Thursday, October 5, 2017
02:00 - 04:00; 120 min. -
AP Environmental Science:
Biogeochemistry -
Chase and I reviewed the properties of water and how the water cycle cleans each molecule. We then started a long discussion on the cycles that are also important to maintaining life on this planet. We started with examining the equation for photosynthesis and respiration. With these equations, the carbon cycle was explored, showing how energy and carbon based minerals are passed from plants to animals, to decomposers, and back to plants. We then moved to the nitrogen cycle and the phosphorus cycle. These last two are more complex chemical processes and therefore are more difficult to understand. Homework; Read and Answer the questions at the end of module 6 and 7.
Assignment
Homework; Read and Answer the questions at the end of module 6 and 7.
Monday, October 2, 2017
02:30 - 04:15; 105 min. -
AP Environmental Science:
Water molecules-
Chase and I reviewed the basic structure of an atom. We discussed what happens when an atom loses an electron and acquires a charge, and with this information Chase was tasked with determining the charge of some ions. She also examined what happens when an atom becomes radioactive and learned how isotopes are expressed on paper. We then discussed the concept of half-life for radioactive elements. Chase was tasked with calculating the half-life of a Carbon14 atom, over several thousand years. We then discussed the unique properties of the water molecule. We examined how the hydrogen attaches to the oxygen and creates a polarity, which gives water the ability to dissolve other molecules. Chase conducted a water properties lab, where she tested the cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, density, and specific heat of the water molecule. We discussed how these properties contribute to the living planet, and how vital water is to the evolution of living things. Homework: Chapter 2 practice test, 1-14 only.
We worked today with practicing ser and estar and the months and seasons vocabulary. We shall have a quiz next week on the verb vocabulary. Chase has so much going on right now that our quiz will be Tuesday. I have accommodated the structure that she requested: matching and word bank. She should practice in the meantime: quizlet.com/220150435/ar-regular-present-tense-verbs-espanol-flash-cards/
Today, Chase turned in her P.O.V. story revision. Next, we discussed the stylistic elements of Gothic literature, and then brainstormed for her Mary Shelley author mimic assignment due Monday.
Session Minutes
45
Minutes Student Attended
45
Lesson Comments
Chase and I would like to do an observational writing study at Mount's Botanical Garden one Wednesday afternoon. She would have to rearrange her session with Carolyn to make it work. I believe she could just push it back.
Chase continues to shine with her ability to conjugate stem changing verbs. We worked a bit more with month, day, and season vocabulary. She demonstrated great initiative by calling to make up the lesson. Great job!
Today we discussed using dialogue as a plot catalyst, and the importance of embedding your writing with detailed, specific and targeted descriptions. I then asked Chase to write a quick scene using only description and dialogue. For homework, Chase should finish the revision of her P.O.V. short story by Thursday.
Chase seems to thrive on figuring out puzzles. Normally, stem changing verbs take a few weeks to introduce. Not for Chase. She picked up how they work right away. She immediately grasped the e->ie yesterday, so today we tried the o->ue and even the e->i. Wow! She blew through all of the exercises and was able to work out several operations simultaneously: the stem change AND the conjugation for the ending. This is an impressive performance! Now we need to work on practicing the vocabulary so she can put those verbs to good use.
Today we read and discussed the essay "Point of View: Subjective Versus Objecting and Roving" by the author Nick Mamatas. We then completed "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker, and discussed the POV and character descriptions. Chase also worked on the revision of her POV assignment.
Today was a major review. We practiced vocabulary of the Quizlet verb list, conjugations of ir/dar, ser/estar and when to use them, and introduced tener and e-ie stem changing verbs. Chase is doing quite well with all of that.
We are trying to find ways to help Chase remember the vocabulary, which is her weakest element. Today, we tried listening in Spanish and then transcribing the verbs with the definition in English on the screen. We'll see if that aids in retention. Previously, she has practiced with the Quizlet flashcards and drafting sentences. Sometimes it helps to associate pictures with the words, but Chase says that doesn't work for her. We shall keep trying different methods until we find some that work (and it certainly helps to keep practicing the vocabulary along the way...).
Thursday, September 28, 17
02:30 - 04:15; 120 min. -
AP Environmental Science:
Bio-geo-chemistry -
Chase was instructed in the structure of an atom. I explained how to read the periodic table and determine the number of electrons each atom employs. Once she understood the structure we discussed the concept of ions, and when elements lose or gain an additional electron, giving the atom a charge. She completed determining the charge of several examples of ions. We then discussed the neutrons, and isotopes; which is when an atom loses or gains a neutron. I gave her examples of where isotopes are used to understand migration of turtles. We then started to discuss how elements combine to become molecules, how ions and isotopes increase the energy in certain molecules. Finally we discussed the law of conservation of matter, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only changed. We then worked on balancing chemical equations. Chase was given several equations and tasked with working out how to balance the reactants or the products to make the problem true. Homework: Balance some given chemical equations.
