Test over Integer Operations

Students took the test over integer operations today, and then attended the kick-off assembly for the magazine drive.

Tonight's Homework: None! Enjoy the weekend.

Subtracting Integers, Revisited

Students received their weekly grade slips today, as well results from last week's quiz. It was evident that most students were proficient at adding integers, but not nearly as proficient at subtracting them. With this in mind, we reviewed how to do this using a "same, change, change" method (also known as adding the opposite). Students seemed very confident that this will help them do a better job at subtracting integers on future assignments and quizzes.

Tonight's Homework: Get your weekly grade report signed and bring it back to class on Tuesday. Redo the 10 subtraction problems on your quiz, using the "same, change, change" method we learned in class. Then use pictures to show the answer to each of these problems.

How Good Are We At Adding and Subtracting Integers?

We finished the week by reviewing how to compute with integers. Students took a quiz over adding and subtracting integers.

Tonight's Homework: Give the course description and "Missed PreAlgebra" sheets to your parents and have them read them. The signed sheets of paper are due on Monday, September 24th. Also, please show your parent the note about the new phone number to call about attendance issues.

Patterns in Repeated Addition

We reviewed a bit more on how to subtract negative numbers, as a few students are still a bit shaky on this. Afterwards, we looked at patterns that exist in multiplication. We extended these patterns to include multiplying by negative numbers. Through analyzing the patterns, we concluded that there are a couple of basic rules that govern both multiplication and division of integers.

Tonight's Homework:
Be sure you know how to add and subtract integers, as there is a quiz over this tomorrow. Do all problems on page 30 of the Home Book.

Reflecting About Integers

We reviewed how to use integer chips, and then did many addition and subtraction problems to reinforce our understanding of adding and subtracting integers.

Tonight's Homework:
Complete all problems on page 21 of the "Accentuate the Negative" book. Be sure to answer each question fully! Getting your grade slip signed tonight and returned tomorrow is optional.

Red and White Integer Chips Make Integers Visible

Students were introduced to double-colored chips to help them see integers see more clearly. We talked about zero pairs and how using these don't change the value of the equation. Some students liked these better than the number line; others did not.

Tonight's Homework: ACE 1 (36-38 and 52-54)

Stepping Out with Integers

Students used giant number lines to help them move like integers when they are added and subtracted. Addition activities were generally easier to master than subtraction, but by the end of the period, most students were able to use the number line to complete either operation with fractions with success.

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

What Are Integers?

As we begin our study of integers this year, students learned how to work in groups, use manipulatives to aid in their understanding, and apply positive and negative numbers to things in their world, like money, weight, temperature, elevation, sports, and populations. Integers are important to help us understand changes in a variety of things that we encounter in our lives.

Tonight's Homework: ACE 1 (1-8, 39, 45). This assignment starts on page 16 in the ATN book.

Jeopardy in Math?

To kick off our study of integers, we played math Jeopardy. Students reviewed some of their fraction skills while earning points for their table teams. Wrong answers earned negative points, while correct answers earned positive points for the teams.

Tonight's Homework: Read pages 3-7 in the ATN book. Do pages 8-9 (A-E).

District Benchmarking Test Completed

Students completed the district's fall math test today in class. The test provides the district with benchmark information about student skills via answers to 45 questions asked to students via the computer.

Tonight's Homework: None! Enjoy the weekend!

Welcome to the 2012-2013 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!