Holiday Madness & Skunk!

Today we shared our answers for part 3 of Holiday Madness. Students found that using a program like Excel, as I showed students in Extended Day, was very helpful in doing the calculations. They also found that paying back twice as much per month reduced the time it took to pay back the money by almost 3/4, demonstrating how important it is to pay as much as possible towards credit card bills to avoid high interest payments. Most students said they were wary of credit cards now.

We also played a fun probability game called Skunk. The rules are simple and it would be a fun game to play with family and friends over the holiday. Class notes with the rules are here.

Homework over the break will be the Stretching & Shrinking Unit Project, due Tuesday, January 19.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Stretching & Shrinking Unit Test

Today students took the Stretching and Shrinking Unit Test. Those who finished early also answered questions on a supplement. Students who did not finish in class may finish in class tomorrow.

No new homework. Remember, Part 3 of Holiday Made$$ is due tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 17.

Math Reflections 5, Unit Project & Studying for Unit Test

Today we discussed Math Reflections 5, problems 1a and 1b:

How can you estimate heights and distances you can't easily measure with rulers or tape measures by using the following methods?
a. shadows & similar triangles
b. mirrors and similar triangles

Please finish answering these questions by tomorrow, Wednesday, December 16.

We also discussed the Stretching & Shrinking Unit Project, which will be due on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The handout explaining this project may be downloaded here, and class notes may be downloaded here.

Remember that Part 3 of Holiday Madne$$ is due this Thursday, December 17.

Finally, we worked on the "Looking Back, Looking Ahead" (LBLA), which can be downloaded here, to prepare for the Unit Test tomorrow, Wednesday, December 16. You are not required to finish the LBLA; it is just to help you review.

Holiday Madness & Problem 5.2

Today students shared their collages and purchase lists with each other. Folks turned out to be more interested in wants than needs, believe it or not!

We discussed Part III of Holiday Madne$$, and how to calculate interest. There are step by step examples of how in the classnotes, which can be downloaded here.

We also worked more on problem 5.2, measuring with mirrors, and two main ways to figure out missing lengths in similar triangles, ratios and scale factors. The classnotes are here.

No new homework, but you do have ACE 5.2 homework due tomorrow, and Part III due Thursday.

ACE 5.2: Using Mirrors to find Heights

We practiced more direct and indirect measurement, and applications of our knowledge of similar triangles, by determining the height of tall things indoors, using mirrors, in problem 5.2 today. Classnotes may be downloaded here, and the handout here. We will discuss this more on Monday, so please finish calculating the height of the ceiling if you did not finish this in class.

Students also turned in their credit cards, and there were many creative and proportional ones crafted by the class. They will be up in the Main Room soon for all to admire. Be sure you know the scale factor of your card.

For homework, please choose one of the options below on the handout, which can be downloaded here.

Option 1
Problems 3-4, 22-25

Option 2
Problems 4, 22, 24-25, 35-36

Due Tuesday, December 15.

Remember that Part II of Holiday Madne$$, the collage and list of your purchases (with price and price + tax), is due Monday, Dec. 14. Have a great weekend!

ACE 5.1: Using shadows to find heights

The sun cooperated today and we left the classroom to explore the campus and measure tall structures indirectly, applying our knowledge of similar triangles to a real life situation. We also had some practice measuring lengths to solve problems in Problem 5.1. The handout packet can be downloaded here, and the classnotes can be downloaded here.

For homework, please choose one of the options below from the handout, which can be downloaded here.

Option 1
Problems 1-2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16

Option 2
Problems 1-2, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17

Due tomorrow, Thursday, December 10. Don't forget that Part 1 of the Holiday Madness project, the credit card, is also due tomorrow.

Top Sums & Calculating Tax on Purchases (Holiday Madne$$)

Today the sun did not cooperate (although it shined before and after math class!) so we weren't able to do the planned lesson using similar triangles to measure distances.

Instead, we had some fun playing Top Sums, a math game with a few simple rules that can be played at home easily too. All you need is some pencil and paper and a die. Download the classnotes for the rules.

We also learned how to calculate 9.75% sales tax on a purchase, to help folks with Part II of the Holiday Madne$$ project. Classnotes explaining some strategies can be downloaded here.

