In Geometry today, students continued their study of Trig. They had the option of reviewing the basics, trying the next level, or being really challenged. I was pleased with the appropriate choices students made, and how much they worked today.
Homework tonight was to finish their worksheet, if it didn't get finished, and also to complete one perfect problem, which they copied down from the board.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Final Exams Information!
Algebra: The final will actually be a Unit 2 Test. Unit 2 includes all of the Algebra stuff we have been learning:
Combine Like Terms
Add and Subtract Polynomials
Distributive Property
Multiply Polynomials
Factor Out a Monomial
Factor x2 + bx + c into Two Binomials
Evaluate Expressions
Geometry: The final will be a Unit 3 Test (Triangles) The test will include the following:
Triangle Inequality Theorem (what side lengths of a triangle actually make a triangle?)
Triangle Congruence
Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometry
Combine Like Terms
Add and Subtract Polynomials
Distributive Property
Multiply Polynomials
Factor Out a Monomial
Factor x2 + bx + c into Two Binomials
Evaluate Expressions
Geometry: The final will be a Unit 3 Test (Triangles) The test will include the following:
Triangle Inequality Theorem (what side lengths of a triangle actually make a triangle?)
Triangle Congruence
Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometry
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Daily Update - 12.7
Today was a review day. Students were given a set of problems including simplifying expressions (combining like terms, adding, subtracting and multiplying polynomials), factoring, and evaluating expressions.
As students progressed, they were given answer keys to check that they were doing these correctly.
We will continue this review sheet on Friday, but I gave students the option to take them home and continue working before then, which I was surprised that some students took me up on! The official homework assignment tonight is an integers review sheet, students are to do the odd numbered problems.
As students progressed, they were given answer keys to check that they were doing these correctly.
We will continue this review sheet on Friday, but I gave students the option to take them home and continue working before then, which I was surprised that some students took me up on! The official homework assignment tonight is an integers review sheet, students are to do the odd numbered problems.
Daily Update - 10.6
On Tuesday, we began our introduction to Trig! This is one of my favorites, and I was excited to start it. We learned the three basic Trig Rations (Sine, Cosine and Tangent) and used them to find the missing sides of a right triangle, given one acute angle and one side.
After today, students are at varying levels of understanding, which I expected. We will review on Thursday, and I will allow students to choose whether they'd like a little challenge, or if they need a refresher on what we learned today. We'll also all learn the inverse Trig functions, to find a missing angle.
Homework tonight is a half sheet with three triangles. Each triangle has two missing sides, so students should write two Trig equations to find them.
After today, students are at varying levels of understanding, which I expected. We will review on Thursday, and I will allow students to choose whether they'd like a little challenge, or if they need a refresher on what we learned today. We'll also all learn the inverse Trig functions, to find a missing angle.
Homework tonight is a half sheet with three triangles. Each triangle has two missing sides, so students should write two Trig equations to find them.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Daily Update - 12.5
In Algebra today, we learned how to evaluate expressions. We practiced by doing a scavenger hunt around the school to find the value of our variables, and then used those numbers to evaluate given expressions.
Homework tonight was to finish the evaluating expressions assignment we started in class, using the results of the scavenger hunt.
Students should really keep in mind the upcoming Final Exam, which we talked about in class today. The final will double as our Unit Two Test, and concepts on the exam are:
Combining Like Terms
Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
Multiplying Polynomials
Factoring
Evaluating Expressions
Solving Equations
I'll be posting links to practice websites, and videos if students would like some help studying!
Homework tonight was to finish the evaluating expressions assignment we started in class, using the results of the scavenger hunt.
Students should really keep in mind the upcoming Final Exam, which we talked about in class today. The final will double as our Unit Two Test, and concepts on the exam are:
Combining Like Terms
Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
Multiplying Polynomials
Factoring
Evaluating Expressions
Solving Equations
I'll be posting links to practice websites, and videos if students would like some help studying!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Daily Update - 12.2
Woo-hoo! Friday at last. This 5-day week seemed so long following a 5-day weekend!
In Algebra today, we reviewed factoring, and then we took a factoring quiz. No homework!
In Geometry, we reviewed our answers to the Pythagorean Thm Word Problems sheet by having students come up and present their solutions to the class. We are now all experts at the Pythagorean Theorem.
Happy weekend!
