Prealgebra & 7th grade, Fri 1/29

We all viewed a Nova special on Fractals, the hidden dimension.
There is NO ASSIGNMENT over the weekend. Some students have done a good job of getting in missing work -- if not, they can expect to be scheduled for tutoring and/or academic detention :(

Algebra Friday, Jan 29

We reviewed unit rates and then saw Flatland, the movie. Afterwards, we discussed using logic to determine whether an argument is valid or invalid -- there was a short EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT distributed.

7th grade, Thursday 1/28

today we learned a little bit about Singapore math and how it might help us solve 1-step equations. We also spent time at www.mathplayground.com getting an introduction to problem solving with thinking blocks. There is NO ASSIGNMENT

Algebra, Thus, 1/28

today we reviewed solving equations by using a technique from Singapore math. some students really liked it. We also spent time reviewing conditional statements and counterexamples.
THE ASSIGNMENT is to finish items 4-9 on p 16 of G1-8 handout.

Prealgebra, Wed 1/27

reviewed yesterday's quiz on angles & lines -- students took an XC quiz to improve these grades
We spent time in class working on problem-solving by using thinking blocks (on the www.mathplayground.com website).
For AN ASSIGNMENT, students need to complete the left hand column on each side of a handout on solving 1-step equations (G2-2, pages 19 &20)

Algebra, Wed, 1/27

covered all types of ways to solve pairs of equations by elimination -- a small group worked separately with Mr. DuBree. Everyone has AN ASSIGNMENT to complete tonight -- items 1-9 on the G2-3 handout (page 22 side) -- solving 2-step equations.

7th grade, Tuesday, 1/26

We reviewed information about lines and angles, using two interesting websites: www.AAAmath.com and www.mathisfun.com . We will have a quiz on this information tomorrow. There is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra, Tues 1/26

we reviewed lines & angle relationships (again) and had a quiz on these topics. there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, Tues, 1/26

we reviewed solving systems by subtraction, previewed our next method (solving by multiplication) and had a 3 item quiz. Kids were very glad that there is NO ASSIGNMENT -- for the first time in a while.

more on algebra, Mon 1/25

Yeah! I found out that the class got through everything I had planned and the assignment is to complete the handout G7.3, page 78, on solving by addition and subtraction.

7th grade, mon 1/25

this was our last class day to spend getting our angle activities done. many students are missing items and powerschool reflects this. We have also started our mandatory tutoring this term -- but students are always welcome to get extra help whether or not they are on the mandatory schedule.

Prealg, Mon 1/25

we reviewed key information about angles by visiting some websites and doing some activities on them. We went to www.aaamath.com to investigate complementary and supplementary angles. We went to www.mathisfun.com to check out geometry symbols, vertical angles, adjacent angles and congruent angles. We visited www.shodor.org to look at complicated parallel lines with transversals making 8 angles and investigated what we can figure out from just a little information.
All angle items are due -- we will have a quiz tomorrow. Then we will start with our next unit on triangles.

Algebra, Mon 1/25

Mr. DuBree filled in for me and I haven't been able to touch base with him to find out exactly how far the class got with the lesson on solving equations by elimination , subtraction. I'll find out tomorrow and pick it up from there.

Prealgebra on Friday 1/22

this was our last class day spent on the Angle unit stations. Students should have completed and turned in
(1) vocabulary (13 items plus 7 possible bonus items) -- graded as a test
(2) worksheet reteach/practice 7.2
(3) a paper summarizing their work on the webquest: http://questgarden.com/90/48/3/091119200003/
(4) either their scores on What's my angle? or a summary of their work on Angle Shapes
Monday we'll review this material in class and prepare for a quiz.

