Winter Break Assignments

Today marks the final day of the 2nd term. Our return date of Monday January 4 signals the start of the 3rd marking period.

On Tuesday December 22, 2009 students were provided with copies of very detailed instructions for three lessons which comprise their assignments over the winter break. A copy of these directions can be found at http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcszzgg_236g6j89mhq

I wish everyone safe and memorable holidays.

N. Hodjat

Continuing to Work Through Multi-Step Inequalities and Also Breach the Topic of Compound Inequalities

Home Nugget #30
Assigned on Tuesday December 22, 2009 (School was cancelled yesterday due to snow)
Due on Wednesday December 23, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Page 311 # 30, 31

Page 312 # 32, 33, 39 c, d, 44, 48, 49

Page 318 # 8 - 10 and 14 - 16

Assignments for the winter break are also being provided today.

Tackling Multi-Step Inequalities with a New Perspective on Inequalities

Home Nugget #29
Assigned on Friday December 18, 2009
Due on Monday December 21, 2009

In Algebra I text

Page 311 # 16 - 22 and 24 - 27

page 312 # 34 - 37

Grading Criteria - yet to be determined

Solving Multi-Step Inequalities Using All Four Core Operations

Home Nugget # 28
Assigned on Thursday December 17, 2009
Due on Friday December 18, 2009

Write substantive and thoughtful responses to the seven questions I posed to you in the letter provided today. The overarching idea is to elicit your thoughts on what math instruction should be and what role you should play in the process.

Solving Inequaties Using Multiplication and Division

Home Nugget #27
Assigned on Wednesday December 16, 2009
Due on Thursday December 17, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Page 305 # 17 - 24 and 29 - 34

Page 306 # 35 - 40

************************************
Optional:

Students who choose to can solve all 12 problems from yesterday's summative chapter 5 quiz. Students were provided with copies of the questions AND solutions today and they will be expected to figure out the process for finding said solutions.

Successful completion of the lesson will result in no more than 15 points being added to the quiz grade.

Solving Inequalities Using Addition and Subtraction

Homework #26
Assigned on Tuesday December 15, 2009
Due on Wednesday December 16, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Page 297 # 18 - 20 and 30 - 36

Page 298 # 37, 38 and 41 - 44

NO FCAs

**Temporary Grading Criteria**
2 random questions will be selected and graded. Homework will be worth 0, 1 or 2 points.

Deciding Which Method is Most Appropriate for Solving A System of Linear Equations

Home Nugget #25
Assigned on Monday December 14, 2009
Due on Tuesday December 15, 2009

Page 286 # 13 - 15 and 18 - 20

Page 287 # 23 - 25 and 28 - 30

Page 288 # 33 - 35

The problems listed above guide the student through all lessons in chapter 5. They are intended as a review/reinforcement prior to an eventual assessment.

Using Multiplication to "Prep" Systems of Linear Equations for Combination/Elimination

Home Nugget #24
Assigned on Friday December 11, 2009
Due on Monday December 14, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Page 275 # 1 - 6

Page 276 # 7 - 15 odd and 17, 18

Page 277 # 27, 30

Waiting on Our Summative Assessment on Chapter 4 with Baited Breath

Home Nugget #23
Assigned on Monday December 7, 2009
Due on Friday December 11, 2009

Guide-to chapter 4. Please remember that this particular guide-to is mandatory for homeroom 239 and optional for homeroom 226.

ALSO
Students will need their graphing calculators for use on tomorrow's exam.

Adding One More Method for Solving A System of Linear Equations to Our Tool Kit

Home Nugget #22
Assigned on Wednesday December 9, 2009
Due on Thursday December 10, 2009

Page 268 # 1 - 6

Page 269 # 7 - 11 odd and 19 - 21, 23, 24

Reminder: Guide-to Chapter 4 is due on Friday and will coincide with a summative assessment

Finally, An Alternative to Graphing Systems of Linear Equations: Substitution!

Home Nugget #21
Assigned on Tuesday December 8, 2009
Due on Wednesday December 9, 2009

Guide-to Chapter 4 is due on Friday December 11.

In Algebra I text,

Page 263 # 8 - 18 even and #20

Page 264 # 21, 22, 24, 31

Using Graphing to Solve Systems of Linear Equations

Home Nugget #20
Assigned on Monday December 7, 2009
Due on Tuesday December 8, 2009

Guide-to chapter 4 is due on Friday December 11 for room 239 and optionally for 226.

In Algebra I text,

Page 256

# 10 - 18, 23, 24, 28 and 29

There is considerable graphing which needs to be done for this lesson and students are expected to use the graph paper provided.

