Harm and Punishment (Susannah Sheffer)
During this period we have covered a range and depth of material pertaining to remorse, apology, and what happens when victims meet with the people who have committed harm. We’ve read and discussed legal scholar Susan Bandes’s work on whether remorse is visible and what judges think they know about it; we’ve looked at a video of a young defendant in a courtroom, learned about the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (founded by father of a murder victim who joined together with the grandfather of the perpetrator); we’ve read sample written apologies and analyzed what difference different phrasings make; we’ve read Dr. James Gilligan’s discussion of the challenges of feeling remorseful and learned more about his work with prisoners; we’ve read and watched videos about several different examples of victim-offender dialogues and discussed the many issues that they raise. Our core group of regular class participants has taken up these issues in a thoughtful, caring way, listening to and learning from each other, not always seeing things in exactly the same way but always being respectful of one another’s comments. Though we miss the kinds of discussions and activities that can happen when this class is held in person, we’ve also very much appreciated the involvement of our geographically distant members and the rich, meaningful discussions that are possibly even in a virtual platform.

Genetics and Society (Claudia Santillan)
In the last stretch of the year, we began by learning about the core genetic processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Members also learned about free online tools that can be used to learn about specific genes and gene sequences such as Ensembl and PubMed. Then we dived into the genetics of viruses and viral outbreaks and implemented what we learned about DNA by playing the online citizen science game called Eterna in small groups. Eterna is a puzzle game that aims to use the power of crowdsourced ability to create potentially life-saving medicines and therapies. Next, we dove into examining the role of DNA profiling in criminal investigations and the criminal justice system in the US. Members discussed the ethics of the existent DNA databases and the collection/sharing of such personal information. Then in small groups, members had the opportunity to research on their own the benefits and risks in the use of various GMO technologies and gene drives. They also were able to share their insights and therefore learn from one another. Finally, members were introduced to the online platform called SciStarter that connects people interested in contributing to real research projects to citizen science projects around the world. They had the chance to explore the various citizen science projects and the choice to follow up on that exploration. Our last class together was the perfect mix of sharing, reflection, appreciations, and fun as our year came to a close. 

Earth Science (Melanie Dana)
This spring we focused primarily on the issue of climate change. We started by studying weather and all the elements that go into a weather forecast. We also looked at the global systems that drive our weather patterns, especially those that can have catastrophic results. We then turned to understanding our climate today and how it has changed over time, the evidence for climate change, and a discussion of how to recognize bias and misinformation about climate change by examining sources. We studied where fossil fuels come from, the major sources of greenhouse gasses and their impacts, efforts to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and processes that may be able to remove carbon from the atmosphere. We ended the year by looking at the chemistry behind ocean acidification as a result of excess carbon in the atmosphere and the role that trees can play in mitigating climate change effects.

Math 1: Number Relationships (Melanie Dana)
The last part of the year involved the study of modular arithmetic and circular patterns in mathematics generally. This continued to involve factors, multiples, and primes. We did modular addition and subtraction, devised a way to determine the day of the week for any given date, and used Spirograph to explore patterns that result when comparing the ratios of the drawing wheels. We ended the year by watching a NOVA documentary about the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient astronomical computer found in a Greek shipwreck. By studying the relationships of the numbers of teeth on the gear wheels, mathematicians and archeologists were able to solve the riddle of how it was assembled and used.

Math 2: Mathematic Models (Melanie Dana)
After learning how to calculate conditional and unconditional probabilities and testing our results using dice, spinners, and drawing probability trees, we turned to calculations of permutations and combinations. We also had fun playing around with the concept of factorial and visualizing massively huge numbers. Since we now had lots of experience using complicated formulas, we turned our attention to the compound interest formula and spent some time delving into financial matters such as credit card debt, student loans, car loans, mortgages, and retirement accounts, as well as a brief introduction to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Lastly, we learned a little bit about cryptocurrencies and blockchain.

