Final Semester Project (Due 5/17/13)

  Final Project (Calendar) by mishi19

Week of May 6, 2013

This week we are wrapping up our unit on Polynomial & Rational Expressions.  Students will work through review stations for polynomials and participate in an activity called "Speed Dating" to practice simplifying rational expressions.  Later in the week, we will begin our last unit on Probability & Statistics.  Also, students will be assigned a Final Review Project, so stay tuned for further details!

NOTE: Next Wednesday (5/15/13) will be the DEADLINE for quiz retakes and submissions of missing work.  Tutoring will be available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  The Final Exam for this class will be administered on Thursday and Friday of next week (5/16-17/13).

Week of April 29, 2013

This week we will conclude our unit on Polynomial and Rational Functions.  We have been working through various operations, as well as taking a closer look at long and synthetic division.  Next week we will have the unit quiz, so make sure that you gather all your notes and study all examples.

Remember, there is not that much time left in the semester, so if you need to retake any quizzes or get extra help, stop by after school for tutoring!


ATTENTION PARENTS: PROGRESS REPORTS WERE SENT OUT THIS WEEK! IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN YOUR CHILD'S GRADE, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND I WILL SEND HOME ANOTHER COPY!

Week of April 22, 2013

This week we will begin our unit on Polynomial & Rational Functions.  We will take a look at details of the graphs, finding solutions, describing end behavior, and operations on polynomial functions.  Students will also learn about various real-world applications of polynomials.

Tutoring is available after school for anyone who needs to retake quizzes or get extra help!  Please don't wait until the last minute...we're only a few weeks away from the end of the semester!

Week of April 15, 2013

This week, we will conclude our unit on quadratic functions.  Our focus for the next few days will be factoring.  We will be working in stations for students who need extra help solving using certain methods.  The methods we will be using are: graphing, completing the square, quadratic formula, and factoring.  There will be a quiz on Wednesday (4/17/13), so make sure you are prepared to solve all 4 ways.  Also, make sure that your flip chart is completely filled in with notes and examples!  Below you will find some graphic organizers to help you fill in your chart.

Remember to stop by for tutoring after school on Tuesdays/Thursdays!!

  Solving Quadratic Equations by mishi19

  Factoring-Box Method by mishi19

Week of April 8, 2013

Welcome back from Spring Break!  I hope you're refreshed and ready to finish out the rest of the school year.  This week we will jump back into our unit on modeling functions where we are now taking a closer look at quadratic functions.  We will be learning how to solve by graphing, factoring, completing the square, as well as by using the quadratic formula.  Students will also learn how to convert functions to standard form, factored form, and vertex form--recognizing that there are certain benefits for using each form.

PROGRESS REPORTS WENT OUT ON MONDAY, SO PLEASE HAVE THEM RETURNED SIGNED BEFORE FRIDAY!!!

Also, feel free to stop by after school for tutoring and to retake your quizzes!

Week of March 25, 2013

This week we have been taking a closer look at exponential functions.  We have been graphing and solving exponential equations with logarithms.  Students have been given a handout of several scenarios to practice real-world applications, as well as Guided Notes to use as a study guide.  There will be a quiz on Thursday, so make sure you study!

Week of March 18, 2013

This week students will be working on individual tasks that will address the weaknesses from the quiz last Friday.  We have gone over the quiz questions and dissected each response so that students are better prepared to requiz at the end of this week.  We are taking a closer look at modeling functions (creating tables from graphs, determining the line of best-fit, and making future projections).  Students will also learn how to set up and solve exponential functions.

If you need additional help, remember to stop by for tutoring after school!

Have a great week:)

Week of March 11, 2012

This week we concluded our project on solar energy.  The students gave their presentations and did a great job!  We would like to send a special thanks to City Manager Scott Stevens and Leslie Eaves, who shared their insight on renewable energy with us during presentations on Wednesday!  Students have also taken a quiz on modeling functions within the context of energy output from solar panels.  Students were asked to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses within this unit, and we will address specific issues next week so that we can improve our learning.  Overall, this was a great week!  Enjoy your weekend!


Reminder: This is the first week of the new grading period.  Let this be your opportunity to turn over a new leaf! Make sure that you are taking advantage of after school tutoring and the chance to retake quizzes!  Don't wait until the end of the year to catch up!

Solar Power and Me: Helpful Links

http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/hardfacts.pdf

http://www.nrel.gov/

http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/research/renewable_energy/

If you find any helpful resources, feel free to leave a comment and share with the rest of the class!!!

Week of March 4, 2013

This week we have been discussing the benefits of using solar energy and modeling the usage of other energy sources using quadratic and exponential functions.  The driving question for this mini-project is: If the sun produces enough energy in one day to power the world for one year, then why aren't we taking advantage of this resource?  We are taking a look at the advantages and the issues that are standing in the way of everyone using it.  Over the weekend, students should be working on the extension project.  Please read the details below.  Students will have time in class on Monday to finish working and the final product is due Tuesday (3/12/13).  Presentations will be on Wednesday, so feel free to stop by and listen to what the kids have to say!

Unit 3 Project Extension: Solar Power and Me

Directions: Choose ONE project to complete.  Each option should meet the minimum length requirement and contain the appropriate tables and graphs to support your research.  All resources must be cited and submitted on a separate works cited page.

1. Review the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Communities website.  Make note of how solar energy is incorporated into the infrastructure of various cities nationwide.  Write an essay about how you would encourage solar energy use in your own town.  You may also create a PowerPoint to present to the Goldsboro City Council convincing them why they should invest in solar energy.  The essay must be at least 2 pages (12 point font, double spaced).  The PowerPoint must be at least 10 slides.  