In Algebra today, we reviewed factoring, and then we took a factoring quiz. No homework!
In Geometry, we reviewed our answers to the Pythagorean Thm Word Problems sheet by having students come up and present their solutions to the class. We are now all experts at the Pythagorean Theorem.
Happy weekend!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Daily Update - 12.1
Happy December! I can hardly believe we are nearing the end of 2011, and the midpoint of the school year. Wow!
In Geometry, we began our look at right triangles with the Pythagorean Theorem. We used it to find the length of the hypotenuse, and the length of a leg. We also did some "real-life" applications of the Pythag.
Homework tonight is to finish the Word Problems we started in class, and be ready to present your solutions!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Daily Update - 11.30
In Algebra today, we put all of our patterns together and learned how to factor a trinomial into two binomials, with the coefficient of the x squared term equal to 1. We also learned how to factor difference of squares.
Homework is a sheet with a variety of factoring problems, which we started in class. There are 8 required problems at the top, followed by some harder factoring problems students can try if they'd like a challenge. I'll be posting a video later on tonight which will help you factor those tough ones if you'd like to try them!
Also, there is a factoring quiz on Friday. Extra credit problems on the test will include rational expressions. Take advantage of this extra credit opportunity!
Homework is a sheet with a variety of factoring problems, which we started in class. There are 8 required problems at the top, followed by some harder factoring problems students can try if they'd like a challenge. I'll be posting a video later on tonight which will help you factor those tough ones if you'd like to try them!
Also, there is a factoring quiz on Friday. Extra credit problems on the test will include rational expressions. Take advantage of this extra credit opportunity!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Daily Update - 11.29
In Geometry today, we went through several examples of proving Triangle Congruence. After the examples, students were handed back the homework that was due today, and given a chance to retry it or fix any mistakes they found. Then it was re-collected and will be graded for accuracy.
There will be two grades in the gradebook for this assignment - one for completion, if it was done/attempted for today, and one for accuracy after having a chance to fix it.
Homework tonight is a short, 5 question practice on Triangle Congruency, which is on the Geometry Homework page.
There will be two grades in the gradebook for this assignment - one for completion, if it was done/attempted for today, and one for accuracy after having a chance to fix it.
Homework tonight is a short, 5 question practice on Triangle Congruency, which is on the Geometry Homework page.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Daily Update - 11.28
Hello again! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a nice break from school. I know I enjoyed all of those 5 days off!
But, back to the grind! Starting today, there are only 3 weeks until the end of the semester, and a lot to learn between now and then! We'll have to work hard.
In Algebra, we did a pattern-searching activity today to figure out patterns when multiplying two binomials of the form (x + h)(x + k). Homework is to finish the pattern analyzing questions on a sheet of paper. I told the students I am looking for thoughtful answers, as that will lead to the most learning!
Looking ahead, on Wednesday we will look at factoring trinomials and also the special case of difference of squares. Then, we'll spend the rest of the class period practicing all sorts of factoring.
There is a factoring quiz on Friday! Rational expressions will be on the quiz as well, as an extra credit opportunity. I don't give extra credit often, so students should take advantage when they can!
But, back to the grind! Starting today, there are only 3 weeks until the end of the semester, and a lot to learn between now and then! We'll have to work hard.
In Algebra, we did a pattern-searching activity today to figure out patterns when multiplying two binomials of the form (x + h)(x + k). Homework is to finish the pattern analyzing questions on a sheet of paper. I told the students I am looking for thoughtful answers, as that will lead to the most learning!
Looking ahead, on Wednesday we will look at factoring trinomials and also the special case of difference of squares. Then, we'll spend the rest of the class period practicing all sorts of factoring.
There is a factoring quiz on Friday! Rational expressions will be on the quiz as well, as an extra credit opportunity. I don't give extra credit often, so students should take advantage when they can!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Daily Update 11.22
In Geometry, we did a lab with triangles to figure out what the minimum information is needed to know that two triangles are congruent.
The homework includes sets of triangles, and students will use information gathered today to determine if the triangles are congruent or not.
The homework includes sets of triangles, and students will use information gathered today to determine if the triangles are congruent or not.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Daily Update 11.21
Today, students reviewed some polynomial concepts before taking a quiz. Concepts included were adding, subtracting and using distributive property to simplify polynomials, multiplying polynomials, and factoring out a monomial (UN-distributive property, as we call it).
