Author: kevans

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Thomas

The sixth graders are well into our module on algebraic expressions. We have learned how to use the order of operations when simplifying a numeric expression. We have also learned how to write an algebraic expression and plug in a value for the variable to evaluate the expression. At the end of this week, the students will Combine Like Terms and use the Distributive Property to simplify algebraic expressions. See the videos below for a summary of these concepts.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

The 7th graders continue to use formulas to calculate the circumference and area of circles. See the image below for the important circle formulas. Students should be able to find any missing measurement when given the others in the formula. Next week, we will use our skills to find the area of compound figures.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, in 8th grade math, we will be calculating the volume of prisms, cylinders, cones and pyramids using formulas. This is covered in lessons 6.2-6.4 in our text book. We will have a quiz on Friday. Here is a great video that we will be watching in class:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

In Algebra, we are finishing our study of exponents and exponential growth/decay (Chapter 7). The test will be next Tuesday. This week we will focus on real-world applications of exponential growth and decay. Concepts such as compounding interest, loan repayment, population growth, and medication dosing all follow an exponential function. We will have a guest speaker come in this Thursday and answer questions about investing money and how you can put our algebra concepts to work for you!

Mid Winter Break begins on Friday – No school! Have a wonderful break!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

Sixth grade math will finish up Module 8 on Percentage. We have learned to convert percents to fractions and decimals; find the percent of a quantity; and turn a ratio into a percent using equivalent fractions. This week we will put all of our skills together and solve problems using percent. The test for Module 8 will be on Thursday.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders are solving two-step inequalities. Inequalities are solved using the same strategy as solving equations with ONE EXCEPTION. When you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must reverse the inequality symbol. Watch the video below for some examples.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, in 8th grade math, we continue to add to our understanding of angle relationships. We investigate transversals and triangles. For some students we will extend our learning to consider angle angle similarity postulate. We will have a mid chapter assessment on Thursday in which students must know how the angles relate to each other. In all the relationships that we are studying, students will want to answer these questions:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

In Algebra, we have learned three strategies for solving systems of equations: Graphing, Substitution, and Elimination. The solution is the intersection of the lines. This week we will finish up Chapter 6 with Systems of Inequalities. When the graphs are inequalities, we are looking for the intersection of the shaded region as our solution. See the image below. There will be a test on Thursday.

“Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.” ~Galileo Galilei

We will not have class on Tuesday as the students will have their last Winter Ride Day. Happy Catholic Schools’ Week!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

So far, we have been using ratios to represent a relationship between two or more quantities. In this next week, the 6th graders will begin to look at the percent ratio, or a comparison of a quantity to 100. Percent is everywhere we look: tax on purchases; items on sale; nutrition information; batting averages; even grades. Ask your student to point out when they see a percentage. This week, we will begin by converting basic ratios to percentage. We may even begin to calculate the percent of a number.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders will be learning about angle relationships: supplementary, complementary, vertical, and adjacent. See the image above for a visual representation. Using these relationships, we will be writing algebraic equations to solve for missing values. The video “Math by Mr. J” shows some examples of how to use this process:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, in 8th grade math, we will finish our work in Chapter 4 with the study of dilations (lesson 4.4). Then we will learn about angle relationships. We have studied many different angle relationships in 7th grade but after reviewing these, we will extend our studies to include transversals. This week, in that we will not have math on Tuesday due to Winter Sports day, we are only likely to review the angle relationships that we have seen in 7th grade. Here are those relationships:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

In Algebra, we will begin to look at systems of equations. We will discuss what a solution to a system is, how to find it, and what the solution can tell us about different situations. This week, we will solve systems graphically and using the substitution method.

We will not have class on Tuesday as we will be skiing and skating!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

This week the 6th graders will be continuing on in Module 6. Students will be using rates to create conversion within the customary system and the metric system for units of length, capacity, and weight.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders will be writing and solving two-step equations. This is a challenging but very important concept. We will begin by using algebra tiles to demonstrate using inverse operations to solve for the unknown variable. At the end of the week, we will use algebra equations to solve for angle measurements. We will use the vocabulary below:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, in 8th grade math, we will investigate what it means for shapes to be similar and what it means for shapes to be congruent. We will show that if all the angles and all the sides are the same, the shapes are congruent while they are similar if all the angles are the same but the sides are of different lengths.

