Week of 10/31

This week in Algebra we will finish Chapter 5 with a test Tuesday. Students will also turn in their Chapter 5 Problem Solving Packet on Tuesday. Please remember that part C of number 10 is extra credit:) We will begin chapter 6 on Wednesday and should have our first quiz on sections 6.1-6.3 Friday.

In math, we will be continuing our review of fractions this week. This will include an extra credit assignment relating to fractions and a test on Thursday. Also, we will begin preparing for our Trimester Test which will be given on November 10th and covers every thing we have learned so far this school year. Students will receive a review packet this week for this test.

Week of 10/17

This past week was a very busy week with two days off for students and the Explore test. I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things next week with a full schedule.

In Algebra we will begin Chapter 5, which continues our study of linear functions. By then end of this chapter students should master their knowledge of linear functions. Students should also be prepared for another problem solving packet where they are applying the concepts we are learning in class.

In math we will be finishing up Chapter 3, which is solving equations. Students have been doing a pretty good job so far in class during whiteboard practice with this process. Hopefully I will see some great scores from Friday's (10/14) quiz!!

September is over!!

I can not believe how quickly this year is going! I have really enjoyed getting to know this group of students. They are truly an energetic group of kids with a lot of personality!!

On Tuesday in math we will finish Chapter Two with a test. Students have been having a great time using the MIMIO pad in class this week to do work on the board from their desks. It is great to see this technology in action and it frees me up to circulate the room more! After Tuesday we will move onto solving equations in Chapter Three.

In Algebra we have begun our study of Linear Functions. We have been learning about slope and intercepts and will continue to make connections between linear equations and their graphs. We will be tying this to the real world frequently, so that students can see how math is used in the real world. (Today we talked about slope and where that is important in the real world. Student gave some great examples!!)

Week of 9/19

Which is a better deal for carpet, $5/square foot or $15/square yard? Hopefully students in 8th grade math can now tell you and explain how not to get tricked by retailers!! With our first chapter test under our belts in math, we will be moving on to Chapter 2 this week. This chapter covers integers and operations within this set of numbers. This chapter fits nicely with the golf trip and over and under par. Students should be ready for a quiz over the basic operations of these numbers and their applications on Thursday, September 22nd.

In Algebra, we are in the middle of our chapter on equations. We have taken their knowledge of solving equations and "upped the ante" with more complex equations involving distributing and variables on both sides. We have been trying to avoid common mistakes like not distributing the negative to all terms when solving. I was also impressed by some students remembering how to clear the fractions to make the equations easier to solve. This week we will be focusing on percents and ending the week with a chapter 3 test!

For those of you who attended Curriculum Night and are wondering about the answer to the Question of the Week, it is Daniel.

Question: Two friends were driving from there home to Manchester. Kevin Drove the first 90 miles and then Daniel took over the remainder of the journey. On the way back, Kevin drove to begin with and Daniel took over the last 100 miles. Who drove the most?

Reasoning: Kevin drove the first 90 miles and Daniel then drove the unknown distance on the way there. On the way back, Kevin drove 10 miles less of the unknown distance because Daniel drove 10 miles more of the last leg than Kevin did on the way there. (100-90) So, no matter the unknown distance, Kevin drove less.

What is happening next week?

In Algebra next week we will finish the first chapter. We will have test on Friday over this chapter. As a look into the future, there will be no pre-test over Chapter Two. We will only spend one day reviewing two concepts from this chapter before we move onto Chapter Three.

In Math we will continue to work in chapter one. The main focus next week will be on finding area and using formulas. For future planning, the Chapter One test will most likely fall at the end of the week of the 12th.

I am looking forward to going to Irons Oaks with this class on Tuesday!!

1 Mile Run

The 8th grade teachers decided to join their students in "the mile" in PE today. It was great running with our students and I think we even inspired a few to run a little faster so they didn't get beat by one us!!

Here we are, tired after the run!

Week of 8/29/11

This week we will start setting our routines for the year in math. By the end of the week students should know what my expectations are in all aspects of math class.

On Tuesday we will be taking MAP tests during math class. This will give me a good idea where students are academically in math and allow me to better tailor my instruction to meet their needs.

In Algebra we will start with Chapter One. Since much of this chapter is review, I have compacted it into a few days. This is done with much of the first few chapters. I also offer pre-tests on this material as a way for students to move beyond material they have already mastered. Students will not be allowed to use calculators for these chapters.

In Math we also will be working in Chapter One. Most of this material should be review and should get the students minds thinking about math again. This is a time where they are setting up habits and showing me what they know, so it is important that they take this review seriously.

I am looking forward to a great week!!