Preparing for an Eventual Summative Assessment on Chapter 4

Home Nugget #19 of the 2nd Term
Assigned on Friday December 4, 2009
Due on Monday December 5, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Pages 243 through 246

Problems 11 - 57

NB!

Students have of late been complaining about losing papers, assignments and the like. This is very likely an indication that binders should be cleaned and organized. Binders contain 5 sections and all papers within each section should bear the student's name and the date the paper was received. It is common practice in our class to refer back to lessons and assignments and if the binder is not kept in working condition, the student is hard-pressed to access the content within.

Extending Our Ideas About Linearity: Slopes of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Home Nugget #18
Assigned on Thursday December 3, 2009
Due on Friday December 4, 2009

In Algebra I book,

Page 240 # 14 - 19 and 25 - 29

Page 247 # 1 - 15

One Last Look at Point-Slope Equations and A Second Look at Direct Variation

Home Nugget #17
Assigned on Wednesday December 2, 2009
Due on Thursday December 3, 2009

Given my absence yesterday and the potential for confusion in terms of what was expected when I returned, students are being afforded an extension on the double-sided sheet titled Lesson 1.3 and 1.4, ALL problems are to be solved on separate sheets of paper and evidence/explanations provided whenever possible. The lesson focuses on such topics as:

direct variation
proprotional reasoning
discrete vs. continuious relations
and more...

students must also answer the following questions from the Algebra I book,
page 232 # 18 - 22

page 233 # 41 and 42

Given both the extended time and the amount of problems contained in the lesson, students are reminded that this lesson counts for 8 points rather than the customary 4.

More Sophisticated Point-Slope Problems and A verture into Scatter Plots and Lines of Fit

Home Nugget #15
Assigned on Monday November 30, 2009
Due on Wednesday December 2 (although students can hand it in on the first if they choose)

In Algebra I book,

Page 223 # 22 - 24

Page 224 # 42 - 47

Page 225 # 52, 58 - 61

Page 231 # 8 - 17

Lots to Think About Over the Thanksgiving Break...

Home Nugget #14
Assigned on Tuesday November 24, 2009
Due on Wednesday November 25, 2009

The following problems allows students the chance to consider both recent content (i.e. the point-slope form of a linear equation) as well as prior topics from chapter 4. Given that students handed in a guide-to chapter 3 just before the break, they should also expect a summative assessment upon return to school

In Algebra I text,

Page 223 # 1 - 11, 13 - 15, 18

Page 224 # 36 - 38 and 48 - 50

Page 243 # 11 - 22

Page 244 # 23 - 31

Finishing Touches on Guide-to Chapter 3 and a Home Nugget to Revisit Themes from Friday's Quiz

Home Nugget #13
Assigned on Monday November 23, 2009
Due on Tuesday November 24, 2009

Page 192 # 15, 17

Page 193 # 20, 30, 31, 33, 42

Page 200 # 16, 23

Page 201 # 15, 19

Page 207 # 15, 19

Page 208 # 28, 43, 44

Taking Four Days to Work on A Quality Guide-To Chapter 3

Home Nugget #12
Assigned on Friday November 20, 2009
Due on Tuesday November 24, 2009

Directions for completion of the Guide-to chapter 2 were provided in class today.

This is part of an ongoing effort to help students develop genuine study habits in preparation for assessments.

Using the Math Journal as A Means to Gain Needed Exposure and Further Reflection

Home Nugget #11
Assigned on Wednesday November 18, 2009
Due on FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2009

In Algebra I book,

page 212 # 1 - 16

ALSO

Math Journal Entry #1 of the 2nd Term is due on Friday.

Direct Variation Relationships and Slope-Intercept Form of the Linear Equation

Questions for Journal Entry #1 of the 2nd Term were provided today. The journal entry is due on Friday November 20.

Home Nugget #10
Assigned on Tuesday November 17, 2009
Due on Wednesday November 18, 2009

In Algebra I book,

Page 200 # 14, 16, 17, 20 - 22

Page 201 # 28, 29 and 32 - 34

Page 208 # 22, 23 and 31 - 34 and 41 - 44

Reinforcing the Fundamentals of Chapter 3

Home Nugget #9 of the 2nd Term
Assigned on Monday November 16, 2009
Due on Tuesday November 17, 2009


Sheet titled Chapter 3 Test Form 2D

All evidence, work and related thoughts should be provided on a seperate sheet of paper.

ALSO, record all solutions on the sheet itself.

