Functions, Domains and Ranges, Part 1

Students were introduced to the vocabulary used to describe functions. Specific definitions for the words function, domain and range can be found in Lesson 1.7. It is important to remember that in order for an equation to be a function, every input must have a unique output.

After the instruction, Lisa shared some slides (via a power point presentation) that show the diversity of the topography found in Switzerland.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.7 ( 10 - 29, all). Have a great weekend!

Graphing Water Height Data

Today's lesson centered around collecting data related to how the volume of water placed in a container relates to the height of the water in the same container. Students worked in pairs to collect and display data, using a line graph to show the relationship between the volume of water and height.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the graph and analysis worksheets related to today's activities. Also complete Lesson 1.6 ( 8 - 18, all).

Solving Simple Equations and Inequalities

Lisa presented the class with an activity that had pairs of students looking at strips of paper containing equations and solutions to find things that matched. After careful examination, students correctly matched equations with their proper solutions. Graded quizzes were returned today, and many students vowed to study more diligently for next week's quiz.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.4 ( 14 - 53, First Column Only, 56 - 64, 67, and 69 - 76)

First Quiz Taken in Class Today--Uh Oh!

Lesson 1.5 encourages students to review how to translate mathematical expressions into English. When you can take words and translate them into mathematical expressions and equations, finding the answers to word problems can be much easier. Students should read over Lesson 1.5 prior to completing tonight's book assignment.

Students then took a quiz over sets of numbers and formulae I expect them to know. Many students scored more poorly than I would have expected, so I wonder how many actually studied the notes that were given in class. I strongly suggest you study these notes, as another quiz will be given next week.

Since Lisa was not in class, students were given an extra credit opportunity to prepare a good luck/thank you card for her. Her last day in our class will be Friday, October 6th, so all cards will need to be submitted to me by the 5th in order to receive extra credit. Remember, this is a secret! Don't let her see you turn in the cards.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.5 (15 - 52, divisible by 3, and 62 - 64, all)

State Testing Practice Test Taken Today

All eighth graders will be required to take the state math test on computers this year. In order to prepare for this 2 to 3 day ordeal, students were allowed to take a practice test for 8th graders in the C-6 computer lab. Many didn't finish the practice test, and that's fine. We'll take the test again in January just before taking the real test, so don't be too concerned if your score was lower than you expected.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.2 (17 - 52, First Column Only, and 65)

Problem Solving Work Sample Today

Well, today's class was certainly a long one, but only because we went to the kickoff assembly for the annual Magazine Drive from 2:20 to 3:00. (Nice job on the ponies, Devin and Ben!)

Students completed their first on-demand work sample in class today. Lisa shared a little more information about Switzerland, and then collected completed Tower Of Power papers.

Tonight's Homework: Read about Orders of Operations in Lesson 1.3, and then complete the assignment, which is 1.3 (13 - 35, first column only, and 55). Work must be shown to receive full credit.

The Legend of the Towers Problem

We continued with our work on the Towers of Powers problem by introducing the ancient legend that predicts when the end of the world will be. Before getting started on this problem, students were reminded of the limitations of their calculators. There is a point where each calculator is unable to display the entire, precise answer to a problem, and is forced to display the answer in scientific notation. In many cases, these answers will be rounded and not exact answers. Today's problem will test the capabilities of our calculators, so students will have to know when the calculator will no longer be useful in solving the problem.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the Tower Power worksheet that has the chart on the front side and the legend of the back. Beware! The legend problem will take you a bit of time to complete if you do it correctly. Good luck!

The Legend of the Towers Problem

We continued with our work on the Towers of Powers problem by introducing the ancient legend that predicts when the end of the world will be. Before getting started on this problem, students were reminded of the limitations of their calculators. There is a point where each calculator is unable to display the entire, precise answer to a problem, and is forced to display the answer in scientific notation. In many cases, these answers will be rounded and not exact answers. Today's problem will test the capabilities of our calculators, so students will have to know when the calculator will no longer be useful in solving the problem.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the Tower Power worksheet that has the chart on the front side and the legend of the back. Beware! The legend problem will take you a bit of time to complete if you do it correctly. Good luck!

We're Almost Done With Problem Solving!

Students were given one more problem to solve today. It required the use of manipulatives to help students break the problem down into smaller parts. Students were also encouraged to construct a table to record data in and look for a pattern.

Tonight's Homework: Read Lesson 1.1, and then complete problems 19 - 32. Work and substitution steps must be shown to earn full credit for the assignment. Students are expected to correct their odd-numbered problems prior to the beginning of Thursday's class. (Correcting odd-numbered problems before attending class will always be the expectation, so please get into the habit of doing so now.)

