Math Reflections 4, Looking Back & Looking Ahead

Today we met as a whole class, and discussed Math Reflections 4 on page 62. Then some students prepared for math night, while others started work on the Looking Back, Looking Ahead work on pages 65-67, to prepare for the Unit Test on Monday. Class notes may be downloaded here.

LARGE & SMALL GROUP HOMEWORK

Finish Math Reflections 4, questions 1-3, on page 62.
Finish the Looking Back, Looking Ahead on pages 65-67.

Study for the Unit Test.

Due Monday, March 1.

LARGE GROUP ONLY
Don't forget that the POW is also due Monday, March 1.

Unit Project: Paper Pool & ACE 4.3

Today we talked about Math Night, which is tomorrow, Thursday, February 25 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Some students said that they will be able to attend with their families, and everyone voted on their favorite POW's from this year. Students will be sharing the problems with their families, and we will be playing a couple of fun games as a group, including the popular game Skunk!

LARGE GROUP ONLY
The large group worked on the new Comparing and Scaling unit project, Paper Pool. We played the game online here. Students explored how many times the ball would hit and what pockets it would go into depending on the dimensions of the table in small groups. The handout describing the project is here.

LARGE GROUP HOMEWORK
Each person should write a report for homework with these 5 parts:
1. A summary of the rules you found, why you think your rules are correct, and anything else you discovered. You might discuss what you noticed as you examined the paths for the different tables and what helped you to arrive at your rules.
2. A drawing of at least one new Paper Pool table (not that is not on the “Paper Pool Tables” activity sheet) for each rule you identified. The drawing should demonstrate that your rule accurately predicts what will happen.
3. Your drawings of the ball’s path on each Paper Pool Table on the “Paper Pool Table” activity sheet as well as any other Paper Pool tables you constructed to help you derive your rules.
4. Any tables, charts, or other tools you used to organize your information.
5. An explanation of any other patterns you found or ideas you have about Paper Pool tables and the path of the ball. (For example, on which tables does the ball’s path follow similar paths? On which tables does the path of the ball look the same?)

Extension Questions (Extra Challenge Bonus)
Can you predict the length of the ball’s path on any size Paper Pool table? Each time the ball crosses a square, it travels 1 diagonal unit. How many diagonal units will the ball’s path cover?

Due next Thursday, March 4.

Remember that the POW: Logic Puzzle is also due Monday, March 1.

Study for the Unit Test, which will be Monday, March 1.

SMALL GROUPS
Cory worked with students on finishing problem 4.2, and they started problem 4.3.

SMALL GROUP ACE HOMEWORK
Problems 4, 15, and 18 on pages 55-57

Due tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 26.

ACE 4.3: Developing Strategies for Solving Proportions

LARGE GROUP
We discussed Problem 4.3, Developing Strategies for Solving Proportions. There are 3 main strategies: scale factors, unit rates, and rate tables. We tried each one, and developed an algorithm for solving for an unknown. Multiplication/Division fact families turn out to be a useful way to think about solving for unknowns, using the properties of inverse operations, for example, in problem D. Class notes may be downloaded here.

LARGE GROUP
ACE 4.3 Homework
Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 27 on pages 56-61

Option 2
Problems 7, 9, 11, 13, 24, 28 on pages 56-61

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, February 24.

For problem 28, you may need to do some research on how Congress works. There is some good information at http://www.congresslink.org/print_basics_bicameralism.htm.

SMALL GROUPS
Cory went over problem 4.1 homework. She also went over the Partner Quiz corrections. Students started working on Problem 4.2.

SMALL GROUP
ACE homework

ACC2 and problem 5-9 on page 56.
You can download ACC2 here.

Partner Quiz corrections in colored pencil are also due.

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, February 24.

POW: Logic Puzzles

Please choose one of the 2 options on the Problem of the Week, Logic Puzzles, to complete. You may download the handout here.

Due Monday, March 1.

ACE 4.2 Everyday Proportions & Partner Quiz Corrections

LARGE GROUP
Today we got the Partner Quizzes back and discussed the answers. We also discussed our answers for Problem 4.1, which we had done on Thursday, and how to solve these as proportions. Finally, we worked on Problem 4.2, Everyday Use of Proportions, on pages 52-53. We discussed our answers for these rules of thumb. You may download 7A class notes or 7B class notes.

LARGE GROUP HOMEWORK
Partner Quiz Homework
Please make corrections in colored pencil, without writing over or erasing your previous answers.

ACE 4.2 Homework
Problems 3-5, 19-20, and 25-26 on pages 55-60

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23.

SMALL GROUPS
MaryBeth went over the homework skill sheet, Solving Proportions. Then students started working on Problem 4.1.

