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

In our previous math lesson students learned to solve addition equations with a variable by subtracting. This week we’ll begin solving multiplication equations. To do this we’ll apply the inverse operation to isolate the variable; if a number is multiplied, divide both sides by that number and if a number is dividing, multiply both sides by that number.  The following video gives an example. 

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

The 7th graders are finding the volume of 3D figures this week. We will use manipulatives to build a rectangular prism and derive the formula: Volume = Base Area x Height. At the end of the week, we will use the volume formulas for spheres and cones. The test will be next Tuesday. The following Math Antics video describes volume and how to calculate it:

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, the 7th graders will be finish their geometry project and then join the 8th graders with algebra from Chapter 7.

The 8th graders will be continue to work in algebra as they practice the skills in Chapter 7. We will be working to master simplifying and solving two step equations with variables on both sides of the equation. Here is a video that can help your student if they need a little extra help:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week, the algebra students are solving quadratic equations by factoring. We will factor equations that have a leading coefficient of 1, such as x² + 3x + 2. We will also learn to factor equations with a leading coefficient that is not 1, such as 4x² + 4x – 15. We will use a strategy called factor by grouping. Here are two Khan Academy videos that we will be watching in class.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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

The 6th graders are beginning Module 9, solving algebraic equations. Equations are formed when you set two expressions equal to each other, such as x + 4 = 12. In order to solve for the missing value, or the variable, we will use inverse (opposite) operations. This week, we will focus on addition and subtraction. What you do to one side of an equation, you must do to the other side to keep the equation balanced. Watch the video below as Math Antics demonstrates how to show each step and find the solution.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

The 7th graders are finding the surface area and volume of prisms. We will use nets to organize and find surface area (area of all the outside surfaces). Then, we will use the formula V = Bh to find volume of regular prisms, where B is the area of the base. We will focus on rectangular and triangular prisms but will also explore other shapes.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, the 7th graders will be doing a geometry project while the 8th graders will be moving into some work in algebra in Chapter 7. We will be simplifying polynomials by combining like terms and rearranging terms. We will distribute and simplify. We will solving simplified equations.

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

This week, the algebra students will multiply binomials. This is the first step into our study of quadratic equations. We will begin by modeling with algebra tiles and then learn three different strategies for multiplication: the box method, distributive method, and the FOIL method.

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

The sixth graders are continuing to work with algebraic expressions. This week, we will review and be ready for a test on Thursday. We have learned to *evaluate expressions using the order of operations, *evaluate an expression for the value of a variable by substituting, *simplify expressions by combining like terms, and *simplify using the distributive property. All of these are foundational skills that we will use as we move on to solve algebraic EQUATIONS next.

7th Grade Math – Mrs. VonFeldt

The 7th graders are finding the area of composite shapes this week. The key is to break the composite shape into the simple shapes it is made of. You can then find the total area of the composite figure by adding the individual areas together. This means we need to know the area formulas for simple shapes. Each student should have all the formulas below in their math notebook. There will be a Module 10 test on Thursday. It will cover circumference and area of circles, and area of composite shapes.

8th Grade Math – Mrs. Evans

This week, we continue to use formulas, calculating the volume of more solids. This week, we will be reviewing what we have learned and have a test on Wednesday/Thursday.

We have studied prisms, pyramids, cones, cylinders, spheres and hemispheres. As long as we understand the variables that make up the formula, we can use the formula accurately and effectively. One of the important things that we do, is correctly identify the right formula. We can do this by being sure that we know what shape our solid is and what its base is. Here is a summary of shapes:

Algebra – Mrs. VonFeldt

In Algebra, we are finishing our Chapter on exponential functions. The test is on Tuesday. Thank you to Mr. Drew Zender for coming to talk to the students about finances last week. Ask your child about how they can grow their wealth if they have a 7% average yearly return and save for 40 years!

In Chapter 8 we will begin operations with polynomials. First, we will add and subtract, then move on to multiplying next week.

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.