Wednesday, February 05, 2020
09:00 -11:00, 120 min. -
Biology:
Meiosis and DNA replication -
GT took a comprehensive exam on mitosis and meiosis. We reviewed the test afterwards as I graded the paper. GY then used the remaining time adding new vocabulary words, related to Genetics, in his science notebook. We worked a short activity designed to help him to understand the difference between homozygous and heterozygous traits, and how dominant alleles are expressed in his phenotype, but recessive are recorded in his genotype.

I reviewed the writing process with GT. We discussed the different steps involved. We then decided on a topic for his literary analysis which will be his final project for the novel that we have been studying. GT has some very intuitive and creative ideas for his essay. He did a super job today. He will create a thesis statement from our discussion and possibly begin drafting his introduction for homework.

GT and I completed the novel. We had an excellent discussion regarding the ending. We reviewed his double journal assignments. We also discussed the relevance of the short story "The Lottery " to the novel. We discussed the similar themes. We also read Robert Frost's poem and analyzed it. We compared the views of death in the poem to those presented in the novel. He also selected a topic for his essay where he will cite from multiple literary/inflormational texts.

GT and I continued our study of the novel. We read additional chapters.We stopped and held thoughtful discussions based on questions GT posed. We also chose meaningful textual evidence which GT will comment on and compose a double journal entry for a quote from each chapter. We also began to discuss the short story "The Lottery," which GT had read for homework. We are going to connect the two stories to compose a literary analysis on theme.

(Skype) GT was given the period to complete his research paper.

(Skype) The class began with an extensive review and discussion of current news stories. Next, we discussed the primary election process and the beginning of the 2020 elections. We spent the remainder of the class reviewing and discussing the impeachment trial. As always, GT was interested and involved.

Monday, February 03, 2020
1:30 -2:30 60 min. -
Science:
SKYPE: Genetic Variation and Mutation -
GT and I examined the ways variation in genetic structure is vital to a healthy population and necessary for evolution. The manner by which genetic variation occurs is natural, through meiosis. Mutations are caused by any change or mistake in the genes or chromosomes of an organism . Mutations can be inherited. Some Mutations are beneficial others detrimental or even fatal. GT reviewed a list of common types of mutation, and we discussed how they could occur during meiosis through errors during translation and transcription of RNA. We discussed many different traits and how they became a part of our genotype, and how they are expressed in someone’s phenotype. We then reviewed meiosis and mitosis for his upcoming test.

Friday, January 31, 2020
09:00 -11:00, 120 min. -
Biology:
SKYPE: Introduction to Genetics -
GT and I explored the vocabulary and basic constructs of Heredity, from the double helix shape to the amino acid triplets of the genetic code. We walked through the process of RNA translation and transcription, how mutations can occur during this process of protein synthesis, and how that fact gives the system strength and promotes evolution. We examined the basis of a chromosome and a human male karyotype, showing what chromosomes look like. We then examined how traits are inherited, how they relate to chromosomes, the difference between alleles and genes and finally variations. Lastly, we examined how environmental factors can influence some traits and how multiple genes can dictate some characteristics. Homework; Be prepared to be tested on mitosis and meiosis.

Monday, January 27, 2020
9:00 - 10:00; 1:30 -2:30 120 min. -
None -
GT was not available for class today.

We were going to continue simplifying rational functions and the tool he used was factoring.