Math: Mrs. Bennett

Blue Group:

In math, our class is exploring powers of 10 through the real-world example of the Richter scale, which measures the magnitude of earthquakes. The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale, meaning that each whole-number increase represents a tenfold increase in strength. For example, an earthquake that measures 5 on the Richter scale is 10 times greater than an earthquake that measures 4. An earthquake that measures 6 is not just a little stronger than a 4—it is 100 times greater (10 × 10) in strength. Students are using this idea to see how powers of 10 work: each step up on the scale multiplies the energy released by 10. Families can reinforce this at home by discussing current events or looking up earthquake data online together. For instance, if an earthquake in California measures 7.0 and another measures 5.0, ask your child to explain how the 7.0 earthquake is 100 times more powerful than the 5.0. These examples help students see that powers of 10 are not just an abstract idea—they are a powerful way to understand the world around us.

Yellow Group:

This week, our class is exploring integers through a football-themed approach! Students are learning how positive and negative numbers can represent gains and losses on the field, helping them track yardage during plays. We are also introducing absolute value, which shows the total distance a team moves regardless of direction—so a loss of 10 yards and a gain of 10 yards both have an absolute value of 10. Students are practicing adding and subtracting integers to find net yardage for a series of plays and to compare different plays. Through number lines, videos, and hands-on “drive tracking” activities, students are making connections between math and real-world football scenarios. By the end of the week, they will confidently use integers and absolute value to describe, calculate, and compare outcomes in sports and everyday situations.

Homework:

9/2 - SS #5

9/3- SS #6

9/4- SS #7 at school & SS #8 at home (due to short week)

9/5- No SS Quiz this week.

Simple Solutions Quiz Update:

This year, students will take a Simple Solutions quiz bi-weekly, which means they will have two quizzes each month. Each quiz will consist of 15 questions that align with the homework they have completed that week—some even identical to the homework questions! Students will receive a quiz sheet with 15 boxes to show their work and answer the questions, just like their homework. The quizzes will be graded out of 15 points. We will grade the homework in class, giving students the opportunity to discuss any questions or review their work together before the quiz. The graded quizzes will come home the following Wednesday, so please be sure to review your child's work to help support their math understanding at home!