Richardson's Classes

Pre algebra & 7th grade, Friday 5/28

2010-05-28T14:50:00.003-04:00

all students completed their review work and basic skills tests so we watched Flatland, the movie, one last time on Friday

Next week we will spend part of each day covering some useful algebra-related topics and students will have a chance to improve their grades by participating and learning in class.

Powerschool is completely up to date.

Algebra, Friday 5/28

2010-05-28T14:47:00.002-04:00

We have spent most of the week reviewing the entire year's material in preparation for the end of course assessment, next Tuesday and Wednesday.
There are still some more opportunities to review:
Friday 3:20 - 4:00 during math club
all weekend (at the high achiever website -- students have their individual logon data)
Tuesday morning before school: 7:15 - 8:00
Tuesday 3:20 - 4:00

Powerschool is completely up to date -- many students are missing one or two items. I will still give some credit if they are turned in next week.

7th grade -- Mon - Wed, 5/24 - 5/26

2010-05-25T17:57:00.001-04:00

Students are making good progress in their small group review of basic skills. As they are prepared, they are requesting to complete the test (form D) on these.

There is extra credit available.

Prealgebra, Mon-Tues, 5/24 & 5/25

2010-05-25T09:58:00.001-04:00

We continue our review of basic skills -- students decide when they are ready for the actual test. As of Tuesday, 8 have completed it.
There is XC available.

Algebra, Mon - Fri 5/24 - 5/28

2010-05-25T09:55:00.003-04:00

We are focusing on our final review before the ECA test next Tues & Wed.
On Monday, students try a practice test, Part 1. On Tuesday we review these answers.
On Wednesday, students try the practice test, Part 2. On Thursday we review these answers.
Also, On Tuesday a benchmark, 3rd attempt was distributed -- DUE WEDNESDAY.
There is XC available -- another Japanese logic puzzle -- due next Tuesday.

Tutoring this week is set aside for algebra students to get extra review/help in preparation for the test -- 2 came on Monday.

7th grade, Friday 5/21

2010-05-21T13:38:00.004-04:00

We started our small group work on basic skills. It went well (I was nervous -- but students followed the rules quite nicely). This will continue next week and will finish with a test on basic skills -- students can take the test as soon as they are prepared for it.

Prealgebra, Friday 5/21

2010-05-21T13:38:00.002-04:00

We continue our small group work on the basic skills. It is going well.

Algebra, Friday 5/21

2010-05-21T13:32:00.002-04:00

We are into total review mode -- preparing for the end of course assessment which will be on June 1 & 2. Today we were in the computer lab, practicing with over 400 items from the Indiana High Achiever program developed by the Indiana Dept of Education. Students have access to these for the next week and are encouraged to work on this outside of school.

On Monday we will practice part 1 of a final exam. On Tuesday we will review the correct answers to part 1. On Wed and Thus we will do the same thing with part 2 of the same final exam. None of these will be entered in the grade book. Next Friday we are back in the computer lab for our final session with the High Achiever program.

In the meantime, I did hand out a 2nd attempt for yesterday's benchmark (3 items solving quadratics) -- this is DUE MONDAY AT TNE BEGINNING OF CLASS.

7th grade, Thursday, 5/20

2010-05-20T15:30:00.004-04:00

Today we shifted our focus from the work on lines and slope to a problem-solving activity, taken from the 1996-1996 6h grade math league national contest. This includes 40 "interesting" multiple choice math questions that students have 30 minutes to complete. A score of 15 is quite good.
These scores will be used to divide the class into small teams that will work together on basic skills, in preparation for a year-end test of basic skills. They will also be able to work on some extra credit activities after complete the basic skill work.
There are a few students with some missing work and there will be extra credit opportunities for the remainder of the term, too. Otherwise, there is NO HOMEWORK.

Prealgebra, Thus, 5/20

2010-05-20T11:42:00.002-04:00

Students continued to work on the basic skills review in small groups.
One group has completed their review on 8 of the 11 topics already!! This is a record and they received bonus points.

Students will be able to take the basic skills test after completing all the review topics.

Our work continues to be done in class, however, extra credit is available.

Algebra, Thus, 5/20

2010-05-20T11:40:00.003-04:00

Students had 1/2 in class to continue working on the middle column of 10.7. This will be TURNED IN TOMORROW AT THE START OF CLASS.

We had a mini-lesson on rational proportions -- the last topic of the year!

Students ended class with a 1st attempt with benchmark 72 (solving with the quadratic formula).

7th grade, Wed, 5/19

2010-05-19T14:00:00.002-04:00

We continued to work on slope in class, completing 2 individual assignments that will receive grades for accuracy. Students have done a very good job learning about slope in the last few days.

We worked a little bit on a related skill: drawing the line from one point and the slope.

There is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra, Wed, 5/19

2010-05-19T11:09:00.002-04:00

Everyone has now taken the data analysis test and the results were shared with the class. The highest grade was an A+, the lowest an F, the median, mean, and mode were all C's.

We'll be splitting our remaining time this term between two topics:
(1) reviewing basic skills
(2) covering some linear algebra topics

Today's (and tomorrow's) focus is basic skills.
Students divided into self-selected groups and worked together from our Basic Skills check, version C (which all had previously seen).
When done with any of the eleven topics,groups will try out version A and/or B to see how they are doing. When everyone is satisfied with all eleven groups, the entire class will complete version D and this will be entered as a grade -- the final test of the year.

