Ben actively engaged with me regarding an article we read exploring how wolves were gradually domesticated into modern dogs. We reviewed his answers to comprehension questions, on which he answered all the questions correctly. Our subsequent discussion covered the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms behind domestication, including how humans and early wolf populations may have developed a mutually beneficial relationship over thousands of years. A highlight of the session was Ben's strong critical thinking skills around selective breeding. His contributions and higher-order thinking showed solid application of core STEM concepts including natural vs. artificial selection, genomic variation, and heritability. Ben demonstrated highly effective comprehension of how genomic data can be used to reconstruct evolutionary history, and he made several meaningful connections between genetics and real-world biology throughout our exchange. Ben was amenable to a follow-up last article to review in tomorrow's (last) in-person session together.

Define carbohydrates chemically. Show how they are hydrated carbon atoms from the formula. Discuss the monomer saccharides and the polymer starch. From the molecular formula draw the structural formula for glucose and discuss its ring structure. Discuss how hydrolysis breaks starch into di and polymers.

We will do some numerical examples of a balloon mortgage. We will note advantages and disadvantages of these mortgages.

Ben will work on his basic skills tutorial and we will work on technology use in problem solving.

We will create mathematical models from given situations.

Discuss the biochemical and biological aspects of proteins. Discuss how proteins are classed as chemical catalysts. Discuss how catalysts work by chemically and physically binding to substrate molecules. Show digestive enzymes as an example. Indicate how hydrolysis of starch will occur when placed in solution and left for 48 hrs, but that in the presence of specific enzymes, the hydrolysis will occur in a few hours. Show how the substrate and the enzyme "fit" into each other and increase the hydrolysis reaction. Discuss also how proteins work as communicators, like insulin and growth hormone. Discuss the importance of proteins in the proper development of cells, hair, nails and bone.

Ben read an article entitled, "From Wolf to Best Friend: The Genomics of Dog Domestication," which discussed genetic divergence and ongoing evolution. The article was selected due to its appropriatness for STEM students; the story of dog domestication is an excellent lens through which students can examine evolutionary biology. Ben was interested in the article and subsequently answered 7 multiple choice questions - with 100% accuracy.

We will look at mathematical examples of adjustable-rate mortgages.

Ben will work on part five of the basic math skills tutorial We will discuss technology use for showing transformations of graphs of functions

We will do problems of matching a graph to an equation using transformation. We will also do problems involving graphing an equation using transformations.