between the country and Al- Qaeda. Ideological differences have also played part in making USA the target of al-Qaeda. This revolves around both political and philosophical ideologies. Political stands by the state have meant that they develop their national agenda based on what the state believes is the rule of law (Borgeson & Valeri, 2009). On the other hand the group advocates for traditional methodology in governance and lifestyle. Different political ideologies has meant that the United State revise their military policy to offer aid to their allies. This means that the country has been actively involved in world politics. In most cases the military aid has meant reducing the military prowess of this terror

Literature review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Literature review - Research Paper Example Based on various reports, it is suggested that in any kind of treatment for sleep apnea, a strict adherence to treatment methods is the key for prolonged AHI reduction among patients. Literature Review: Sleep Apnea Treatment Trials Sleep apnea is defined as the cessation of airflow through the nose or mouth for at least 10 seconds every sleeping hour, which decreases at least 3% oxyhemoglobin in the blood and a reduction of 50% in oxygen intake among patients (Noseda, et al., 2004). The total of apnea (due to obstruction) and hypopnea (airflow reduction) events during sleep is measured as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and the number is positively correlated to the severity of sleep apnea. Possible causes are multifactorial, ranging from abnormal cranial structures, relaxed airway muscles or problems with respiratory control during sleep (Barnes, et al., 2009). Effects can range from excessive daytime sleepiness, dysfunction in the patient’s metabolism and neurocognition, car diovascular disorders, and mood swings with a decreased quality of life (Ackel-D’Elia, et al., 2012; Kline, et al., 2012; Quan, et al., 2007). The most widely accepted methods to alleviate the symptoms of apnea are either surgery or the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask, to increase the oxygen intake during sleep (Quan, et al., 2007; Sengul, et al., 2011). However, several researches have emerged that have significant or comparable results by using less-invasive procedures such as increasing physical activity levels or combining it with other methods, and while the issue of the low number of participants in some studies can be a hindrance to the acceptability of exercise as a way to reduce apnea effects, the number of trials that affirm positive effects must be looked upon to consider it as an effective and non-invasive alternative treatment for sleep apnea. Physical Activity Trials The increasing numbers of overweight and obesity triggered an increase in the number of patients suffering from sleep apnea, and one of the main reasons is that there is less physical activity that strengthens the muscles of the air passages and lungs, making the respiratory muscles weak and relaxed, preventing sufficient breathing of air (Barnes, et al., 2009; Giebelhaus, et al., 2000). In a study that compared a group of sleep apnea sufferers against a control-group, a simple six-minute walk test was used to assess breathing patterns, heart rate, blood pressure, and dyspnea (Alameri, Al-Kabab, & BaHammam, 2010). The study found out that while the physical activity did not cause drastic effects to the sleep apnea group, their hemodynamic responses were abnormal compared to the control group, concluding that a simple test can assess significant effects of mild physical activity otherwise unnoticeable by the patients. The study had limitations such as selection of low-risk participants for the control group, not investigating other contributing factors in exercise limitation, and conducting the study on a single ethnic group. However, further studies that are comprised by various ethnic groups may be studied and physical activity programs may be used in combination with their methods to establish the possibility of using the procedure for sleep apnea prognosis. The effects of exercise in sleep apnea on any kind of body-mass index (BMI),

Dewey believes that the only real education Essay

Dewey believes that the only real education - Essay Example Those so-called educators and journalistic professionals who continue to lament the death of critical thinking among the modern youth do so because they no longer understand, nor belong, to the new age of education and information technology. Academicians and journalists tend to be resistant to changes around them and, therefore, tend to cry out that critical thinking has passed on (Males, â€Å"Critics of Student's Critical Thinking Ain't Either†). They fail to see that critical thinking has merely taken on a new shape and form. One that is consistent with the continued evolution of the critical thinking and mental capacity of the future generations of learners and academicians. The critics who view critical thinking as a dead practice among the students of today base that point of view on their incomplete observation based upon the Foundation for Critical Thinking's definition of â€Å"critical thinking† (Males, â€Å"Critics of Student's Critical Thinking Ain't Eith er† ) as: ... the intellectual scrutiny of a given statement's "purpose, problem, or question-at- issue; assumptions; concepts; empirical grounding; reasoning leading to conclusions; implications and consequences; objections from alternative viewpoints; and frame of reference. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, the advent of the Internet has allowed students to learn outside of the four corners of the classroom. No longer are the university professors or high school teachers viewed as infallible mentors in their areas of teaching expertise. These days, students can easily verify any given information with a few taps into a search engine. Thus, allowing them the freedom question the authority of their educators when it comes to certain information being fed to them. Students can no longer be spoon-fed these days. Instead, educators must be prepared to answer questions based upon the personal learning or research of students. The likes of Google, Bing, and Yaho o search engines have presented students with an opportunity to clarify certain information for themselves (Carr, â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid?† ), as class discussions have left them with more questions than answers. Then they go back to their teachers and ask them to explain further. That is why the belief that the Internet and its search engines have made our students stupid is actually without basis. The Internet has rather produced a new era of students who no longer take their teacher's word for anything. Which is why teachers now need to be more up to date and even more addicted to research via Internet than their students are if they do not wish to be shown up as lacking in actual expertise on the subjects they teach. Cable television shows and channels, such as the National Geographic, Animal Planet, Discovery, and the History Channel, have also contributed greatly to the forward thinking and critical analysis skills of the students today. While everything taught in school tends to be one-dimensional and lecture-type, these cable channels have provided students with an almost hands on learning ability about these highly interesting topics that tend to become boring when taught in school. Learning is no longer limited to Board of Education approved books with boring, black and white illustrations. These days, learning is a highly interactive process that