This is all in-class work -- there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, Wed, 5/19

2010-05-19T11:06:00.002-04:00

today's focus was the quadratic formula.
We started by reviewing the three steps in using it.
I then shared a "real life" example on the board (from physics, using gravity)
The rest of the class time was spent practicing items from the middle column of Practice 10.7. Students worked in small groups and made good progress.

We will continue this in class tomorrow and likely finish tomorrow with a benchmark on solving with the quadratic formula.

In the meantime, there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

There is just one topic left for us to cover this year.

7th grade, Tuesday, 5/18

2010-05-18T13:16:00.002-04:00

continuing our work on slope, students spent all class completing the handout "what do you call a duck that steals?" which involved calculating slope from the graph or from two points. (by the way, the silly answer is "a robber ducky")
Students who didn't complete it in class should finish it on their own and turn it in tomorrow.

Prealgebra, Tuesday, 5/18

2010-05-18T13:15:00.001-04:00

Today we had our test on data analysis. Everyone who was here completed it.

Tomorrow we will start to review our basic skills. We will have one more test -- on basic skills -- before the end of the term.

Algebra, Tuesday, 5/18

2010-05-18T13:13:00.002-04:00

We completed our third attempt at benchmark 66 -- grades for all this time.

Students saw how the quadratic formula is derived from the process of completing the square. Notes on the three steps: 1. get it in standard form; 2. identify a, b, and c; 3. substitute and simplify.

Tomorrow, in class we will practice using the formula on problems. We have only one more topic to cover in the algebra curriculum. In the meantime, there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

7th grade, Monday, 5/17

2010-05-17T15:18:00.002-04:00

We continued our work on slope, first by reviewing what we had learned and tried last week. Our goals: (1) learn how to calculate slope from the graph (2) learn how to calculate the slope from two points (and no graph) and (3) learn how to graph the line from one point and the slope. We discussed the first two and started on a related in-class assignment -- which we will continue in-class tomorrow. In the meantime, there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra, Mon 5/17

2010-05-17T11:52:00.001-04:00

we completed our fifth (and final) algebra readiness activity -- these will be used for 9th grade placement recommendations and will not be entered in the gradebook.

The rest of class was spent updating folders, completing missing work, and reviewing all 20 topics in our data analysis unit. THERE IS A TEST TUESDAY ON DATA ANALYSIS.
Students may use their notes and completed assignments to assist them on the test.

no one is assigned to tutoring -- it is open to anyone who wants extra help.

Algebra, Mon 5/17

2010-05-17T11:49:00.003-04:00

We will be working quickly through our last 3 topics this week.
Students tried the 2nd benchmark on solving quadratic equations -- a few handed them in for a grade. Everyone will try a third time tomorrow -- these will be graded.

We spend the rest of class covering the most difficult topic, solving by completing the square. Students receive a grade for participation based on their notes which I collected.

I'll return these at the beginning of class Tuesday and we'll cover THE QUADRATIC EQUATION.

I have open tutoring this week -- no one is assigned, all are welcome to come for extra help.

7th grade, Friday 5/14

2010-05-14T15:30:00.002-04:00

We had short classes because of our movie or academic detention program in the afternoon. We started witn an activity that reviewed subtracting fractions. Then we tried a small exercise with slope -- this will not be graded but will help me prepare our next lessons on this topic. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT

prealg, Fri 5/14

2010-05-14T15:29:00.003-04:00

we started with a review exercise on subtracting fractions and spent most of the time completing an algebra-readiness exercise, which will not be entered in the gradebook but will be used to help decide on placement in math classes next year. We completed 4 of 5 of these and we'll complete the fifth one on Monday. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, Friday 5/14

2010-05-14T15:26:00.002-04:00

We reviewed the small assignment on 10.5, tried a benchmark on solving quadratics (everyone wants to retake a similar one on Monday), reviewed basic examples of slope and previewed our next topic,solving quadratic equations by completing the square.

Students who want to improve their grade on section 10.4 should try items just after those in the assigment (6, 11, 16, 21, etc.).

7th grade, Thursday 5/13

2010-05-13T16:12:00.002-04:00

Today we learned about slope -- starting with our current non-math understanding of it and then connecting this to the official math definition. Students used the individual dry-erase boards and a partner to plot points and determine slope, then to plot a point and use the slope to create the line and, finally, to use the line to find the slope. We ended with a summary of what we understand and what we think about it. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT. All graphing pictures need to be turned in on Friday. The Japanese logic puzzles (extra credit) may be turned in on Monday.

Prealgebra, Thus, 5/13

2010-05-13T09:36:00.001-04:00

Students continued to work on the final assignments in our data analysis unit. They are due by Friday along with the notes on the same topics.

Algebra, Thus, 5/13

2010-05-13T09:34:00.002-04:00

Students turned in the 10.4 assignment and we reviewed 4 requested items from it on the board. Then selected students demonstrated 4 items from the 10.5 Reteach page (#1,2,5,9). THE ASSIGNMENT is to complete the remaining items on the reteach side: #3,4,6,7,8)

7th grade, Wed, 5/12

2010-05-12T14:42:00.002-04:00

Students continued to work on their graphing projects -- they look very nice and are being displayed in the hallway. Students may do an extra graphing picture for extra credit and there is also a Japanese logic puzzle for extra credit.

