Author: kevans

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans

This week we will solve problems involving surface area and volume and then review what we have learned in chapter 11. We will have a test on Friday if all goes well! This chapter test will cover how to find the surface area of prisms and pyramids and how to find the volume of rectangular prisms. It is VERY important in these math tasks for students to be organized and show themselves their work so that they can follow through on a larger number of steps that these tasks demand. Please encourage students to take their time and work with care! Here are some videos to help students with these tasks.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week our class will be investigating EXPERIMENTAL probabilities, beginning with a two-day activity in which the students will create and play their own carnival game and assess the profit expected for the game. We will be talking about whether the game is dishonest or uses probabilities in the carnivals favor. We will then talk about the probability of compound events and how, for experimental probabilities, they are very similar to simple events. We will practice making predictions based on probabilities at the end of the week.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will move into chapter 9 in which we will create scatter plots, use the plot to make correlations and find the best fit lines. This is an excellent real-world skill for all students to have! We can use our best fit lines to make inferences from the data.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week students will be reviewing for the end of the year test. They will be preparing an activity and lesson for their classmates on one topic in Algebra. Next week, they will present these lessons. The test will be on May 30 and 31.

It has been a great year and we have covered a lot of material. Because each concept builds upon the previous one, they have really been reviewing all year. These next couple of weeks are a chance to practice their skills, study for a cumulative test, and be proud of all they have accomplished in this class.

We will have MAP testing this week, on Tuesday and Thursday.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans

This week we extend our geometry to 3-dimensional shapes as we will be learning how to represent them as geometric nets and find their surface areas, just like we found the areas of composite figures in the last chapter.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

The PROBABILITY that our 7th grade math class will move into the study of PROBABILITY is 1! That is, of course, 100% chance. We will miss class on Tuesday and Wednesday due to MAP testing and Mass, respectively, but we will still have time to develop understanding of some basic definitions like probability and complements. Here is a picture describing probabilities:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will finish Chapter 8, in which we have been learning about graphing linear equations. We will continue to work on graphing systems of equations as we did not get quite as far as planned last week. We will be reminded that we now know two ways to solve a system of equations – substitution and graphing. We will review Chapter 8 on Thursday and take a test on Friday so that we will be at a good break point for the 8th grade trip to Washington DC next week. The following graphic was in last week’s post but is very useful this week.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week students are reviewing quadratic functions. There will be a Chapter 9 test on Wednesday. Students can now solve any quadratic function using the Quadratic Formula, graph functions and explain how each term affects the shape or orientation, and understand how quadratics are important in real-life situations. After this chapter, we will begin reviewing for the end of year test.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans

This week we continue our study of geometry as we learn to use formulas to find the area of trapezoids, regular polygons, and composite figures. Composite figure areas are found by breaking them down into shapes we have formulas for and adding the separate areas together. All of these skills are helped by good organization and careful math. The composite shape below can be modeled as: 2 different rectangles, a semi-circle, and a triangle; or a trapezoid, semi-circle, and a rectangle. Encourage your student to be careful and neat as they do their work.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In 7th math this week, we will look at different ways that we can analyze and show data so that we can make good inferences from them. An inference is a generalized conclusion about our population based on information gathered in the sample. We will be practicing finding mean, median, modes, ranges, upper and lower quartiles, making dot and box plots and using proportional reasoning. Here is a video about how to make a box plot:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will continue to learn about linear functions and how to write them in different ways.

Here are the three forms we can use to show linear functions. This week we will investigate point slope form. We will continue to graph these functions, analyzing them for slope and intercepts. We will finish our week with finding the solution to a system of equations by graphing them. Below is an example of graphing a system of equations.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This is a content packed week! We will learn three new ways to solve quadratic equations: use square roots, complete the square, and use the Quadratic Formula. The Quadratic Formula will be the most useful as it will solve any quadratic equation. By the end of the week, students should be able to identify key parts of a quadratic function, rewrite the equation if necessary, solve the equation, and explain what the solution(s) represent in real-life situations. Memorizing the Quadratic Formula is helpful.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans

We begin, this week, our geometry studies in 6th grade. We will be investigating parallelograms and triangles this week and learning to find the perimeters and areas of these shapes using formulas. Learning to use formulas effectively is a very useful skill. Here are the formulas we will be learning this week:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In 7th math this week we begin our study of statistics, the analysis of data sets. We will begin on Monday with a review of mean (average), mode, median and range. We will then begin to think about how to select the right sample from a population to be able to make inferences from it. We can make inferences from random, non-biased samples of adequate size. Here is a visualization of what we will be discussing this week:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will continue to learn about linear functions, finding the area of lines and using the slope-intercept form. Here is a great video to help your students with basic linear functions.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week, we will graph quadratic functions. Students will be creating a poster highlighting key points such as the vertex, x and y intercepts, and line of symmetry. With these points, we can easily graph a quadratic function. Quadratics are all around us in life. Look for them in sports, architecture, art, nature, and even video games. Watch the video below for a few examples.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans

We will continue our study of algebra this week, beginning with learning how to deal with fractions in equations. We can remember that a fraction is just another way to write any number. If we use our newly developed process, we can solve any equation. We can do anything to an equation as long as we do EXACTLY the same thing to both sides of the equation. We UNDO what has been done the variable by doing the inverse operation. We can check our solutions by plugging the solution in place of the variable and checking the math. We will extend what we have learned about equations to inequalities. The following are two videos that cover the basic solutions of all one step equations. Please have your student watch them if they are needing help.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In 7th math this week we will spend one more day practicing finding the surface area of prisms and then we will begin to find the volume of prisms. The following is a video about finding the volume of prisms:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will begin to solve systems of equations using substitution. We will then review chapter 7 and have a chapter test. Here is an example of how to solve a system of equations:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

Last week, we learned to factor quadratic expressions with a leading coefficient of 1 (x^2 + bx + c). This week we will factor expressions with a leading coefficient that is not 1. The process we use is called “factoring by grouping”. The Khan Academy video below is a great demonstration on how to use this method:

Once a quadratic is factored, it can be solved using the Zero Product Property which states that if two or more factors have a product of zero, then at least one of those factors must be zero. Quadratic equations are useful in so many real world situations such as projectile motion, bouncing balls, free falling objects, and even architecture.

No school on Friday!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans

We will be reviewing our lessons from Chapter 7 on Monday and do an assessment on Tuesday. With this chapter we have set a strong foundation to build on as we move into Chapter 8 and learn about equations. We have focused pretty heavily on vocabulary in Chapter 7 so to have the ability to discuss algebra most effectively. Here are some of the important vocabulary words that your student should master for success:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In 7th math this week we are investigating CIRCLES! On Friday of last week discovered the famous number, PI by dividing circle circumferences by their diameter. This week we will use formulas to find the circumference and area of circles. The following are the formulas that your student should memorize regarding circles:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we are moving into algebra. We are simplifying and solving equations. We will also learn how to solve equations that have variables on both sides of the equation. An important concept to keep in mind for these problems is that you will keep the same value if you do EXACTLY the same thing to both sides of an equation. This is called keeping an equation balanced. Here is a video to help you:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week, we begin Chapter 8: Polynomials and Factoring. This week we will review how to combine like terms to create a simplified expression. Then students will explore binomial multiplication with algebra tiles and learn to multiply using the standard algorithm, sometimes remembered as FOIL:

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans

We are working in Chapter 7 in which we are learning a little about algebraic expressions. We are learning how to identify the parts of algebraic expressions, combining like terms and evaluating expressions for a given value. Here is a great video introducing algebra.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In math this week, our 7th graders will be finishing their investigations of angle relationships, triangles and scale drawings. We will start with extending what we have learned about the angles created when two lines intersect to what we get when parallel lines are intersected (transversals). On Tuesday, we will be reviewing the material in this module and then we will test on Wednesday. After that we will begin investigating circles and discover PI!

It is important for students to memorize the different angles so that they can identify them easily and correctly. Here are some of the important angle relationships that they should know:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we are finishing up our study (in Chapter 6) of volume of geometric shapes. On Monday and Tuesday, students will present their sculpture projects to the class. We will then move on to algebra. We will extend what we learned in 7th grade and at the start of this year.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week, we finish our study of exponents and exponential growth/decay with a test at the end of the week. Students should be able to simplify exponential expressions, as well as identify and write an equation for an exponential function from a graph or a table. Exponential growth and decay are important functions to understand. They help us evaluate investments, identify population growth or decline, predict bacterial growth, and study many other important scientific phenomenon.

HAPPY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK!

THIS TUESDAY IS THE LAST WINTER SPORTS DAY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonVeldt and Mrs. Evans

We are in the heart of Chapter 6, learning about how to convert between different units. Last week we covered units of length, capacity and mass, using both the metric system and the customary system. Here is a great visual aid that can help you and your students make changes between metric system units. Because the metric system is a base ten system, converting between units is a simple as multiplying or dividing by a power of ten (moving the decimal to right or left).