7A SMALL GROUP HOMEWORK
Finish Problem 4.1 on pages 48-51.

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23.

7B SMALL GROUP HOMEWORK
Finish Problem 4.1 on pages 48-51.
ACE 4.1 problem 1 on page 55.

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23.

ACE 4.1 Proportions

LARGE GROUP
We discussed the last POW, Mean & Median, in class, and people shared various answers. Then we worked on Problem 4.1, Setting Up & Solving Proportions. A proportion is an equation stating that two ratios are equal, and we have worked with lots of different proportions over the past few months. We set up and solved many different kinds of proportions in different contexts. Class notes may be downloaded here.

LARGE GROUP
ACE 4.1 HOMEWORK
Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 1-2, 15-17 on pages 55-57

Option 2
Problems 1-2, 21-23 on pages 55-59

Due Monday, February 22.

SMALL GROUPS
Students took their Partner Quiz, about rates and unit rates today. Then they wrote a card defining proportions and how to find them.

SMALL GROUP HOMEWORK
Complete the Skill: Solving Proportions handout. You may download the handout here.

Due Monday, February 22.

Math Reflections 3

LARGE & SMALL GROUPS
We went over Math Reflections 3 in class. If you did not finish, please complete this for homework.

Due Thursday, February 18.

LARGE GROUP: Don't forget that the POW is also due that day.
We also took a Partner Quiz.

SMALL GROUPS
Cory went over the corrections to Check Up Quiz. If you did not finish, please complete this for homework. Be sure to make your corrections in colored pencil.

Study for the Partner Quiz.
Due Thursday, February 18.

Have a great break!

ACE 3.4: What does dividing tell you?

LARGE GROUPS
Today in the large group students received their Check Up Quizzes back, and we went over the correct answers.

We talked about problem 3.4, What does dividing tell you. The bottom line was to keep track of units when calculating unit rates. Class notes for 7A may be downloaded here, and for 7B here.

Large Group ACE 3.4 Homework

Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 12, 27-29, and 31 on pages 42-45

Option 2
Problems 12 and 29-32 on pages 42-45

Quiz Corrections
Please correct in colored pencil. Do not erase or write over your original answers.

Due tomorrow, Thursday, February 11.

SMALL GROUPS
In small groups, Cory went over 3.2 homework from Tuesday, and they worked on problems to figure out which is the better value, using unit rates. They worked on problem 3.3 A-B.

Small Group Homework
Problems 11-16 on pages 42-43

Due tomorrow, Thursday, February 11.

Scale & Scientific Notation

Today Cory and MaryBeth were not here, so we had math class together. In 7A, we checked homework, and the large group discussed our answers for problem 3.3. In 7B, we just checked homework.

Then we talked about scale, very large numbers, and powers of 10. We watched a video called Cosmic Voyage, that portrayed the size of the universe moving away from human scale out 26 powers of 10, and then portrayed very tiny things (smaller than an atom) moving in many powers of 10. You can see the video here.

Then we talked about scientific notation, as a way to write very small and very large numbers. We looked at the web site, The Scale of the Universe, that allowed us to zoom out interactively. It is worth playing this at home to see how small theoretical strings that make up matter are, and how large the universe is. Using handouts (you can download page 1 or page 2) we practiced writing very small and large numbers in scientific notation.

Class notes for 7A are here, and class notes for 7B are here.

7A Large Group ACE 3.3 Homework
Problems 9, 11 and 24-26 on pages 41-45.
Due tomorrow, Wednesday, February 9.

7A & 7B Homework (Large & small group)
Either page 1 or page 2 of the scientific notation work.
Due tomorrow, Wednesday, February 9.

Unit Rate Comparisons & POW: Mean & Median

LARGE GROUPS
Today we heard more Stretching & Shrinking Unit Project presentations, and we discussed the POW: Flags. Then we talked about how to calculate mean and median, two measures of center that allow us to analyze data. The POW this week is called Mean and Median, and can be downloaded here.

Finally, we worked on Problem 3.3, Comparing CD prices, where we calculated unit rates (price per CD) and wrote equations for different situations, including tax or shipping fees.

7A Large Group class notes may be downloaded here.
7B Large Group class notes may be downloaded here.

7A LARGE GROUP Homework
Finish Problem 3.3 on pages 36-37.
Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Complete one of the two problems for the POW: Mean & Median.
Due Thursday, Feb. 18.

7B LARGE GROUP Homework
Finish problem 3.3, part E on pages 36-37.
ACE 3.3: Problems 9, 11 and 24-26 on pages 41-45.
Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Complete one of the two problems for the POW: Mean & Median.
Due Thursday, Feb. 18.

SMALL GROUPS
Today we heard more Stretching & Shrinking Unit Project presentations, and MaryBeth worked with students on Unit Rate Comparisons in class. Then we worked on Problem 3.2, Time, Rate, and Distance.