After the quiz, we briefly started the next concept, which is rational expressions. They are just fraction which have polynomials in the numerator and denominator instead of numbers. The good news is the rules for operations with them are the same as normal fractions! It might be a good idea to review fraction rules!
Homework tonight was a sheet with 4 rational expression problems. The last one we didn't go over in class, but I'd still like students to see what they can do. They have the skills and the knowledge to figure it out!
After the quiz, we briefly started the next concept, which is rational expressions. They are just fraction which have polynomials in the numerator and denominator instead of numbers. The good news is the rules for operations with them are the same as normal fractions! It might be a good idea to review fraction rules!
Homework tonight was a sheet with 4 rational expression problems. The last one we didn't go over in class, but I'd still like students to see what they can do. They have the skills and the knowledge to figure it out!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Daily Update - 11.18
Friday at last!
Today in Algebra, students had a choice of practicing one of three skills - factoring, multiplying polynomials, or adding and subtracting polynomials. There was no homework assigned tonight!
In Geometry, students classified triangles by either their angles or their side lengths. We practiced drawing triangles with given properties. No homework assigned tonight!
Today in Algebra, students had a choice of practicing one of three skills - factoring, multiplying polynomials, or adding and subtracting polynomials. There was no homework assigned tonight!
In Geometry, students classified triangles by either their angles or their side lengths. We practiced drawing triangles with given properties. No homework assigned tonight!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Daily Update 11.17
Today, Geometry students worked on an assignment from the book, which was challenging and not challenging at the same time! It was fun to see students work on the problems, which were a review of concepts they already know, but asked in a way that made them apply their knowledge in a new way and think about things a little differently.
For the second part of class, we did an activity to learn about the basic construction of triangles, including what combinations of side lengths are possible, and what the relationship between opposite sides and angles are.
No homework tonight!
For the second part of class, we did an activity to learn about the basic construction of triangles, including what combinations of side lengths are possible, and what the relationship between opposite sides and angles are.
No homework tonight!
Daily Update 11.16
Happy Wednesday!
Today, Algebra students reviewed distributive property and factoring out a monomial. We also learned a new skill today, which is multiplying polynomials. When doing the distributive property, we multiplied on term by an expression with two or three terms. After today, we can multiply any polynomial by any polynomial
For homework, students had a set of 4 problems to do. It is posted on the Algebra Homework page.
Today, Algebra students reviewed distributive property and factoring out a monomial. We also learned a new skill today, which is multiplying polynomials. When doing the distributive property, we multiplied on term by an expression with two or three terms. After today, we can multiply any polynomial by any polynomial
For homework, students had a set of 4 problems to do. It is posted on the Algebra Homework page.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Daily Updates 11.14 11.15
Whew! I'm back! Unfortunately, I was out sick yesterday. But, I am feeling better today, and back at school.
Monday, with the Algebra students, our Americorp Member, Karyn, taught the students about factoring out a monomial - which is the distributive property in reverse. The students had a lot of practice, and were given a homework assignment on it, which is on the Algebra Homework page.
On Tuesday, Geometry students took their Unit 2 test, which was about polygons. I gave them about 10 minutes of study time before the test, and they seemed confident about their skills and ready to succeed. I am anxious to grade the tests and see how well they did. I will be giving back scores on Friday.
Monday, with the Algebra students, our Americorp Member, Karyn, taught the students about factoring out a monomial - which is the distributive property in reverse. The students had a lot of practice, and were given a homework assignment on it, which is on the Algebra Homework page.
On Tuesday, Geometry students took their Unit 2 test, which was about polygons. I gave them about 10 minutes of study time before the test, and they seemed confident about their skills and ready to succeed. I am anxious to grade the tests and see how well they did. I will be giving back scores on Friday.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Daily Update - 11.10
Today, Geometry students took a Galileo test, which is to prepare them for AIMS, and to give them and me an idea of if they are "on track" with the material they should know by now. The test intentionally includes material the students should know, and material they should not know yet.
No School tomorrow!!!
Enjoy your three day weekend :)
No School tomorrow!!!
Enjoy your three day weekend :)
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Daily Update 11.9
Today, Algebra students took a Galileo test, which is to prepare them for AIMS, and to give them and me an idea of if they are "on track" with the material they should know by now. The test intentionally includes material the students should know, and material they should not know yet.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Daily Update 11.8
In Geometry, students were given their final chance to present their projects. Students who have not presented by today will still turn in their project, but will receive a "0" for the presentation portion.
