Author: kevans

Grandparents Day is Friday!

6th Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Mrs. Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 6th grade math, we will learn about rates and unit rates. We will first learn what a unit is, and what types of relationships between quantities can be considered rates. We will use our newfound knowledge of ratios as a good foundation for this new chapter. Please see the video below to learn more about unit rates:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

In 7th grade, we will use the information we have learned about expressions, expand those skills, and begin solving EQUATIONS. We began this process in 6th grade, which means this year students will be expected to solve 2-step equations. We will continue to use the strategy of : WHAT YOU DO ON ONE SIDE OF THE EQUAL SIGN, YOU MUST DO ON THE OTHER. The video below is a great review of this process:

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math we will continue working on our graphing skills. We will also take the time this week review our other foundational math skills like multiplying, dividing and finding factors of numbers.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

This week, we will begin Chapter 4. In this chapter, students will learn to write linear equations in different forms: slope-intercept; point-slope; and standard forms. See the image below for an example of each. They will learn to take various pieces of information and find the equation of the line. This week, we will focus on slope-intercept and point-slope form. By the end of the week, they will be able to identify each part of the equation, apply them to real-world values, and re-write equations to find the solutions they are looking for.

We honor all those who have served our country as we celebrate Veterans Day on Tuesday. We will not have school that day.

6th Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Mrs. Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 6th grade math, we will finish our study of ratios and have a test on this chapter on Friday. We can now write ratios in 3 ways, write equivalent ratios, simplify ratios, compare ratios and use ratio reasoning to solve real world problems.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

In 7th grade, we will conclude chapter 2, on algebraic expressions will be concluded . We will have a test on Friday. We will have covered the following topics: writing expressions, combining like terms, distributing and factoring and solving problems by writing expressions. Writing expressions can be simplified by carefully converting each word into its mathematical meaning. Here are some supports:

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math we will continue studying graphing. We will understand more deeply what slope intercept form is and why it is so important, and what the slope and y-intercept are. We will also learn about what the x-intercept is. Here’s a nice video refresher on these topics:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

This week in Algebra, students will finish chapter 4 with a final lesson on functional notation and comparison of families of functions. The test on Friday will cover all of chapter 4. Here is a video giving an introduction of functions and discussing function notation:

Happy Halloween!

6th Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Mrs. Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 6th grade math, we will wrap up chapter 3 (Fractions and Decimals) with a test on Tuesday. After this, we will apply our newfound knowledge of Fractions and Decimals to learn about Ratios in chapter 4. We will learn that ratios are very similar to fractions and the way we simplify fractions or find common denominators of fractions are helpful skills that we can apply to working with ratios. See a video introduction below on ratios:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

In 7th grade, we are beginning Chapter 2, Algebraic Expressions. This week we will review and expand our skills on combining like terms. “Like terms” are mathematical terms that have the same variable raised to the same exponent. In an expression, like terms can be combined by adding or subtracting the coefficients. In this way, we can take a complicated expression and write it in a simpler form. (See the video below for some examples) By the end of the week students will be able to: define “like terms”; combine terms using addition and subtraction; simplify expressions with two variables and constants.

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math we will move on from solving equations to focus on graphing. We will learn how to interpret graphs, what a function is, and how to graph linear equations. We will learn about slope-intercept form and what ‘m’ and ‘b’ represent. Here is a intro video on slope intercept form:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

This week in Algebra, we will learn all about slope. Slope is a measure of steepness. (See the video below for a review of how to calculate it mathematically) Slope has many applications in real life such as the construction of a road, building ski jumps, determining the pitch of a roof, and even the design of car windshields. The students will have the opportunity to put slope into practice as they analyze two ramps and determine if they are ADA compliant. We will also begin to use the slope-intercept form of a line this week, commonly know as y = mx + b.

FRACTAL MATH!

6th Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Mrs. Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 6th grade math, we will continue to practice computation skills with fractions and decimals, working toward mastery. There will be a Chapter 3 test on Friday. The Fun2Do Labs image below is a good review of fraction operations.

