What is Apollo?
This program is a combination of an Art, History, and English course. Apollo is described as a "selfish" course because the students decide and design their own projects, lectures, and schedules. In other words, it's something freaking AMAZING!
Akila, the Fennec-Human -- Project 1
I was sitting at a desk during "Family Time," when the idea of creating a silicone baby came to mind. It amazed me how for my first ever Apollo project, the best idea just seemed to pop right into my head. I was inspired by the art of movie makeup and monster effects, as well as these adorable silicone Avatar babies I'd seen before. I always hoped to own a silicone baby, but I doubted that I would, being that they cost thousands of dollars. I shouldn't have doubted myself, because here I am, a proud owner of a futuristic, hybrid human-fox silicone baby. Besides the baby, I have created a little backstory for her in the form of a baby memory book - which I hand-crafted. The story explains who Akila is and how her and her kind came about. The Hybrid species had become a success in the 3020's.
I am so lucky to be in a school which has such a program where students are able to create amazing things!
I am so lucky to be in a school which has such a program where students are able to create amazing things!
Part 1
Here, I have begun adding the Fennec features with a two-part Apoxie sculpting clay onto a model doll. This was a very frustrating process because the Apoxie is very flimsy. Because of this, the ears kept flopping over and I had to keep adjusting them every hour. I also decided to close her eyes because I wasn't sure how to paint silicone to look like an eyeball.
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Once all of the Apoxie features were added to the model doll, I was able to start making the silicone glove mould. First, of course, I had to spray the baby doll with Ease Release. Then with Dragon Skin Fast, I mixed equal parts and pigmented the layers in either white, red, green, or purple. The different colored layers of silicone lets you know how thick each layer is, and if you plan to cut it, you know how deep you are going.
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After slathering on at least 15 layers of Dragon Skin, I let it cure for a day, and once again, sprayed it with Ease Release. Then, I made the mother mould. The mother mould is used as a hard shell to keep the silicone from pinching or distorting while casting. For the mother mould, I used Free Form Air (another two-part Apoxie). I had to create two different sections of the hard shell because if you curve around any of the edges, you most likely wouldn't be able to take it off. I've also added a handle (this was extremely handy).
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After the mother mould cured, with quite a bit of effort and help from Mr. Walker (another art teacher), we removed the mother mould, cut open the glove mould, and removed the baby doll. I then cleaned out the inside of this silicone skin, sprayed the inside with Ease Release, and prepared for the cast.
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Part 2
Using a cardboard 'frozen pizza' box, I've crafted a little journal. I made one previously as a memory book for my boyfriend, and I loved the style of it. This process is difficult to explain, but I will try my best. With the pizza box, I opened it up flat. Where there was a crease (the edge of the box) I cut out two equal parts that made up the front and back with the bind. I glued (using wood glue - very strong) the two halves together at just the bind. Then I punched equally spaced (usually a half inch works best) holes into the bind. I gathered some paper, cut it to the right dimensions, folded it in half, and punched the same holes in the fold of the paper. Using embroidery thread, I sewed the pages to the book cover. Then I cut out colored cardstock to cover the front, back, and binding, as well as a little closure tab. And voila - there's a book!
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I named my little memory book "Introducing: Akila, the Fennec-Human."
Now, you may wonder, "If this book is from the future, why does it look so antique?" Well, even today, people enjoy decorating with and collecting antiques... so why couldn't that be allowed in the year 3021? People of the Hybrid world are able to express their creativity and opinions much more than people of today's world. |
"Akila was given life on October 2nd, 3021. She is a brand new breed of hybrid humans. She is the combination of homosapien and Vulpes zerda (Fennec Foxes: small and pale, large-eared foxes, native to Northern Africa). Fennecs are known to be highly intelligent, fast, and have excellent hearing. This allows for an advanced being with higher senses and knowledge; she is a being that will strive in an advanced society."
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"The purpose of Akila's kind is to have complex beings who are able to do much more than simple beings. For example, an ordinary human would have a harder time hearing far-away sounds or sensing danger from a far distance. The Fennec-Human has a larger hearing range and sense of smell."