No new homework, but remember that your proportional credit card is due this Thursday.

Holiday Madness & Math Reflections 4

Today we discussed last week's POW, Train Problems, the ACE 4.3 homework, and the new project that will be homework for the next two weeks, Holiday Madne$$. This project looks at proportions, percents, and credit cards, and provides an opportunity for students to "purchase" $10,000 in needs and wants, then find out what it is like to pay off a credit card bill. The handout for this new project can be downloaded here.

Parts of the project will be due in stages and most will be done as homework.

Part 1, Credit Card Design, is due Thursday, December 10.

Create a credit card that is proportional to a real credit card. Measure the width and length of a real credit card and apply a scale factor to create a new width and length (a similar rectangle). It should be carefully, creatively, and colorfully designed on poster board or unlined paper of some sort.

The credit card needs an account number, name, valid from and expires dates. It should also be different (either smaller or bigger) than but similar to a real credit card, and you should be able to tell us what the scale factor is.

Part 2, Making Purchases, is due Monday, December 14.

Part 3, The Bottom Line, is due Thursday, December 17.

We also discussed Math Reflections 4 (MR4), which can be downloaded here. Classnotes are available to read here.

Please answer MR4 questions 1-3 for homework if you did not finish them in class.

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 8.

ACE 4.3 Finding Missing Parts

Today Mitch subbed for me in 7A so that I could attend the Gender Spectrum presentation with the sixth grade.

Students looked more at ratios, and how ratios of corresponding sides and scale factors can be used to figure out missing lengths in similar figures, in Problem 4.3, Finding Missing Parts. The handout can be downloaded here, and the classnotes downloaded here.

For homework, please choose one of the options below on the handout, which can be downloaded here.

Option 1
Problems 5-13

Option 2
Problems 6, 8-13, 31-33

Due Monday, December 7. Don't forget that the POW: Train problems, is also due on Monday. Have a good weekend.

ACE 4.1

Today we learned about ratios, a comparison between two numbers. We discussed problem 4.1 in the handout, which you can download here, and used ratios of corresponding sides of rectangles, parallelograms, and triangles to see if they were similar. We found out that for rectangles, with right angles, if the ratio of the length to width is the same, the rectangles are similar. For parallelograms, it is not enough for ratios to be the same: the corresponding angles must be the same too. For triangles, if they have the same corresponding angles, they must be similar. Classnotes can be downloaded here.

For homework, please choose one of the options below on the handout, which you can download here.

Option 1
Problems 1-4, 15-17, 21, 27

Option 2
Problems 1-2, 18-21, 26-28

Due tomorrow, Thursday, December 3.

Math Reflections 3

We did an interesting Cinderella warm up story problem, and continued our work with similarity, scale factors, and their effects on side lengths, perimeter, and area with Problem 3.3. After sharing our answers, we discussed Math Reflections 3, on the last page of the homework handout from yesterday. Classnotes can be downloaded here.

Please complete Mathematical Reflections 3, questions 1-3 as homework if you did not finish them in class.

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, December 2. Remember that ACE 3.3 is also due tomorrow.

POW: Train Problems

This week you may choose one of two problems to complete for the Problem of the Week.

You can download the handout here.

Due Monday, December 7.

Check Up Quiz corrections, ACE 3.3

Today we talked about the past Problem of the Week, Measuring Area in both the English and Metric systems. We also discussed some of the common mistakes made on the Check Up Quiz they took on November 18. Finally, we began work on Problem 3.3, on pages 42-43 of the handout packet, which we will continue tomorrow. MaryBeth, our learning specialist, helped several people on test corrections. Class notes for 7A are available here, and for 7B are available here.

Please look at the problems marked with arrows on the quiz, and try again. You may use your notes, math book, and help from others. Please make your corrections in colored pencil! I will not accept corrections made in regular pencil.

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, December 1.

For the ACE 3.3 homework, please choose one of the options below on the
handout, which you can download here.

Option 1
Problems 7-18

Option 2
Problems 8, 11-14, 16, 18, 32, 38-41

Due Wednesday, December 2.