Focus on Slope and It's Seemingly Myriad Meanings

Home Nugget #8
Assigned on Thursday November 12, 2009
Due on Monday November 16, 2009 (Late due date because of a field trip on Friday)

In Algebra I book,

Page 192 # 14 - 17

Page 193 # 18 - 22 and 34 - 37

Page 194 # 59

Page 195 # 61 and 62

Taking Academic Advantage of a Day Off - Working on Class Notes

Home Nugget #7 of the 2nd Term
Assigned on Tuesday November 10, 2009
Due on THURSDAY November 12, 2009 (No school on Wednesday November 11 - Veteran's Day)

Students are asked to work diligently on their class notes for this home nugget. The notes in question are those dated November 2nd to the present. These are the majority of the notes from term 2. This is also an opportune time to organize the math binder and to ensure that the sections are in order: Class Notes, Home Nuggets, Handouts, Assessments, Guide-To

Students were provided yet another copy of the class notes rubric today for their reference and they are reminded that all class notes should be accompanied by a thorough key terms/ideas section that details exactly what is showing up in the notes.

Please bear in mind that this is the 3rd set of notes being collected this year and as such, expectations are high for quality.

Focus on Two Types of Linear Relationship: Proportional and Non-Proportional

Home Nugget #6
Assigned on Monday November 9, 2009
Due on Tuesday November 10. 2009

**IMPORTANT** Please work on all of your class notes from term 2. They will be collected in the next few days and given that this is the 3rd time I am collecting notes, the expectation continues to grow.

In Algebra I book,

Page 175 # 14 - 17, 18

Page 179 # 28 - 33

Page 181 # 1 - 21

A Trip Down Math Memory Lane: Investigations 1 and 2

Given that students had a quiz on lessons 3-1 to 3-3 today and that we have derived almost all the content we wanted from 3-4, this weekend presents itself as an opportune time to commit to further exposure to chapter 1 and 2 concepts.

Students were provided with a practice sheet including 18 questions that span the spectrum of topics from the first two chapters. Being provided with repeated opportunities to see and engage with concepts to try and develop long term, meaningful retention is a hallmark of our classroom.

Home Nugget #5
Assigned on Friday November 6, 2009
Due on Monday November 9, 2009

18 questions from practice sheets on Inv. 1 and 2

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

Arithemetic Sequences - Our Examination of Recursion

Home Nugget #4 of the 2nd term
Assigned on Thursday November 5, 2009
Due on Friday November 6, 2009

Page 168 # 12 - 18 even problems

# 20 - 25

Page 169 # 28 - 30, 34 - 37 and 40 - 41

Gearing Up for an Assessment on Lessons 3-1 to 3-3 and Most Recent SAT Questions

Students who complete tonight's home nugget with a particular focus and effort are essentially guaranteed to be fearless in confronting tomorrow's assessment.

Home Nugget #3 of the 2nd Term
Assigned on Wednesday November 4, 2009
Due on Thursday November 5, 2009

Part I:
Five reflection questions provided in class today

Part II:
Page 164 # 1 - 20

Page 178 # 15 - 20

Page 179 # 21, 22

Exploring Linear Functions

Home Nugget #2 of the 2nd Term
Assigned on Tuesday November 3, 2009
Due on Wednesday November 4, 2009

In Algebra I book,

Page 160

# 36, 37, 39 - 44, 45 - 48, 51, 55 - 58

Students, all problems must be accompanied by evidence of the work you have done in order to find a solution. This has been a consistent theme this year and we will not diverge from it. Furthermore, answer questions in their entirety. If you are asked to graph, do so.

First Day of the Second Term

Families, please be advised that math grades will likely be available on Snapgrades by this weekend. Furthermore, a letter/self-assessment was sent home today that requires your signature and input from your child. This sheet will be collected and count as a 10 point quiz.

The second part of the home nugget involves an independent study assignment. Every so often, we encounter a lesson or topic that students can manage to make sense of ON THEIR OWN. Tonight's home nugget is one such instance.

Home Nugget #1 of the 2nd Term
Assigned on Monday November 2, 2009
Due on Tuesday November 3, 2009

Read through pages 155 - 158 for understanding.
Take class notes on content covered.
Solve problems 1 - 11 on page 158
Group quiz tomorrow on topic covered

FCAs will no longer be posted unless they are significantly different for a particular lesson

Function Notation and the Vertical Line Test

Home Nugget #33
Assigned on October 30, 3009
Due on November 2, 2009

In the Algebra I book,

Page 152 # 15 - 18

Page 153
# 21 - 25

# 29 - 36

# 43 - 45

# 48

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed

2 points: evidence provided for all solutions

A Last Effort Before Tomorrow's Chapter 2 Summative Test

Home Nugget #32
Assigned on Wednesday October 28, 2009
Due on Thursday October 29, 2009

Tonight's assignment(s) reflect an ongoing belief that students need lots of varied exposure to math concepts if they are to have a chance at both understanding and mastery.

