Post date: Sep 12, 2015 11:40:13 PM
Math 7H Period 1/2
SOLs Covered: 8.5 Squares & Square Roots
Math Unit: #01 Exponents, Powers, & Roots
CCPS Student Digital Resource: Squares, Cubes, & Roots
Upcoming Assessments: Square Roots & Integers Quiz (Fri. 9/18); Mini-Project (Due Mon. 9/21)
MSM2 Period 5/6 & 9/10
SOLs Covered: 7.1d & 8.5 Squares & Square Roots
Math Unit: #01 Exponents, Powers, & Roots
CCPS Student Digital Resource: Squares & Square Roots
Upcoming Assessments: VA ARDT Pre-Test (Fri. 9/18); Square Roots & Integers Quiz (Mon. 9/21)
Greetings to everyone! We all made it through the first week back to school and I think we're off to a great start! Everyone can expect to get weekly updates from me (Ms. Lambert) about what we covered in class (the topics/SOLs, a summation of the activities/work completed, any "major" events that took place during the week) as well as a look ahead for what to expect next (mainly upcoming assessments). I try to send these updates on Fridays if my schedule allows, but you should expect it no later than Monday at the latest. These updates, which I call my Weekly Class Summary (WCS), can be found on Synergy/ParentVUE (Synergy will send an email copy to those with registered accounts) and the class website, so they can be reviewed at a later date if needed/desired. Now that the intro has been given, let's get on with the show!
All classes started the week with an introduction to 7th grade math: school/class procedures, class expectations, available resources, and much more. Students introduced themselves to me via a "Who Am I?" paper in order to let me get to know them as individuals and a "Math Inventory" to let me learn how they learn best. A small grade will be added for both as I get through their papers and since I know students had many, many papers to deal with the first few days, if I find they are missing one or the other, I'll get them a copy so they can make it up and start their grades off on a positive note.
On Wednesday, all the classes became fully immersed in their first math topic. Students received their first Math Packet. A math packet is given for each unit of study and will contain the majority of their hard copy work, which will occasionally be supplemented with additional handouts/papers. Generally there will be extra work in the packet that we do not get to; this is so we have a backup plan in place in case we end up having technical difficulties with our Chromebooks and/or internet and have to change directions during the week. The extra work also gives students additional practice materials. Any "extra" work completed by students will be rewarded with Lambie Points (see the rewards page for additional information). This week's packet covered a review of exponents, powers, and roots, particularly perfect squares and square roots before introducing students to the concept of imperfect squares. While students were a smidge leery of the work at first (in most part due to feeling "rusty" after summer break!), they quickly found that the topic is much easier than they first believed. The most difficult part of the topic is memorizing the perfect squares through 202 as this is a non-calculator topic for the MSM2 students (Math 7H students take the Math 8 SOL test, which does not have a non-calculator portion). We'll wrap up our work on this topic Monday (possibly into Tuesday depending on time) before we switch over to working with integers.
Starting next week, students will find themselves with a portion of their work moving online. As the kids will quickly be able to tell you, I'm very much a tech nerd and we'll be using the Chromebooks everyday in class. I've found a ton of resources for class and even helped the county math department with creating their new Student Digital Resource sites (CCPS login required for access). I know not all students are comfortable with technology in general and even those who do embrace it, some are much better at mobile technology (i.e. their smart phones and tablets), but I plan on helping them become experts, discovering how to take full advantage of the available technology... we'll even try a bit of computer programming before the year is done! I've also told the students I am more than happy to help them with their technology needs for any other class and I will provide time before and/or after school to help with technology as well as math. Information on future help sessions will be posted to the class calendars and site as well as in the classroom as it becomes available.
Well, I think I've given everyone enough to mull over for now. I want to encourage everyone to feel free to contact me whenever they have questions/concerns. Together, we can make 7th grade an awesome year for the kids! Thank you for your continued support and involvement!