ACE 3.2 More rep-tiles

Today we studied problem 3.2 on pages 40-41 of the handout (which can be downloaded here), and worked with triangles to find out if they were rep-tiles. We found out that indeed triangles can tile to create similar triangles, either by putting smaller triangles together or subdividing triangles into similar smaller triangles.

The perimeter increases with the scale factor, so if the scale factor is 1.6, the perimeter will be 1.6x the original. And if the scale factor is 0.5, the perimeter will be 0.5 of the original.

We also found out that the area of a new similar figure is equal to the square of the scale factor times the area of the original figure. So if the scale factor is 1.6, and the area of the original figure is 3 square units, then the new image will have an area equal to 1.6 x 1.6 x 3 square units. And if the scale factor is 0.5, the new image will have an area equal to 0.5 x 0.5 x 3 square units.

Class notes can be downloaded here.

For homework, please choose one of the options below on the handout, which can be downloaded here.

Option 1
Problems 4-6 and 26-27

Option 2
Problems 4-5, 26-27, 34, and 37 (an interesting example of a fractal)

Due Monday, November 30. Do the homework tonight to have a math-homework free vacation. And don't forget the POW is also due Monday, November 30.

Have a great break!

No new homework

Today, Wednesday, Josephine subbed for me because I was on a field trip at the Exploratorium with the sixth graders. Students took a Check Up Quiz on the concepts we have covered thus far in Stretching and Shrinking, and those who finished early did an art project featuring tesselations.

There is no new homework, but ACE 3.1 is due tomorrow, Thursday, 11/19.

ACE 3.1 Rep-tiles

Today we talked about rep-tiles, figures you can use to make larger, similar versions of the original. Rep-tiles are a subset of tesselations, since not all shapes will tile to make a similar, larger version of the original shape. We answered the questions in problem 3.1, which is in the handout you can download here. Class notes are available here.

Tomorrow I will be absent for a sixth grade field trip. You will have a quiz on all the geometry concepts we have covered thus far. You will also have an opportunity to make tesselations if you finish the quiz early.

Homework for Thursday is to choose one of the options below to complete in the homework handout, that you can download here.

Option 1
Problems 1-3 on pages 44-45

Option 2
Problems 1-2 and 22-24 on pages 44-47

Be sure to write out your thinking completely.

Due Thursday, November 19.

POW: Measuring Area in English vs. Metric Systems

This week you may choose one of two options to complete for the Problem of the Week. Option 2 is not more challenging than Option 1. In fact, metric measurements tend to be friendlier numbers.

You can download the handout here. Because of Thanksgiving vacation, the POW is not due until 2 weeks from now.

Due Monday, November 30.

Math Reflections 2

Today, Monday, we discussed the POW, Presentation Perplexers, and we acted out a room full of liars and truth-tellers to solve a logic puzzle. We also discussed two important terms in geometry, "similar" and "scale factor."

Polygons are similar if:

· their corresponding angles are equal
· the scale factor between their corresponding sides is the same

The scale factor is the ratio of the side of one polygon to the side of second similar polygon. It tells how many times longer (or shorter) the sides of the image are than the sides of the original figure. Class notes may be downloaded here.

We discussed the Math Reflections 2 handout, which can be downloaded here. If you did not finish answering questions 1-4, please complete them for tomorrow.

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, November 17.

ACE 2.2

On Thursday we discussed how adding or subtracting numbers to the x and y coordinates, or multiplying x and/or y coordinates affects a figure. We did this by looking at different hats in Problem 2.2 in the packet I previously gave out. Classnotes can be downloaded here. They drew the hats using the handouts you can download here (Mug hat graph and table, Four graphs, Enlarged graph).

For homework, please answer questions on the handout, which you can download here. Choose one of the options below.

Option 1
3, 4, 16, 17

Option 2
4, 16, 17, 32

Be sure to write out your thinking completely.

Due Monday, November 16.
Remember, the POW: Presentation Perplexers is also due Monday!

7A & 7B: ACE 2.1 Drawing Wumps, 7B: 2.2 Wump Hats

Today we continued drawing figures on a coordinate grid using algebraic rules for transforming another figure in both 7A and 7B. We compared the computer game character named Mug Wump to Zug, Lug, Bug, and Glug, and decided whether they were members of the same family. Family members (Mug, Bug, Zug) are geometrically similar, which means that their corresponding angles are the same and their sides are increased or decreased by multiplying by the same scale factor. Impostors (Lug, Glug) are not similar, because their corresponding angles are not equal, and for example they are 3 times taller but not any wider, or 3 times wider but not any taller.