We started working on slope with an in-class activity on individual dry-erase boards. We will continue to work on slope and related algebra topics for the next few days.

Prealgebra, Wednesday, 5/12

2010-05-12T10:10:00.002-04:00

We completed our last two presentations on data analysis topics. Students are now working on the assignments that go with our last 8 topics. They will be turned in with the notes on these same same topics. Both the assignments and the notes will receive a grade. THERE SHOULD BE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE THIS WORK IN CLASS.

there is still extra credit available (Japanese logic puzzles).

Algebra, Wed 5/12

2010-05-12T08:51:00.002-04:00

We are into the "practice makes permanent" phase with the topic of solving quadratic equations.
We reviewed 10.4 in class by completing the chart on the ReTeach side of a handout.
Then students had 1/2 hour to complete 11 items on the Practice side in class (just the items that are multiples of 5). If not completed in class, this must be DONE BEFORE CLASS TOMORROW.

There is still XC available (Japanese logic puzzles)

7th grade, Tuesday 5/11

2010-05-11T14:06:00.001-04:00

We continued our review of fractions with some problems that had whole numbers or mixed numbers, too.

We spent most of class continuing our work on the graphing projects. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra, Tuesday 5/11

2010-05-11T11:01:00.002-04:00

We started with a review of fraction operations and learned about a new kind of puzzle -- Skikaku -- which uses logic and rectangles. There is an EXTRA CREDIT assignment based on Shikaku's.

We saw most of our data analysis presentations today -- there are only two left to see tomorrow. Notes will be graded and may be used to help on an assignment (and a test) on these topics. Students will receive the assignment tomorrow

Algebra, Monday 5/11

2010-05-11T10:58:00.002-04:00

today's agenda included a brief review of operations with fractions and computing slope from two points.

Students learned about a Skikaku puzzle, which uses logic and rectangles. There is an extra credit assignment with four of these.

We reviewed most of the 10.4 and 10.5 assignment -- but students need to REVIEW/COMPLETE 10.5, items 11 thruough 21 -- this is part of yesterday's assignment but we'll review it at the start of class tomorrow.

7th grade, Mon 5/10

2010-05-10T15:12:00.002-04:00

We continued our work on graphing. Today, every student selected a different set of graphing instructions (several levels of difficulty were available). These graphs will be graded for accuracy and then displayed in the hallway. These are being completed in class, so there is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.
If students want extra credit, they may complete a third graph, ourside of class time.

Any student with a D or F is scheduled for tutoring.

Prealgebra, Mon 5/10

2010-05-10T09:48:00.002-04:00

We started with a quick review on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions with unlike denominators.

Students finished their final presentations on data analysis topics and we started to see them.

Reminder: notes on these presentations are graded and may be used to assist on the related assignment and test.

There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT

algebra, Mon 5/10

2010-05-10T09:03:00.002-04:00

we reviewed the 10.4 assignment, had a mini-lesson on 10.5 (solving by factoring and using thge zero product property). the NEW ASSIGNMENT is 10.4, odd items 11-21 AND 10.5 odd items 1-21.

7th grade, Friday 5/7

2010-05-07T13:49:00.002-04:00

today we started working on algebra-related skills.
the first one is graphing.
Everyone worked on on the same first exercise in-class so that we all remember exactly how to graph each point correctly. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

Next week, students will complete a second graphing exersize (at a difficulty level of their choice) and it will be graded for accuracy.

There will be a third, extra credit, graphing exercise available, too.

Prealgebra, Friday 5/7

2010-05-07T11:38:00.001-04:00

We were unable to follow-up on our flagpole project (not enough sun for shadows) so we started working on our last unit in Data Analysis. Students divided into groups of their own choosing an started on their topic. Presentations will begin on Monday. In the meantime, there is NO ASSIGNMENT

Algebra, Friday 5/7

2010-05-07T09:07:00.004-04:00

Ch 9 tests are graded and in powerschool.

On Friday we covered new material: we learned about what the definitions of quadratic functions and quadratic equations are. We learned that we use the terms solutions, zeros and x-intercepts to all mean the same thing. We learned that quadratics may have two, one, or zero solutions. We saw how to identify the solutions from the graph and to check them to make sure they are solutions.
We also learned how to find the solutions from the equation (and to check them too).
THE ASSIGNMENT is p. 530, the a,b,c items following example #1 (check understanding) AND p. 531, 10 - 18, the even items.

2010-05-07T09:07:00.001-04:00

7th grade, Thursday 5/6

2010-05-06T15:28:00.002-04:00

We reviewed our order-of-operations assignment and completed some interesting problems which I found on the Cambridge University website. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

We also reviewed preliminary results of our math NWEA assessments.
In Core 3: 8 students met or exceeded their targets and 8 students did not
In Core 4: 6 students met or exceeded their targets and 14 students did not

there were several students in core 4 that said they would like to re-take it because they rushed themselves, hit the wrong answer button by mistake, etc. I don't know if this will be possible.

Here is a comparison of the results with the national median for 7th graders:
National median is 230
Core 3 median is 236
Core 4 median is 229

For comparison, the national median for 8th graders is 234. Parents will receive detailed individual reports at the end of the school year.

