Month: September 2021

6th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will be investigating DECIMALS! We will begin with a review of how we add and subtract decimals (line up the place values) and then we will learn to multiply and divide them.  Here is a video that reviews all that we will work on this week.  

Math Grade Math – Mrs. Evans and Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we will continue to learn about using integers as we learn to multiply and divide positive and negative integers.  We will practice modeling and establish some great rules that apply to multiplying and dividing integers.  Here is a summary of the rules we use when multiplying and dividing integers:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Ernest

This week 8th graders will be learning to solve one and two step algebraic expressions using our rules for adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying rational numbers (decimals and fractions). Students will need to be proficient with the skills we have been learning so far this year. If your student is feeling confused by the concepts we’ve covered so far, make sure they practice with these IXL activities! We will cover Chapter 1-5, 1-6 and part of 1-7 to wrap up this unit this week. Next week we will have a unit test on all topics covered this year so far!

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we are learning about functions. A function is a relationship that consists of a set of inputs, called the domain, and a set of outputs, called the range. Each input can be paired with only one output. We will spend time looking at different representations of functions such as verbal models, tables, graphs and equations. This will bring us to the end of Chapter 1. There will be a test on Friday. The following video is a good review of functions and how to name them: 

Be careful!  Don’t divide by zero!   🙂

This week we will miss a few math classes due to MAP testing.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will apply what we learned last week – finding the greatest common factor (GCF) and least common multiple (LCM).  We will use the GCF to rewrite products with the distribution property.  This is a tool that we will use often in algebra!    For students needing help with LCM or GCF, please visit last weeks video links.  Here is how finding the GCF can help us in using the distributive property. 

Math Grade Math – Mrs. Evans and Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we will practice adding and subtracting integers.  This skill is very important so we will make sure we have mastered it before moving on!  See last week’s post for a Math Antics video for some help.    One of the important lessons that we will apply this week is that, because addition and subtraction are opposites, we can rewrite problems like this:   

8 – 9 = 8 + (-9)     

8 – (-9)  =  8 + 9   

There are various strategies that we can use to help us add integers of same or different signs.  We can use counters, number lines or absolute values.  

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Ernest

This week the 8th graders are missing some of our classes due to Map testing, but that won’t stop them from demonstrating all they’ve learned about rational numbers in a short quiz! We have been reviewing multiplying, dividing, adding, subtracting and converting fractions. We have also grown more comfortable switching between fractions and decimals. Towards the end of this week, we will wrap up Chapter 1.1-1.4 and introduce concepts from Chapter 1.5. 

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we explore what it means for one measurement to be more or less precise than another. This leads to a discussion of significant digits. Significant digits are the digits in a measurement that carry meaning contributing to the precision of the measurement. Students will learn the rules for adding/subtracting and multiplying/dividing using significant figures. This is especially important in today’s world of calculators that give values that go on and on and on…. Where should we stop and round our answers? Watch the following video for examples of why significant figures are useful:

We will also begin to look at mathematical relationships as functions. A function is a relationship in which each input is paired with only one output. The set of inputs of a function is called the domain of the function. The set of outputs is call the range. We will continue with our study of functions next week.

We are looking forward to ZOOM Curriculum Night on Wednesday at 6:30 pm!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will be learning about prime factorization, finding the least common multiple and the greatest common factor.  These are foundational skills which will serve us well as we build new concepts to help us solve problems.  Our math books should be here soon, but for those who need a little extra help here is a support video on each of those important concepts: 

PRIME FACTORIZATION     

LEAST COMMON MULTIPLE   

GREATEST COMMON FACTOR

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans and Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we will continue to develop our ability to work with negative numbers and by the end of the week we will be able to add and subtract any integer.  The use of number lines and counters (in our mental space) can really help solve problems like these.  It is good to be reminded that SUBTRACTION IS THE OPPOSITE OF ADDITION.  This means that subtraction is just adding the opposite (negative) and subtracting a negative number is the same as adding that number.  For example:   

6 – 9 = 6 + (-9)        

9 + (-2)  = 9 – 2

7 – (-3) = 7 + 3   

For those who would like a little video support on this topic, here is a link to a great video:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Ernest

This week we will review techniques from last week to identify least and greatest common multiples (see 6th grade math post above for some reminder videos on these topics). We will advance our understanding of multiplying and dividing fractions (Chapter 1 Lesson 2). 

Ex: How do I multiply a mixed number by an integer?

To multiply a mixed number by an integer there are two efficient strategies. The first is by looking at the calculation as repeated addition.

For example: 2 1/3 x 3 = 2 1/3 + 2 1/3 + 2 1/3

You then add the whole separately and then the parts and then combine to get the final answer.

2 x 3 = 6.

1/3 x 3 = 3/3 = 1

6 + 1 = 7

The second involves converting the mixed number to an improper fraction.

2 1/3 = 7/3

7/3 x 3 = 21/3 = 7

Multiplying Fractions Review:

https://www.google.com/search?q=multiplying+fractions&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS834US834&oq=multiplying&aqs=chrome.0.0i131i355i433i512j46i131i433i512j69i57j0i131i433i512l7.2263j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_phFAYcjJLrOm0PEPrbO0sAY43

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week, we will focus on translating verbal phrases and situations into equations and inequalities. This is a very important skill to develop in order to become a proficient problem solver. Key words can be used to identify the intended operation, such as “more than” for addition, “difference of” for subtraction, or “shared between” for division. It can also be helpful to draw a diagram to represent what you are trying to find. Variables can represent any quantities that are unknown.

We will also use dimensional analysis to convert units and rates. Here is a helpful video that shows how to use dimensional analysis to for unit conversion and problem solving:

Welcome to the Middle School Math Weekly Post.  It is our hope that this post will help parents and students to have a great math year!  You will find, in the posts, an update on what we are currently working on and often some other helps like videos and pictures.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will begin to work multi-digit division and prime factorization.  For students who want a review of long division, you can watch this video:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans and Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we will begin to learn how to do operations fluently using negative numbers  We will begin in Module 1 of our GO MATH books.  We will be thinking about operations with negatives in a variety of ways so that it becomes comfortable and innate.  First, we add integers with a common sign and then we will learn to add integers with opposite signs. As you practice, look for patterns to make the computations easier.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Ernest

This week we will begin to learn how to confidently convert between fractions and decimals. Students will gain confidence with percentages, ratios, and conversions. We will be working through Chapter 1, sections 1, 2, and 3 this week, given the time.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week students will review and master some of the foundational skills that will be used as we evaluate algebraic expressions and equations. Remember to always use the correct order of operations and avoid those common mistakes!

We will finish the week with a fun CSI activity using real numbers to solve puzzles.