"Other breeds of human-hybrids are being made for the same purposes, but for different skills." |
"Within a week, Akila was already crawling. At three weeks, she was walking. In two months, she was running around the house, faster than ever. In 6 months, she was learning to speak English but was still making fox noises, depending on her mood. It is expected by the time she is two years old that she will be learning things at a 1st grade level. She's got smarts. She's got skill. She's going to grow up to be so successful and appreciated. It is important that she learns to grow and change as science has intended her to."
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By the end of this project, I was so amazed and proud of myself! Many others were as well. My presentation to my teachers went smoothly - they were very impressed! This is by-far one of the best things I have ever created! Biggest thanks to Mr. Grandi, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Wimmer for running the Apollo program and letting this happen!
Hy-Earth's Flag and Anthem -- Project 2
For my second project of Apollo, I started off with the idea of making an animated music video in the perspective of a victim of the Holocaust along with The National's "Don't Swallow the Cap" lyrics. However, I couldn't follow through with this idea because of technological issues and lack of motivation... So since I've been so passionate about this Hybrid species idea, I decided to continue out their story! My final idea for Project 2 was to design and sew a 3x5 foot flag and write an Anthem for Hybrid Earth. My flag's color and symbol choices were inspired by current flags around the world and by psychological meanings. My anthem was inspired by current anthems around the world - I adopted their style and importance of phrases and words.
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Part 2
This is what I created for my Social Studies grade. Mr. Wimmer wanted me to create a mind map to explain the meaning behind my flag's color and symbol choices. I've included research on specific flags from the modern world and research on the psychology of colors to create a solid purpose for my flag of Hy-Earth.
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Part 3
For my English grade, Mr. Ward gave me the fantastic idea of writing an anthem for my Hybrid World. And so I did. I researched many anthems from around the world to get an idea of a format and style. I wrote verses similar to those of other anthems, using words and phrases that have great significance to the culture and that tell a story.
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Another Apollo project is complete. It's almost as amazing as the last! I'm so glad I decided to continue out the hybrid story! I think I might keep it going for the next two projects.
Again. big thank you to my mom for doing all of the sewing parts for me on my flag! You are amazing!
Again. big thank you to my mom for doing all of the sewing parts for me on my flag! You are amazing!
Hy-Earth Ink's Temporary Tattoos -- Project 3
Once again, I have decided to continue working with my fictional world, Hy-Earth. This time, my project takes place in the 21st century; scientists have begun illustrating certain hybrids that they hope to become real within the next millennium. These illustrations are being sold as temporary tattoos in order to raise money to jumpstart the hybrid science.
I have created an Instagram and a Facebook for my business page.
(I am not an actual business, however, if anybody wishes to buy a temporary tattoo, you can email me at: [email protected])
I have created an Instagram and a Facebook for my business page.
(I am not an actual business, however, if anybody wishes to buy a temporary tattoo, you can email me at: [email protected])
Part 1
"The Hybrid Science Fund is very important to our world because it will allow for the advancement of our society and ecosystem. Hy-Earth is a fictional world brought to life (and it is VERY possible). Though the experiments will mainly start out with animals, it will eventually move into animals AND humans. The purpose of Hy-Earth is to have creatures who have important traits from two different species that will benefit not only their lives, but the entire quality of life in the world.