7th grade, Fri 1/22

We worked on our angle stations -- Monday will be the last class day dedicated to this.
By the end of class on Monday students should have completed and turned in:
(1)Angle vocabulary (13 terms and 7 more for bonus) -- graded as a test
(2)Re-teach and Practice 7.2 worksheet
(3)Webquest: if you want to work on it from home the address is http://questgarden.com/90/48/3/091119200003/
(4) a hands-on activity -- either What's my angle? game or Angle Shapes
If they need more time and/or help with these, they should plan to come from 3:20 - 4:00

Prealgebra Fri 1/22

Algebra, Friday 1/22

Today I tried to share a webquest on linear algebra with students but too many of them talked through it so I stopped.
for those who were interested in exploring this, the address is
http://questgarden.com/69/59/5/090818223853/ Quite a few students are still building their basic skills in this area and a webquest is a great way to work on this.
We did make some progress on solving systems of equations by elimination. we reviewed the first three on our handout from yesterday (G6.3) and identified the following steps:
(1) look at the equations and make sure x's, y's, ='s, and #'s are lined up.
(2) see which variable will be eliminated by checking the coefficients: the numbers must match but the signs must be opposite
(3) add the two equations -- this will result in an equation with only one variable
(4) solve it -- this gives you 1/2 of the answer
(5) take this answer and substitute it into one of the original equations (your choice)
(6) solve for the other variable -- now you have both parts of your answer
(7) write down your solution in (x,y) form
(8) you can check it by putting these numbers into the other original equation to make sure it works.
We worked through these steps for the next three problems and students have AN ASSIGNMENT of COMPLETING ITEMS 7,8,9 on their own before class starts on Monday.

Prealg & 7th grade, Wed, Thus & Fri, 1/20 - 1/21

we started our second geometry unit -- all about angles. Students are rotating through stations and will complete:
(1)
a webquest on angles: if you want to check it out at home, the address is http://questgarden.com/90/48/3/091119200003/.
(2)
a hands-on activity -- a What's my angle? game OR a set of shapes & activities on Angle Cards
(3)
vocabulary terms (13 are required, 7 more are bonus) and a worksheet (7.2)

In addition, Prealgebra students will also need to complete parts of a second worksheet (9.2) before the unit is complete. If 7th graders do this worksheet, it is extra credit.

Thursday, 7th graders will miss math class because of the field trip.

After completing this unit (on Friday or Monday) we'll review and have a quick quiz on our first 2 geometry units.

Algebra, Wed, 1/20

we reviewed the measurement assignment, which was mostly about proportions. Then we spent time in class working on solving systems of equations by substitution. we don't like it very much, but that's ok because tomorrow we'll start to learn our third (and final) way to solve systems of equations -- by elimination!!
For TONIGHT"S ASSIGNMENT, please complete the following items in the book, Ch 7, Section 1 (on solving by graphing), items 19 - 33, plus item #38 BUT, skip #25 and, for #24 just write two equations that represent the situation described, don't graph or solve them.

All Classes, Tuesday, 1/19

In all classes, we spent some time discussing the NWEA results. I shared the national norm data chart and we reviewed how these scores are calculated and what they mean. Since data analysis is one of our math standards, I thought this would be a good "teachable moment."
NWEA results on Friday were strange -- many students gained or lost a lot of points, which is unusual. At 7th and 8th grade, we look for an increase of about two or three points for 1/2 a year. We had most students scores change by more than this --and many of them went down. I don't really think any students have been un-learning so there is clearly something else going on. We talked about the factors, in addition to how much math a student knows, that might influence the score. Our thoughts include:
luck -- some questions, even at the same grade level, will be easier or more difficult for any given student to answer correctly. However, this should average out when looking at the whole group.
physical factors -- students who are tired, hungry, or feeling bad won't do very well
emotional factors -- students who are thinking about something (good or bad) that has nothing to do with math are distracted and won't do well
motivation -- which influences how much concentration and focus a student will have. Some students eliminate two of four answers and then guess, others will keep working on it.
day of the week -- most students agreed that Friday is not their best day for this activity.
for the algebra class -- they might be getting a lot of 8th grade level questions and, since we've been focusing on higher level math, they are rusty on these skills and didn't do so well.

Before the final NWEA in spring -- we'll chat again and make sure as many of these factors as possible will be working in our favor!!

