Absolute Value on the Palms

Students used handheld computers in class today to investigate how to graph the absolute value function. We discovered ways to alter the placement of the "v"-shaped function by including extra terms in the function. We learned how to move the v up and down, left and right, and even turned it upside down.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the worksheet you received in class today. Be sure to follow the directions printed on the worksheet.

Absolute Value

We reviewed how to solve equations with fractions, and then talked about absolute values. In problems that have absolute values, there can be:
2 solutions, like in |m| = 5; m = 5 or m = -5;
1 solution, like in |x| = 0; x = 0;
or no solutions, like in |b| = -7

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.3 ( 37 - 40 and 46-49, follow directions carefully) and Lesson 3.1 ( 31, 32 and 34).

Solving and Checking Equations

Students received scores for the Concept 16 Test today. For the most part, student did very well on their first, which pleased all of us! Students also received weekly grade slips.

We reviewed how to solve one and two step equations. Most students recognized the steps needed to solve simpler equations, and were shown a new format to show these steps (in a vertical manner). Next we focussed on the check steps for these problems. Students should follow these steps when showing check steps:

Rewrite the original problem.
Show the substitution of the solution into the problem.
Show work until you get a statement that looks like " 7 = 7 ".

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.3 ( 16 - 27 all, and show check steps for the even problems only).

We Made it Through Concept Test 16!

Students took their very first concept test today in class. Most finished with at least 20 minutes to work on a problem solving worksheet.

Tonight's Homework: Read pages 781 and 782. Do the first and last columns of problems on page 783. If you did not finish the yellow worksheet, you should also finish that over the weekend.

Rudy Balles Assembly Shortens Classes

The Rudy Balles assembly caused most classes to be shortened today. In our 37 minute class, we reviewed answers to the practice test for Concept 16. Students wrote notes about things they might have neglected to include with their answers (labels, titles, keys, etc.) and kept their worksheets so they can review them as they study for tomorrow's first big concept test.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the three page practice worksheet and study for the concept test!

Preparing for Concept Test 16

As we complete our first unit of study, the concept test over statistics and measures of central tendencies is approaching. We will take Concept Test 16 on Friday. Students prepared for this by working in groups on the practice test. It is important for students to really understand the questions on the review worksheet, so they have the best possible chance of passing the concept test on the first try.

Tonight's Homework: Complete all problems on the Practice Test handout for Concept 16.

Correlation and Lines of Best Fit

Students looked at several examples of scatter plots. We discussed that in some cases, as one variable increased, so did the other. These scatter plots display a positive correlation, and the dots tend to move up and to the right on the coordinate grid. In other cases, the scatter plots suggest that as one variable increased, the other decreased. These scatter plots show a negative correlation, and the dots appear to move down and to the right on the coordinate grid. The line that tends to move through the middle of the dots, showing the average tendency of the data, can be considered the line of best fit. Generally speaking, lines of best fit have equal number of points above and below the line, and the points are about the same distance from the "average" line.

Tonight's Homework: Read page 295, and then do Lesson 5.4 ( 13, 15, 17 - 22 ). Finish the box and whisker plots for the Skittles® data that you started in class today.

More with Box and Whisker Plots

Students received weekly grade print outs today. Beginning this week, if there is no parent signature line on the print out, students may have parents sign the grade slip and turn it in on the next school day for extra credit. I definitely encourage students to get into the habit of doing this!

Students also received feedback on the assessments we took last week. This sheet may be taken home, signed by a parent and returned to me tomorrow for extra credit.

Tonight's Homework: Make well-labeled histograms and box and whisker plots for the class heights data and the raisin data. Complete both sides of the "Color Samples" worksheet, using the Skittles® data we collected in class today.

Box and Whisker Plots

Students took notes on the vocabulary pertaining to box and whisker plots. See Lesson 6.7 for details related to the vocabulary. We practiced determining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quartile scores, using fictitious data. Students were able to identify the extreme values (high and low), as well as the median score.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 6.7 ( 11-14, 19 - 24 ). Be sure to show work, and include titles!

Organizing Data in Multiple Ways

Students shared their heights (in cm) with the class. Once we saw the data, we created a tally chart. We then added a third column to the chart that showed the cumulative tally of the data. Using these same data, we created a stem and leaf plot.

We then determined the number of raisins in a mini box of raisins. Forty students reported their numbers to the class, and students recorded this information.

Tonight's Homework: For both the student height and raisin data, please create a stem and leaf plot and a cumulative frequency table. Then determine the range, median, mean, and mode for each data set. Lastly, do problems 1-4 and 9 on page 381.

Cathlyn: You should look over sections 6.6 and 6.7. Do the book assignments I list on the blog. We'll determine how much of the in-class activities you need to do when you return. Be safe!

Loose Ends Tied Up Today

Students completed the district math test today, and also finished up the skills assessment. All students answered 15 questions about integer operations. With any luck, we'll be back on track (and in our classroom) beginning tomorrow!

We learned about a quick way to organize large numbers of data. Rather than putting the data into a data table, we can now use stem and leaf plots to organize the information. All stem and leaf plots have titles, stems, leaves, data and a key. Stem and leaf plots can be ordered or unordered. We practiced making these types of plots in class.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 6.6 ( 11 - 16, 41 and 42 )

District Math Testing Changes Our Class Plans

Our sixth period class ROCKS!

Thanks to all of you for being so flexible today. We ended up taking a series of district math tests that will track progress in math during the year. This was an unexpected change in plans, but one that resulted in very little new homework for students.

Students turned in their signed grade slips today. Most completed the district math tests during class. Those who did not will be able to complete the tests tomorrow in class.

Tonight's Homework: None, due to the district math tests. Enjoy the night off, as there won't be many of them in the coming year!

Algebra Skills Assessment Begins

Students received the first grade slip of the year, and were instructed to take it home, share it with parents, and get it signed. The signed slips are due back in class tomorrow.

We reviewed the definitions for measures of central tendency today. Examples of how to determine the mean, median, mode and range of a data set were shown.

Students began the first of several algebra skills assessments today. These will continue throughout the week, and will be used to determine how much review students might need on pre-requisite skills they covered last year.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 6.6 ( 17 - 27 ) and get your grade slip signed.

Textbook Distributed Today

Students checked out their algebra textbooks today, and then covered them. I am going to try to conduct class in a way that will allow students to not have to transport their books to and from school daily. For the time being, students have been instructed to leave their algebra books at home. If the routine changes, I will inform students in advance of the change.

Signed district letters were checked off and we discussed last night's homework. Most students in the class came up with solutions for 3 or 4 situations. We discussed possible changes in the rules that students came up with. Tonight's homework is related to selecting a rule and applying it to the problem.

Tonight's Homework: Have your parent read and sign the course description and "Missed Algebra?" papers. Select a new rule to follow for your "That's Sum Difference" problem. Write the rule on the new worksheet, and then determine how many unique solutions you can come up with. All of this is due at the beginning of class on Sept. 14th.

Bonus Answer: Eagle Pass, Texas

Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year!

Today was the first day of school for 7th and 8th graders. Our algebra class, though HUGE, is filled with conscientious students who did a great job today. We talked about the school district expectations and requirements for students enrolled in Algebra 1 to earn high school credit for the course. We then worked on a problem-solving activity to wake up the math portion of our brains.

Tonight's Homework: Read the district letter about Algebra 1. Share this letter with your parent, and have it signed by either mom or dad. Work on the "That's Sum Difference" worksheet (both sides). Both of these sheets are due at the beginning of class on Friday, September 11th.