Classnotes are available here. The handout packet students received for the next few days is available here.

For the ACE 2.1 homework at the end of the handout packet above, please choose one of the options below to complete:

Option 1
1, 2, 14

Option 2
1, 2, 29

Due tomorrow, Thursday, November 12.

Students in the 7B class began looking at problem 2.2 in the handout packet above, drawing hats for Mug Wump that use rules that multiply by different scale factors or add a number to the x and/or y coordinate. Classnotes can be downloaded here. They drew the hats using the handouts you can download here (Mug hat graph and table, Four graphs, Enlarged graph). We will finish working on this problem tomorrow.

Problem 2.1: Drawing Similar Figures

Today we learned how to read the intersection points of a coordinate grid by playing the Four in a Row game. Then we started learning how to draw figures on a coordinate grid using algebraic rules for transforming another figure. The original figure is a computer game character named Mug Wump, and we started drawing Zug, Lug, Bug, and Glug using the points for Mug.

Classnotes are available here. The handout packet students received for the next few days is available here.

There is no new homework, but the POW is due Monday, 11/16, and if students want to get a head start on the homework for this Thursday, they may start ACE 2.1 in their handout packet.

POW: Performance Perplexers

Please complete 2 of the 3 questions from the Problem of the Week, Performance Perplexers, and show your thinking and write about how you solved the problem. You can download a copy of the handout here.

Due Monday, November 16.

ACE 1.2: Stretching a Figure

Today we used a rubber band stretcher to make similar figures, in problem 1.2, on pages 7-9 of the handout which you can download here. We made the figures on handouts, which can be downloaded in right- or left-handed versions here (right labsheet, left labsheet). We discussed corresponding angles and sides using the original figure and the image that we created with the stretcher, and defined corresponding and image. The notes from today's class are available here.

For homework, please choose one of the options below to complete. You can download the ACE homework in right- and left-handed versions here (right-handed, left-handed).

Option 1
3-4, 13, and 22

Option 2
4, 13, and 22-23

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10.

ACE 1.1: Similarity, Perimeter, & Area

This week we reviewed perimeter and area formulas for rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, and circles. We also discussed similarity, and solved a problem in which a picture of a person with magazines of known size allow us to determine the size of the person in real life. Similarity in geometry means objects that are the same shape but different sizes.

Notes from class for this week are available to download here.

All students should have received a letter describing this new geometry unit to give to their parents. The letter is available to download here.

The assignment is complete the ACE 1.1 homework problems 1-2 and 8-12 on the handout, which can be downloaded here.

Due Monday, November 9.

Area & Perimeter

In class today we worked on area and perimeter, by discussing the design of bumper car courts. After looking at rectangles, we worked with triangles. There is no new homework, but several people still need to turn in their self- and peer-assessments of their business planning projects. You can download the rubric forms here if you have not yet completed this.

We are hoping that our sick students return soon so that we can finish the final business plan presentations!

7A & 7B: Business Planning Project; 7B: Parent Letter

The 7A and 7B classes presented their business plans today, except for a few groups with students absent because of illness. The projects were varied in nature, with creative ideas ranging from cafes, shoes, electric guitars, cupcakes, and make-your-own t-shirts. Students who presented should complete their self- and peer-assessments of their project; a copy of the rubric, which you received October 26, is available to download here in case you lost it.

The 7B class began looking at what happens when one enlarges or reduces an image, and what "similarity" means in geometry. We began a new unit, and students received a letter describing the unit that they should give to their parents. The letter is also available to download here.

Both should be complete by tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4.

Business Planning Project, continued

Groups continued planning their businesses today in class. Please check in with your group and make sure that you are clear on the particular research, surveys, tables, graphs, writing, advertisement, or presentation you are contributing to the project.

Due Tuesday, November 3.

Business Planning Project, continued

Today small groups continued work on their Business Planning projects and went over a rubric that will be used for students to assess their own and their peers work, as well as for the teacher to assess their work. A copy is available to download here.