After presentations, students played a game to review for the upcoming test. The game challenged them to decide what they knew and didn't know about the Geometry skills on the test.
Homework tonight is to study for the test, and to complete the study guide!
After presentations, students played a game to review for the upcoming test. The game challenged them to decide what they knew and didn't know about the Geometry skills on the test.
Homework tonight is to study for the test, and to complete the study guide!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Daily Update 11.7
Today in Algebra, we learned the Distributive Property. We not only distributed a number, we distributed a variable term, and learned how to multiply terms with variables in them.
We did lots of practice today, and I felt very confident in the students' ability when they left my classes.
Homework tonight is a 6-question practice of distributive property. 3rd period ended up with about 10 minutes at the end of class to work on it, and many of them finished!
We did lots of practice today, and I felt very confident in the students' ability when they left my classes.
Homework tonight is a 6-question practice of distributive property. 3rd period ended up with about 10 minutes at the end of class to work on it, and many of them finished!
Daily Update Update! 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4
Whew....things have gotten ahead of me, I missed Daily Updates almost all of last week!
Here is a brief rundown of the week:
Tuesday, Nov 1 - The Geometry classes today practiced all four transformations, and also did double-transformations to figures on the coordinate plane. The Unit 2 Test on Polygons was announced today, and students were given a Study Guide for homework, which is due the day of the test, Nov 15.
Wednesday, Nov 2 - Algebra students learned to combine like terms and add and subtract polynomials today. Their homework was a practice sheet with 5 problems.
Thursday, Nov 3 - Sophomores presented their scale model rearrangements of rooms on our campus. If students weren't prepared, they will be given the opportunity on Friday and next Tuesday to present. When presentations were over, students worked on their Unit 2 Study Guides, which are due the day of our second test, Nov 15.
Friday, Nov 4 - Algebra kids practiced adding and subtracting polynomials. HW was to finish the practice sheet if they didn't finish in class. In Geometry, we saw a few more presentations. After the presentations, they worked on a "Row Game" about sum of interior angles to prepare for our test on November 15. If they didn't finish, the Row Game sheet became homework.
Here is a brief rundown of the week:
Tuesday, Nov 1 - The Geometry classes today practiced all four transformations, and also did double-transformations to figures on the coordinate plane. The Unit 2 Test on Polygons was announced today, and students were given a Study Guide for homework, which is due the day of the test, Nov 15.
Wednesday, Nov 2 - Algebra students learned to combine like terms and add and subtract polynomials today. Their homework was a practice sheet with 5 problems.
Thursday, Nov 3 - Sophomores presented their scale model rearrangements of rooms on our campus. If students weren't prepared, they will be given the opportunity on Friday and next Tuesday to present. When presentations were over, students worked on their Unit 2 Study Guides, which are due the day of our second test, Nov 15.
Friday, Nov 4 - Algebra kids practiced adding and subtracting polynomials. HW was to finish the practice sheet if they didn't finish in class. In Geometry, we saw a few more presentations. After the presentations, they worked on a "Row Game" about sum of interior angles to prepare for our test on November 15. If they didn't finish, the Row Game sheet became homework.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Daily Update - 10.31
Happy Halloween! It was fun seeing everyone's creativity come out today :)
In Algebra, we began our real work with Algebra Tiles. After today, students are able to represent any expression using Algebra Tiles. They should also be able to relate the Algebra Tile representation with the math symbol representation.
For homework, students should draw the Algebra Tile representation for a list of expressions they copied down at the end of class. Those expressions are listed below, as well as on the Algebra Homework page.
In Algebra, we began our real work with Algebra Tiles. After today, students are able to represent any expression using Algebra Tiles. They should also be able to relate the Algebra Tile representation with the math symbol representation.
For homework, students should draw the Algebra Tile representation for a list of expressions they copied down at the end of class. Those expressions are listed below, as well as on the Algebra Homework page.
HW:
Draw a table and show the Algebra Tile representation of the following expressions. Your drawing should be colored!
1. 2x
2. x + 2
3. 3x - 3y - 5
4. 3x2 + 5x - 1 + y
Friday, October 28, 2011
Daily Update - 10.28
Finally Friday!!