Shakespeare & Being Human (Ellen Morbyrne)
In February, March, April, and May, we read both As You Like It and The Tempest. We used As You Like It as our focus for exploring Shakespeare's Comedies, and The Tempest as our focus for exploring a Shakespearean genre sometimes called the Romances, sometimes called the Tragic Comedies or the Comic Tragedies, sometimes called the Problem Plays (although there is also an entirely different line of scholarship about different ones of Shakespeare's plays that is also called "The Problem Plays"), and sometimes this fourth genre doesn't exist at all and the 5 plays within it are simply part of the Comedies. Wow. Over the spring semester we honed our critical thinking skills, learning how to juggle appreciation with interrogation, and taking time to continually recognize racism and misogyny in their near-constant presence throughout his works. We also found the many ways in which Shakespeare's works raised their own critical glass to Elizabethan society and reminded ourselves repeatedly of the fact that Shakespeare's works have endured in part because of his brilliance, in part because of his ensemble's brilliance, in part because of his company's position at the height of royal sponsorship, in part because of the works themselves being popular reboots of already popular stories, and that at the end of the day, William Shakespeare was a single human being, who had no idea that his words would be carried through centuries. This group of students has waded through dense material and complicated discussions of literature, sociology, economics, history, and artistry, and has done so with excellent humor, curiosity, patience, compassion, and care. It's been an incredible year of study.

Hiking Group (Loran Saito and Ken Danford)
In this mostly wintry period, our intrepid group hiked to Mineral Hills Conservation Area, Mt. Toby and Cranberry Pond, Skinner Mountain, and Amethyst Brook. At least three hikes had to be cancelled because of heavy rains.

Volunteering at Manna Community Kitchen (Loran Saito)
Our group started this period assembling and distributing lunches. Toward the end of the period, as concerns about overcrowding indoor spaces began to intensify, we shifted outdoors to clothing sorting and distribution. Through this work, we were able to interact more with Manna’s guests.

Bread (Loran Saito)
In this time period, we made the following breads: Peppery Cheese Quick Bread, Chocolate Cherry Yeast Bread, Oat Flatbread (gluten-free), Yeast Donuts, Cheese Bread, Focaccia, Challah, New England Spider Bread, Soft Pretzels, Cheddar-Chive Scones, Cinnamon Rolls, Popovers, and White Sandwich Bread. We experimented with several breads using Tangzhou, a technique of cooking some of the flour in milk before mixing with yeast.

Books without Bounds: For the final part of the year we finished up House of Furies by Madeleine Roux as well as Shutter by Courtney Alameda. These last few books brought on quite a bit about paranormal, mythological creatures, and thriller themes. Due to Dracula by Bram Stoker being the inspiration for Shutter, we as a group decided to read this classic horror. Sadly, we were not able to get through it all as a group, but it appeared to be a team favorite. We discussed mature topics within the book's themes such as the threat of female sexual desire, fear of outsiders, sexist and racist themes within the novel, religion, and points of "madness" in the novel. Each book has brought on a very rich conversation with the teens and they have handled every theme and topic with maturity. 

Dungeons & Dragons: (Kizzi Collier)
I shall continue to be honored that so many of the teens had so much fun playing D&D with me and giving me this space to learn as a DM. I have always found that D&D is incredible for so many reasons, but I truly adore the way it can be amazing for mental health. This game helps individuals with social skills, teamwork, increases one's self-esteem, boosts confidence, allows one to express themself through a character, practice with taking turns, problem-solving, listening skills, creative thinking, imagination, and so much more! The team defeated the Overlord Strahd so beautifully and they had lots of fun traveling through the world of the Shadowfell. I have enjoyed watching them roleplay throughout the year and grow as a team. 

Sex is a Funny Word (Kizzi Collier) 
In some of our final discussions in this class, we have gone over topics such as transgender issues, Black female sexuality, the pink tax, gender roles, state requirements with sex education, types of attraction, and how the teens would like the future to look in terms of sex education in America and around the world. We listened to different voices in videos on Youtube such as the famous transgender Youtuber Contrapoints (Natalie Wynn) and even Lizzo with one of her interviews with Jameela Jamil. 

Race Relations (Ken Danford)
After completing the Look Deeper series about teens in NYC doing an anti-racism training, we moved on to some current issues and history. We followed the Derek Chauvin trial and discussed police reform proposals. We learned about Kim Janey, Mayor of Boston, and then watched Eyes of the Prize about the integration of the Boston Public Schools in the 1970s of which she was a part. We watched Park Cannon get arrested regarding the Georgia voting restriction law, and followed up with more history. The weekly conversations on many other related topics felt timely and important.

Election 2020 (Ken Danford)
It’s still not over! Voting Rights have become a major theme in our national news. What will become of the Republican party? Meanwhile, the new administration is advancing Covid Relief, Infrastructure Plans, and other large spending proposals. What are the pros and cons of such ideas? How can we make sense of the debates? What will we be discussing in the fall?