This is Jeopardy--Algebra-Style

Students participated in a Jeopardy-like activity, where they worked in teams to determine answers to questions grouped in the following categories: Combining Like Terms, Coefficients, Integer Operations, Distributive Property, Powers, and Integer Rules. Once the game sheets were submitted, teams were able to submit their wagers for the final jeopardy question, which deals with Orders of Operations. The results of the game will be announced on Monday during class.

Tonight's Homework: Complete all problems on both sides of the yellow and white worksheets you received in class (dealing with combining like terms and orders of operations).

Problem Solving Tactics--Look at Things From a Different Point of View!

Today we looked at a variety of problems that on the surface appear to be challenging, but only because they force us to use several parts of our brain. We started several of the problems, and students were asked to finish them at home tonight.

Tonight's Homework: Home Book, page 41 ( 79 - 84) and page 46 (1-12)

Combining Like Terms and the Distributive Property

We reviewed integer operations today, and focused on how to take integers to a particular power. Then we continued our work on combining like terms and using the distributive property.

Tonight's Homework: Home book page 39 (15 - 42)

Problems That Cause Us To Think Differently

Today we looked at a variety of problems that on the surface appear to be challenging, but only because they force us to use several parts of our brain. We started several of the problems, and students were asked to finish them at home tonight.

Tonight's Homework: CME pages 5 - 7 (1-5, 8, 12, 13, 15-19)

Vocabulary and Test Results

Students received feedback on the Concept 16 test. Overall, the class did very well on the test, with the median score being 89%. Congratulations to all of you, as everyone passed the first test. One down, 15 to go!

We reviewed the definitions of the following words:
term,expression, variable, like terms, and coefficient

Students used the definitions of these words to combine like terms. Using the distributive property, students practiced simplifying expressions through both multiplying and then combining like terms.

Tonight's Homework: Finish the yellow worksheet. Getting your grade slip signed and returned to me on Tuesday is extra credit.

Let the Concept Testing Begin!

Students took the concept 16 test in class today. This is the first of 16 tests students will need to pass in order to pass the class and be eligible for high school credit.

Tonight's Homework: Complete problems 1-15 on the yellow worksheet you picked up in class today.

Wrapping Up Statistics For Now

Our formal study of statistics is coming to a close, although we will revisit aspects of the unit throughout the rest of the school year. We reviewed for tomorrow's test, and I answered specific questions for students to help them have a better feel for what to expect. Students will be allowed to use rulers and colored pencils. Calculators will not be allowed on the test.

Tonight's Homework: Study for the test over concept 16 (statistics). No formal assignment needs to be completed tonight.

Getting Ready for Concept Test 16

We reviewed expectations for the upcoming concept test, which will be given in class on Friday, Sept. 23rd. In particular, students will need to be able to create the following data displays:
•Stem and Leaf Plot (complete with title, ordered data and key)
•Box and Whisker Plot (complete with title, quartile scores, and number line)
•Histogram (complete with title, equal intervals for bars, and labeled axes)
•Frequency table

Students will also be asked to compute mean, median, mode and range values for given sets of data. Calculators will not be allowed. Students will also need to determine whether a set of data shows a positive, negative, or no correlation.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the yellow practice test. From the hard cover book (CME), do p. 249 (2, 5, 8)

Correlation of Variables

When comparing sets of data on a coordinate grid, you can often see one of three general patterns emerging. In one case, you might notice that when the values for one variable rises, so do the values for the second variable. These situations are labeled as ones with positive correlation. Conversely, if one set of values tends to decrease as the other set's values increase, then we say the correlation is negative. Sometimes, there doesn't seem to be any pattern emerge between the two sets of data. In this case, we say the data has no correlation. Several examples of each of these were shared.

A quick review about correlation can be found at this website: http://brightstorm.com/math/algebra/introduction-to-statistics/scatterplots-and-correlations/

We also used measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) to solve problems. Visit this website for a review on calculating the mean:
http://brightstorm.com/math/algebra/introduction-to-statistics/mean/

Tonight's Homework: Do all problems on the tan and buff colored worksheets.