Prealgebra, Thursday 5/6

2010-05-06T11:02:00.002-04:00

We spent more time discussing our possible ways to measure the flagpole and decided to try measuring shadows and using similar triagles (and a proportion). Students went outside in small groups to make their measurements -- most got to do this.

Others, in the meantime, completed two group problem-solving challenges which I found on a website created by Cambridge University in England.

Students turned in their assignments (on order of operations and decimals) from Tuesday. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, Thus 5/6

2010-05-06T09:08:00.003-04:00

We de-briefed our NWEA experience and reviewed two charts of the results:

# students who met or exceeded their target: 8
# of students who didn't: 12
highest score: 267
national median score for 8th graders: 234
median score of this class: 244 this is 2+ years beyond the median for 8th graders

We also allowed students more time for that Ch 9 test.

Tomorrow, on to Chapter 10

7th grade, Tuesday 5/4

2010-05-04T14:53:00.001-04:00

we completed our review of basic concepts and then started a handout on order of operations. We completed the first four items together on the board and THE ASSIGNMENT is to complete the rest of this side -- items #5 - 12.

We will complete our final NWEA/math assessment tomorrow so this assigment is not due until Thursday.

Prealgebra, Tuesday 5/4

2010-05-04T10:29:00.003-04:00

We spent more time in small groups brainstorming ways to measure the flagpole within 1 inch. Then we combined these ideas into a master list.

We spent the rest of the class on a handout that reviews order of operations on one side and dividinng with decimals on the other. We did the first 4 items together on the board and the remaider of each side is THE ASSIGNMENT -- due Thursday

On Wednesday we will be completing our last NWEA/math assessment of the year.

Algebra, Tues, 5/4

2010-05-04T10:26:00.002-04:00

the three students who were absent on Monday were here so they had time to work on the Ch 9 test.

All students participated in an in-class review of dividing with decimals and order of operations.

We spent the last 15 minutes answering questions about chapter 9-type items.

On Wednesday we will complete our final NWEA/math assessment of the year.

On Thursday we will spend more time on the Ch 9 test -- notes and study guide may be used. I will grade the tests after Thursday and we will move on to our last topics, which are almost all in Chapter 10.

7th grade, Thus-Fri-Mon 4/29,4/30 and 5/3

2010-05-03T19:47:00.002-04:00

We completed our unit on data displays and ended the week with an interesting problem solving workshop based on a Math League competition for 5th graders.
On Monday we updated our folders and started an in-class review of basic math concepts, which we will continue on Tuesday.
In the meantime, there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra Thus-Friday-Mon 4/29, 4/30 & 5/3

2010-05-03T19:44:00.002-04:00

we spent time getting everyone caught up with any missing work and we completed an interesting problem solving workshop activity. powerschool grades are up-to-date
On Monday, we updated our math folders and completed an in-class review of math concepts. Students ended by forming into groups that are brainstorming ways to measure the height of our flagpole within one inch.

Algebra, Thus 4/29 - Mon 5/3

2010-05-03T19:40:00.001-04:00

Thursday and Friday students reviewed material from Chapter 9
Monday students took a test on Chapter 9 -- polynomials
There is NO ASSIGNMENT

Prealgebra, Wed 4/28

2010-04-28T09:46:00.002-04:00

we are completing our assignment on data displays during class. they get turned in with the notes on these 6 topics: notes are worth 12 points and assignment is worth 20 points (1/2 for effort, 1/2 for correct answers)
We will tackle the next unit -- sampling & predicting -- still using the jigsaw method on Thursday. All work is being completed in class. Powerschool is up-to-date.

all classes, Mon - Wed, 4/26 - 4/28

2010-04-26T10:51:00.002-04:00

We have ISTEP testing first thing each morning. The rest of the morning is a modified schedule and I will not be assigning any homework during this time. Students are encouraged to finish any missing work, however, powerschool is up to date and I provided each student with individual lists and copies of missing work last week.

In algebra class, we will do in-class practice on section 12-3.
In prealgebra & 7th grade, we will see presentations from student groups on their data display topics and students need to take notes on each one.

Tutoring happens this week, as usual: with the math coaching staff every afternoon and with me on Mon (7th grade) and Tues (8th grade).

7th grade, Friday, 4/23

2010-04-23T11:18:00.002-04:00

We have completed our first unit -- on statistics. All five topics have been presented and students have had two full days to work on a related assignment in class. Friday, groups start to work on the next unit, data displays. We will continue this unit during ISTEP next week, so there will be NO NEW ASSIGNMENTS, all work should be completed in class.

Prealgebra, Friday 4/23

2010-04-23T11:16:00.002-04:00

We have completed our first unit (statistics) -- all five topics were presented and students had plenty of time in class to complete the assigment, which they turned in with their notes. We have started our second unit, data displays, and three groups have already made presentations. Next week, during ISTEP, we will continue to work in class on finishing the next three presentations and follow up with another assignment. It will all be done in class so there is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT. Students with missing work and/or low grades have been assigned to tutoring.