We also updated our folders and paid special attention to the results of our recent basic skills check. I've asked each student to THINK ABOUT which one or two areas they'd be willing to work on to improve and which one or two areas they'd be willing to help others improve on. I'll collect and collate this information tomorrow and set up some study buddies. I'll also offer bonus points for those who take this activity seriously and make improvements.

In ALGEBRA CLASS, students also need to complete their REVIEW ASSIGNMENT ON MEASUREMENT (handout) and, if they didn't complete it already, FINISH THE REVIEW ASSIGNMENT ON SCIENTIFIC NOTATION, which we talked about today (and reviewed 8 answers).

Alg thus 1/14

We did start to cover ch 7, sect 2 in class -- we'll pick up on that topic on Tuesday.
There were several absent students so I modified my plans -- there is AN ASSIGNMENT
also due Tuesday, which reviews scientific notation -- the even items on Practice 8.2 (ch 8, sect 2). Absent students can substitute p 402, items 1-22 and 24, 26, 28.

We do NWEA during class on Friday.

7th grade, Wed, Thus, Fri, 1/13 - 15

Today we saw Flatland, the movie.
Then students received a fraction review handout, which is DUE TOMORROW.

On Thursday, we will have a Problem Solving Workshop on elapsed time. If not done in class, it is DUE MONDAY.

On Friday, we'll be in the computer lab completing NWEA assessments.

PreAlg, Wed, Thus, Fri 1/13 - 15

We saw Flatland, the movie.
Then everyone received a review handout on fractions -- we will finish them in class Thursday and get caught up on any missing work. There will be NO NEW ASSIGNMENTS on Thursday or Friday.

Individual lists of missing items were handed out today.

Friday we will be in the computer lab doing NWEA

Algebra, Wed, 1/13

today was a review on linear equations & graphs -- together as a class and then independently on a 10 point handout. they were all completed in class.

Tomorrow we will cover solving systems by substitution (Chapter 7, Section 2)

Friday we will be in the computer lab for NWEA.

7th grade, Mon/Tues 1/11 & 1/12

We spent a final two days completing the Basic Geometry Concepts unit. There are four items -- powerschool lists which are completed or missing even if they haven't been graded yet. Students who are missing any item need to complete them outside of class time.
Students who were done enjoyed using several geometry-related puzzles and games.

PreAlg Mon/Tues, 1/11 & 1/12

We spent Monday finishing the work on our first geometry unit. Students who didn't complete all items should plan to complete them outside of regular class time.
Tuesday we worked on a Problem Solving Workshop on the topic of elapsed time. Again, if not completed in class, students should complete it at home and be ready to turn it at the beginning of class on Wed.

Algebra, Mon/tues 1/11 & 12

On Monday we reviewed our assignment (last 6 items on RT 7.1) and took a quiz on this topic (solving systems of equations by graphing). We finished by talking about the problem-solving workshop that we spent all day Tuesday working on. It is called "a taste of algebra II" and covers the basic definition of logarithms and some easy matrix calculations. Students who didn't finish the PSW can complete it Tues evening -- due at beginning of class Wed.

Prealg & 7th grade, Fri, 1/8

We reviewed our vocabulary by acting out key terms (like charades).

We continue to work on the first geometry unit -- basic geometry concepts.

If not completed on Monday, items will need to be completed outside of normal class time.

Review of all items in this unit:
15 vocabulary items -- will count as test grade
ReTeach 7.1 & 9.1 (checked by me and re-done if not correct) -- graded as in-class work
Practice 7.1 and first 3 items on Practice 9.1 -- graded as independent practice
On-line quiz on 7.1 (students may retry once)

I will not post additional info until we start the next unit: All About Angles

Algebra, Fri, 1/8

We started with a review of ch 6, sec 2 -- in powerschool as an in-class assignment.

We reviewed the last three items on our first 7.1 assignment -- excellent work!!

With a buddy, we solved three systems of equations on the small dry-erase boards.

THE ASSIGNMENT is to complete items 4 - 9 on the handout (ReTeach 7.1)

We will have a quiz on 7.1 material on Monday.

