Hunter continues his monkey flip toy today using the coping saw to make the irregular cuts. He then uses a combination of different files and sandpaper to smooth the monkey's legs and arms. We closed by discussing his possible next project. Good session.

Hunter finished reading the JFK speech about space exploration alluding to exploration of the sea. We analyzed the speech and discussed ways Kennedy used stylistic elements to make it more powerful. We deconstructed the speech and addressed SOAPS. We specifically noted the conclusion and the significant impact of the concluding statement. Hunter and I looked to a graphic illustration of the SOAPS strategy and discussed essay-writing strategies for the SAT. We also looked at visuals for creating an outline for an essay/ the structure of an essay relative to writing about how he felt after watching the movie version of "Master and Commander". We related JFK's appeals to emotion and his choice of words and phrases. We reviewed vocabulary. We also reviewed and differentiated between the definition and use of the words "effect" and "affect".

Today we worked on relations and functions. We also reviewed graphing relations, mapping domain and range, and the vertical line method of determining if a relation is a function.

Hunter learns how to make a working drawing which includes all the information required to manufacture a product such as measurements and location of all holes to be drilled. He is also introduced to a "stud finder" which is a small apparatus used to locate where studs are located behind drywall. This comes in handy when desiring to hang heavy pictures or mirrors. Good session.

Hunter and I discussed the Master Manipulators of Wall Street discussed in the documentary Inside Job. I made a correlation to the small African Spanish Speaking country of Equatorian Guinea. Its president is corrupt and filthy rich with the OIL INDUSTRY exports, while the poor live on less than a $1.00 a day in shacks with NO RUNNING WATER! EG is the richest African country per capita.

We finished watching the film and watched part of the follow-on CD which showed Director Peter Weir's comments on what it took to make a film depicting war at sea in the age of sail. We also discussed the pair of actors who played the main characters: Russell Crowe (Captain Aubrey) and Paul Bettany (Steven Maturin.)

Today I allowed Hunter to retake the chapter 1 test. I retaught the concepts he seemed to have difficulty with and reassigned the test questions he had difficulty solving.

Hunter reviewed vocabulary and learned new words from Quizlet with pictures - copies, inane, facetious, etc. We looked at SOAPS and Appeals Drill, reading John F. Kennedy's speech about space exploration and looking for evidence, reasoning, stylistic elements, persuasive elements, emotional appeal and powerful elements. Hunter was able to identify allusion to sea exploration and highlighted where appropriate. We posted a map in his classroom mapping the route of the Master and Commander, which is the novel he is preparing to read. We looked at a SOAPS strategy graphic identifying subject, occasion, audience, purpose and speaker and examining attitude, tone, and style.

Paper patterns of monkey arms and legs are traced onto wood. First, each of these are cut to rectangular shape on miter box saw. Second, Hunter practices using the coping saw on scrap wood. Third, the actual cuts are made. Good session.

Today Hunter took the Chapter 1 test. The concepts included absolute value, inequalities, and probability.