Math 7H Blocks 1 & 2
SOLs Covered: 7.2 Review of Order of Operations; 7.11 & 8.14 Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Math Unit: 06 Order of Operations (aka GEMDAS); 07 Evaluating Expressions
Daily Agenda: October 4-8, 2021
Upcoming Assessments: Quiz 1.04 Order of Operations & Evaluating Expressions (Mon. 10/11)
MSM2 Block 4
SOLs Covered: 7.2 Review of Order of Operations; 7.11 & 8.14 Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Math Unit: 06 Order of Operations (aka GEMDAS); 07 Evaluating Expressions
Daily Agenda: October 4-8, 2021
Upcoming Assessments: Quiz 1.04 Order of Operations & Evaluating Expressions (Mon. 10/11)
Happy Friday, folks! This week started off with a review of the order of operations (fondly referred to as PEMDAS by older generations and GEMDAS or GEMS by the younger generations... and apparently BIDMAS across "the Pond"?). We practiced this all "old school" by working it out on paper the first day before I introduced them to the wonder that is GEMDAS on the Desmos calculator the next. While Desmos can handle the order of operations, students have to be very careful with how they type their problems in as small variations can make a huge difference. This is why it's so important that they understand the proper order of operations as they won't be able to spot their mistakes and/or typos.
From there we moved onto work on evaluating algebraic expressions, otherwise known as algebraic substitution. Again we started off practicing "old school" paper/pencil style before moving onto using the Desmos calculator for the same reasons we did with the order of operations. Desmos can actually handle substituting different values for a given variable but as with order of operations, the kids might not spot their mistakes and/or typos if they don't understand the process, which is best seen when worked out on paper. And yes, before anyone ask the Desmos calculator is permitted on all their work after that initial practice, but I still highly encourage the kids to continue practicing at least a few problems each assignment the "old school" way before checking on the calculator. This ensures that the skills stay fresh and that they keep building that "brain muscle" (yes, I know the brain isn't actually a muscle, but as the kids should have learned a little bit about during this week during the SEL lesson, your brain can grow new cells and strengthen the pathways their, so learning and practicing new skills can help do that!) to get it ready for the harder topics to come.
Just a reminder that the end of the first term is quickly approaching! October 22nd is the last day of the quarter, however my deadline for turning in any older missing work, any final attempts on already submitted assignments, and all quiz corrections is October 18th (through the end of the day, so work submitted after school will still be counted). The kids are well aware of this (or they should be at least since they've been told many times and they can see that deadline listed on their graded assignments), but if you could remind them to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their grade, it would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, I plan to have an extra credit opportunity available through Khan Academy next week (hopefully set up by Tuesday).
Well, it's probably no surprise to anyone at this point, but I again got a little carried away (I started writing this during my planning as I was covering for the Latin teacher and since I couldn't really be of any help to those kiddos as I know very little Latin, this was the most productive use of my time). It's probably past time for me to wrap this up since I still have copies to make before I can head out! Please feel free to email if you have any questions, but for this weekend you should probably be prepared to not hear back from me until Monday since my oldest niece is visiting from college. Hope you all have an amazing weekend!