We began with a brief review and discussion of current news stories. GT gave an update on his research paper. We then continued our review of the chapter. The delegated, reserve, and concurrent powers of the central government and the states were discussed at length. The increased influence of the federal government was reviewed. GT has selected that topic for his research paper. As always, he was interested and involved.

Class began with a review and discussion of the current impeachment inquiry by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Constitutional basis for the process was cited. The allegations were reviewed and the "whistle blower's" complaint was read and discussed. We ended class early to celebrate GT's birthday with cake and a short party.

In this activity, GT continued working on rational functions, but we focused on graphing rational functions that had no vertical asymptotes. These functions need more time to graph because many ordered pairs are needed to form the graph.

We watched CrashCourse #40 Ecology video and answered focus questions. Topics covered included populations, biological communities, ecosystems, biomes, and the biosphere. We spent some time discussing the difference between ecosystems and biomes, and identified several different biomes and their defining factors. This lead into discussions on invasive species as well as convergent evolution. GT learned a lot!

First we reviewed GT's homework. He did a very good job on it, and came in with a few questions. This lead to a discussion about the limitations of science, the role of science in society, ethics in science, and scientific literacy in general. We then reviewed the "big six elements of life." Using models, GT built a variety of organic molecules, including methane, ethanol, and glucose. We then had a quick lesson on acids and bases before heading to the lab for an experiment that demonstrates the body maintaining homeostasis through the exchange of gases with the atmosphere. Using limewater and an indicator, we observed how quickly GT was able to neutralize an alkaline solution by exhaling into it, both before and after exercising. Good class!

GT and I Discussed the next set of new vocabulary words. GT completed the activities which require him to use the words correctly in context. He did quite well. We then continued our study of the novel.Because GT was in England this past summer, he is able to add a lot of commentary on the setting of the story. GT will read additional chapters for homework, and he will write a double journal entry containing a meaningful quote from the novel.

GT needed to write his double journal entry as a reflection for yesterday's reading. We then discussed what he wrote. We also discussed possibilities for a cumulative project after he completes his reading. We then continued our study of the novel. We discussed the use of point of view by the author.

First we reviewed the characteristics of life to see how much GT could remember. He did well! We finished looking at examples of mutualistic relationships on the computer. Next we looked at examples of commensalism and parasitism. GT did a good job identifying the roles of different organisms in these symbiotic relationships.

GT and I began lesson three in his vocabulary book. We discussed ten new words and studied their pronunciations. We also completed two activities requiring GT to use the words correctly in the context of sentences and paragraphs. We then continued our study of the novel. We read and annotated a section. GT will choose a meaningful quote and write a double journal entry using correct MLA citation.

Student absent.