7A SMALL GROUP Homework
Finish Problem 3.2 on page 35.
ACE 3.2: Problems 4-8 on page 41.
Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 9.

7B SMALL GROUP Homework
ACE 3.2: Problems 4-8 on page 41.
Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 9.

ACE 3.2: Time Rate & Distance

In the large group today we worked on Problem 3.2, Time, Rate & Distance, to calculate rates in miles per hour (speed). Class notes may be downloaded here.

LARGE GROUP
ACE 3.2 Homework

Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 4-8 and 10 on pages 41-42

Option 2
Problems 5, 10, 19-22 on pages 41-43

Due Monday, February 8.

Remember that the POW: Flags is due Monday as well.

7 A SMALL GROUP
Reviewed Homework, Finding and Using rates, from yesterday.
Started problem 3.1.

7A SMALL GROUP Homework
Finish Problem 3.1.

Due Monday, February 8.

7B SMALL GROUP
Reviewed Homework, Finding and Using rates, from yesterday.
Worked on and finished 3.1

7A SMALL GROUP Homework
Problems 1, 2, and 9 on pages 40-43

Due Monday, February 8.

Unit Test Corrections & Finding Rates

Both groups discussed the Stretching and Shrinking Unit Test, to help students make corrections to their tests. Corrections can be seen in the class notes.

LARGE GROUP
We worked on Problem 3.1, technology for sale. We were introduced to a rate, a comparison of two numbers with different units, and unit rates, which are scaled for a single unit. We use these in life frequently, for example, miles per hour, miles per gallon, pounds per square inch, heartbeats per minute. Class notes may be downloaded here.

LARGE GROUP ACE 3.1 HOMEWORK
Please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 1-3 and 15-16 on pages 40-43

Option 2
Problems 1, 3, 13, 18 and 33 on pages 40-46

Due tomorrow, Thursday, February 4.

Remember that Unit Test corrections are also due tomorrow.

7A & 7B SMALL GROUPS
Both groups worked with Cory on corrections to their unit tests. Then they made a card describing how to find a unit rate, and started work on the handout, Finding & Using Rates.

7A & 7B SMALL GROUP HOMEWORK
Complete the Finding & Using Rates sheet, which you can download here.

Due tomorrow, Thursday, February 4.

Remember that Unit Test corrections are also due tomorrow.

Math Reflections 2 & Unit Test Corrections

We had both small and large groups together today in class, since Cory will be working on Wednesday and Thursday this week and next. Students considered Math Reflections 2 as a Think-Pair-Share, discussing ways to make comparative statements with ratios, fractions, percentages, and differences. Class notes may be downloaded here.

All of the students took the Check Up Quiz.

SMALL & LARGE GROUP HOMEWORK

Finish Math Reflections 2, questions 1-2, on page 32.

Due tomorrow, Wednesday, February 3.

Correct your Stretching & Shrinking Unit Test in colored pencil, without erasing or writing over your original work. You may use help from the class notes on the blog, come to math homework help after school, or talk to a teacher in class tomorrow to help you.

Due Thursday, February 4.

POW: Flags

LARGE GROUP ONLY

Please complete 2 of the 3 problem on this week's POW, Flags. You can download the handout here.

Due next Monday, Feb. 8.

ACE 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3: Finding Equivalent Ratios

LARGE GROUP
We talked about the POW, Football, from last week and we started looking at the new POW, Flags. Then we worked on Problem 2.3, Finding Equivalent Ratios. Students showed that you can use the same strategies for finding equivalent fractions on ratios, by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number to scale up the ratio, or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number to scale down the ratio. Class notes may be downloaded here.

LARGE GROUP
ACE 2.3 Homework
Finish part C of Problem 2.3 on page 23.
Also, please choose one of the options below to complete.

Option 1
Problems 6-8, 21 and 24 on pages 25-31

Option 2
Problems 7-8, 20-21 and 24 on pages 26-31

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 2.

QUIZ TOMORROW! Topics to study: Ratios, Percents, Difference, Scaling Ratios/Equivalent Ratios, Comparing Statements.

7A SMALL GROUP
MaryBeth met with students to go over their Math Reflections 1 homework, discussion Math Reflections 1 problem 2, and work on Problem 2.1.

7A SMALL GROUP ACE 2.1 HOMEWORK
Problems 1 and 2 on page 24

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 2.

7B SMALL GROUP
MaryBeth met with students to go over their Math Reflections 1 homework, work on Problem 2.2, and make difference, ratio, fraction, and percent comparison statements that make sense.

7A SMALL GROUP ACE 2.2 HOMEWORK
Problems 4, 5, and 9 on page 25

Due tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 2.