In today's lesson Sofia and I finished up the material covering thermal energy through different substances. We first calculated the ratio from our lab of how much energy it takes to heat up water. This led us into discussing specific heat.

We went through a 14 question and answer test format. Most important questions: What are the ( 6 ) elements of design, what is the most important thing in starting a design, social distancing guidelines before COVID (comfortable space), and identify the most popular resources when looking for new fabrics or cutting edge designs. We next need some applications related to design selections. Based on a brief description, we identify color and furniture selections.

We concluded our study of the novel today .On the board, I traced our class discussion detailing how the novel travels from the imaginative to the realistic as it ends with Matthew's death and with Anne 's having to sacrifice her ambition of attending college in order to save Green Gables . Sofia insightfully discussed the novel noting how at the beginning of the novel it is Marilla who must care for Anne, but by the end, with Mairlla's health failing and Matthew's death, it is Anne who cares for Mariila. We noted how Anne's physical maturation mirrors her emotional development . Sofia then studied the text and located strong examples of foreshadowing as well as segments illustrative of one of the novel's themes- Anne's ability to change others so as to enable them to share their emotional life. Sofia annotated her book to note both literary and thematic elements. We then reviewed all of Sofia's homework study guide answers which were complete, and thoughtful. Toward the end of the session ,in order to prepare for Monday's final test on the novel, we looked at some of the sections of the study guide material from the earlier chapters. HW-study for Monday's test on the novel.

We discussed inflation and its affect on stock prices and assets including real estate.

After reviewing the subject of each article of the Constitution, I provided instruction on the principles of the Constitution: limited government, popular sovereignty , rule of law, separation of powers, and checks and balances. After defining these principles on the board, I further provided examples of each principle's operation. For example, with respect to checks and balances ,we discussed that Congress can pass a law, that the president can veto the law , but, in response, that Congress can override the veto. I further discussed how the judicial branch can check Congressional power, and how in response the Congress can impeach and convict judges to remove them from office. I further discussed Montesquieu as the author of the concept of separation of powers. Sofia took notes on these topics. For homework, answer questions in book about principles of Constitution and prepare for a test on this subject tomorrow.

As our scheduled session was 30 minutes today, we worked on defining and identifying the part of speech of the remaining vocabulary words on the study guide. I then discussed our upcoming final test on the novel scheduled for Monday and provided study recommendations . For homework, finish the novel and study guide questions .

In today's lesson Sofia and I completed the mini lab of thermal energy transfer through different materials. In this lab we recorded the time it took to melt an ice cube through different materials. This showed that metal conducts or gains energy quickly compared to other materials like cotton.

During the first segment of the session, we studied the thematic use of metaphors in the upcoming chapters. For example, Marilla's eyesight is failing but her insights are growing. Sofia did a good job expanding the literal definition of "sight" or "seeing" to include understanding and recognition. We then continued working on how to write an analysis of a quote from the novel: context, paraphrase, and significance . I assisted Sofia in drafting an analysis of one quote from the study guide material ,and then Sofia worked on her own to develop an analysis of a second quote . For homework, finish the novel and complete all study guide material.

In today's lesson Sofia and I had a hands-on discussion about snakes and the different morphological features of different species. This allowed her to see how some features are left over from evolution, called vestigial limbs.

We enjoyed going on a local nature walk this afternoon with some other students to look for lizards and other reptiles. The walk was to celebrate a student's last day here and indulge his interest in reptiles. Sophia was excited to join and demonstrated her skills as an avid tree climber at the park. We also came back with a meaty curly tail lizard (possibly a pregnant female) that Ms. Nicole caught and a stalk of coconuts we found on our walk along the beach. We enjoyed our foray into nature, observing a variety of flora and birds as we walked, and learning about one another's interests as well. The unanimous consensus was that we enjoyed exploring the park and nature today together, and it was a really fun adventure!