Week of September 19, 2011

Course 1:
Monday- Progress Reports went out today. 
We took a test on Unit 1. I will accept corrections up until this Friday 9/23/11, but it must have a parent signature and the work for corrections must be on a separate sheet of paper.  An explanation of the Core-Plus Mathematics Grading Rubric was also sent home with each student (it is also posted on my class website).  If there are any questions concerning the rubric, please feel free to contact me.

Tuesday- We started Unit 3 (Linear Functions).  Students were given a pre-assessment in order to find out their strengths and weaknesses in this area (it was not taken for a grade).  They were also assigned the Unit 3 Project: Working in the Real World, which will be due Monday, October 24th, 2011 (see handout posted below).  Please ask your child to share the details with you.  Most of the work will need to be done outside of class, but they will be allowed at least one day out of the week to work in class.  Friday (9/23/11) is the deadline for Steps 1 and 2 to be completed. 

Wednesday- Based on the pre-assessment, I notice that we really need to work on basic algebraic skills.  The students will be working in stations that will contain 12 different levels of practice problems.  In order for each student to move to the next level, they must complete all of the problems at their station with 100% accuracy.  By using this method, each student may be working on something different than the rest of their peers each day. 


Thursday- Students worked on the Basic Skills Challenge.  All students have passed Level 1...there are a few students already at Level 3 and Level 4!

Friday- Students worked on the project in class.


Homework: Start researching for project. Steps 1 & 2 to be completed by Friday (9/23/11). Steps 3 & 4 to be completed by Friday (9/30/11).


Real World Project Course 1 Course 3:
Monday- Progress Reports went out today.
I passed back the Unit 1 Tests (originals and retakes), and students were able to compare both versions to find out which areas they are still struggling with.  We went through the correct answers and discussed some of their misconceptions.  Students will have an opportunity to improve their test averages by replacing their score from the Geometry Final that will be next Friday (9/30/11).
*Reminder: Stop by any day after school to retake the LOC/LOS quiz...you have until this Friday!
*Resubmissions for the Geometry Portfolio are due Friday, September 30, 2011!

Tuesday- We discussed the similarities and differences between Similar Figures and Congruent Figures.  We also learned Triangle Congruence Theorems and did a few examples.

Wednesday- Students worked in stations to practice proving triangles congruent, classifying triangles, as well as reviewing applications of the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines.


Thursday- Students took a group quiz on proving triangles congruent.


Friday- We had a brief introduction to Right Triangle Trigonometry and learned about the different ratios: sine, cosine, and tangent.  Students learned an easy way to remember the ratios through the acronym SOHCAHTOA, as well as a sentence to go along with it: "Some old helmets can allow head trauma on accidents."  They were able to decorate their own helmet and created a sign that they will be wearing all day Monday.  The purpose of wearing the sign is so that students and other teachers will ask why they're wearing it and they will be able to explain the trig ratios.  The more the students are able to explain it to others, the better they will remember it themselves.  If you weren't in class today, please feel free to print out a copy of the handout below and bring it Monday.
**Remember to come pick up your signs Monday morning!!!!


Football Helmet