More on Subtracting Integers

We played a team game this afternoon to help students gain confidence in their abilities to subtract integers. Most students were able to correctly evaluate expressions that ranged from simple to fairly complex. Three groups of students tied with 12 points each. Hurray!

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.3 ( 12 - 24, all, and 29 - 39, odd)

Stepping Out with Integers

Today, we tried to understand how integers work by physically moving our bodies along a number line. In general, to add a positive number means to move to the right, while to add a negative number means to move to the left. Students understood these motions quite well. Subtracting was a bit more difficult to do, but, students soon got the idea. To subtract a positive number, move to the left. To subtract a negative, move to the right.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the back side of the handout you received in class today.

What's an Integer?

Students received their scores from Friday's test today. Most did a wonderful job of showing work and coming up with correct answers.

Today, we started our investigation about integers. This unit will continue for the next week and a half or so.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.2 ( 13 - 39 ). Getting your grade slip signed is extra credit.

Chapter 1 Test is History!

Students took the first math test of the school year this afternoon. We collected homework, and then relaxed after the test was completed.

Tonight's Homework: None. Enjoy the weekend!

Five Steps to Solving Problems

Because our class was shorter today (37 minutes), we worked together as a class on a problem that made use of variable expressions and formulae. We learned how to summarize what the problem is asking us to do, communicate a plan for solving the problem, show our calculations, verify our solution by doing the problem a completely different way, and stating the answer clearly.

Tonight's Homework: Complete steps 4 and 5 of the problem on the yellow worksheet. Be sure to study for the test over lessons 1.2-1.7, as you will be taking the test in class on Friday.

Using Orders of Operations and Variable Expressions in Real Life Situations

Today, students offered variable expressions they've used in previous math classes to help them come up with perimeter, area, and the like. We discussed how many of these expressions involve the use of orders of operations in order to come up with the answers to the problems.

We learned how it is possible to solve a given problem in multiple ways. This discussion will be the building block for the verification piece of problem solving, which we'll be working on throughout the year.

Tonight's Homework: Page 727 ( 4 - 16, and 25 - 28 ). Be sure to show your work, circle your answer, and check the answers to the questions you can by using the back of your book.

Note: We will have a quiz over orders of operations, powers, vocabulary and variable expressions on Friday, September 25th. Be sure to prepare for it!

Including Exponents with Orders of Operations

Students 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.

Today, we focussed on how to solve order of operations problems that include exponents. Students are encouraged to use the acronyms (PEMDAS or GSEMDAS) to help them do just one step at a time when finding solutions to these multi-step problems.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.4 ( 13 - 45, odd, and 48 - 49)

Variables and Expressions

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!

After reviewing vocabulary related to the four different operations, we practiced order of operations using variable expressions.

Tonight's Homework: Read Lesson 1.3, and then do the following problems: Lesson 1.3 ( 11 - 23, odd, 29 - 35, odd, and 41 - 49 all). Be sure to show each step neatly on your paper and circle your answers.

More on Order of Operations

Today, we focussed on how to clearly show our steps for attacking order of operations problems. In a nutshell, the steps are:

1.) Write the original problem on your lined paper.
2.) Determine what your first step is towards coming up with a solution.
3.) Rewrite the problem, starting with an equal sign, and complete the computation you identified in step 2.
4.) Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have a solution. Your problem may have several intermediate steps to record before finding a solution.
5.) When you find the solution, write it on a line by itself, and then circle it.

Students worked on worksheet 1.6, and completed all problems on the page. Starting with problem #16, all work had to be shown following the format described above.

Tonight's Homework: None. Enjoy your weekend!

Justin, you should complete the front side of the Practice Worksheet 1-6, following the instructions listed above.

Using Calculators with Order of Operation Problems

Although students will not be allowed to use calculators on their tests, I thought it would be a good idea to show students how they can use their calculator buttons to help them double check their order of operation problems. Scientific calculators are programmed to compute using the rules of orders of operations. However, there are some tricks to getting these to work, and the calculator operator must know how to tell the calculator about grouping symbols. We practiced inserting parentheses and grouping symbols on our calculators.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.2 ( 24 - 43 )

Justin, you will need to do this assignment, as well as all of the problems on page 14.

Finishing Up Loose Ends

Students who needed to complete the district math assessment did so. Those who needed to complete the Pre-Algebra Skills Test were given time to do so in class today. Students shared their goofy sentences and pictures related to order of operations.

We talked about order of operations, and how it helps us all solve problems in the same way.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.2 ( 10 - 20 ), show all work. Complete both sides of E25/E26 worksheet.

District Math Testing Changes Our Class Plans

Our fifth 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: Select one of your silly sentences to illustrate in color and bring both the picture and the sentences to class tomorrow.

Justin, you will have to take the district math tests when you get back. You might want to work on the worksheet that deals with orders of operations tonight. Hope all is well!

Pre-Algebra Skills Assessment Begins

After correcting homework, students began a 39 question skills assessment that will help determine the course of instruction for the rest of the term. This assessment will be finished in class on Tuesday.

Students received the first of many weekly grade slips today. Students were directed to take the slip home, share it with a parent, get it signed and return it to school on Tuesday.

Tonight's Homework: Get your grade slip signed. Write three silly sentences for each of the following sets of letters:
•GSEMDAS
•PEMDAS

Each sentence should have one word for each letter. If the letters were FUSO, you could write "Fred Uses Soap Often." Another option could be "Family Urges Sick Octopus." Be creative. We will be illustrating one of the sentences soon!

P.S. Hi, Justin! Hope you are having a great trip!

Textbook Distributed Today

Students checked out their textbooks today. I will try to conduct class in a way that allows students to leave their math books at home. Students will be notified ahead of time if this routine needs to be changed.

Course descriptions and "Missed Pre-Algebra?" papers were checked off during textbook distribution. We reviewed homework, and discussed how each problem could have multiple correct answers.

Tonight's Homework: Page 4 (1 - 19, all). Students have been asked to show all work neatly, and circle each answer. This is due at the beginning of the class period on Monday, September 14th.

And We're Off!

Today was the first day of pre-algebra for the 2009-2010 school year. Our class, though quite large, met and got a lot accomplished in the time allotted. We went over the course description, determined ways to stay caught up when we have to miss math class, and started work on tonight's problem-solving worksheet dealing with multiplication and estimation.

Tonight's Homework: Read the two handouts about the course and how to stay caught up. Share these with your parents, and get them to sign each paper. These two signed sheets are due by Monday, September 14th.

Spend about 30 minutes working on the Product worksheet. Be sure to show work. This sheet is due on Friday, September 11th.

Bonus Answer: Eagle Pass, Texas

Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year!

Please be sure to have the following things in class each day:

Notebook with paper, pencils, correcting pens, and grid paper
Completed homework filed in your 5th period section of your notebook
A positive attitude

Let's have a terrific year!