With your purchases and donations, Hy-Earth will become true! Represent the advanced world with these unique temporary tattoos!" |
Part 2
Fennec Human
The Fennec Human is the combination of a human and a Fennec fox. Fennec Humans will strive in Hy-Earth's society because of their high intelligence and excellent agility. Fennec foxes are known to be very fast and have fantastic hearing. Fennec Humans would be very successful in jobs like police, fire, and ambulance dispatch, the armed forces, or in jobs that work with audio. By purchasing the Fennec Human temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of their species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 3" tall - $5.00 Medium: 5.5" tall - $10.00 Large: 8" tall - $15.00 |
Crose /k-rose/
The Crose has no true purpose yet. It is a crow and rose hybrid. It is merely an experimental species to see if animal and plant genes may be combined. By purchasing the Crose temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of its species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 5" tall - $5.00 Medium: 8.5" tall - $10.00 Large: 12" tall - $15.00 |
Eleman
The Eleman is an elephant and human hybrid. Here, the Eleman is a She-Eleman. This species is very unique because elephants are great at communicating and working with others; they can also speak to each other from five miles away. Humans are great at working together as well. Combining both of these species will allow for a very cooperative, helpful being. By purchasing the Eleman temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of their species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 5" tall - $5.00 Medium: 8.5" tall - $10.00 Large: 12" tall - $15.00 |
Felkon /fell-kun/
The Felkon is a fox and elk species. The purpose of the hybridized fox and elk is to have a fox with protective antlers. Foxes usually have a short lifespan; however, scientists believe that they will survive longer if they had more protection. Both male and female Felkons have antlers. Felkons are important to the ecosystem because they control the population of rodents and protect against their predators. By purchasing the Felkon temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of its species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 3" tall - $5.00 Medium: 5" tall - $10.00 Large: 8" tall - $15.00 |
Grizzlyman
The Grizzlyman is a very powerful combination of the human and the grizzly bear. Grizzly bears are one of the strongest mammals in the world. To have a human/grizzly hybrid allows for a strong being who can take on many difficult tasks that require a lot of muscle. Grizzly bears are also known to be very harsh, but it will be certain that Grizzlymen are docile. By purchasing the Grizzlyman temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of their species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 5" tall - $5.00 Medium: 8.5" tall - $10.00 Large: 12" tall - $15.00 |
Raccazelle /rakka-zell/
The Raccazelle is a raccoon and gazelle hybrid. The combination of these two animals will allow for a fast, defensive, sneaky species. Yes, raccoons are dirty and they cause a ton of trouble, but with the horns and speed of a gazelle, they are likely to find a new food source other than your trash can. A gazelle can run up to 60 mph; raccoons can only run up to 15 mph. The Raccazelle is able to sneakily and rapidly hunt down larger rodents and live a more prosperous life. By purchasing the Raccazelle temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of its species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 4" tall - $5.00 Medium: 6" tall - $10.00 Large: 8" tall - $15.00 |
Mother Nature
Mother Nature is a female hybrid human and tree species. The purpose of Mother Nature is to have mixed human beings that are able to nurture children with the vitamins and minerals absorbed from the earth, through her roots. Much like a tree, which gains its food and energy through its roots and sunlight, Mother Nature may act as a mother for orphans or a healer for sick people. By purchasing the Mother Nature temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of her species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 5" tall - $5.00 Medium: 8.5" tall - $10.00 Large: 12" tall - $15.00 |
Fishcat
The Fishcat is exactly what it sounds like: a fish and a cat hybrid. The purpose of this species is to have an aquatic animal with the arms, claws, and strength of a cat. The Fishcat would be one of the top predators of mid-sized fish. By purchasing the Fishcat temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of its species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 3" tall - $5.00 Medium: 5" tall - $10.00 Large: 7" tall - $15.00 |
Crowman
The Crowman is human and crow. Crows are known to be highly intelligent; humans are very intelligent too. Combining both the crow's and human's intelligence will result in a very skilled and smart being. Aside from their intelligence, Crowmen can also fly. Though it's wings are not shown in the illustration, the Crowman does have wings. Much like Wolverine's retractable claws, Crowmen's feathers may push out from their arms for flight, and retract on land. By purchasing the Crowman temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of their species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 5" tall - $5.00 Medium: 8.5" tall - $10.00 Large: 12" tall - $15.00 |