In Algebra, students practiced a variety of math problems while I pulled kids aside and showed them their test scores! I also talked to a few students about my re-take policy. Students who are not happy with their score can do test corrections on a separate sheet of paper, which means fixing anything they didn't get full credit on the first time. They can come see me for help, work with Keith during before or after school tutoring, get help from fellow students, use their notes...whatever it takes to understand the problems on the test! Once they've completed this, they can come see me to talk about retaking the test. Then, I will replace their score in the grade book! Retakes must be done by November 22, which is the last day of school before Thanksgiving.
Homework is to complete at least 10 problems from the set I handed out in class today. The packet is posted on the Algebra Homework page.
Geometry students learned and practiced our fourth type of transformation today: dilations. They had one final transformation to complete for homework. Remember the rule for dilations is (x, y) --> (dx, dy) if d is my scale factor! In other words, just multiply both coordinates by the scale factor to find the new coordinates.
In Algebra, students practiced a variety of math problems while I pulled kids aside and showed them their test scores! I also talked to a few students about my re-take policy. Students who are not happy with their score can do test corrections on a separate sheet of paper, which means fixing anything they didn't get full credit on the first time. They can come see me for help, work with Keith during before or after school tutoring, get help from fellow students, use their notes...whatever it takes to understand the problems on the test! Once they've completed this, they can come see me to talk about retaking the test. Then, I will replace their score in the grade book! Retakes must be done by November 22, which is the last day of school before Thanksgiving.
Homework is to complete at least 10 problems from the set I handed out in class today. The packet is posted on the Algebra Homework page.
Geometry students learned and practiced our fourth type of transformation today: dilations. They had one final transformation to complete for homework. Remember the rule for dilations is (x, y) --> (dx, dy) if d is my scale factor! In other words, just multiply both coordinates by the scale factor to find the new coordinates.
Daily Update - 10.27
On Thursday, the students in both Geometry classes continued working on their projects. After today, we will not spend any class time on them, and students should have them completed and ready to turn in on Tuesday.
No official homework, only project work if need be.
No official homework, only project work if need be.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
FCP Books
The Algebra students had a major assignment due in the week before the Grand Canyon Trip. I am currently grading their FCP (Fundamental Counting Principle) Books, and am about to enter them into the grade book.
I am alarmed at how many students did not turn in a book. A 0 on this project will have a major effect on their grade.
Students are still welcome to turn the books in, however their score will be reduced because the book is late. Please see PowerSchool to see if your student turned one in. Also see the Algebra Homework page for a description of the project as well as a rubric.
I am alarmed at how many students did not turn in a book. A 0 on this project will have a major effect on their grade.
Students are still welcome to turn the books in, however their score will be reduced because the book is late. Please see PowerSchool to see if your student turned one in. Also see the Algebra Homework page for a description of the project as well as a rubric.
Daily Update - 10.26
Today in Algebra, we started making our Algebra Tiles. These are a variety of squares and rectangles, in different colors, which will help us to understand visually what's happening as we learn Algebra rules and tricks. We will be using the tiles for the next couple of weeks, so students should become pretty familiar with them. I provided them plastic baggies, and a place to store them in the classroom so that they will not get lost.
Most students finished, but if they did not, I assigned it as homework. Students who did finish do not have homework.
On Friday, we will review their test scores, and also continue working with the tiles.
Most students finished, but if they did not, I assigned it as homework. Students who did finish do not have homework.
On Friday, we will review their test scores, and also continue working with the tiles.
Transformations Galore!
Here are a few videos of the stuff we are learning in Geometry. The students watched the first four with the sub last week, and have not seen the last two.
Translations
Reflections
Rotations
Rotations 2
Dilations
Dilations 2
Translations
Reflections
Rotations
Rotations 2
Dilations
Dilations 2
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Daily Update - 10.25
Today in Geometry, it was great to see the Sophomores again! I didn't see them at all last week.
We continued to work on our Rearrange the Room project, and I was impressed by the students' dedication and hard work today. We will continue to work on them Thursday, and the project will be due at the end of the class period on Thursday.
Just a reminder, there are four components to the project:
1. A scale model of your new room arrangement
2. The math you did to create the model, written neatly or typed. (I originally asked for it to be typed. Written neatly is also acceptable.)
3. A write-up of why your new arrangement is best.
4. A presentation of your model.
Presentations will be Friday or Tuesday.