The long-term guide to chapter 2 is due tomorrow and students are reminded that it counts as a 50 point quiz grade. The directions were provided last Thursday so much opportunity has been afforded to get it done.

This evening's new challenge is to reinvent and solve 10 word problems from a practice sheet I originally created for students on Tuesday. (there are problems involving test grades and insects, percent changes and solving for specific variables)

Students have done this sort of assignment before and there seems to be general agreement that being forced to keep the characteristics of the problem the same and alter the values and outcome is an invaluable exercise towards true understanding of content.

Two Days Before Our Summative Test on Chapter 2..

Home Nugget #32
Assigned on Tuesday October 27, 2009
Due on Thursday October 29, 2009


Guide-to Chapter 2. Directions were provided on Thursday of last week so students have had an enormous amount of time and opportunity to work on this long-term assignment.

The rubric for grading the lesson is on the direction sheet itself. Furthermore, the guide-to is counted as a 50 point quiz grade. Completing the guide in genuine way leads to two positive outcomes:
1. The student earns a high score on an assessment
2. The student is preparing themselves for the summative test on chapter 2

Representing Relations

Home Nugget #31
Assigned on Monday October 26, 2009
Due on Tuesday October 27, 2009

In Algebra I book,

Page 146 # 1 - 7, 14 - 17

Page 148 # 39 - 42

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

Reminder!
The Guide-to Chapter 2 is due on Thursday October 29, 2009

I'm Off to A Conference!

Home Nugget #30
Assigned on Thursday October 22, 2009
Due on Monday October 26, 2009 (Since I will be out on Friday)

In Algebra I book,

Page 125 # 1 - 7

Page 126 # 8 - 12

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

ALSO

Students know precisely what to do in class on Friday. Directions were provided in class Thursday and also posted on the board. The substitute teacher was also provided with the same.

Here's what was provided to students:
A. Sheet labeled "Chapter 2 Test, Form 2C." Solve all problems and show all work on a separate sheet of paper. THIS WILL BE COLLECTED ON MONDAY 10/26.

B. Some of you may want to continue working on home nugget #30 (posted above) WHICH WILL BE COLLECTED ON MONDAY 10/26.

C. You can work on your guide to chapter 2 which is due on THURSDAY OCTOBER 29.

D. Everyone seems to need time to work on their class notes, in particular, the key terms/ideas. When will I collect notes? WHO KNOWS? (that's why you should work on them daily!)

Shedding More Light on Solving Equations for A Specific Variable

Home Nugget # 29
Assigned on Wednesday October 21
Due on Thursday October 22

In book

Page 120 # 32, 33

Page 123 Read over example #2 then solve "check your progress #2"

Page 722 lesson 2-8 # 4 - 12

Why in the World Would We Want to Fiddle with a Perfectly Good Equation?

Today's class was primarily concerned with answering the question posted on today's blog title. We made use of two very familiar equations: the Pythagorean Theorem Equation and the equation for a line written in slope-intercept form.

The idea was to ask, "what can these equations be used to find?" In doing so, we realized that we can manipulate equations to serve our particular purposes.

Home Nugget #28
Assigned on Tuesday October 20, 2009
Due on Wednesday October 21, 2009

In Algebra I book,

Page 120

# 12 - 17

# 22 - 25

# 29 - 31

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

Much-Needed Practice on Percent of Change Problems

Home Nugget #27
Assigned on Monday October 19, 2009
Due on Tuesday October 20, 2009

Practice Sheet for 2-7
# 5 - 7, 13 - 15, 18, 19, 24 - 26

Word Problem Practice Sheet
# 1 - 6

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed

2 points: evidence provided for all problems

Taking on Percent Change and Making the Connection to Ratios and Proportions

Home Nugget #26
Assigned on Friday October 16, 2009
Due on Monday October 19, 2009

In Algebra I book,

Page 114
# 18 - 21
# 26, 27
# 35, 36
# 39, 40

Page 115
# 41 and 43

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

Looking at Lessons 2-1 to 2-5 Through a New Lens and Continuing to Make Progress with Ratios and Proportions

Students are being asked to use last Friday's quiz (dated Oct. 9) to recreate and solve a number of problems. We talked extensively in class today about what this means and what the expectation for tonight's lesson is. Students agreed that often teachers will use the same strategy repeatedly to teach a concept, even if that technique is not proving effective. By having students come up with their own problems, that still preserve the characteristics of the quiz problems, we are allowing them to have a new lens on the subject.