Those students not yet finished with their reflections in preparation for conferences completed that work.

A reminder: business planning projects (written business plans, advertisements, and presentations) must be finished and ready to go on Tuesday, November 3.

Business Planning Project, continued

On Wednesday small groups continued their business planning, and students who had not yet finished completing their conference reflection forms had time to work on them.

On Thursday, students chose two pieces of work, one reflecting a challenge in math, and one reflecting a strength in math, and they reflected on each piece of work. They also turned in their reflection forms and notebooks for a notebook check.

Homework due Monday, October 26 is to do research and create a table or graph for the business planning project.

Conference Reflection & Unit Test Corrections

Today we began preparation for Parent-Student-Teacher conferences next week. Students went through the work in their orange files and their math binders, and marked whether the work was complete, incomplete, or not there on the handout, downloadable here. They will have until next Wednesday, October 28 to finish up incomplete work. They also filled out a Reflection form to think about their strengths and challenges in math class so far this year, downloadable here.

Both reflection forms are due Thursday, October 22.

Students also received their marked Unit Tests. Please look at the problems marked with arrows on the Unit Test, and try again. You may use your notes, math book, and help from others. Please make your corrections in colored pencil! I will not accept corrections made in regular pencil, or erasing your work, because it is important to make your thinking before and after visible.

Corrections to the Unit Test are due tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21.

Business Planning Project

Here is your chance to walk step-by-step through the planning of a new business venture. Your final business plan must be typed and turned in on Tuesday, November 3. Your group must present the business plan to the class on that day.

Step 1: Naming the Business

Select a service that your business will provide.
Important questions to brainstorm with your group and record in your business plan:

1. What kind of service will your business provide? (It can be similar to the bicycle tour.)
2. What is the name of your business?
3. What are the important components necessary to start your business?
4. How valuable will your service seem to potential customers?

Step 2: Conducting the Research

Research the current trends in the industry.
Important questions to brainstorm with your group and record in your business plan:

1. Who is your competition?
2. How will your business be different from those that already exist?

Step 3: Predicting Costs/Expenses, Revenue and Profit

Research the costs involved to start your business. Record as many you can think of.

1. Pick one of the big costs involved and find 2 companies that you could purchase from. Make a table and graph comparing each company and write your conclusions about which one you would use and why (at least 1 paragraph). See Problem 2.1 on page 31 in your math textbook for help.

2. Make a prediction table and graph showing the total price per person and the number of customers that your business would attract. Then, multiply the total price by the number of customers to predict the total revenue. (See Problem 2.2 on page 32 for help). Record the best price to charge for the greatest revenue. Show this on the graph.

3. Make a table that shows the total revenue and expenses based on number of customers. You only need to pick two expenses to include in your table. Then, calculate profit based on these values. (See Problem 3.3 on page 54 for help).

Step 4: Putting it ALL Together

Your final business plan must be typed, double-spaced, in a standard, easy-to-read 12 point font. Your tables and graphs do not have to be typed, but they can be created in Microsoft Excel if you wish.

Include a title page with the names of each member in your group, the name of your business and the date. You must also include at least one advertisement that you would use to attract customers. This can be done on the computer or by hand. Neatness counts.

Each member of the group must take equal part in putting together this business plan. It is helpful to have roles for your meetings in class, such as facilitator, note-taker, time-keeper. It can also be helpful to assign roles for homework, such as researcher, calculator (making tables), or illustrator (making graphs and the ad).

You must prepare and give a 5 minute presentation (plus or minus 30 seconds) for the class on Tuesday, November 3. Each person must participate in the presentation. You should use Microsoft PowerPoint or hand drawn posters as visual aids. Again, neatness counts.

You may download a copy of the assignment here.

POW: Find the Number

Please complete the Problem of the Week, Find the Number, and show your thinking and write about how you solved the problem. You can download a copy of the handout here.

Due Monday, October 26.

No new homework

Today we took the Variables & Patterns Unit Test. Next week we will start work on a Business Plan project, but there is no new homework this weekend.

Do remember to complete the POW, Three Jugs, for Monday. Happy weekend!