Here is a description of the project as well as the rubric I'll use to grade it.
We continued to work on our Rearrange the Room project, and I was impressed by the students' dedication and hard work today. We will continue to work on them Thursday, and the project will be due at the end of the class period on Thursday.
Just a reminder, there are four components to the project:
1. A scale model of your new room arrangement
2. The math you did to create the model, written neatly or typed. (I originally asked for it to be typed. Written neatly is also acceptable.)
3. A write-up of why your new arrangement is best.
4. A presentation of your model.
Presentations will be Friday or Tuesday.
Here is a description of the project as well as the rubric I'll use to grade it.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Daily Update - 10.24
The freshmen are back from the Grand Canyon and so looking forward to math class :)
Today is the day of our Unit 1 test. Students were given Study Guides two weeks ago, which were due today. However, I gave both classes an extension until Friday to complete the Study Guide and turn it in. If your student lost their copy, the study guide is available on the "Algebra Homework" page.
We began the class period with about 20 minutes of study time so that the students could review the material, ask any last questions, and feel prepared for the test.
I will get them graded and back to the students on Friday, Oct 28.
If students are not happy with their score, they are welcome to do a retake. To be eligible for a retake, students should make test corrections (on a separate sheet), and then go through them with me during Office Hours. Once I feel confident in their ability to do well, students will be able to retake the test, and I will replace their score. Retakes must be completed by Nov 22, so if your student would like to take advantage of this opportunity, they should start early!
I know the students will do great on this Unit 1 Test!
Today is the day of our Unit 1 test. Students were given Study Guides two weeks ago, which were due today. However, I gave both classes an extension until Friday to complete the Study Guide and turn it in. If your student lost their copy, the study guide is available on the "Algebra Homework" page.
We began the class period with about 20 minutes of study time so that the students could review the material, ask any last questions, and feel prepared for the test.
I will get them graded and back to the students on Friday, Oct 28.
If students are not happy with their score, they are welcome to do a retake. To be eligible for a retake, students should make test corrections (on a separate sheet), and then go through them with me during Office Hours. Once I feel confident in their ability to do well, students will be able to retake the test, and I will replace their score. Retakes must be completed by Nov 22, so if your student would like to take advantage of this opportunity, they should start early!
I know the students will do great on this Unit 1 Test!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Grand Canyon!
In a few short days, the Freshmen will be headed up to the Grand Canyon! Here are some reminders for everyone:
Freshmen: Remember to pack warm stuff! It will be cold. You will need a winter jacket, a warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, wool socks, etc. I'm looking forward to the trip, I hope you are!
Sophomores: While I am away, you will continue to practice translations, reflections, and you'll learn how to do rotations. Also, continue working on your Room Arrangement project. It will be due Thursday, Oct 27.
Freshmen: Remember to pack warm stuff! It will be cold. You will need a winter jacket, a warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, wool socks, etc. I'm looking forward to the trip, I hope you are!
Sophomores: While I am away, you will continue to practice translations, reflections, and you'll learn how to do rotations. Also, continue working on your Room Arrangement project. It will be due Thursday, Oct 27.
Daily Update - Oct 13
In an effort to make myself keep this blog as updated as possible, I am setting a goal of posting a daily update. In these daily update posts, you can expect a quick overview of our lesson for the day, as well as how class went, and what homework was assigned.
Today was Geometry. We started a brand new topic - Transformations. These include translations (slides), reflections (flips), rotations, (turns) and dilations (size change) of shapes in the coordinate plane.
We discussed what each of them are, and what they look like, and then went into detail with translations and reflections.
After today, students should be able to translate or reflect a shape given to them on the coordinate plane. They should also be able to describe a translation algebraically [ (x,y) --> (x+1, y) ].
I listed coordinate points on the board at the end of class. Students were to copy them down, and then reflect that shape over the y-axis (2nd period) or over both the x and y axes (4th period). Also, they should label points with the correct letter name, and tell me it's coordinates.
Today was Geometry. We started a brand new topic - Transformations. These include translations (slides), reflections (flips), rotations, (turns) and dilations (size change) of shapes in the coordinate plane.
We discussed what each of them are, and what they look like, and then went into detail with translations and reflections.
After today, students should be able to translate or reflect a shape given to them on the coordinate plane. They should also be able to describe a translation algebraically [ (x,y) --> (x+1, y) ].