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In math this week, our 7th graders will continue to write, model, solve and graph inequalities, extending into two step inequalities. Solving inequalities follows, basically, the same process as solving equations. There are two major differences: first the solution of an inequality is a set of numbers rather than a single number and second, when you are in the process of solving an inequality and you multiply or divide each side of the inequality by a NEGATIVE number, you must flip the inequality sign for it to remain true. Here is a video that can help students with inequalities:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will finish Chapter 5 with a fun project in which we will have to solve transformation problems in an escape room. In Chapter 6 we will take our study of geometry in a new direction with the review of circle geometry. We will use the diameter and radius of circles to find the circumference and area. Here are the basics of a circle we will cover this week.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week, we will practice solving linear systems of equations using graphing, substitution, elimination, and rewriting. By the end of the week, students will be able to identify the best method to use for any set of lines. We will focus on how to use these concepts in many types of real-world comparisons. The Khan Academy video below explains how to solve systems using the elimination method:

Friday, Jan 27th is the final day in the first semester. Wow! We are learning so much!

Tuesday will be another Winter Sports Day so we will not have math. Additionally, we will be MAP testing one day this week. Please encourage your student to do this week’s homework practices so they finish the semester strong!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonVeldt and Mrs. Evans

We will begin chapter 6 this week. In chapter 6 we will learn how to make conversions between different types of units within the customary system and the metric system. Here is a step by step way to make conversions, by using a conversion factor:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In math this week, our 7th graders will extend what they have learned about writing and solving equations to writing and solving inequalities. One of the primary differences between equations and inequalities is that the solution to an equation is one value while the solution to an inequality is a set of values. Here is a summary of how you solve a two-step inequality:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week we will be learning about how shapes can be translated and rotated around on a coordinate plane. These are the skills that are used by graphic designers and in making video games and movies! We will be developing our understanding of the difference between similarity and congruence. Here is a Khan Academy video to help understand about shape translations.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we will begin to solve systems of equations. Just as in other types of systems, (circulatory system, operating system, etc.), algebraic systems are functions that work together for a common purpose or common solution. We will consider two linear equations. The point of intersection is the solution, as is shown in the image below. There are multiple strategies we can use to solve systems. This week we will focus on the substitution and elimination methods.

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Tuesday is our first Winter Sports Day! See you on the ice or snow!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonVeldt and Mrs. Evans

We will continue to learn about percentages this week. Last week we discovered how percents are just another way to write a fraction, decimal or mixed number and that we can convert between one form of the number and another with simple steps. We will want to be able to take these steps fluently and without error so that we can use percents effectively. This week we will use percentages in word problems. We will find the percents of quantities and will find a quantity, given the portion that is a percent. All of these problems are related and we use them in every day situations. Ask your student to help you when you encounter percents in life (at the store or at home). Here is a good video to help students determine how to find a percent.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

In math this week, our 7th graders will continue to learn how to write and solve equations. We are learning a process to solve equations that we are going to use on simple equations and then extend it to more complicated equations. This video shown below. Notice that each step is clearly shown and worked below the previous step. This helps us to be careful and avoid mistakes. Please encourage your student to develop a good PROCESS rather than focusing on finding the solution.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

We will continue our study of geometry in 8th grade math. We have been using known relationships between angles to find missing measures or to find variables involved with the missing variables. The first step in all of these problems is to determine what the relationships are between the sides and angles of figures. We must ask ourselves questions such as: Are the lines parallel or perpendicular or intersecting? Is there a transversal? Is the shape a triangle and if so, what kind of triangle? Are the angles vertical or corresponding, supplementary or complementary? Once we have thought through these questions we are ready to MAKE SENSE OF THE PROBLEM. It becomes like a little puzzle! This week we will extend these concept to coordinate systems. We will compare figures to determine if they are similar or congruent by comparing their corresponding angles and sides. Please have your student practice in IXL.COM if they are having a difficult time remembering these relationships. Practice will definitely help!

https://www.ixl.com/

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week began with the class solving absolute value equations. Absolute value is defined as a number’s distance from zero, hence, it is always a positive number. That means if |x| = 7, the solution is either +7 or -7. This is the first situation we have encountered where x has two solutions.

At the end of the week, we will solve two variable inequalities. Solutions will now be represented on a coordinate plane as a group of ordered pairs as is shown in the image below from mathwarehouse.com:

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