Monday, August 21, 17
02:00 - 04:15; 135 min. -
Environmental Science:
Eclipse -
During this class period we observed the nexus of the solar eclipse. We used protective glasses to observe the progression of the moon, as it covered 81% of the sun. I pointed out to Chase, the leaf effect, as the shape of the shadows on the ground reflected the shape of the sun (crescent shape). We discussed the rarity of the event and I showed her maps of the up-coming solar eclipses, which will only be visible from remote areas such as Antarctica or the mid Atlantic Ocean. Once the nexus had occurred, we returned to the classroom and I asked Chase several questions about her science experiences, including her recent adventures in Alaska. I told her about the text we will be using and prepared her for the homework load an AP class can include. We then started with a review of the metric system; the ladder diagram and the mnemonic phrase she can use to remember the order in which the metric prefixes are arranged. I gave her a test on metric conversions.

We are working with functions, and went through the following topics: operations with functions, composition of functions, and the beginning of transformation of basic functions and their graphs.

Today we practiced regular -ar verbs in the present tense. Chase takes an assessment in every class to check on her progress toward mastery. Until today, she had an average of 100%. Today, she scored a 93%, still excellent. She is starting to create a verb conjugation chart and today, she was introduced to the verb vocabulary that we will be using for the next few weeks.

Chase read Shirley Jackson's classic short story "The Lottery," and drafted an alternate ending. We then discussed the story, focusing on foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism.

Today we practiced combining subject pronouns (I, you, he/she, we, they) with regular -ar verbs.

We engaged in a number of activities to determine Chase's level of Spanish. Since she has not studied Spanish for two years, a foundation is lacking. We began with the subject pronouns (I, you, he/she, we, they) and numbers 1-15.

Today we began with six word stories. I asked Chase to write six words that told a story based on an image. The purpose of the exercise is to show how important powerful verbs and descriptive imagery are. Next we read "Still I Rise," by Maya Angelou and discussed the meter, repetition, and imagery in the poem. Lastly, Chase did a free write where she composed a poem. We discussed ways to continue to rework the poem to get it to the point of publishing, and Chase should continue to add on to it for homework.

Chase was absent today.

After getting to know each other for a little bit, I went over different literary elements that fiction authors use to develop the theme and literary potency of their work. We discussed figurative language, characterization, setting, mood, narrative timelines, plot and more. Then we read Kurt Vonnegut's short story "2BR02B." We discussed how the dialogue moved the plot forward and the overall effect of the piece. Next, we had a lengthy discussion about metaphor. We read an article about all the different metaphors that can be made from the eclipse. Then I gave Chase numerous other examples of metaphor and she practiced making some of her own. Lastly, Chase started writing some prose inspired by the eclipse event.

Review of topics covered previously in this course.