Spring Break is Over!

Wow! Seven students were gone today. Our class seemed awfully small!

Students received grade slips today, and were encouraged to take these home for parent signatures. In addition, students received a letter explaining how they could obtain a summer workbook to help them stay current on math skills. It is highly likely that most students could not have any math until February, 2010, and for this reason, I highly encourage students to take advantage of this offer.

Concept 14 tests were returned to students, and all present had time to review the problems that were missed. I encourage all of those needing to retake the test to do so as soon as possible.

Students took a pre-test over quadratic equations today. We will begin a new unit of study on Wednesday (no fooling!)

Tonight's Homework: None, unless you are behind.

Spring Break Finally Arrives

Students took the test over concept 14 today.

Enjoy your break from school. Try not to think too much about math or school for the next week. Travel safely if you leave the area in the next few days. I will see you on March 31st!

Tonight's Homework: NONE!!!

Round Two of State Testing is Finished

Several things happened in class today, although not everyone did the same type of work. Here's an overview of what took place:

a.) About a dozen students completed round two of the state test.
b.) Several students retook a concept test.
c.) Students who attended Mr. Scarborough's presentation yesterday worked on their thank you notes and summaries.
d.) Many had time to study for concept test 14, which will be taken in class on Friday.
e.) Homework from Tuesday was reviewed and collected.

Thanks to all of you for making Wednesday and Thursday possible. Your effort to do your best daily is much appreciated!

Tonight's Homework: Be ready to take Concept Test 14 tomorrow. All thank you notes will be due by the beginning of class on Friday.

Two Things Happening Simultaneously

Today's algebra class was split into two groups, and each group did something different.

One group stayed in the classroom and began the second round of the state math test. The other group met in Miss Madathil's room and listened to a presentation made by Mr. Steve Scarborough from Oregon State University. He talked about the mathematical errors he's found in the movie, "Donald in Math Magic Land". Of course, this meant the students had to watch the movie, as well!

Tonight's Homework: None, although you should be preparing for Friday's test over concept 14.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We continued our investigation of square root functions by graphing more examples on the handheld computer. It is clear now that each of these graphs has a definite curve to it, starts at a particular point, and continues in one direction forever. It is also clear that the numbers surrounding the square root sign (inside and out) help to determine exactly where the graph lands on the grid.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the handout you received in class today. Continue to prepare for the test over concept 14, which will be given in class on Friday, March 20th.

Graphing Square Root Functions on the Palm

Results from the test given on Thursday were shared with the class. Most students passed the test, and the median score was 85%. Way to go!

Using handheld computers to graph a variety of square root functions, students tried to find some patterns and similarities among the resulting graphs of the functions. These similarities will be discussed in class on Tuesday.

Students received grade slips today, and were offered an extra credit assignment related to evaluating things that worked well for them last term and areas in which they would like to improve. This written evaluation is due on Tuesday, along with the grade slip.

Begin preparing for the test over concept 14, which will be given in class on Friday.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the practice test for concept 14. If you are so inclined, complete the written evaluation of your progress in algebra, and list your goals for this term.

P.S. Will, you are missed--hope to see you soon!

Concept 13 Test Given in Class Today

Today was notebook clean out day. Students were able to rid their notebooks of math papers related to solving equations, systems of equations and inequalities. Papers related to exponents and radical expressions should remain in the notebook.

Students took the concept 13 test in class today. Those who finished early had time to begin tonight's homework.

Enjoy the three-day weekend!

Tonight's Homework: Complete the problem on the yellow worksheet.

Reviewing for Concept 13 Test

Many students missed at least half of today's class due to being involved in student council. Because of this, we spent the period reviewing for the concept 13 test, which will be given in class on Thursday.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the yellow practice test, as well as the white square root paper.

Graphing Exponential and Radical Expressions Using the Palms

Today we used the palms to graph simple exponential and radical expressions. We also learned about standard form for these expressions, including what a and b stand for in the expressions. Lastly, students completed the group activity we started in class yesterday.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the tan worksheet and prepare for the Concept 13 test, which will be given in class on Thursday, March 12th.

Graphing Exponential and Radical Expressions

Students worked in groups of 4 to complete tasks related to graphing exponential and radical expressions. This activity will be finished in class on Tuesday.

Tonight's Homework: Begin studying for the Concept 13 test, by reviewing problems you missed on Friday's homework. Complete the salmon worksheet on graphing radical expressions.

Wrapping Up Radical Math

Students had most of the period to work on a review worksheet over simplifying radical expressions and solving radical equations. This worksheet is tonight's homework. Be warned that the concept 13 test will be given prior to spring break, so begin preparing for it now.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the Concept 13 review worksheet.

Distributive Property and Rational Numbers

After a quick review of the distributive property, we applied our knowledge to using it with rational expressions. This requires many steps and a methodical approach, but students appeared to understand the process after just two examples.

Tonight's Homework: Page 805 ( 1 - 25 all ).

More Practice with Simplifying Radical Expressions

Students received feedback on their concept 12 tests today. Over 75% of the class passed this test on the first try--Yippee for you!

We reviewed how to solve the more complex radical expressions today. Most students realized where they were confused, and were able to solve these by the end of the review. Tonight's assignment should help students to master this skill.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the "Radicle Riddle" puzzle and worksheet titled "Page 31".

Radical Work

How appropriate is it that we are doing radical expression work on a square root day? Today is 3/3/09--hmmm!

Students took the concept 12 test today in class. When they finished, they had time to start on one of tonight's 2 radical worksheets. One covers adding and subtracting radicals, while the other covers simplifying radicals.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both of the worksheets.

Simply Radical Math

Today's lesson focussed on simplifying radical expressions. We reviewed the properties of radicals (see page 511 of your textbook) and then worked on several examples to ensure students had the concepts down.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 9.2 ( 22 - 49, all )