Algebra, Friday, 4/23

2010-04-23T11:13:00.002-04:00

We continued working, in class, on that assignment mentioned in the last blog. We turned it in today and had a quiz on the same topic.
Then we started working on simplifying rational expressions (Ch 12, Sect 3). We will continue to work on this unit, just doing work in-class, until ISTEP is done.
Powerschool is up-to-date. Students with missing work and/or low grades are encouraged to come for help during tutoring. In the meantime, there is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, tues 4/20

2010-04-20T08:58:00.002-04:00

students had a total of 35 minutes during class to complete yesterday's assignment and turn it in. We also reviewed factoring by grouping and took notes on our final method of factoring trinomials. We have now covered all the material in chapter 9. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

Extra credit is available (students need to ask me for this handout)

prealgebra & 7th grade, Mon 4/19

2010-04-19T15:24:00.002-04:00

We started our unit on data analysis today. This will consist of four sub-units -- the first on statistical measures. Students were formed into 5 teams, each team will review/present one of five topics to the rest of the class. When these 5 presentations are done, students will complete an independent assignment that covers all five areas, but they can use their notes.
Then we will move on to the next sub-unit. When all four are completed, there will be a test on the entiree topic.
I will update the blog when students in each class have reached the time to complete their independent assignments.

Extra credit work is available.

Algebra, Mon 4/19

2010-04-19T15:19:00.001-04:00

We had a 30 minute problem-solving exercise in class. Students did well :)
We followed with a review on solving systems of equations by elimination and an ASSIGNMENT on this: page 357, items 23 - 32. due Tuesday.

prealg & 7th grade week ending 4/16

2010-04-16T15:57:00.003-04:00

we completed our unit on probability on Friday with a quiz on this topic.

Students have completed one in-class assignment and two independent assignments.
Any missing items can be turned in on Monday without any late penalty. Powerschool is up to date.

Algebra, wed-fri 4/14 - 4/16

2010-04-16T15:54:00.002-04:00

On Wed we reviewed 9.5 and had a quick quiz -- then we pre-viewed 9.8
On Thursday those who were not shadowing at the high school watched Flatland
On Friday, we went to the computer lab to review linear equations at www.mathplayground.com with the game save the zogs
the few students with missing assigments need to get these made up before tutoring on Tuesday afternoon in order to be excused from it.

7th grade, Mon-Tues 4/12 & 13

2010-04-13T07:32:00.002-04:00

We started with a quiz, taking two items from last week's world imagery challenge and having each student show how to find the correct measurement using scale. This score is added to the project work from last week and entered as a single grade.

We started our unit on probability with a two-day in-class activity about rolling two dice and finding the sum of the numbers rolled. This will be completed on Tuesday and students will receive an ASSIGNMENT to complete on their own -- Practice 12-1 & 12-2, due Wednesday.

Prealgebra, Mon-Tues 4/12 & 13

2010-04-13T07:30:00.003-04:00

we had a quiz on last week's WIC project -- this is added to the score and entered as a single grade

We reviewed compount interest as shown in a credit card statement.

We started working on probability -- using an in-class exercise on theoretical & experimental probability that uses a pair of dice. This will be completed in-class on Tuesday and THE ASSIGNMENT is the handout - Pracice 12-1 & 12-2, due Wed.

algebra, Mon-Tues 4/12 &4/13

2010-04-13T07:26:00.002-04:00

We took notes on factoring our second type of polynomial -- see Chapter 9, Sect 5
On Monday, students completed an in-class assignment of 10 exercises.

On Tuesday, students review these items and practice, practice, practice: completing the left-hand column of the Practice 9-5 handout as an independent practice ASSIGNMENT -- 26 items in all.

Wednesday will include a quiz on these.

Prealgebra, Thursday, 4/8

2010-04-08T10:32:00.002-04:00

Three teams have completed the World Imagery Challenge:
Fluffy the Destroyer of Worlds, The Bieber Team, and The Geniuses

Students in these three teams will work on the Noon Day Project tomorrow :)

Others will need to complete their work on the WIC in class tomorrow.

An EXTRA CREDIT opportunity is available -- copies of the GeoNan math puzzle. For credit, this is due by Monday.

algebra, Thursday 4/8

2010-04-08T10:23:00.002-04:00

we spent most of today's class reviewing the Practice 9-7 assignment. there were 29 items and we graded them in class -- 1/2 credit for effort and 1/2 for accuracy. Students who did a good job turned them in so the grade can be recorded. Students who didn't complete the assignment or didn't do well on it need to work on additional items from the 3rd column and turn it in tomorrow at the beginning of class.
We will have a quiz on special cases tomorrow and then we will start to work on notes and in-class practice on our next topic, factoring trinomials that are not special cases.
AN EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT is available -- the April Geonan math puzzle. this is due on Monday for credit.

algebra, Wed, 4/7

2010-04-07T10:06:00.003-04:00

we continue to focus on those special cases -- chaper 9 section 7
We spent time in class taking notes and practicing all three types
THE ASSIGNMENT is the middle column on the Practice 9-7 handout -- yes, all 29 items!