United Farm Workers and Mexican Americans Essay Example for Free

United Farm Workers and Mexican Americans Essay The 1960s was a turbulent decade in the American history, filled with conflict over issues brought up by many different minority groups to form the various Civil Rights Movements. In this decade, the Chicano Movement started to gain a mass following and became a dynamic force of social change. Similar to blacks, Mexican Americans were plagued by police brutality, poverty, and inequality. In the pursuit of tackling these problems, the history of Chicanos in California consisted of the convergence of multiple movements: A youth movement represented in the struggle against discrimination in schools; the farm workers movement; and the movement for political empowerment, most notably in the formation of La Raza Unida Party1. The organizing efforts and achievements in California had major impact on the fate of Mexican Americans. Improvements in barrios, farm-labor camps, school districts and politic representation, led other states to sought reform. Education has long been a primary target of Mexican American activists and reformers. The Mexican American community had the highest high school dropout rate and lowest college attendance amongst all ethnic groups. As a result of the constant underestimation of students as well as the failure to upkeep facilities, a hostile learning environment was manifested. Their goals included bilingual, bicultural education, Latino teachers and administrators, smaller class sizes, better facilities and the revision of the text books to incorporate Mexican American history. In turn, Chicano students and activists decided to make their struggle public in order to pressure school boards into compliance of their demands for education reforms. In March of 1968, thousands of students walked out of their high school in L. A. protesting racial inequality among their school district. Their effects were not wasted, as the school board recognized their efforts by recruiting and hiring more Chicano teachers and administrators2. Ultimately, this inspired high school protest across the nation. College campuses also formed groups, like the United Mexican American Students, with the purposes to enforce for more Chicano study programs, financial aid, and Mexican faculty. Activists fought for bilingual educational programs and in schools and won in 1976, their hard work created more than 50 Chicano studies program in colleges. 3 Changes were not immediately apparent in high schools; however a significant change occurred in the college recruitment of Latinos and educational programs. Though most of the demands were not met, the walkouts unified and empowered the Chicano community, which in the process became a political force. Another focus of the Chicanos had been politics. Their goals encompassed the increase of Chicano candidates in the political arena, convincing non-Chicano candidates to commit themselves to the need of Mexican American community, conducting broad-scale voter registration and community organization drives, and for more Chicanos in government offices. 4 Rather than representation within the two major political parties—democrat and republic—activists established an organization dedicated to their empowerment, the El Partido de la Raza Unida. Found in 1970 by Jose Angel Gutierrez and Mario Compean, the party became active in community organizing and electoral politics statewide, campaigned for better housing, work, and educational opportunities5. The changes they fought for was made possible by combining mass action: firing of racist teachers, protecting high school student rights, and taking advantage of federal government monies they were entitled to, but was not utilized by the previous city government. Police polices were modified as well to benefit Chicano communities. The La Raza Unida Party leaders also worked to raise the wages of school and city workers to encourage unionization6. Though La Raza Unida is no longer a registered political party in the United States, its legacy is still very much alive, affecting the lives of Mexican Americans today. One aspect of the Chicano movement highlighted the rights of the workers in the fields of California. In order to fight against harsh working conditions, low wages and discrimination of Mexican farm workers, the United Farmworkers Union Organizing Committee was established. Led by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, the UFWOC accomplished its greatest victory when their strikes, boycotts, convinced the largest table grape grower, John Guimara Sr. , to only hire workers represented by the union. Despite their victory, union leaders struggled to create a union to represent all agricultural workers; As a result a three-month strike by grape workers in California began. Due to the efforts of Chavez and his union in 1975, California passed the Agricultural Labor Relations Act; which guaranteed farm workers’ rights to organize. 71 Although seen as an accomplishment, more restrictions were placed on the actions of unions. Today, agricultural workers in California are still being exploited, working in poor conditions with little pay and limited representation. Chicanos in California have played no small role in the social, economic, and political development of California. Not only is California home to majority of the Mexican Americans population in the United States, but also it is the scene of Chicano cultural Renaissance and has contributed to Hispanic cultural renaissance in the United States. California has also been the home of Chicano publication—including magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals. 7 Although much of the problems faced by Chicanos in the 20th century had been resolved through reforms during the Civil Rights Era, many Mexican Americans are still being marked by oppression and exploitation. Not only in the field, but industries as well. They are often found working at wage jobs and poor conditions. Over the next few decades, other social reforms for Mexican Americans can be expected. Almost six decades after it began, the Chicano Movement still holds a visible impact on California. As a result of activism in politics, education, and farm work, much of the hardship faced by Chicanos in the early history of California have been resolved. The most prominent outcome of the Chicano Movement are still within academia, with the formation of numerous student centers at college campuses across the nation that aims to students of color as well as the establishment of Chicano Studies Departments and so on. The Literary and art movements of the 1970s also left an enduring mark on the Chicano community. The impact of Chicanos in California gave rise to countless Chicano communities where none existed before. Although activists today are still working on the struggles faced by Chicanos today in various fields, such as farm work, their movement in the 1960s has surely impacted California social, economic and political standing.