December Updates

THE PROOF IS IN THE PROCESS
We are now focusing on showing process in all levels of math. It starts with basic solving equations, continues with finding a missing angle, and even appears in working with polynomials. We tend to want to just write an answer and move on to the next problem. Even at the most basic level it is important to understand the math properties being used and be able to articulate that process. This skill transcends to all classes and areas of life. Showing process with variables is very abstract and will also prove difficult for some.

November Update

We wrapped up 1st quarter with Student Appreciation Day, where students who had no missing work and a “C” or above in each class were able to attend. Thank you to all the students who worked hard and were able to attend! We are now in a new quarter so, even if you did not make it last quarter, you can make it happen for 2nd quarter. Also, a big thank you to all the teachers that helped made it a very successful day.
We will be beginning our 2nd quarter projects after Thanksgiving Break. Students will be working with percentages by finding discounts and new sales prices from items they find in papers and online. We will need the coupons out of Sundays’ papers so if you have ones that you are not using, we would greatly appreciate them being sent in!!
Algebra 1 – We examined different patterns, even ones we found outside, and looked at how these patterns can be represented mathematically: in tables and equations. We created tables and equations from word problems. We worked with the Associative, Commutative, Identity, Zero, and especially with the Distributive Properties.
Algebra 2 – We continued working with graphing equations and inequalities. We have moved into understanding and working with polynomials and powers. We have also been learning how to use scientific calculators to graph lines and find points of intersection.
Geometry – We continued to build on our geometry vocabulary, adding alternate interior angles, adjacent angles, vertical angles and alternate exterior angles to our list. We practiced finding different pairs of angles in an activity out in the hallway. We are working on a mini-project where we are using pictures we took outside and highlighting different geometric terms (parallel lines, perpendicular lines, angles, etc.)

October Update

Parents thank you for coming out to our first back to school night. I hope you enjoyed experiencing your child's schedule. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to share our classroom expectations and goals. For those of you who could not make it, here is a quick update. Monday and Wednesday nights are math homework nights. They will have this written in their planners to share with you. We have spent time in class discussing the assignment and giving examples. We are working on their skills to look back at what was covered in class and continue to practice independently. These assignments should take less than 20 minutes. We believe this is a team effort with you. We also discussed The Summit Bucks program. Your child has the opportunity to earn Summit Bucks throughout the day. As some of you know already, students will use the money for free dress, lunch with a friend, and other rewards.

Algebra 1 – So far this quarter we have reviewed mathematics skills needed to progress with Algebra. We have worked with basic algebraic expressions and algebraic equations. We have reviewed and worked with converting between fractions, decimals and percentages and this helped us complete our Summer Activities Pie Chart project, which turned out wonderful! We will spend the rest of the quarter working with algebraic equations, working our way into solving more difficult equations and working with them in the forms of word problems.

Algebra 2- We have spent this quarter review solving equations, working with percent problems, and solving linear equations by graphing. The past week students have progressed to solving linear inequalities, finding solutions, and graphing. We will be moving into solving quadratic equations next. Students did a wonderful job completing their How I Spent my Summer Project. It was very interesting to listening to the conversations about what they did and their amazement at the amount of time they were engaged in these activities.

Geometry-This quarter we have spent a lot of time discussing basic geometric terms. We are now focusing on classifying and measuring angles. This will lead us into studying triangles and the wonderful Pythagorean Theorem. We have also spent time review percent, fractions, and decimals. Students did a wonderful job completing their How I Spent my Summer Project. It was very interesting to listening to the conversations about what they did and their amazement at the amount of time they were engaged in these activities.

Pictures from the Summer Activities Pie Charts

September Updates

We spent the first few weeks of school reviewing basic math facts. I want to thank all of you who helped support your child with the math packet over the summer. It has allowed us to just fine tune steps instead of reteach. Practice is one of the most important study skills in math. We have also spent a great deal of time organizing our math binders. Please ask your child to see some of the assignments we have been working on in class. Remember homework is graded on the amount of work they have shown. We have also returned a few assessments. These are a great resource for them to use as study guides.
Geometry- In the next few weeks will be defining terms and working with 3-deminsional drawings.
Algebra 2- We have started the course with graphing linear equations. This will lead us into graphing linear inequalities and systems of equations.
Algebra 1 – We started the year by reviewing order of operations and simple algebraic expressions and equations. We also spent time reviewing fractions, decimals and percentages and their relationships to each other. Finally, we spent time learning and practicing the steps to problem solving. These review lessons and activities are setting us up to working with more complex algebra equations in the upcoming weeks.
This week we have introduced the quarter project. All the math classes will be creating a pie chart to display how they spent their summer.
Thanks again for all your support. We have homework this quarter every Monday and Wednesday.