Prealgebra & 7th grade, Tues - Fri, 4-7,8,9,10

2010-04-07T09:57:00.003-04:00

We are working in class on two interesting projects:
the Noon Day Project, which we started before break. This lets us measure the circumference of the earth, using shadows case here and at another school from somewhere else in the world. the website is www.ciese.org.curriculum/noonday/

The other activity is The World Imagery Challenge and uses photos of the earth to answer questions that involve measurement, scale, and proportions. http://towson.edu/math/WIC

Students are working in small groups. In the meantime, there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra, Tuesday 4/6

2010-04-06T09:46:00.003-04:00

We spent most of the class discussing/finishing the exponential problems on yesterday's handout.
We spent the rest of the class working on either the Noon Day Project or the World Imagery Challenge -- which will take up the rest of this week
All this work is in-class so there is NO ASSIGNMENT
But -- there is an EXTRA CREDIT CHALLENGE-- if you saved $100 starting at age 13 and it received compound interest of 5% until age 58 -- how much money would you have?

Algebra, Tues, 4/6

2010-04-06T09:43:00.003-04:00

We started by reviewing the exponential problems on yesterday's handout -- students who were not done with it should complete it and turn it in tomorrow.
we then took notes on our special cases -- chapter 9 section 7 in the textbook
and finished with an in-class assignment -- handout Reteach 9-7
Students did a very good job today :)
There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT

7th grade, Mon 4/5

2010-04-05T14:57:00.002-04:00

1st day of the last quarter -- we spent our class completing a basic skills check.
This will be used to (1) share at conferences this week and (2) plan individual priorities for specific skills that should be the focus of improvements.
It will NOT be entered in the gradebook but another version of this same basic skills check will be graded later in the quarter.
Tomorrow we get back to our Noon Day Project and similar activities -- in the meantime, there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra, Mon 4/5

2010-04-05T10:21:00.002-04:00

1st day of the last quarter before high school -- I will be pushing to make best use of this time.

We did a basic skills check that will be included in portfolios at conferences this week. it will also be used to determine what area(s) students need to focus some extra work on. Later this quarter, we will do a final version of the basic skills check and that one will be entered as a grade.

We started working on a handout in class -- no on completed it so it is THE ASSIGNMENT -- "cartoon corner" using exponent compuationa.

Algebra, Mon 4/5

2010-04-05T10:19:00.002-04:00

1st day of the last quarter before high school

We spent 1/2 hr on an interesting problem solving workshop

Then we briefly reviewed multiplying special case binomials -- tomorrow we will start to do this backwards!!

THE ASSIGNMENT -- complete the handout "cartoon corner" using examples with exponents.

7th grade, 3/22 - 3/25

2010-03-24T06:37:00.002-04:00

Last week of the quarter!
Monday - Tuesday, finish work /missing assignments
Wed - Thursday -- The Noon Day Project and some interesting activities.

Prealgebra, 3/22 - 3/25

2010-03-24T06:34:00.002-04:00

Last week of the quarter! Monday, update math portfolios
Tuesday, finish work/missing assignments.
Wed - Thus, The Noon Day Project and some interesting activities.

Algebra, 3/22 - 3/25

2010-03-24T06:33:00.002-04:00

Last week of the quarter! Monday, review on polynomials. Tuesday, test.
Wed, review test / chance to improve grade. Thus, math portfolio preparation.

7th grade, Wed - Friday, 3/17 - 19

2010-03-17T14:30:00.000-04:00

We began with a critical thinking activity that compared the heights & circumferences of 6 different cylinders.
Then we reviewed the assignment on space figures.
We ended with a review of space figures' nets.
THE ASSIGNMENT is on these nets -- Reteach 10-4 & Practice 10-4

Thursday we will have career day instead of class.

Friday, I'll be on a field trip with the National Junior Honor Society and Mr. DuBree will be the guest teacher.

Prealgebra, Wed 3/17

2010-03-17T11:47:00.001-04:00

We started with an exercise comparing the heights and circumfrences of 6 different cylinders. Then we divided into small groups for an in-class activity on complex 3-D shapes. There is NO NEW ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, Wed - Friday 3/17 - 19

2010-03-17T11:45:00.002-04:00

Class didn't meet Wed because of the Irish dancers.

On Thursday, we meet for a short class before career day activities -- we'll review the assignment from yesterday.

On Friday, NJHS is on a field trip and Mr. DuBree will be our guest teacher for the day.

7th grade, Tuesday 3/16

2010-03-16T13:56:00.002-04:00

Our fraction review focused on subtracting with like denominators.

We reviewed space figures (3-D objects) and THE ASSIGNMENT is to complete the handout (RT 8-7 and Pract 8-7).

PowerSchool Gradebook just got fixed -- I'll get all my graded work in as soon as possible.

Prealgebra, Tues, 3/16

2010-03-16T10:23:00.002-04:00

our fraction review focused on subtraction with like denominators

Then we explored how a plane can create different cross-section shapes with our plane figures by using salt in plastic models

Finally, we explored the front, side, top and base views of stacks of blocks -- on the back of this worksheet is an Extra Credit opportunity -- these are DUE WED if not finished in class.

PowerSchool Gradebook is still down -- I can't update grades until it is fixed :(

Algebra, Tuesday 3/16

2010-03-16T10:19:00.002-04:00

our % review today was word problems.

Then we checked the 9.2/9.3 assignment -- students receive credit for effort.

An additional ASSIGNMENT on the same topic: p. 470, 30-38 is DUE TOMORROW.