Algebra, Thus 1/7

We started with a review on slope (Ch 6, sect 1) by using an online quiz as our material -- the results are recorded as an in-class activity in powerschool.

We reviewed most of the assignment and will review the remaining items tomorrow -- students should finish/revise/review them this evening -- P. 343, #6, 7 & 10

Prealgebra & 7th grade, Thus 1/7

We continue our work on the basic geometry concepts section of our geometry unit. Students are doing very well staying focused on it during class time and so there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealg & 7th grade, Wed 1/6

We started our first mini-unit in geometry -- this one covers basic geometry concepts.
there is a lot of vocabulary in geometry and it is very important. I provided each student with a six page packet with a special format to use for vocabulary. this will be GRADED AS A TEST upon completion. There are other handouts for this unit -- many students started on the first one in class. there is NO ASSIGNMENT. As long as students are making good progress on the work in class, there may be no homework for a while.

Algebra, Wed, 1/6

We reviewed linear equations and used them to solve systems by graphing.
THE ASSIGNMENT is items 1 - 11 (skip #5) in Ch 7, sect 1.

7th grade, tuesday, 1/5

We finished the basic skills test today -- I'll check the answers and compare them with those from the similar test from last quarter. If students are still weak in areas we've covered this year, I'll be developing individual work for them, either in tutoring sessions or on their own.

Those who were done early got to work on a puzzle that involved finding pieces that had the simplest form of a fraction to match up. They worked with a partner and had to use a problem-solving strategy. Many were quite successful. I have a book full of similar puzzles. There is NO ASSIGNMENT other than to be sure to bring their math book to class tomorrow.

Prealgebra, tues, 1/5

We completed the basic skills test in class and checked the answers. I will be comparing these results with those from last quarter and students will be given work assignments that target any specific areas that they need to work on.

We also worked on a cooperative in-class puzzle where students needed to match up pieces according to fractions and their simplest form. Unfortunately, at any given time there were only about 6 students who were actually working on this -- the others were chatting and goofing off. I told them this tells me that this was not acceptable and will discourage me from giving them interesting assignments where they get to work together. Too many still seem to be on break -- hope they decide to get serious about learning -- at least during class.

Algebra, tues, 1/5

Today's class covered three topics: students completed a puzzle with a partner that required them to match up fractions with their lowest term equivalents.
Then we checked our answers on the basic skills test. If there are topics that a student missed two or more out of four items on, I will be following up and helping them work to clear out these "rocks in their path".
Finally, THE ASSIGNMENT is to read the three pages in chapter 7, section 1, on the topic of solving systems of equations by graphing and to attempt the "check understanding" items under each of the four examples.

Prealgebra and 7th grade classes, Jan 4

Welcome back!!

We finished preparing our math portfolios for upcoming conferences. I also handed out a basic skills check -- this is similar to the one we did last term. I want to compare their skills and I hope they have improved:) We'll check the answers in class tomorrow so finishing it is THE ASSIGNMENT. There are 44 multiple choice items on 11 different topics.

I also played Roger Miller's song "you can't rollerskate in a buffalo herd" to check on their listening skills -- they were pretty good and figured out all the lyrics after just one or two times through the song. Bonus points for any student who creates their own verse using math information this week.

Hope to see everyone at conferences this Tuesday and Thursday.

Algebra, Jan 4

Welcome back!! We started class by asking each student for an example and a non-example of all the different types of numbers. We then prepared our portfolio materials for upcoming conferences.
I also asked students to complete a basic skills check. It covers 11 topics and asks 4 multiple questions on each. If not completed in class this is THE ASSIGNMENT. We will check answers at the beginning of class tomorrow.
I also offered a bonus question for the week -- what is a logarithm? This is a topic they won't cover until second year algebra but some students have run into it on NWEA so I thought they'd like a basic idea.
Our second quarter average grade was a B, but would have been lower if I had included those dismal tests on linear equations and their graphs. We will still work with that topic as we move forward this term.