Cowl /k-owl/
The Cowl is a cat-owl! The cat and owl are both stealthy, nocturnal carnivores. With the combination of the owl's ability to fly and the jaw strength and teeth of a cat, the Cowl can hunt very efficiently. By purchasing the Cowl temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of its species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 6" tall - $5.00 Medium: 8" tall - $10.00 Large: 12" tall - $15.00 |
Hogman
The Hogman is a human/pig hybrid. Their purpose is to have a being who has the physical abilities of a human, but the mind and intelligence of a pig. Pigs, believe it or not, are very smart and organized. They have great long-term memories and are kinda OCD. Hogmen could use their skills in jobs like investigation and the police force. By purchasing the Hogman temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of their species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 5" tall - $5.00 Medium: 8.5" tall - $10.00 Large: 12" tall - $15.00 |
Serpneae /serp-nay/
The Serpneae is your worst nightmare! It's a spider-snake! Scientists believe this freaky hybrid deserves a chance at life because it will be the ultimate predator of most insects. The Serpneae will eliminate all unwanted/ unimportant insects. This species will allow for a much nicer life for humans because -- even though horrific -- it will be one of just a few existing creepy crawlers. By purchasing the Serpneae temporary tattoo, you will support the growth of its species. Not only will your money go towards the Hybrid Science Fund, but we will also donate $3 for every tattoo sold. What you get: A high quality temporary tattoo that will last up to 2 weeks. You may choose a small, medium, and/or large size; prices vary with size. Size and Price: Small: 5" tall - $5.00 Medium: 7" tall - $10.00 Large: 11" tall - $15.00 |
I am very happy with my final product. I love all of my designs and I'm so excited that I was able to make really nice temporary tattoos.
Update:
I got my favorite tattoo: Akila, the Fennec-Human, permanently done for my birthday! That's real dedication!
Hy-Earth Tournaments and Trophy -- Project 4
I had worked with my hybrid world for all of Apollo so far, so why not finish off with it as well? For project four, I decided to write a short story about my hybrid people fighting to the death in order to bring down Hy-Earth's population (13 billion). The tournaments are held in three regions of six continents, with 10 competitors in each region. Those who die will have a certain number of family members annihilated as well, depending on the competitors place of death. At the end of the tournaments, there is an expected population drop of 146,868 people. The survivor of each tournament will be honored in their region until the next round of tournaments. They will also receive a trophy and a dinner with their family and the corporation.
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The plan: I wanted something simple, yet meaningful.
The build: I used a variety of objects like a roll of tape, PVC, wood, and clay to make the shapes. Then I made a mold of each shape and casted it in resin. I attached the pieces together, painted it in gesso, then finished it with a coat of metallic black spray paint. I was also able to get a gold plate engraved with the award.
I have reached the end of Apollo! I started off this semester with a strange idea to create a silicone baby, having no idea that it would lead to me creating a well-developed hybrid world. There is so much I have done for Hy-Earth that it actually feels real. I'm proud of myself for continuing to work with this topic until the end of Apollo. It was an amazing experience!
What is Apollo to Me?
If I had to give Apollo an honest review, I'd give absolute positivity. To me, Apollo is the greatest thing any school has ever done. Every school should adopt Apollo in their own way because it allows students to express themselves and to study things they are actually passionate about. Instead of traditional classes with long, boring lessons and hundreds of quizzes, where most students would rather die than sit in that class for a second longer, Apollo is the complete opposite: in a project based course, students design their own schedules, their own lessons, choose when and how often to meet with the teachers, and come up with entirely unique projects of their own. Apollo has been and will forever be my best school experience. It has brought out SO much - literally SO MUCH - creativity in me. In traditional classes, I feel like the teacher's slave. In Apollo, I feel free, I feel HAPPY. I never realized how truly miserable I was in traditional classes until I started Apollo. Walking in the halls outside of the Art Wing and going to classes outside of the Art and Apollo community, I feel like a prisoner, I feel hatred. But in the Art Wing and in Apollo, I feel at ease. Apollo has calmed my anxiety and brought out the best in me, I've made new friends and explored other's creativity. I've worked like crazy and ended with my own fictional world of hybrid beings. I'm thankful for Apollo, and sad that I cannot take it next year.