Tutoring is self-assigned this week and DON'T FORGET to complete the ON LINE exercise (at school, if necessary)

NOTE: PowerSchool's gradebook is still down -- has been since Friday afternoon. I have a large pile of graded work that I can't enter until it is fixed :(

7th grade, Monday 3/15

2010-03-15T13:38:00.002-04:00

our fraction review covered adding mixed numbers with the same denominator

Then we took up an assignment on congruent and similar figures, if not done in class, it is DUE TOMORROW

Note: PowerSchool's gradebook was down all weekend (and still is as of Monday afternoon). No teachers were able to enter any grades.

Prealg, Mon 1/15

2010-03-15T10:22:00.002-04:00

We continued our fraction review with adding mixed numbers with the same denominators.

Then we looked at several space figures and their nets.
THE ASSIGNMENT is both sides of 2 handouts: RT8-7, Pract 8-7, RT 10-4, Pract 10-4

Please Note: PowerSchool's gradebook was down all weekend -- grades have not been updated since Friday morning :(

Algebra Mon 3/15

2010-03-15T09:11:00.002-04:00

Today we continued our % review and returned to multiplying polynomials.
THE ASSIGNMENT is 16 items: P 469, 1-10 and p 477, 1,2,5,6,21,22

Reminder: don't forget to go on-line and complete the exercise!! Students can use school computers during homeroom or 3:20 - 4:00 -- needs to be done by Wednesday.

Prealgebra & 7th grade, Fri 3/12

2010-03-12T15:36:00.002-05:00

We did a math contest today -- 30 items for 30 minutes (these are not easy, even though it was designed for 4th graders). Great example of problem-solving and many students did better than they thought! I told them the top scorers will be getting a home-made brownie from me next week :)

There is NO ASSIGNMENT, but still an EXTRA CREDIT opportunity (palette of problems handout).

Happy Pi day (3/14) on Sunday !!

Algebra, Friday 3/12

2010-03-12T15:28:00.002-05:00

We finally checked that 9.2 assignment. If not completed, or not completed well, students should self-assign to tutoring on Tuesday for review/grade improvement.
We practiced multiplying binomials with binomials (and even with a trinomial) on the individual dry-erase boards. Students did a nice job with this in-class assignment :)
There is an ON-LINE ASSIGNMENT -- at the Indiana Dept of Educ "high achiever" site -- students have their sign-ons and passwords. This one is going to be entered AS A TEST in the grade book and must be completed by WEDNESDAY. It is best to get on-line this weekend when you can take all the time you want to look it over. If not available at home, students may use computers in my classroom between 3:20 - 4:00 on Monday or Tuesday.
I have received a few EXTRA CREDIT GeoNan math puzzles -- I'll still take them Monday.

Happy Pi day (3/14) on Sunday!!

7th grade, Thus 3/11

2010-03-11T14:02:00.002-05:00

Our fraction review covered adding fractions with the same denominator (and simplifying the result). Then we continued with the back side of yesterday's assignment -- focusing on area and perimeter. If not completed in class, this is DUE TOMORROW.
Reminder -- there is a "palette of problems" available as EXTRA CREDIT:)
Only two weeks left in this quarter.

Prealgebra, Thus, 3/11

2010-03-11T11:38:00.002-05:00

Our review today involved adding fractions with a common denominator -- it's getting a little trickier every day. We worked on the back side of yesterday's assignment and most completed it in class -- if not it can be turned in tomorrow. I didn't tell the students, but this is going to be graded as EXTRA CREDIT (if I told them in advance, many wouldn't do it). We finished with a brief discussion of 1D, 2D, and 3D figures, their measurements and their boundaries.

Algebra, thus 3/11

2010-03-11T11:35:00.002-05:00

Our review covered converting fractions to percents. Then we discussed some specific questions students had about yesterday's 9.2 assignment. Finally, we took notes on our next topic -- multiplying binomials by binomials, using "foil" and special cases. These are found in the text book Ch 9, sections 3 & 4. We will check yesterday's assignment tomorrow :)
Reminder: There is that XC page -- the GeoNan puzzle page -- good review & good extra points!

7th grade, Wed, 3/10

2010-03-10T14:52:00.002-05:00

Our fraction review covered changing improper fractions to whole or mixed numbers.
Then we spent time on areas of irregular shapes, using a handout (p 45). If students didn't complete it in class, THE ASSIGNMENT is due tomorrow. We will talk about the back side another time -- students should not work on it yet :)

Prealgebra, Wed 3/10

2010-03-10T10:25:00.002-05:00

Our fraction review topic was changing improper fractions to whole or mixed numbers. We remembered Mr. Duey's fraction rap while
then we completed an in-class assignment on congruent and similar polygons.
THE ASSIGNMENT (which most completed in class) is Finding the Areas of Polygons (a handout, p.45). Do NOT do the back of it (yet). :)

Algebra, Wed, 3/10

2010-03-10T09:09:00.002-05:00

we reviewed our % word problems and then spent the rest of class practicing the skills we worked on yesterday -- multiplying, factoring and dividing polynomials & monomials. The specific items (found on the Practice 9-2 worksheet) are: 3,6,9,12,30,33,36,39,42,45,48,49,50,51 and the dividing items 3,4,5,6 at the bottom of the page. If not completed in class, it is THE ASSIGNMENT -- due tomorrow.
Students who had not yet completed the on-line review were asked to do this during class -- two experienced "technical difficulties" which we will look into and two others just didn't do it -- but all others said it was interesting and useful.
We will continue to use this on-line program which is excellent preparation for our Core 40 exam.