Here is an exercise in DESMOS which we will be doing this week and below is a video discussing the difference between similar and congruent shapes:

https://teacher.desmos.com/activitybuilder/custom/603ec415381e4f4b83226fe8#preview/b8cfc24b-d415-45cb-bc99-6ee717023060

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we will solve and graph inequalities in two variables. So far, we have solved one variable equations which are graphed on a number line. Now, we will look at two variable solutions which are graphed on a coordinate plane and the solution will be a region of the graph. The video below demonstrates how to determine the boundary line, and which side of the line to shade. The Chapter 5 test will be next Thursday:

Happy New Year! We look forward to doing great math in 2025!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

This week the 6th graders will begin Unit 6- Applying Ratios and Rates to Measurement. We will begin by interpreting circle graphs on Monday and Tuesday, and then transition to using rates to make conversions within a measurement system. We will be setting up problems using conversion factors to take us from one unit of measure to another. The three measurements we will focus on are: Length, Mass, and Capacity.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders are beginning their Algebra module. We are writing and solving expressions and equations that have one unknown value (represented by a variable). Our learning also includes combining like terms and distributing to simplify expressions. Below is a review on how to solve (and show work) on simple one step equations.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, in 8th grade math, we will begin Chapter 4 in our 8th grade math book. Our 7th graders will take a short detour through very basic right triangle trigonometry (by request of our 7th grade mathematicians) and then join in the study of ratios and proportions.

In Chapter 4 we will begin with a review of rates and unit rates and then working with proportions. These concepts are closely related, because proportions are like rates, and they are extremely useful in problem solving.

The 7th graders will begin a study of ratios of the sides of right triangles in an introduction to the trigonometry that your 7th grade students will learn about trigonometry:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

The algebra students are writing and solving inequalities in one variable. The strategy for solving inequalities is the same as solving equations with one exception: you must reverse the inequality symbol when you MULTIPLY OR DIVIDE EACH SIDE BY A NEGATIVE NUMBER.

There will be no math classes on Friday, Dec. 20th. Have a wonderful Christmas break!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

This week the 6th graders will be reviewing for the Module 5 Test covering rates, ratios, and unit rates. Our test will happen on Wednesday following a 2-day review.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders will have a test on percent change. They will be solving many common real-life problems that involve percentage based tax, interest, gratuities, and fees. We will have a Kahoot fun day on Thursday.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, in 8th grade math, our students will review Chapter 3 topics and have a test. Then, on Thursday, we will celebrate with a KAHOOT. The Chapter 3 test will cover the following topics (see past posts for video helps):

The Law of Exponents

Scientific Notation

Rational and Irrational Numbers:

The Pythagorean Theorem.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

The algebra students have worked hard all fall writing, graphing, and solving linear equations. This week, they will put all their skills to work and create a “Stained-Glass” poster by graphing 10 equations on one coordinate plane. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Welcome back! We hope that your Thanksgiving break was wonderful! Three weeks of school before Christmas – let’s work hard to learn lots for the remaining portion of 2024!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

This week the 6th graders will be learning how to write ratios and rates. A ratio is a comparison of two quantities using division. Ratios and rates are everywhere in life. We use rates such as dollars per pound to make decisions about what item to buy at the grocery store. Or miles per hour to estimate how long it may take to travel to Grandma’s house. Ratios are usually expressed in fraction form, but you can also make a table of equivalent ratios and graph those points on a coordinate plane. By the end of the week, students should be able to recognize equivalent ratios in a table and a graph.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders will be calculating percent change. In real-world situations, percent change is useful to calculate taxes, interest, mark-ups and mark-downs, population changes, and so much more. The video below goes through some examples for calculating % change. It is important to remember that we are comparing our change to the ORIGINAL value, so the formula we use is:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

Last week, with all the wonderful things we had going on, we were not able to learn about scientific notation so we will begin with that this week. Being able to use scientific notation allows us to deal with very large and very small numbers. Here is the video that was posted last week that addresses scientific notation. When we learn about how to properly use scientific notation, we will extend our understanding by doing operations on numbers written in scientific notation.

Then we will move to the study of finding roots and squares and extend our understanding to include cube roots. Here is a great video about that topic:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week in Algebra, we will write equations in Point-Slope and Standard Forms (see images below). Using algebra to rearrange, you can convert any linear equation into all of the forms we have studied. We will also be looking at the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines. All parallel lines will have the same slope. All perpendicular lines will have opposite, reciprocal slopes.