Math Reflections 3 & Check Up Quiz 2 Corrections

Today we finished our investigation about writing equations, and discussed Mathematical Reflections 3, questions 1-3, on page 63. Please complete these if you did not finish in class.

In addition, please look at the problems marked with arrows on Check Up 2 Quiz, and try again. You may use your notes, math book, and help from others. Please make your corrections in colored pencil! I will not accept corrections made in regular pencil, or erasing your work, because it is important to make your thinking before and after visible.

Finally, please study for the Unit Test tomorrow. This will complete our work in Variables & Patterns!

All of this is due tomorrow, Thursday, October 15.

POW: Three Jugs

Please complete the Problem of the Week, Three Jugs, and show your thinking and write about how you solved the problem. You can download a copy of the handout here.

Due Monday, October 19.

ACE 3.3

Today we talked about the old Problems of the Week (Party Line and Balancing Act) and we worked on the final investigation in Variables & Patterns, Writing Equations.

For homework please choose one of the following options:

Option 1
13-20 on pages 57-58

Option 2
13, 16, 18-19, 38-42 on pages 57-60

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14.

(Sorry that this was posted late; my internet was out at home.)

No homework!

Today we finished problem 3.2, two-step equations. No new homework.

Don't forget to finish the Party Line POW by Tuesday. Have a great long weekend!

ACE 3.2

Yesterday we worked with one-step equations, graphs, and tables, as well as how to write a rule for a relationship between variables. Today, we worked on two-step equations that used more than one operation.

For homework, please choose one of the options below to complete:

Option 1
Problems 5-9 and 12 on pages 56-57

Option 2
Problem 7-9, 12, 21, and 44-45 on pages 56-61

Due tomorrow, Thursday, October 7.

ACE 3.1

Today we discussed how to write equations and rules to describe the relationships between variables, using tables and graphs as well to look at those relationships.

Please choose one of the options to complete:

Option 1
Problems 1, 2, 3 on pages 55-56

Option 2
Problem 3, 4, 43 on pages 56 and 61

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7.

POW: Party Line

Please complete the Problem of the Week, Party Line, and show your thinking and write about how you solved the problem. You can download a copy of the handout here.

Due Tuesday, October 13.

No other homework for today, since we took Check Up Quiz 2.

Math Reflections 2

Please complete Mathematical Reflections 2, questions 1-4, on page 48.

Prepare for the Check-Up quiz Monday.

Remember to finish your POW: Balancing Act, assigned last Monday.

Due Monday, October 5.

ACE 2.3

Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 8, 10, 11, 12 on pages 39-41

Option 2
Problems 10, 11, 12, and 24 on pages 40-47

Due tomorrow, Thursday, October 1.

ACE 2.2

Goals for today were to:
· Make a graph from a table, choosing the variable and scale for each axis (total # customers, total cost of the tour)
· Use tables and graphs to analyze data and make decisions

Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 6, 22, and 23 on pages 38-47

Option 2
Problems 6, 18, 22, and 23 on pages 38-47

Be sure to write out your thinking completely.

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30.

POW: Balancing Act

Please complete the handout, available here. Remember, showing and writing out your thinking process on the handout is worth more than the correct answer!

Due Monday, October 5.

Check Up 1 Quiz Homework

Please look at the problems I marked with arrows on Check Up 1, and try again. You may use your notes, math book, and help from others.

Please make your corrections in colored pencil! I will not accept corrections made in regular pencil.

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29.

ACE 2.1

Please finish Problem 2.1 (A-E) on page 31, and choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
· Problems 3, 4, and 15 on pages 36-42

Option 2
· Problems 4, 15, 20, and 21 on pages 36-45

Be sure to write out your thinking completely.

Due Monday, September 28. Have a wonderful weekend!

No homework

No homework today!

Math Reflections 1

Please complete Mathematical Reflections 1, questions 1-3c, on page 29, and get ready for the Check-Up quiz tomorrow.

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23.

POW: Number sequences

Please analyze 2 of the sequences. You can download a copy of the handout here.

Due next Monday, Sept. 28.

ACE 1.5

Please finish the table and graph, and think about the answers to C-E (you don't have to write them). Then choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
· Problems 10, 12, and 25 on pages 21-25

Option 2
· Problems 10, 25, 29 on pages 21-28

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22.