First Grade Slips of the Year Distributed Today

Class started out with a frank discussion about grade slips and how they don't necessarily reflect true performance at this particular moment. Students who have not completed one or more assignments will note their grades are heavily penalized, only because there are so few grades recorded in the grade book. This means each little assignment really counts for a lot right now. As the term progresses, this will level out. Nonetheless, students are encouraged to stay current with their work, and prepare for each class thoroughly.

We talked about the different measures of central tendency, and how they should be used to best portray a set of data. We learned how to use algebra to solve problems related to finding a score to create a desired mean score (see example 2 on page 4 of the home book).

Tonight's Homework: Get your grade slip signed and return it to me on Tuesday. Make a histogram of the birth date data we amassed in class. In the Home Book, do page 6 (5 - 8 ). Be sure to show your work.

Shoring Up Our Statistical Plots

After looking at the work that was turned in yesterday, students needed a quick review on the details associated with making proper box and whisker plots. Each plot should include a number line (complete with arrows on each end of the line), as well as equally sized intervals identified on the number line. A ruler or straight edge should be used to draw both the number line, box and whiskers. Students will demonstrate understanding of these expectations on tonight's homework.

A good portion of the period was dedicated to having students finish the Skittles® data activity.

Tonight's Homework: Finish both sides of both worksheets related to the Skittles® activity we began in class yesterday. Find the Home Book (paperback that you took home last week) and do problems 1 and 2 on both pages 10 and 12.

Thanks for a super week. Have a terrific weekend!

More About Box and Whisker Plots

Students did an activity in class today to help them practice making box and whisker plots. Students collected data, then shared the data. More will be done with the data tomorrow in class.

Tonight's Homework: Read pages 235 - 239 in the CME book. Then do problems 8 - 11 from this section. These problems are due on Friday.

Note: You can start crunching numbers from your data table if you have extra time. This will reduce the amount of work you'll have to do over the weekend.

Box and Whisker Plots

Students learned how to make a box and whisker plot today. First, vocabulary was shared about what the different parts were called. Then we created several different plots, using a variety of data. Titles, dots, ruled lines, and a number line are all parts of the plot. We discussed what quartiles were, and analyzed a couple of pre-made plots.

Tonight's Homework: Make box and whisker plots for the data found in the problems found on these pages: CME Book page 227 (4 a & b all ) and page 233 (5 and 7). You do not need to complete the problems as stated in the book.

Stem and Leaf Plot Review

Students learned vocabulary related to stem and leaf plots. All stem and leaf plots contain the following parts: title, stem, leaves (arranged in numerical order and separated by commas), and a legend. Data arranged in this way can help you determine certain measures of central tendency (like the range, median, and mode) very quickly.

Tonight's Homework: In the CME book, read pages 223-226. Then do problems 3-11, starting on page 227.

Fall Benchmark Testing Conducted in Class Today

Students completed the fall benchmarking test for the district during class today. While testing, students who completed the Equation Solving assessment last Thursday received feedback on how they did, while those who did not complete the assessment were asked to come in and finish it by the end of the school day on Wednesday, September 14th.

In addition, all students received two handouts to take home and share with parents. Both sheets need to be signed and returned to class on Tuesday, September 13th. Students will keep each of these in their notebooks, so they can reference the information contained on the sheets when needed.

Tonight's Homework: Get the two handouts (Course Description and Missed Algebra) signed by a parent and return them to class tomorrow.

In addition, if you did not score well on any of the three skill assessments taken last week, please plan to come in and review your work with me during resource, lunch or after school this week.

Textbooks Issued Today

Students checked out two different textbooks today. One looks like a traditional textbook, while the other looks like a workbook. The workbook may be kept at home in a safe place for the time being, while the hard cover book should be brought to class on a daily basis. This will change in a couple of months, but until then, the book should travel between home and school.

Tonight's Homework: None! Have a terrific weekend.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year!

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 you don't wait until late in the evening to seek help!

Let's have a terrific year, and have a little fun with math!