Daily Update - 1.17

Due to the day off yesterday, today was a special schedule and students visited all of their core classes.  

In Algebra, we broke into small groups and worked through some multi-step equations.  These problems require some simplifying, such as combining like terms or distributing, before they can be solved with inverse operations.  We worked from a sheet in class, doing the odds, and a number of the evens were assigned for homework.  (#6, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24)  Earlier I posted a list of resources if you'd like some help with solving equations.  

The Geometry students broke themselves up into three groups.  With one group, I re-taught how to find the area of a sector.  In another group, they worked with partners on sector area problems, getting help as needed. The third group moved ahead, working on finding arc length.  Homework tonight was practice with sector area and circle vocab. 

On Thursday, we will find arc length as a class, and will take a quiz on Friday.  If students are still struggling with sector area, they need to see me in Office Hours or get help from someone!  Also, I've posted some resources in an earlier post for any circle stuff students would like to review.  

I need help!!

Here are some resources for what we are currently working on in Algebra and Geometry.  They are a collection of videos, website tutorials, and practice problems.

Algebra -
What is an equation and a solution?
Solving 1-step equations
Solve 2-step equations
Solving multi-step equations
Solve multi-step equations
Solve Equations (all types)

Geometry -
Circle Vocabulary 
Circle Vocabulary 
Finding Circumference
Area and Circumference
Sector Area
Sector Area

Daily Update 1.13

Happy Friday!  Plus, it's a Friday before a three day weekend.  Woohoo!

Today in Algebra, we took a quiz on solving equations.  Scores will be posted on PowerSchool tonight!
After the quiz, we started trying out multi-step equations.  Soon, we'll be able to solve (just about) any linear equation out there!  No homework assigned tonight.

In Geometry, students took a "no-pressure quiz."  We quizzed on Area, Circumference and Sector Area, but the scores on the quiz will not count toward their final grade.  On Tuesday, we will review Sector Area and also begin Arc Length.  Our first official counts-toward-your-grade quiz will be next Friday, and it will cover circle vocabulary, Area, Circumference, Sector Area and Arc Length.  No homework assigned tonight.

Don't forget: Monday is a holiday - no school!

Daily Update 1.12

I had to be out again today, sorry Sophomores!  I miss you all :)

Today, in Geometry, the students found sector area, which is just finding the area of the entire circle, and finding the proportion of the circle's area that the sector takes up.

We'll catch up tomorrow and make sure everyone is up to speed, but by now students should know several circle vocabulary words, how to find the area and circumference of a circle, and how to find sector area.

Homework tonight was four questions on sector area, which is posted on the homework page.

First Semester Final Exam Scores

So, I recently realized that I inadvertently "hid" the scores of the final exams in the grade book.  This meant that students and parents could see their overall semester grade, but not their grade on the Final Exam.  This  has been corrected!

Students have received their tests back by this point, anyway, so this isn't as essential, but it is fixed, nevertheless.

Daily Update 1.11

In Algebra today, we broke into three groups, and practiced solving equations.  By the end of the day, students should know how to solve a 2-step equation and check their solution.

Also, we are learning the correct way to communicate the math we are doing.  It matters how we write things on the page just like grammar and spelling matter in writing.

For homework, there is another sheet with five more 2-step equations to practice.  If students are not feeling confident about these, they should come see me during office hours, Keith or Karyn during before school tutoring, find another student to connect with, watch a video online, or find some way to learn it!!  This is because our first quiz is on Friday.  On that quiz, students will be expected to solve 1 and 2 step equations.

Daily Update - 1.10

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a restful break, enjoyed intersession week, and are ready to start the second semester!

In Algebra, we started an equations and functions unit, which, in my opinion, is the "heart" of Algebra.  On Monday, we solved one and two step equations using inverse operations.  We'll practice some more on Wednesday, and then take our first quiz on Friday.  Homework was a half sheet with 5 one-step equations and 5 two-step equations, due on Wednesday.   I am expecting that everyone will come in on Wednesday with the homework completed to the best of their ability!

On Tuesday, the Geometry students had a substitute, as I went with the Freshmen on a day trip to the Biosphere.  Students began a circles unit with some circle vocabulary, and finding area and circumference of circles.  Homework was short and sweet, with a few challenge problems I'd like the students to try.  For example, how would you find the area of a half-circle or quarter-circle?

Both homework assignments will be posted on the homework pages.