July 27, 2015
Monday 210 min
11:00 - 2:30
AP Biology - Chapter 56 Conservation Biology
I administered test for Chapter 56. This consists of approximately 100 multiple choice questions similar to self-test questions included in the AP Biology text, provided by Campbell Reece AP Biology eighth edition test bank.

July 29, 2015 part 2
Wednesday 420 min
08:00 - 02:00
AP Bilolgy -Lab exercise. - Population Lab, mark re-capture population study
Keaton participated in the dolphin survey from 8am to 3 pm on Wed July 27. He assisted with the survey, taking a position to scan while we searched for dolphins. He assisted with data collection, keeping the data log current and photographing dolphins as they were encountered. He also served as crew, helping with the various functions on the boat especially during docking maneuvers. Finally he was tasked with writing a short essay about his experience with the Palm Beach Dolphin project, which may be included in the project’s social media efforts. It has been a joy working with such a remarkable young scholar.

July 29, 2015 part one
Wednesday 240 min
08:00 - 03:00
AP Bilolgy -Lab exercise. - Population Lab, mark re-capture population study
Keaton participated in the dolphin survey from 8am to 3 pm on Wed July 27. He assisted with the survey, taking a position to scan while we searched for dolphins. He assisted with data collection, keeping the data log current and photographing dolphins as they were encountered. He also served as crew, helping with the various functions on the boat especially during docking maneuvers. Finally he was tasked with writing a short essay about his experience with the Palm Beach Dolphin project, which may be included in the project’s social media efforts. It has been a joy working with such a remarkable young scholar.

Today we talked about Current Events, particularly the situation in Iran, and the most recent government budget issues. We watched parts of the White House press conference. Next we researched the Supreme Court Justices and their voting histories. Finally, we looked into what will be required of Keaton when he enters school in the fall, regarding his AP Government and Politics class. This was my last day with Keaton... I will miss our time together!

Today we began with a look at current events. We discussed the various headline stories and looked in particular at the Nuclear Iran deal. We then watched about 20 minutes of Washington Journal as the call in program was about the Nuclear Deal. We also discussed the 2nd amendment, and the different ways it is implemented in Florida compared to New York. Next we studied the executive branch of the United States Government, including the Cabinet members, Executive Board members and various positions.

Today we followed our usual routine. We looked into current events and discussed the implications of the situation in Turkey and Syria. We also looked at the history of the relationship between the US and Turkey, so we could have an understanding of the tensions currently in place. Next we did some research into the Constitution and some of the relevant details. Finally we discussed some strategies for Keaton to complete his summer assignments for his senior year.

We began our day with a discussion of current events, especially the new photos of Pluto. Next we looked at President ratings in history. We discussed the top ten best and worst presidents and what we thought made them so. These discussions led to some investigation into several historical events, including Jefferson's Embargo Act, Reagan's Iran/Contra affair, the Japanese Internment of WWII, and so on. Next we discussed Conservative/Liberal ideals in politics. We watched part of a C-Span program which listed the most conservative and most liberal cities in the country. Finally, we reviewed Howard Zinn's People's History, chapter 2, and Keaton answered study questions.

July 24, 2015
Friday 150 min
01:30 - 03:30
Biology - chapter 56 - conservation biology
Keaton and I discussed the two concepts covered in chapter 56 of the text. Conservation Biology integrates ecology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology to conserve biological diversity at all levels. Efforts to sustain ecosystem processes and stem the loss of biodiversity connect the life sciences with the social sciences, economics, and humanities. We discussed biodiversity associated with human welfare and the value of ecosystem services. We examined the numbers of endangered and threatened species worldwide, and the affect of invasive and introduced species. Keaton examined rates of species extinction as well as the potential value of species lost (medical, chemical, and nutritional). Restoration ecology applies ecological principles to return ecosystems that have been disturbed by human activities. Keaton and I had a long discussion about using real world case studies (as well as my personal efforts) to mediate environmental destruction. We ended the class with a conversation about how sustainable development and the mindset people must adopt to ever achieve this goal. Finally we talked about what will happen when the human population reaches carrying capacity, and when that would most likely occur.

July 22, 2015
Wednesday 390 min
08:00 - 02:30
Lab exercise. - Population Lab, mark re-capture population study
Data collection started at the Marina, where Keaton met the boat and was handed a data collection form to record the survey start data and instructed how to add data at various point during the day. We left the marina and headed out the Jupiter inlet. The west winds made the seas flat and calm. We followed a survey track, just 2 kilometers from shore heading south. Keaton and the other researchers were tasked with watching for signs of dolphins, or turtles, over a 45-degree section, in a manner that provided a 360 degree coverage around the boat. Keaton, and the other observers were directed to share the binoculars to scan the horizon every 15 minutes, looking for signs of dolphin behavior. Keaton was also asked to take a turn driving the boat while the captain did his scan with the binoculars. Once dolphins were seen, we maneuvered the boat closer to their location. The encounter consisted of several mother dolphins teaching their calves to ‘catch’ food. The mom’s threw a piece of fish in the air, and the calves instructed to catch the food before it hit the water. Keaton was tasked with filling in the data sheets during the encounter and recording the observations I describe while I gathered photographic data. After observing, photographing and recording observations for an hour or so, we returned to the survey track and continued south. We finished a survey (Jupiter inlet to Palm Beach inlet) and ventured south to the lake park pier. We then turned around and conducted a survey north from Lake Worth to Jupiter. We encountered a traveling group of eight dolphins during the northern survey. The boat was parked at the marina at 2:30 and Keaton helped carry the gear to the parked cars.

July 20, 2015
Monday 120 min
11:00 - 2:30
Biology - lab review and analysis.
Keaton started with addressing the data he had collected during his first field lab. He was tasked with creating a table and a line chart of the salinity data, and completing his scientific notebook entries. Once this was completed we reviewed the field process and how the data reflects the expected salinity found in the open ocean compared to sections of the river and the intra-coastal waterway. We discussed how and why these data would occur. Keaton prepared for the next field lab to be conducted on Wednesday. We then reviewed the chapter section on ecosystems.