I also provided a mock 'run-through' of what I would expect on a set of class notes. For the very last time, I informed students of the actual day's notes that I will be collecting and assessing tomorrow, those from Oct.6.


Home Nugget #25

Assigned on Thursday October 15, 2009
Due on Friday October 16, 2009

Using Friday's 30 point quiz, recreate AND solve problems 4 - 7, 11 and 12, 14 - 20

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

Ratios and Proportions: What Does it Really Mean to Find "Cross-Products?"

Today's class saw an exploration into what is meant by ratios and proportions. Students took complete control of figuring out what is meant by these math terms and more importantly, came up with methods for determining whether two ratios actually form a proportion. Furthermore, students uncovered the truth behind why using cross-products to determine proportions works and tied this discovery in very well with our recent conversation about division of fractions.

Tonight, in addition to the formal home nugget assigned below, students are asked to complete a brief independent study based on pages 106, 107 and 108 of the Algebra book. While we explored the core topics underlying ratios and proportions, there are still sub-areas to discuss including terms like means and extremes, rate and scale. Students must read through and make sense of the content presented on these pages by tomorrow.

Home Nugget #24
Assigned on Wednesday October 14, 2009
Due on Thursday October 15, 2009

In Algebra book,
Page 109
# 9 - 12
#18 - 23
#27 - 34

Page 110
# 38

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

A Chance at Redemption: Taking Another Crack at Lessons 2-1 to 2-5

Home Nugget #23
Assigned on Tuesday October 13, 2009
Due on Wednesday October 14, 2009

This lesson counts as a 20 point quiz! It gives you a chance, now that we had further discussions in class today, to take another shot at the topic of solving equations using your four principles.
1. isolate the variable
2. balance
3. undoing/opposite operations
4. collecting like terms

The problems are as follows from the Algebra book:

Page 720
lesson 2-2 # 7, 8, 19, 20, 23
lesson 2-3 # 5, 11, 12, 13, 15

Page 721
lesson 2-4 # 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
lesson 2-5 # 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

The quizzes will be graded in class tomorrow with each question being worth 1 point.

A Weekend to Catch Up and Get Ahead

Monday October 12 is a holiday and there is no school. Given this extended weekend, students are strongly urged to invest in their class notes, particularly on the key terms/ideas section. This idea of looking over one's class notes and then writing explanatory notes alongside them has been and will continue to be an ongoing theme this year. It is one of our most effective mechanisms for understanding content. Students who struggle with math concepts will most likely benefit the most from employing this technique.

In addition, students are asked to work on a new set of SAT questions with an emphasis on providing clear, comprehensive demonstrations of their thought process for each question. On Tuesday, I will collect not the SAT sheet itself but rather a seperate sheet of paper on which the student should have shown work and solutions.

Home Nugget #22
Assigned on Friday October 9, 2009
Due on Tuesday October 13, 2009

From SAT sheet (Pages 50 and 55)
ALL PROBLEMS

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed
2 points: evidence of work shown for all problems

Collecting Our Thoughts on Lessons 2-1 to 2-5

Given where we are in chapter 2, on the cusp of looking at the topic of ratios and proportions in lesson 2-6, it seems appropriate to make sure we are satisfied with our understanding of lessons 2-1 to 2-5. Tonight's home nugget is essentially a glorified review but a neccessary one in order for students to have every chance to look at the big picture of how these concepts relate to one another.

Home Nugget # 21
Assigned on Thursday October 8, 2009
Due on Friday October 9, 2009

From Algebra I text,

Page 104 # 1 - 26

ALSO those students who were asked to redo Journal Entry #1 of the first term over, they are due tomorrow!

Solving Equations with the Variable on Both Sides

Despite the appearance of dealing with 'new' math content today, what is really happening is that we continue to be guided by basic principals of solving equations with the addition of one more rule.

They are for your reference:
1. Maintaining Balance
2. Isolating the Variable
3. Undoing Operations
4. Collecting Like Terms

Students are also very quickly catching on to the fact that math is intriguing in the sense that you learn a core skill and then are asked to deal with lots of variation on that skill. This forces you to think critically about problem-solving. For instance, although today's topic was solving equations with the variable on both sides, we also explored the use of the distributive property in our work, the existence of equations with no solutions and the phenomenon of identity equations where all real numbers make an equation true.

