Reviewed the components of the scientific method, considered the differences between scientific hypothesis, theory,and law.Introduced the null hypothesis, and considered common complications of experiments including sample size, experimental design, and interpretation.Discussed newtons third law, and a current events article that claims an exception to the law might exist.

We spent most of the session drawing a map of ancient China showing the extent of Shang and Zhou Dynasties and the Yellow River. We also listed the years of the two dynasties. When we finished the map, we went to the computer lab to do some research on feudalism and Confucius.

Worked on Ch. 2 test.

Hunter reviewed the short vowel sounds and the concept of a closed syllable word. He used syllable cards to practice reading words. For charting Hunter scored 15/15 real words and 14/15 nonsense words correctly. Next he used syllable cards to practice spelling words. He spelled 3/6 words correctly and 5/5 nonsense words correctly. Hunter is doing a good job remembering to spell words one syllable at a time.

Beginning of lesson investigating forces and factors that underlie pattern formation in a variety of geological features/processes. Used interactive computer simulation to model fractal branching networks, common to river deltas/tributaries.Also began investigation of surprising patterns of hexagonal column rock formations.

Worked on Ch. 2 test.

Today, Hunter collected quotations for his The Giver essay. We went over the basic parts of the essay--introduction, body, and conclusion--and we planned the body paragraphs around the claims that the protagonist is intelligent, honest, and courageous.

Hunter Lynn
Friday, October 2, 2015
Science
10:00 - 11:00; 60 min.
Natural Phenomena -
I substituted for Mr. Keith; Hunter and I discussed several kinds of natural phenomena including volcano, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and El Nino events. Hunter easily gave me the causes for volcano eruptions and hurricanes and we discussed the results. We talked about current weather patterns here in Florida, and also California, which is suffering under the El Nino event, causing drought, fires, and promises to create rain, and resulting mud slides. The causes of volcano eruptions lead into a talk about tectonic plates, Pacific ring of fire, and pressure buildup from extremely hot lava.

We watched The first episode of the BBC "Connections" video series: "The Trigger Effect." It started with scenes from a November 1965 power failure which demonstrated our enormous dependence on technology. It then jumped back 12,000 years when global warming (!) caused a massive drought and migrations in Syria, Central America, northern India and what is now Egypt and how the invention of the plough started a huge chain of human development.

Today, Hunter and I finished watching The Giver (film), and critiqued the differences between the novel and film versions. I introduced him to the term "utopian novel," and asked him if a perfect society is even possible. He agreed it was impossible, and was able to state parallels between our society and the society in The Giver.