June 12, 2015
Friday 150 min
9:00 - 11:30
Chapter 53 Population Ecology
I administered test for Chapter 53. 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. Subjects covered included density, distribution, and demographics - factors in each that influence populations. For example how clumping density is best when reproductive strategies include high parental investment and few offspring. Keaton was tested on graphing exponential growth compared to logistical growth, and the rate of increase per capita. He also had to use life tables, reproductive tables and life history trait variables, to determine how diversity enriches a population.

June 11, 2015
Thursday 60 min
12:30 - 01:30
Chapter 53 Population Ecology
We discussed life tables, reproduction tables and variables that effect diversity. The two basic types of reproduction: big-bang and repeated, and the contrast of small clutches and high parental investment vs. large clutches and low investment. We explored the exponential growth of populations and how these can exceed carrying capacity. Finally Keaton studied population growth equations and associated patterns to see how exponential, zero, and logistical growth appear on a graph.

Today, Keaton designed a new survey on Survey Monkey, carefully selecting questions based on his essay's purpose and audience. His survey on Cetaceans in Captivity will reveal society's views on this pressing issue. He will use the data he collects to compare and contrast information from his sources. His research paper is progressing nicely.

Today, Keaton wrote the first page of his research paper, using the appeal to emotions (Pathos) as his grabber. He led this into his clear thesis, and added production and date information. He spent the rest of the session reviewing a TEDtalk, annotating articles, and organizing evidence for his three claims. During our last ten minutes, we went over MLA citations for his sources, and he began writing his Works Cited page.

Today we thoroughly read the Wall Street Journal and discussed many different current events. We researched items with which we were unfamiliar. Next we went on CSPAN and watched the Washington Journal as the program discussed Obabama's plans for troops in Iraq. We also discussed the first half of chapter 2 in The Tipping Point. We continued work on the Music through the Decades project, and completed the reading of Hawthorn's "Birthmark."

Today we started with a discussion on The Tipping Point, chapter 1. After that we working on Keaton's 'Music through the Decades' project, focusing on the 1950s and 1960s. We discussed cultural implications of both decades, and the different ways music reflected those cultural elements. We discussed Current Events, and had lunch, then got back to work. We investigated Nathaniel Hawthorne, and his history. We then began reading his short story, "The Birthmark."

Today, Keaton worked on his definition essay as well as his research project. Activities included: brainstorming, discussion, and information gathering.

June 08, 2015
Monday 60 min
12:30 - 01:30
Chapter 53 Population Ecology
We discussed the three “d’s” of population ecology - density, dispersal, and demographics, and the factors that lead to the patterns of density and dispersal, the Biological processes that can change a demographic.

Today, Keaton watched the documentary The Cove, in order to add to his research and apply note taking and rhetorical analysis skills. The video contains more ethos than the Blackfish documentary, due to excellent sources and real footage of the infamous Cove in Taiji, Japan, where dolphins are slaughtered for meat--meat that is toxic due to high mercury levels. We discussed claims, rebuttals, and holes in knowledge that may lead to more research (Jane Tipson, travel in the wild, etc.) We also noted the documentary's purpose, which is not simply awareness but also a call to activism. This information will transfer to his new research paper.

June 06, 2015
Friday 150 min
9:00 - 11:30
Biology AP Chapter 52 Intro Ecology and Biosphere test

I administered test for Chapter 52.