Math: ACE 1.4

Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
· Problems 6-8 on pages 19-21

Option 2
· Problems 7-9 on pages 20-21; problems 27-28 on page 27

Be sure to write your thinking clearly and completely.

Due Monday, September 21. Have a great camping trip!

ACE 1.3

Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
· Problem 4 on page 17

Option 2
· Problem 5 on page 18 and 26 on page 26

Be sure to write our your thinking clearly, use a ruler to create your graph, and remember labels.

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16.

Problem of the Week (POW): Making Change

Please choose one of these to do, depending on your level of challenge:

* Find all the ways to make change for $0.25.
OR
* Find all the ways to make change for $0.50.
OR
* Find all the ways to make change for $1.00.

Devise a system so that you are confident you have found all the possible combinations of coins, and write out your thinking, so that others can follow your reasoning. More credit will be given for a thorough explanation than for a correct answer.

Due Monday, September 21.

ACE 1.2

Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problem 1 on page 15 and either 2 or 3 on page 16

Option 2
Problem 1 on page 15 and either 2 or 3 on page 16
Problems 18-20 on page 24

Be sure to write our your thinking clearly, use a ruler to create your graph, and remember labels.

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15.

ACE 1.1

Please complete problems 13-17, page 23. Be sure to write out complete answers that show your thinking.

Due Monday, September 14.

Name Values

Please find 10 words with value from $1 to $10. The word may be a proper noun.

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2009.

A = $1 J = $10 S = $19
B = $2 K = $11 T = $20
C = $3 L = $12 U = $21
D = $4 M = $13 V = $22
E = $5 N = $14 W = $23
F = $6 O = $15 X = $24
G = $7 P = $16 Y = $25
H = $8 Q = $17 Z = $26
I = $9 R = $18

Dear 7th grade families,

Welcome to a new school year! I would like to introduce myself to those of you who may not know me. I taught sixth grade math and science last year, and before that taught fifth and sixth grade science and worked in a first through third grade classroom at our school. Before that, I worked as a research geneticist at UC Berkeley for more than ten years, and have been a parent at our school since 2000. My oldest son graduated from our school last year, and is now attending Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco, and my younger son is starting 5th grade in the Cerrito Creek classroom. I am looking forward to meeting those of you new to our school, and reconnecting with the rest of you!

One of my core beliefs is that every student is capable of success at learning math. My goal is to help students achieve deep understanding. To do that, we set up a math community aimed at discovering together the excitement and beauty in math. Students share with each other many ways of solving problems, to find methods that make sense to them. We will focus on communication of ideas, since this helps develop clear thinking; for some students, finding the right answer is not as challenging as explaining how they got it!

In 7th grade, we will continue using The Connected Mathematics Project curriculum used in the 6th grade, full of interesting problems for students to solve cooperatively that have relevant connections to real life situations. I will supplement this with other lessons and activities to ensure that students have opportunities to work with number and operations, geometry, data analysis and probability, measurement, and algebra.

Our first unit, Variables and Pattern, is an introduction to algebra, specifically looking at variables, tables, graphs, and how to use symbols as representations. Please find a description of the unit goals and concepts here.

Below is a little homework for you, the parent! I would appreciate it if you could return this by Monday, September 14. If it is more convenient, you may email me your answers.

Student assignments will be posted regularly on this homework blog.

Please do not hesitate to email me or leave me a voicemail if you have any questions or comments. I look forward to a great school year and our partnership together in support of your child’s learning.

Sincerely,
Sima Misra
BMS Middle School Math & Science Teacher

About My Student

My child’s name (please print) _______________________________________

My name ________________________________________________

1. What are your child’s favorite hobbies, interests, pastimes, books? What do they spend time doing after school?

2. In what ways is mathematics part of your child’s life at home?

3. What, if any, concerns do you have about your child’s knowledge of math?

4. What is challenging for your child as a learner? What challenges him or her in math?

5. What strengths does your child have as a learner? What is a mathematical strength that you see in your child?

6. Describe your child’s experience with math homework.

7. Is there anything else should I know about your child? If there are counselors or tutors I should be in contact with, please provide contact information.