Home Nugget # 20
Assigned on Wednesday October 7, 2009
Due on Thursday October 8, 2009

In Algebra I book,
Page 101 #15 - 22 and 27 - 29

page 102 #42 - 44 and 46, 47

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed
2 points: evidence/work shown for all problems

Solving Multi-Step Equations by Focusing on "Undoing Operations"

Home Nugget #19
Assigned on Tuesday October 6
Due on Wednesday October 7

In Algebra I text,

Page 95 # 17 - 22, 25, 27

Page 96 # 30, 31, 36 - 39

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed
2 points: evidence/work for all problems provided

Can Basic Properties of Equations Carry Us Through Lesson 2-3?

Home Nugget #18
Assigned on Monday October 5, 2009
Due on Tuesday October 6, 2009

In Algebra I text,
Page 88 # 23 -20
Page 89 # 36 - 40 and 47 -51

Students do not have to formally 'check' all their solutions as the book indicates, HOWEVER, it should be a natural habit to look at a solution you have found and ask, "does this make sense?"

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

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.

Tying Up Loose Ends in Lesson 1-8

Today students submitted two 50 point quizzes. One was a class participation rubric with which I will assess their level of proactivity in the class for the two and a half weeks we have been together. The other was a class notes rubric in conjunction with their class notes for September 22.

I continue to try and convince students that these kinds of non-traditional assessments are a huge help for those who are not fond of or simply good at, pencil and paper exams that are invariably given in class. Assessment should be comprised of how well the student is doing overall, not their skill in one area.

Home Nugget #12
Assigned on Friday September 25, 2009
Due on Monday September 28, 2009

In Algebra book,

Page 61 # 8 - 11, 14 - 26

Page 62 # 29 - 40

Page 64 # 54 - 58


FCAs
2 points: all problems are completed
2 points: evidence is provided for all problems

Number Systems - Why Do We Need Them and How Do We Use Them?

Home Nugget #11 due 9/25
Assigned on September 24, 2009
Due on September 25, 2009

In Algebra book,
Page 51
# 22 - 27
# 32 - 37
# 48 - 59

Page 52
# 64, 65
# 69, 70

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

Making Your OB Math Notes Work for YOU!

Today's blog title refers to a handout I provided and a subsequent conversation we had in class today regarding our math notes. I strongly encourage families to ask students to see today's handout and then reference the student's math notes to see where areas of potential improvement exist. The 8th grade team as a whole has been made aware that lots of students are having organizational issues and so it is worth remembering that in the math class students are also expected to maintain a binder.

For your reference the binder is comprised of five sections; four of which students should already be making use of. They are:
1. OB Class Notes - the most significant portion of the binder. Students should be working on these notes both in class and AT HOME. They are not traditional notes and require much more maintenance than students are perhaps accustomed to.

2. Home Nuggets - all home nuggets, including those that have been graded and handed back, as well as those that are not collected, should be found in this section.

3. Handouts - often I provide students with problem sets, additional practice, detailed explanations, rubrics and so forth. All of these handouts should be stored in this section.

4. Assessments - all quizzes and tests belong in this section.

5. Guide-To - this is a section that we have not yet explored, but it will essentially consist of 'guides' that the students put together for each chapter we cover in the text.

Furthermore, all papers within each section of the binder must have the date and student's name on the top right hand corner of the sheet. This way each section can be chronologically sorted from older materials to newer materials. At the end of each term, we will empty the binders of all materials, store them in manila folders and begin a new term.

Tonight, students are asked to work exclusively on their class notes for this week. Ultimately, students should be in the habit of working on notes every night. Again, kindly reference the handout provided today for suggestions on what should appear in the notes as well as the rubric I provided last week for how the notes are graded.

ATTENTION! All students were provided with printed instructions for how they and their families can log on to the snapgrades website. Kindly log in over the next few days and if issues arise, feel free to contact me.

Home Nugget #10
Assigned on Wednesday September 23, 2009
Due on Thursday September 24, 2009

Use both the handout provided today titled "How to Make Your OB Math Notes Work for YOU!" as well as the rubric I handed out last week to work on the class notes for 9/21, 9/22 and 9/23.

There are no FCAs today.

Logical Reasoning, Counterexamples and Conditional Statements

Today's class started as do many classes, with me posing the question, "do we already know something about the topic that we are planning on investigating?" The student response was overwhelming. We quickly realized that we use these methods of exploring the world around us, particularly math scenarios, as a matter of habit.

Look over and work on your class notes tonight and every night! Someone who picks up your class notes should be able to tell immediately what happened in class that day and how the problems you solved contribute to to the theme of that day's class.

