Discuss nuclear fission reactors as nuclear reactions for controlling fission. Elicit that their main function is to produce heat to boil water and produce steam to run the generators. Watch 2 short videos which explains the working of the reactor, all important parts and functions. Discuss the fission of the nuclear fuel and view how the controlled chain reaction works. Present the problem with waste disposal and outline how the waste is disposed of.
Today we worked on two types of AP essays-the literary argument and the poetry analysis. First, I provided editing and rewrite instruction on the literary argument essay that Joshua prepared last night. I demonstrated how to fit an analysis within the parameters. of the prompt emphasizing the need to avoid summarization. Next, we analyzed the poetry essay . We first discussed the overall intent and meaning of the poem followed by identifying. poetic techniques and elements that create meaning. We noted the use of metaphors as well as the narrator's complex struggle to find meaning in his life since the narrator feels God has not responded to his prayers.
Discuss the two major isotopes of Uranium, 235 and 238. Define that the fissionable one is 238, which is found in uranium ore, like UF6 at a % of 0.7. For reactor use, 3% is required, and for weapon use 90%. Discuss methods for uranium enrichment, separation of the two isotopes. Discuss and use diagrams to indicate that they can only be separated physically, by gas diffusion and/or by centrifugation. Each method can take years to separate the isotopes, with centrifugation being the newer and quicker method. Discuss critical mass needed to produce a chain reaction. Use diagrams and images to show how the critical masses can be produced by colliding subcritical masses together, as in a bomb.
Present chemically the functional group required for an organic acid molecule. Determine the general formula as R-COOH. Outline how to name the acid based on the alkane moiety and replace the last e in the name with OIC.
Discuss how Many of the acids have an official IUPAC name, a common name, and a familiar name. Example would be CH3COOH is ethanoic acid, acidic acid, and vinegar. Online a few aromatic alcohols which contain a benzene molecule along with attached groups, and elicit some of their common names, like salicylic acid and their uses.
We will review the topics of limits, derivatives, and integrals on a general basis rather than through doing problems. We will look at the definitions, graphs, and numerical values.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
45
Minutes Student Attended
45
Lesson Comments
We had a very good overview of these topics using several different approaches.
We first reviewed Joshua's practice test essay analyzing a prose passage. He has significantly developed his
AP writing style. We noted where sentence order could be reversed to create a clear topic sentence, and incorporated some "key words" from the prompt to clarify that his essay was responsive to the prompt. We then began our next practice essay-the literary argument. We studied the practice test prompt and discussed which of the novels we studied this year would provide the best textual evidence. Joshua then wrote an introductory paragraph . We discussed how to rewrite this paragraph so that it includes an interpretation rather than a summary. He will complete the essay for homework.
I worked with Joshua to export his Adobe XD file as html code. Joshua was given access to the student portfolio website and I helped him to upload his work to the 2025 page (https://aplusgraphxstudents.com/2025-2/).