Problem Solving with Teddy Bears

Today, we explored the problem solving strategy of simplifying the problem, and also tried to solve a problem that employed several of the strategies at once. Students used plastic teddy bears to help them discover patterns that exist when trying to exchange bears from one side of a playing field to the other.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the "Simplify the Problem" worksheet. In addition, find a rule that will help you to determine how many slides and jumps it will take to move teddy bears on the nth level.

More Problem Solving and Notes about Numbers

Today's problem solving assignment dealt with using any of the strategies to help you solve a set of story problems. In completing the assignment, you will need to be able to show your thinking clearly.

Students were introduced to set notation and a variety of sets of numbers, including counting numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational and irrational numbers. Students also learned equations are mathematical sentences that include an equal sign.

Tonight's Homework: Page 796 (5 - 9) and get your grade slip signed by a parent. Both are due at the beginning of Tuesday's class.

Working Backwards

Well, you made it through the first full week of school--Congratulations! Today, we reviewed homework, and briefly talked about another problem solving strategy: Working backwards. Once again, in working backwards, it may be useful to employ other strategies, such as using a model or making a list, to help you solve the problem.

Tonight's Homework: Tonight, you have two parts to your homework. First, complete the brown worksheet focussing on working backwards. Next, complete problems 1 through 4 on p. 796 of your math book. In doing so, be sure to show your work, as the answer is worth nothing without your work.

Drawing Pictures and Making Models

We spent a considerable amount of time reviewing last night's homework. When most students understood how using think columns could help them discover patterns, we went on to today's strategy--using a model or picture. Sometimes words need to be translated into a visual to allow the problem solver an opportunity to actually "see" what the problem is asking. Remember, a picture may be worth a thousand words, and in math, those same pictures may save you valuable time.

Tonight's homework: Complete the Make a Model worksheet. When completing the problems, remember that the answer is not as important as using the strategy. Be sure to draw a series of pictures or make physical models to help you solve the problems. If you make models, bring them to class on Friday.

Looking For Patterns

Today's problem solving strategy is looking for patterns. I suggested to the class that using systematic lists, complete with column headings, might help students as they look for patterns.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the two-page worksheet containing problems that require pattern identification.

Problem Solving Strategies, Day Two

The problem solving strategy we will use today is guess, check, and refine. I have chosen to review this strategy today, as I find using a list or data table to list my guesses preferable to just randomly placing my guesses and check steps all over a piece of paper. Students are encouraged to use the list-making strategy as well as the guess and check strategy to help them solve the 4 problems on the worksheet.

Tonight's Homework: Guess, Check and Refine worksheet and the What's the Sum worksheet.

Making Systematic Lists

Students will be practicing problem-solving strategies this week. Today's strategy is making a systematic list. Students were given two examples of problems to solve using this strategy in class, and then received 4 problems to solve at home. In addition, one more triangle puzzle was given to students to work through.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the brown worksheets entitled "Triangle Microworld" and "Make a Systematic List". Both are due on Tuesday.

Math on the Spot

After reviewing a few procedures and rules specific to algebra, students worked on a problem solving task called "Math on the Spot". Students received course descriptions, the teacher's home phone number, and their TESA numbers during class.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the Eugene Celebration!

Tonight's homework: Get course description signed and complete the "Math on the Spot" assignment. Both are due on Monday.

Here We Go!

Today was the first official day of algebra, and we spent it getting books and getting those books covered. That took most of the period. We reviewed some expectations, and read over the "Missed Algebra?" sheet.

Tonight's Homework--Have your parent read the "Missed Algebra?" sheet and have him/her sign it. Bring this to class by the beginning of the class on Monday, September 11th.

Welcome to Algebra!

The purpose of this blog is to serve as a back-up system for students to access homework related information when they miss a class unexpectedly (due to medical appointments, illness, office visits, etc.) and were unable to record homework in their planners. As a general rule, homework is written on the whiteboard or the overhead by the middle of class and ample time is allowed for students to copy this information onto their planners. Occasionally, homework assignments may be modified before the end of a class period, and if this happens after a student leaves for the day, checking this blog would be useful.

Both parents and students should benefit from the information posted on this blog.

Please note that this blog is not designed to replace the use of student planners, as there may be times when the homework assignment will not be posted in a timely manner (i.e. I am sick, I have afternoon and evening meetings, etc.). Students should always refer to their planners first, and use this as a method to double check. (I also encourage students to call a classmate to get information, or to call me. It's okay, and if I'm not available when called, leave a message so I know you tried!)

Most importantly, please know that I will not accept any blog-related excuses for not being able to complete and submit homework (the computer/internet was down/I forgot the address/the blog wasn't updated/etc.). Be sure to use other resources (your planner, a friend, me) should your computer connections fail you, and don't wait until late in the evening to seek help!