Home Nugget #9
Assigned on September 22, 2009
Due on September 23, 2009

In Algebra book,

Page 42 # 15 - 24
Page 43 # 31 - 38 and 40 - 41
Page 44 # 43, 47 - 49

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

Distributive, Commutative and Associative Properties

An email was sent out today to all parents and students who provided email contact information with the purpose of re-inviting families to log in to www.snapgrades.net in order to see 1st term standings for mathematics. Printed directions will also be provided this week for students to bring home so kindly ask for them as the week progresses.

Tonight's home nugget serves the function of allowing students to actually make use of the three math properties we acknowledged in class today. It will go a long way in making sense of the properties and putting them into context.

Home Nugget #8
Assigned on Monday September 21, 2009
Due on Tuesday September 22, 2009

In Algebra I book,

Page 30 # 36 - 45

Page 32 # 1 -3, 8 - 12, 18

Page 36 # 33, 34, 37 - 40

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

Entering the Weekend Having Taken Our First In-Class Quiz

Today's quiz was reflective of many of our future class assessments in that it was entirely open-response and based primarily on topics/problems that appear in the students class notes. This weekend, students are asked to return to working out more SAT problems, all having to do with integers and number sense, with the intention of strengthening our overall reasoning ability, an often neglected quality in mathematics classes.

ALSO!!!
Ask students about their comfort level with today's quiz. It is likely that those students who worked on their class notes nightly found questions to be at least familiar. This is done intentionally! STUDENTS MUST WORK ON THEIR CLASS NOTES NIGHTLY!

One useful exercise is to take a problem we worked out in class and 're-invent' it at home to see if you can still solve it, even with the values being altered.

At the end of next week, families should expect that I will post current first term grades and send home log-in information for Snapgrades.

Home Nugget #7
Assigned on Friday September 21, 2009
Due on Monday September 24, 2009

From SAT sheet pages 41 and 42

page 41 # 13 - 18

page 42 # 1 - 7

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

A Bounty of Incredibly Fundamental and USEFUL Math Properties

Students left today's class simultaneously thinking that much, if not all of what we covered, seemed like common sense and at the same time, amazed at how far a little logic can take you in mathematics. Students must be intimately familiar with ALL of the properties we covered today and be able to recognize their use in context.

Some reminders for tomorrow!
1. Math textbooks must have a cover or they will be confiscated until a cover is brought to class. The books are barely two years old and yet they have suffered enormous wear and tear. We wish not to further exacerbate the problem.

2. Our second quiz is scheduled for tomorrow. The higher score based on quiz 1 and 2 will be counted towards the term grade. Tomorrow's quiz includes:
a. Lessons 1-1 to 1-4 in the book
b. All the SAT questions we have discussed
c. All the content from the class notes (father/son problem, boys and dogs problem, exponential table, etc.)

Students should be working on their class notes nightly to begin with! Tonight is a particularly important night to do so.

Home Nugget #6
Assigned on Thursday September 17, 2009
Due on Friday September 18, 2009

In Algebra book,

Page 23
# 8 - 16 even
# 21 - 23

Page 24
# 25 - 29

Page 25
# 36 - 38


FCAs
2 points: all problems completed
2 points: evidence/explanations provided for all problems

Open Sentences and Terms like Replacement Sets, Solution Sets and Elements

One of our inquiries today had us investigating a hypothetical student's home nugget grades, where on the surface of things, it appeared that the student was faring well overall. However, once we actually calculated the mean, it quickly become evident that the average was a 60%. I wished for students to take home the following messages from this exercise:

1. You cannot afford to miss any home nugget lessons because it is too severe a blow to the overall home nugget average.

2. You cannot afford any grade lower than a 3.

Students are also reminded that they should be working on their class notes every single night for a two-fold purpose:

A. Reviewing and commenting on the notes is a process of reflection and lets you really digest content in a meaningful way.

B. The class notes will be periodically collected and graded as a quiz score.

Home Nugget #5
Assigned on Wednesday September 16, 2009
Due on Thursday September 17, 2009

In Algebra I textbook,

Read pages 15 - 17

Then solve:

Page 18 # 12, 13, 15, 21

Page 19 # 41

Pag 20 # 64 - 67

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed
2 points: evidence/explanations provided for all problems

Order of Operations and What it Means to Evaluate an Expression or Equation

Often the blog title will reference the topic that was discussed in class. Certainly today's title is representative of today's class themes. In following with our philosophy of developing class autonomy, students were provided with a numerical equation which they had to then translate into distinct verbal expressions. We continued by discussing the pros and cons of using a device like PEMDAS for the purpose of using order of operations.