Prealgebra, Tues 3/9

2010-03-09T13:33:00.001-05:00

We continued with our fraction review and our geometry/measurement activity. Students completed each in class and there is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, Tuesday, 3/9

2010-03-09T11:01:00.002-05:00

We had a second review on percent problems (this time with word problems) the final 10 items (and the bonus item at the bottom of the page) are DUE TOMORROW. Absent students are excused from this.
ALSO DUE TOMORROW -- students should have completed the review activity on-line (see Friday's blog for more information). This will earn a participation grade because students can continue to work each item until their answer is correct :)
In-class, we worked on multiplying, factoring and dividing polynomials by monomials.
There is an EXTRA CREDIT opportunity that was handed out yesterday.

7th grade, Mon 3/8

2010-03-09T10:59:00.002-05:00

We are including a review of fractions with each class for a while. Then we are also focusing on geometry/measurement items -- particularly perimeter, area, and 3-D shapes. We started an activity in-class that had each student create a square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle and trapezoid. We will continue to work with this on Tuesday to determine the perimeter and area of these shapes. There is an EXTRA CREDIT opportunity, but otherwise, NO ASSIGNMENT.

Prealgebra, Mon 3/8

2010-03-08T10:43:00.002-05:00

our topic this week is perimeter, area and 3-D shapes. We are also reviewing fractions and started with an easy review in-class today, 17 students received A's on it. We also started an in-class assignment on measurement and algebra, completing the first three items in class -- we will finish this as a class later this week.
Tomorrow we will work with our figures we drew last Friday and continue finding their perimeters and areas. There is NO ASSIGNMENT.

Algebra, Mon 3/8

2010-03-08T10:37:00.003-05:00

Back to normal this week -- we took notes on multiplying, factoring and dividing polynomials and monomials. We will work on an in-class assignment on these topics tomorrow.
THE ASSIGNMENT: three pages in all: one is to finish the 10 items (and the problem-solving item at the bottom of the page) on the percent review paper we started in class.
one is the review on solving two-step inequalities (reteach 7-6)
one is the review on transforming equations (reteach 7-7) The last two items were handed out on Friday but no one had them completely done.
An extra credit option was handed out also -- the GeoNan math puzzle.
REMINDER: the review assignment on-line must be completed by Wednesday -- if students need to use ICS computers to do this, they can do so during homeroom or 3:20 - 4:00. This is a participation grade item that prepared students for future work of this type.

Algebra, Thursday 3/4

2010-03-04T15:28:00.002-05:00

Saw these students for the first time this week (because of ISTEP). I had told students that I've signed them up for the Indiana Dept of Education's High Achiever program and they each received their sign-on and password today. I have created one review assignment that students need to complete by next Wednesday. They can work on each item as many times as they like and the program tells them if it is incorrect or not. Other assignments will work more like quizzes -- students will not be informed if their responses are correct. The program will help students get used to the types of questions that will be asked on the End of Course Assessment and we will be using it for the rest of the year. The link is www.doe.state.in.us/highachiever/student

All math classes - 2/23 - 2/26

2010-02-26T15:49:00.003-05:00

The plan to set aside this week to practice in-class worked well. Students received credit each day based on the notes they turned in at the end of each class. We reviewed past actual ISTEP math questions and practiced:
understanding what the questions was actually about
finding the relevant information on the reference sheet
writing down all the steps in an organized fashion
checking our work and
placing the answer in the answer blank
We also practiced working independently, deciding which part of a question to work with first, and we discussed how to handle test anxiety.
We will not cover new material next week because of ISTEP exams and we will have odd class schedules on most of the days, too. Tests don't start until Tuesday so we'll do one more review day. Then, when classes meet we'll update our folders, try some interesting math puzzles and games, and we may watch a DVD on the tunnel of Samos.

Prealgebra & 7th grade, Monday 2/22

2010-02-22T14:30:00.003-05:00

We will spend this week reviewing specific math items and practicing explaining our work so that we can do well on next week's ISTEP. If students cooperate during class, there will be no homework until after ISTEP is done next week. I will record grades based on in-class participation.

Algebra, Mon 2/22

2010-02-22T14:27:00.002-05:00

We continued to take notes on our "two trains left the station" types of problems. We completed notes on all three types. We will be spending time this week on this subject and we will also spend time reviewing math topics and specific skills so that we can do a good job on the ISTEP next week. If students cooperate and participate well in class, there will not be homework until after ISTEP.
Reminder -- tutoring tomorrow in dedicated to adding, subtracting and naming polynomials -- students are included if they did poorly on the recent quiz on this topic.

Prealgebra & 7th grade, Friday, 2/19

2010-02-19T14:07:00.003-05:00

We dedicated today's class to working independently on various types of math problems. I will assign grades according to what was completed correctly in class. There is NO ASSIGNMENT over the weekend.
Next week we will focus on specific algebra topics and I'll include a review of math transformations as a "break" from time to time. this will likely be some of the more challenging items that we cover all year, but I hope to present them in a way that students will understand and be able to assimilate.
For 7th grade classes, there was an EXTRA CREDIT assignment available.