We will also add division of decimals to our toolbox. Decimal division is similar to division with whole numbers, you just need to remember to bring up the decimal point into the quotient. Watch the tutorial below to practice division with all types of decimals. Remember that all missing work from Chapter 3 must be turned in by Friday, October 24.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, we will continue our studies of negative fractions, mixed numbers and decimals. We will work towards mastering multiplying and dividing negative decimals. We will learn to apply the algorithms for multiplying and dividing decimals that we already know by predicting the sign of the answer before we do the calculation, making the calculation more simple. On Friday, there will be a test on negative fractions, mixed numbers and decimals, capping off this unit. Below is a review of how to divide decimals, coincidentally aligning with what 6th grade is learning this week:

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math we will continue to learn about multi-variable equations. We will round off our understanding of equations and how to find solutions of equations with multiple variables. We will also learn more about ordered pairs and plotting on the coordinate plane. There will be a test on Friday on solving equations with one and two variables, and how to plot points on a graph. Here is a review of how to plot points on a graph:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

Your students are doing a great job solving multi-step algebraic equations! We will finish up Chapter 2 with a test on Tuesday. Chapter 3 is all about GRAPING linear equations. The first thing we will cover is how to properly set up a graph. A proper graph is done on graph paper, includes straight lines drawn with a ruler, and has appropriately labeled axes and scales. This week, we will explore how to 1) graph an equation using a table and then 2) how to use the intercepts of an equation as a guide. Watch the video below for more instruction:

6th Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Mrs. Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 6th grade math, we will be working with decimals – beginning with adding and subtracting, and then multiplying and dividing. Here is a video that addresses decimal arithmetic:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, we will finish applying what we know about negatives to arithmetic with fractions and move on to decimals. All of the same rules and strategies that we have used with integers and fractions will apply to decimals as well. One place for students to get extra practice and math support is at IXL.COM. All students have an IXL account and they can log in to work in any area that they need more help.

ixl.com

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math we will advance from solving equations to studying functions and graphs. We will learn about ordered pairs, graphing on the coordinate plane and matching graphs with their corresponding function. Please see the video below for an introduction to this week’s topic:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

Algebra this week will continue the study of multistep solutions of equations. We will set up and solve proportions. We will be applying all that we have learned in a number of ways, including solving real world problems. We will have a Chapter test at the end of the week. Here are the basic equation solving rules that we will use in all the different equations:

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 6th grade math, we will be spending a couple of days practicing using various strategies to help us solve real-world problems involving fractions. Solving word problems can be challenging but if we begin with a solid understanding of what we know and what we need to figure out, it becomes more natural and enjoyable. There are lots of strategies to help students solve word problems. Here are a few suggestions:

After a few days with problems solving, we will learn to add and subtract decimals.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, we will extend our new understanding of how to operate with negative numbers to rational numbers, beginning with fractions. We will add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions that are both positive and negative. Here is a summary reminding students the basics of fraction operations:

We need to use all of these rules but we will add the use of negatives as well as positive numbers.

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math, we will continue learning about solving equations. We will continue to learn more about factoring and distributing and how we can use these tools to solve equations. Here is a video refresher on these topics:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

Algebra this week will continue the study of multistep solutions of equations. There are many ways that an equation can become more complicated and we will practice so that we can handle all of the possibilities. We will also investigate what it looks like when an equation has no solution and an infinite number of solutions. We will also practice writing equations from word problems and then solving them.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

The students are beginning Chapter 3: Fractions and Decimals. This week is all about fractions! First, we will review addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Then, we will learn how to divide with fractions and mixed numbers. To divide a fraction by a fraction, we will be multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second. The phrase we use is KEEP CHANGE FLIP: Keep the first fraction, change division to multiplication, and then flip (find the reciprocal) of the second fraction. Watch this video for reference:

Using mixed numbers in division requires one extra step. You must convert all mixed numbers to improper fractions first, then: KEEP CHANGE FLIP! Fractions are FUN!

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

This week, we will finish our study of integer operations and take a test on Friday. Integers are the set of whole numbers and their opposites, which means NEGATIVES! The rules for working with negatives can be confusing at first, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. That means, we will continue to practice these computations all week. The test will cover adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing, and using order of operations to evaluate multi-step expressions. Here is a video to review order of operations:

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math, we will continue our studies of equations. We will finish off the set of 8 tools we have been perfecting by studying factorization and the distributive property. With all 8 of these tools learned, we will have the tools we need to solve many kinds of equations. We will practice showing each step and writing out instructions for solving equations using our tools. Here is a fun video about factoring and the distributive property:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

This week we will begin Chapter 2: Solving algebraic equations. By the end of the chapter, your students will be experts at solving all kinds of one-variable equations, be able to re-write a formula as a function of its inputs, and solve complicated proportion problems. We will be using inverse operations to “undo” steps until we get to the solution. As we go through each lesson, we will continue to practice how to use these skills to solve real-world situations. The following video is a good refresher on how to go about solving 2-step algebraic equations. Pay attention to how to show work at each step in the process.

