Hi everyone!
Thanks for bearing with having no update last week- as I've been working on some technical issues on the website, I hope you've been following along closely in class, and if you're a parent, I hope you've been asking questions of your child...it is the best way to keep them honest and accountable!
Some updates since the last post...
1. Progress reports- went out on October 5th. I have made some calls home to inquire about some students, to ensure that students are working hard, getting the help needed, and to offer my help in any way possible. Remember: Mr. K is available EVERY DAY for EXTRA HELP!
2. Students will be taking their first benchmark test on 10/20 (Block 1, 3) or 10/25 (Block 2). The test taken will cover all material learned thus far (Block 2's test will cover everything up to Order of Operations- SOL 8.1).
3. GREAT RESOURCE NEWS- While Suffolk Public Schools will no longer produce our "BLUE BOOKS" (content notes, vocab, test questions, internet resource booklet; produced quarterly) for distribution to all students (read: cost-cutting), the online version is available to read, print, and review ANYTIME! Go to http://star.spsk12.net , then click on Math 6 (under the math header), then click on the 1st 9 Weeks Content Review Notes!
4. BYOD Fridays- I'm wondering if we might try to use Fridays as a BYOD day. What do you think?
5. Extra Credit Opportunity- Will not be announced in class. If you use the BLUE BOOK (see above), and can show me PROOF of it, I will give you 5 points on a future quiz.
6. ANOTHER Extra Credit Opportunity- WIll not be announced in class. Go to http://nlvm.usu.edu and find an app that matches what we've done in class. Do a one-page writeup explaining the app, how it works, the good parts and bad parts, why we should use it in class and at home. Then, PRESENT IT TO THE CLASS on a Friday. THIS WILL COUNT AS A QUIZ GRADE SWAP (I will award a 95 that can be swapped for a low grade). This opportunity is available until the end of the semester.
PA News:
Students are currently working on evaluating algebraic expressions (8.4), and translating expressions (7.13). This is a great transition from Order of Operations (SOL 8.1, 6.8, etc), which was completed last week with a quiz. We move on to solving equations next week, which will see us moving quickly through various facets of equation solving techniques.
Check out the video clips below from Virtual Nerd that will help students prepare for future assessments and provide valuable examples and notes:
www.virtualnerd.com/pre-algebra/algebra-tools/expressions-variables/evaluate-expressions/numerical-algebraic-expressions
http://www.virtualnerd.com/middle-math/number-algebraic-sense/variables-expressions/evaluate-algebraic-expression-example
http://www.virtualnerd.com/pre-algebra/algebra-tools/expressions-variables/evaluate-expressions/plugging-variables-into-expressions
http://www.virtualnerd.com/pre-algebra/algebra-tools/expressions-variables/evaluate-expressions/evaluate-algebraic-expression-two-variables-example
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra-home/alg-intro-to-algebra/alg-writing-expressions/v/writing-expressions-with-variables-examples
M6 News:
Currently reviewing SOL 6.6a, 6.6b, as well as all previously-learned material (6.1, 6.2, 6.4)
Packet review (in-class; homework)
Video notes- see the post below. No new videos have been posted. I highly recommend checking out Virtual Nerd for additional resources- it's great!