I listed coordinate points on the board at the end of class. Students were to copy them down, and then reflect that shape over the y-axis (2nd period) or over both the x and y axes (4th period). Also, they should label points with the correct letter name, and tell me it's coordinates.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Geometry Test Study Guide Solutions
Here is a link for the solutions to the study guide.
Please view them to check your own work, and see how you are doing!
If you have questions, come see me!
Study Guide Solutions
Please view them to check your own work, and see how you are doing!
If you have questions, come see me!
Study Guide Solutions
Geometry Test Coming Up!!
Tuesday, September 13 will be the Unit 1 Test in Geometry. Our first unit was lines and angles.
Students have been given a study guide which tells them everything that will be on the test, including vocabulary and skills, and also several practice problems. The study guide is due Tuesday.
Later today, I'll be posting an answer key to the study guide, so that students who have completed it can check to see that they are doing things correctly.
Good luck on the test! Come see me in office hours if you need help :)
Students have been given a study guide which tells them everything that will be on the test, including vocabulary and skills, and also several practice problems. The study guide is due Tuesday.
Later today, I'll be posting an answer key to the study guide, so that students who have completed it can check to see that they are doing things correctly.
Good luck on the test! Come see me in office hours if you need help :)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Math Help Websites
Here are some great sites if you'd like some help or practice! (In order of my favorite/what I consider the most useful)
CoolMath.com - Includes lessons, practice problems, a glossary, and some of my favorite games
Math.com - Lessons on a wide variety of topics. A little cut and dry, but accurate.
Wolfram Mathworld - This site is definitely geared toward higher level math, but they have a lot of good information. While Algebra and Geometry students could benefit from the site, Alg 2, Trig and Pre-Calc students are more likely to find this site worthwhile.
PurpleMath.com - This website has a great way of explaining how to solve problems, including why it makes sense. They guide you through solving several example problems for each topic. Also a section called "How to suck up to your teacher" Take a look, eh?
KhanAcademy.org - This one has been in the news lately. It's a catalog of thousands of short videos on just about any topic you can think of. The videos are generally between 2 and 10 minutes long.
CoolMath.com - Includes lessons, practice problems, a glossary, and some of my favorite games
Math.com - Lessons on a wide variety of topics. A little cut and dry, but accurate.
Wolfram Mathworld - This site is definitely geared toward higher level math, but they have a lot of good information. While Algebra and Geometry students could benefit from the site, Alg 2, Trig and Pre-Calc students are more likely to find this site worthwhile.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Geometry - first weeks
We started out the year with some simple vocabulary to lead into our first unit, which is lines and angles. We further extended our knowledge of lines and angles, and can now name them appropriately, and determine different types of angles.
We also did some geometry work which required the use of our algebra skills. If you are struggling in algebra, come see me during office hours, and we can get you caught up! You can also take advantage of before and after school tutoring.
We also did some geometry work which required the use of our algebra skills. If you are struggling in algebra, come see me during office hours, and we can get you caught up! You can also take advantage of before and after school tutoring.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Algebra - First Weeks
For the first two days of class, we reviewed adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers. Students who attended Summer Bridge also reviewed integers. We took a short quiz on Friday. According to policy, quiz grades are final. However, if students didn't do well, they should know that:
1. They should keep practicing integers as it's a skill they will need for the rest of high school, and
2. By participating and getting assignments done, their grade in my class will improve quickly and drastically!
For the week of August 22, we'll be classifying and comparing numbers, and placing them on the number line, especially irrationals! Our next quiz is Friday, August 26. If you find yourself struggling, find me for office hours before then :)
1. They should keep practicing integers as it's a skill they will need for the rest of high school, and
2. By participating and getting assignments done, their grade in my class will improve quickly and drastically!
For the week of August 22, we'll be classifying and comparing numbers, and placing them on the number line, especially irrationals! Our next quiz is Friday, August 26. If you find yourself struggling, find me for office hours before then :)
Welcome!
Hey there! I'm glad you've made it to check out the blog! Mostly what will be posted here are descriptions of what we did in class, the homework in case you've forgotten, and general info about Division 1 Math. Also, up top you'll see a menu where you can download worksheets from class, see the school calendar and info, and see pictures from our classroom. (Well, as soon as I take some and get them posted!)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)