Lessons for the February Break

Home Nuggets # 24 and 25
Assigned on Thursday February 11, 2010
Due on Monday February 22, 2010 (the day we return from the break)

Our extensive study of monomials and polynomials (specifically polynomial operations including multiplication) have led us to a position where we can now discuss factoring polynomials. The applications for such a skill are profound: we are mainly interested in using these factored forms to find solutions or roots for equations and functions.

The assignment over the break allows students to explore 3 areas:

1. The concept of factoring polynomials and the notion that students have to identify the GCF of a number of monomials by sight. There are problems assigned in the book to cover this topic.
In Algebra I book.

Page 429 # 1 - 12
Page 430 # 21- 24, 29, 31 - 32

2. Chapter 7 which includes monomial and polynomial operations. A summative practice test has been provided for this purpose.

Sheet titled "Chapter 7 Test Form 2C" all problems except for #12

3. SAT problems on Numbers and Arithmetic. These questions allow students a break from the norm of what we are contending with in class. They are classic problems for removing students from their comfort zone and forcing them to reason and extend their logic. Students are always assessed on these problems after we have reviewed representative examples.

All problems from SAT sheets labelled sections 2 and 3. Total of 34 problems.

Using the Weekend's Super Bowl to Get Us Thinking About the Road We've Travelled

Home Nugget #23
Assigned on Monday February 8, 2010
Due on Wednesday February 10, 2010

All problems from Super Bowl themed sheets covering chapters 1 - 4 and a smidgen of chapter 6.
Bear in mind that all solutions must be accompanied with work/evidence.