This week we will have the Human Food Chain on Monday and Grandparents’ Day on Friday!

Next Monday and Tuesday are conference days. You can set up times to meet with the math teachers here:

7th Grade Conferences – Mrs. Ernest & Mrs. Creech 

6th & 7th Grade Math & Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt 

7th & 8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans 

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

With the Human Food Chain and Grandparents’ Day, it’s a short week for us in 6th grade math. We will have a Module 4 test on decimal operations on Wednesday and then plan for a Thanksgiving activity on Thursday. Enjoy your family over the break and we will see you at conferences!

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders will continue to use rational numbers to solve multiple step real-world problems. They key to multi-step problems is to organize, organize, organize! We will be working on setting up each step, using units on numbers, and determining if our final answer is reasonable. Have a great Thanksgiving break and I will see you at conferences!

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, we will begin continue in Chapter 3 of our book. We will continue to practice with the exponent laws and learn how to write large and small numbers in scientific notation. These are all fundamental skills for high school math so we will spend enough time on these skills to become comfortable with the skills. Below is a video from Khan Academy giving examples with scientific notation:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week in Algebra, we will begin Chapter 4, learning to write linear equations in different forms. See below for six different ways to express the same line. We will specifically focus on standard form, slope-intercept form, and point-slope form. Each type of equation is useful depending on the information that is known and what is being solved for. Have a wonderful break and I’ll see you at conferences!

No school on Monday, November 11th. Happy Veterans Day!

We are so grateful for our veterans, and our current military. We pray for you all!

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

This week in 6th grade, we continue to divide with decimals and use them in word problems. We will have a Module 4 test next Wednesday, November 20.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders will use all their skills with positive and negative rational numbers to solve multi-step word problems. We will be unpacking problems to determine what is being asked, what important information will be used, and how to solve all the steps in an understandable, organized way.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, we will begin studying in Chapter 3 of our book. The first topic covered in that Chapter, and the one that we will focus on this week is exponents. We will remind ourselves that exponents are used to show repeated multiplication. We will then learn about negative exponents and how we can work with them. Then we will investigate all the other exponent laws. Using these exponent laws can simplify expressions and equations so that we can work with them easier.

Here is a list of the exponent laws that we will work with this week. Students should memorize these laws so that they are quickly accessed and useful.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week in Algebra, we will finish Chapter 3 and have a test on Friday, November 15. To complete the chapter, we will be writing and solving equations in function notation. We already know that functions are just relationships between variables, where each input has one unique output. When we use function notation, y = mx + b transforms to f(x) = mx + b. (or function of x = mx + b)

Watch the MathAntics video below for a good overview of functions and how to solve them.

6th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt & Mrs. Creech

This week in 6th grade, students we will be dividing decimals by decimals. The trick is to always divide by a whole number. To make sure we do this, we must multiply decimal divisors (the outside) by a power of ten until it is a whole number. This is essentially moving the decimal point to the right until you have a whole number. Remember, you must then move the decimal in the dividend (the inside) the same number of places. Below is a video by Mr. J showing some examples of the process. We will end the week using decimals in word problems.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week the 7th graders will finish Module 5 by converting fractions to decimals using division. Fractions are converted to decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator. Decimals that end are called TERMINATING DECIMALS. Decimals that repeat indefinitely are call REPEATING DECIMALS. Both terminating and repeating decimals are called rational numbers.

There will be a test on Module 5 on Thursday.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, we will review what we have learned about functions so far. We know that a FUNCTION is a rule that changes every input into a unique output. We call the input (x) the DOMAIN and the output (y) the RANGE. We can represent a function by word descriptions, an equation, a function table or a graph. In our studies of functions, we have been practicing graphing functions by creating a function table. We can do this by noticing that each solution of the function is an (x,y) ordered pair. We graph each solution on the coordinate system and we can look at what the function looks like. We call the functions that make straight lines LINEAR FUNCTIONS.

We will have a test on Tuesday and then do a project using our new functions knowledge.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week we will graph equations in Slope-Intercept Form, commonly known as y = mx + b. Any equation written in this form is a straight line with a slope of ‘m’ and a y-intercept of ‘b’. Using these two pieces of information, you can quickly graph equations.