Thinking About Extra-Ordinary Concepts in Chapter 1

Students essentially put the finishing touches on chapter 1 of our book on Friday; with the exception of this journal entry that they will be working on over the weekend. I described the math journal to students as a kind of diary/lab notebook hybrid.

It is a place where:

We look at math concepts that are not otherwise given much time in the curriculum but are insanely important
We feel safe responding to questions without fear that our answers are 'wrong', with the caveat that we demonstrate significant dedication and effort
We reflect on an mull over math concepts from the recent past in order to let them become part of our permanent math memory

Having said all this, the entry must be completed in a composition notebook and is due Monday. Journal entries make up 15% of the term grade.

I also suggested to students that it would be wise to work on their class notes over the weekend, both in anticipation of a future collection, but also to help them think over new ideas presented in this week's classes.

Home Nugget #17
Assigned on Friday October 2, 2009
Due on Monday October 5, 2009

Journal Entry #1 of the 1st Term

Polya's Problem-Solving Process and Boiling the Equation-Solving Process Down into 1) Balance 2) Isolating the Variable and 3) Opposite Operations

Prior to starting lessons 2-1 to 2-5, students took a brief but somewhat comprehensive pre-assessment to determine what sort of investment we should ultimately make in the material.

The results pointed to two conclusions:
1. The first five lessons of chapter 2 are somewhat familiar
2. familiarity does not mean mastery! All of us have an interest in carefully exploring the lessons in order to make sense of content that is slightly out of reach

Today marked our first day of actually wading into chapter 2 and thinking carefully about:
the continued challenges and advantages of translating verbal statements into algebraic equations
what makes formulas unique and how they are not 'ordinary' equations
how solving equations of any kind involves common elements referred to in today's blog title

Furthermore, we were able to take a good, long look at George Polya's problem-solving process which is a god-send to anyone who has ever looked at a math problem and thought: "I don't even know where to begin?!?" His plan is summarized as:
1. Explore the problem
2. Plan the solution
3. Solve the problem
4. Check the solution

We dissected an actual problem to see whether we could find any value to Polya's method and students seemed to agree that it is effective.

Home Nugget #16 due 10/2
Assigned on Thursday October 1, 2009
Due on Friday October 2, 2009

In Algebra I book

Page 74 # 16 - 18, 20, 21, 24 - 26

Page 75 # 33 - 36, 39 - 43

page 82 # 25 - 29, 37 - 40

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed
2 points: evidence provided for all solutions

ALSO

Your Guide-To Chapter 1 is due tomorrow! Remember that it counts as a 50% quiz grade.

Convincing Students of the Value of Lessons 2-1 to 2-5

Home Nugget #15

Assigned on Wednesday September 30, 2009

Note: This is a long-term assignment and is due on Monday October 5, 2009

Students were provided with directions for their first journal entry. The sheet is labelled "Journal Entry #1 of the 1st Marking Period." These journal entries are to be completed in a dedicated composition notebook used exclusively in math class. As explained on the handout, the entries are primarily graded on the student's ability to demonstrate consistent effort in responding to questions.

The assignment falls under the category of assessments designed to get students thinking and writing about mathematics with the intention of fostering long-term understanding and retention.

Having Students Give The Teacher the Scoop on Functions and Related Terminology

Home Nugget #14

Assigned on Tuesday September 29, 2009

Due on Wednesday September 30, 2009

From sheet titled "Chapter 1 Test, Form 2D" ALL problems.

All solutions and evidence of work must be shown on a separate sheet of paper.

FCAs

2 points: all problems completed

2 points: evidence provided for all solutions

REMINDER!!! The Guide-To Chapter 1 is due Friday October 2 and is worth a 50 point quiz grade!!!

Functions - What Are They and Why Do They Follow Us Throughout Mathematics

Home Nugget #13

Assigned on Monday September 28, 2009

Due on Tuesday September 29, 2009

In Algebra I book, 

Page 65 # 1 - 24

ALSO

The directions for our first "guide-to" were provided today. Students must complete and hand in the guide-to for lessons 1-2 to 1-9 by Friday October 2, 2009.