2. Research solar energy use by other countries and regions.  Use a best-fit equation to predict the consumption of solar energy in Europe in 2013.  What about China?  Discuss why it would be important to know how much solar energy other countries use.  Your research paper must be at least 2 pages (12 point font, double spaced) or the PowerPoint must be at least 10 slides.

3. Write a formal letter to your local congressman outlining the advantages of using solar energy and convince them to vote YES on the proposed bills to invest in renewable energy research.  Your letter should be in the proper format and should be at least one full page.  If your letter is convincing enough, you will be encouraged to mail it to the local address of your Republican or Democratic representative.

Week of February 25, 2013

This week we will begin our unit on comparing function models (linear, quadratic, exponential, cubic, and inverse).  Students will work through activities to match various function representations (word problems, function rules, tables, and graphs).  After the initial activity, students will be assigned a mini-project that will synthesize what they have learned by matching the different functions.  Students will be required to create their own word problem for each type of function and write out the function rule, table, and graphs that relate to one another.

Later on in the week, we will take a closer look at modeling and solving specific functions starting with quadratic functions.

**Reminder: The grading period ends on March 7, 2013.  All missing assignments and quiz retakes need to be in by that date.  Also, progress reports need to be turned in ASAP! Please stop in to sign your child's PEP if their grade is below a 77%.**

Week of February 18, 2013

This week we are wrapping up our unit on building functions, which included:

• Arithmetic & Geometric Sequences and Series
• Transformations of Functions
• Operations on Functions & Inverses

The students will be engaged in a 3-day Performance Assessment which will require them to complete several tasks that will demonstrate their understanding of the concepts we have learned.  They will be able to choose from different options for each task, which involve procedural knowledge as well as applications in context.  Students will be assessed based on a rubric, and will have an opportunity to improve their ratings if they are not satisfied with the final score.


Also, remember that tutoring is available Tuesdays/Thursdays for any student who needs extra help or needs to retake any quizzes.  The grading period will end on March 7, 2013, so please do not wait until the last minute to try to improve your grade!

**REMINDER TO PARENTS: PROGRESS REPORTS MUST BE RETURNED WITH A PARENT SIGNATURE!  PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A PEP CONFERENCE IF YOUR CHILD'S GRADE IS BELOW A 77%.  NOTES WERE SENT HOME ON PROGRESS REPORTS.  BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AN EMAIL OR PHONE CALL FROM ME!**

Week of February 11, 2013

This week we will be going further in depth with inverse functions and verifying inverses through composition.  There will be graphic organizers and practice problems available for those who need extra help.  Also, the assessment for this unit will be in the form of a performance assessment.  Further details about the performance assessment will be posted later this week.

Stay tuned for project details for this unit!

Week of February 4, 2013

This week we will be investigating how manipulating parameters of various functions changes the way the graph looks when compared to parent functions.  We will be learning about transformations of functions, operations on functions, as well as finding inverse functions.

Make sure you are studying your notes and coming in for tutoring...you never know when a quiz may pop up:)

There will also be a project for this unit, so stay tuned for details!

The homework assignment below will be checked in this Friday (2/8/13)!

  Transformations Homework by   mishi19

Week of January 28, 2013

We will be finishing up our investigation of arithmetic and geometric sequences and series this week.  The Fractals Project Analysis will be collected Tuesday and will count as a separate project grade.  Be on the lookout for another set of practice problems that will prepare you for the quiz this week.

If you need help with anything, feel free to stop by after school for tutoring on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 4:30-5:30!

  FractalsProjectAnalysis (2) by   mishi19

Week of January 21, 2013

This week we will go more in depth with sequences and series and how they are seen in the real world.  Our fractals project addresses how sequences are applied to art and history.  Please take a moment to read carefully through the guidelines of the project to make sure that everything is included. 

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
Wednesday (1/23/13)--Homework Set Due (#s 1-18; 22-24)
Friday (1/25/13)--Fractals Project Due (Please see the separate post for further details)

Also, progress reports go out this Friday! 

If you need any help, make sure you stop by after school for tutoring on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 4:30-5:30!

FRACTALS PROJECT

Here is a copy of the Fractals Project.  You are expected to work on this at home; however, you may have time to work on it in class.  This project will require a lot of time, so please do not wait until the last minute to complete it!

DUE DATE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2013

  Fractals Project by   mishi19

Global Awareness: Fractals

Donald in Mathmagic Land

Week of January 14, 2013

This week we will be finishing up our unit on Real and Complex Number Systems, so be prepared for the Quiz on Tuesday (possibly Wednesday depending on how the review session goes). Then, later on this week we will start our next unit on Building Functions. There will be a few homework assignments this week (checked in on Friday), so make sure you stay on top of them and study your notes!

Also, stay tuned for updates on our first project of the semester:)

Tutoring is available on Tuesdays & Thursdays, so please feel free to stop by if you need help with anything!

Week of January 7, 2013

This week we will be discussing properties and classifications of real and complex numbers. We will be learning some basic skills that are required for you to be successful in all other areas. Your first quiz will be on Friday, so make sure you study your notes! Blog Post Real Numbers

Welcome Back (2nd Semester '12-'13)

Welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed your break and are ready to tackle a new semester! We have a lot of work to do, so we will hit the ground running on Monday morning. Make sure that you bring your supplies and the bottom portion of your syllabus signed. Feel free to print out an additional copy of the syllabus for your records! Common Core Math 3 Syllabus