Math is POSITIVELY enlightening!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

We will continue to work in Chapter 2 of our book, studying the number line and what lies beneath 0! We will learn about the opposites of numbers and absolute value. We will continue to learn about inequalities and how rational numbers compare throughout the whole number line. There will be a test this week on chapter 2. Please encourage your student to take extra care working through homework this week so they can prepare well for the test! See below for a video on comparing rational numbers using inequality symbols:

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

The 7th graders will be continuing their studies of integers this week. They will continue studying addition and subtraction of integers and will work to recognize patterns in how to solve these problems. They will also be learning rules that will always apply to multiplying and dividing integers. Finally, they will tie it all together by practicing solving multi-operation problems that have positive and negative integers using the order of operations. We will be having a test this Friday on lessons 1.3-1.6. See below a helpful Blooket for studying this week:

https://dashboard.blooket.com/set/66eae73fff9737effd3d0294

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math, we will continue our study of equations. We will review solving one-step equations using the tools we have learned so far. We will also learn four new tools for solving multi-step equations. These tools are: Combining like terms, The commutative property, Distributing and Factoring. We will also be having a test this week on chapter 1. This is a great Blooket for practice. Please see the video below on distributing:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

This week, in algebra we will finish up Chapter 1 and take a test early in the week. Students have been reviewing linear functions and graphs, evaluating expressions using order of operations, and calculating with significant digits. We will finish the week with an activity to study the operation of a “rouge rollercoaster.” The class will need to find a way to take data and determine if this rollercoaster is safe to ride.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

We will move into Chapter 2 of our book this week. We will begin to delve into negative numbers. We will learn to plot negative and positive numbers on horizontal and vertical number lines. We will practice using negative numbers to represent real world values, like below zero temperatures. Working with negative numbers on a number line requires that we remember that moving to the left moves us into smaller numbers, which means that -100 is SMALLER than -99.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

The 7th graders will be learning how to add and subtract integers using a variety of different strategies. This is an important skill for our students to master. Here is a video that can help you understand how to add and subtract integers:

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math, we will use our freshly reviewed rational number skills to help us solve equations. We will learn 8 tools that we will reference for the rest of the year as we learn to solve equations. We will also be reviewing our negative number arithmetic alongside our study of equations.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

This week, in algebra we will begin the week extending our understanding of significant digits. It is important to know about significant figures because they help us use numbers in meaningful ways. We will also begin to study functions. We will learn to identify functions, write rules for functions and represent functions in graphs. Here is a short video about functions:

CURRICULUM NIGHT WEDNESDAY! Please come to see us in room 302 (Mr. Sherwood) or room 305 (Mrs. VonFeldt and Mrs. Evans) on Curriculum Night!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

We have had a great start! Last week we began working in our new textbooks, Math in Focus. We did prime factorization, found the greatest common factor and the least common multiple. This week we will practice these skills and use them to solve real world problems. We will also learn to find the squares and cubes of whole numbers. We will have our first test on Chapter 1 on Friday. Here are some supports to help you understand these great math skills. Prime factorization is when we write a number as the product of all its prime numbers.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt/Evans & Mr. Sherwood

The 7th graders have been learning about rational numbers, which include fractions, mixed numbers, integers and most decimals. We are working in Chapter 1. We will practice writing fractions as decimals this week and we will determine if the decimals are repeating or terminating or irrational numbers. One goal of this week is for students to understand that numbers with the same value can be expressed in many different ways. Converting numbers between different forms of expression can be a valuable way to solve problems. We will have a heavy quiz on Friday before we delve deep into our work with negative integers. Here is a picture that shows all the real numbers and which are rational numbers.

8th Grade Math – Mr. Sherwood

This week, in 8th grade math, we reviewed rational numbers, especially fractions and mixed numbers. We reviewed how to multiply, divide, add and subtract fractions. We also learned about Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple and how these topics relate to simplifying fractions and adding fractions respectively. This week, we will continue to review fractions and move on to reviewing order of operations. By the end of the week, we will be reviewing how to solve equations.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Evans

Last week the Algebra students began to work in Chapter 1 of their books. Most of what we have done so far is review. We are learning how to show our work. All of our work needs to be neatly shown in algebra to receive credit. This week we will do a two day project in which students will evaluate changing tile figures to see how to show them in an equation and how to predict they will grow. Below is a video with an example of what we will do.