Post date: Nov 19, 2017 4:22:39 PM
MSM2 Periods 1 & 2
SOLs Covered: 7.14 & 8.15 (7.12 & 8.17) Solving Equations (Including Properties)
Math Unit: 11 One-Step Equations; 12 Two-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Nov. 13-17, 2017
CCPS Student Digital Resource: Solve Equations
Upcoming Assessments: 2.02 One-Step Equations Quiz (Mon. 11/20/17); 2.03 Multi-Step Equations Quiz (Fri. 12/1)
Math 7H Period 3
SOLs Covered: 8.15a (8.17) Solving Equations (Including Properties)
Math Unit: 12 Multi-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Nov. 13-17, 2017
CCPS Student Digital Resource: Equations & Properties
Upcoming Assessments: 2.02 Multi-Step Equations Quiz (Mon. 11/20/17); 2.03 Polynomials Quiz (Fri. 12/1)
After School Help Session: Thurs. 11/30/17, 3-4PM
Hello again, folks! I've had a super busy weekend and still have things to do today, so I'm going to try (emphasis on try) to keep this short and sweet. It's been another busy week of working on algebra, with everyone now on the task of solving equations, one- and two-step for the MSM2 students and multi-step for the Math 7H students. Most of the kids have taken to it really well, but I'm still struggling with a few hold-outs who want to just try plugging numbers in to see what works. While I've told the kids it's a good way to check work and a valid step for multiple choice questions, the types of problems we are and will be working on do not always make that a feasible method. However the biggest reason I've told the kids is that we're trying to develop good habits now while the problems are still relatively easy so that they carry over when the problems get harder, both this year and with their future high school work, which for Chesterfield students, starts in 8th grade with HS Algebra I. Please help me by encouraging the kids to follow the steps and procedures shown in class.
We didn't get up to anything to fancy in the MSM2 classes aside from my own unique twist on describing equations like the lead up to a concert. The variables as "divas" like the Queen B, coefficients are like Jay Z or Blue Ivy (more important than the constants), and constants like VIP guests (we used Faith Hill and Tim McGraw for my country fans!). It might sound ridiculous, but the kids got into it and it's helping them keep the steps straight, so we're going with it. The Math 7H had much the same but with the fun addition of the "Sweet Algebra!" activity for which I sent home permission slips. The kids seemed to enjoy the activity (or at least devouring their "algebra tiles" once we finished) and good behavior was at an all-time high since they didn't want to risk losing it! There were still a few students who never returned their permission slips, so they were given a paper version, which is what will happen for the MSM2 students who fail to bring in their permission slip by the deadline (Tues. 11/28). Thank you so much to the families who helped us out by donating supplies!
Well, I'm going to wrap things up here. I'll send a super quick update later this week (seriously short since this is a seriously short week), but if you don't get a chance to read it before, I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!