Home Nugget #4
Assigned on Tuesday September 15, 2009
Due on Wednesday September 16, 2009

In Algebra textbook,
Page 13
#29 - 31
#33 - 39
#41 - 43

Page 14
#44, 48

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

Re-Establishing Home Nugget Norms and Expectations Once and For All

The first lesson students turned in, home nugget #1, prompted me to create a candid presentation for students, in order for them to be perfectly clear on what the class standard is for work that is done in connection with the class. The presentation can be found at http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcszzgg_230d6r6tg96.

Simply put, the home nuggets students hand in are primarily graded on whether the student convinces me that they have invested their absolute best effort and this seemingly subjective conclusion is based on whether all problems are attempted and justified along with the adherence to the format that I have prescribed.

Tonight's lesson will count for the full 4 points and a second 10 point quiz assigned within the week to hopefully take the place of quiz #1.

Home Nugget #3
Due September 15, 2009

From SAT problems sheet
page 38 # 1 - 7

Page 40 # 9 - 12

FCAs (Focus Correction Areas)
2 points: all problems completed
2 points: evidence presented for all problems

Developing Math Autonomy Through Reasoning

In looking over quiz #1 and home nugget #1 which were handed in Friday Sept, 11, a number of items have come to my attention. I would ask that you are mindful of the following as you work on your home nugget this weekend.

1. You must have a complete heading in the order required:
Full Name, homeroom number, chapter from which the lesson is taken, home nugget number and due date.

Issues like illegible handwriting or poor use of space also fall into the category of a format issue. Remember to create a format and presentation that allows the reader to focus on content.

2. You cannot leave questions blank. Period. You must attempt all questions.

3. Your solutions must be accompanied with evidence of your math work, and when required, a written explanation that makes sense.

Here's this weekend's home nugget:

Home Nugget #2
Assigned on Friday September 11, 2009
Due on Monday September 14, 2009

A. Have required class materials as prescribed on your syllabus.

B. Answer questions 9 - 16 from the SAT sheet (p. 36) and include written explanation for #9, 12, 15.


FCAs
2 points: you have all materials
2 points: all problems are solved and explained where required

Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year!

Welcome 8th graders to the 2009-2010 school year. This blog will serve as a means of communication, primarily for the purpose of posting nightly homework (known as home nuggets). I will infrequently post relevant class information so it is in your best interest to check in every few days. Furthermore, this blog is not intended to take the place of your copying home nuggets down for yourself in class.

Today's primary objectives in class are essentially as follows:

1. Have students immediately engage in problem-solving in looking at a 'magic' trick that I perform then being asked to distill the actual math secret to the whole process.
2. Students will get an overall sense of what the course is about; primarily our objective is math autonomy specifically in regards to algebra. Students are the engine that drives the content as opposed to the teacher modeling steps and students simply mimicking.
3. Students will receive introductory paperwork detailing home nuggets, the class syllabus and class customs.

By the end of this first class meeting, all students should be clear on what the general course expectations are, how they will be assessed and what the instructional philosophy is comprised of.

There is homework due tomorrow!

Home Nugget #1
Assigned on Thursday September 10, 2009
Due on Friday September 11, 2009

3 parts:

A. Return one copy of the class syllabus filled out completely.

B. From the SAT problems sheet that your receive (pg. 35 & 36) solve problems 1 - 8. Show math work for all problems and include written explanations of your thought process for # 4, 6, 7 and 8.

C. Answer the following with as much detail as possible:
Ten years from now, in an ideal world, what do you see for yourself?
What do you want most from this year of mathematics?

Focus Correction Areas (FCAs) These are the general criteria against which the nugget is compared and graded.

1 point: syllabus returned completely filled out
2 points: SAT problems all completed and #4, 6, 7 and 8 explained
1 point: questions answered thoroughly

The class activity we started has been added as part of tonight's work!

You can find a replica of the six cards at the following link: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcszzgg_229hfwnt3f6 and the four questions are as follows:

1. Explain how the magic trick is actually performed and describe in detail how you figured it out.
2. Explain why the numbers on the cards are arranged in the manner shown.
3. Why stop at 63? If we add a card, what max. value would we reach?
4. Create or list the first 5 and the last 5 numbers that would appear on a 7th card.

Bear in mind that the answers to these questions will be graded and count as your first quiz grade of the first term. The focus is on the level of effort and persistence you invest as opposed to the accuracy of your solutions.

Ending Our Trip Down Memory Lane... Chapter 12 is Our Final Destination!

Home Nugget #19
Assigned on Tuesday June 16, 2009
Due on Thursday June 18, 2009 (No school Wednesday for Bunker Hill Day)

You will have the District Math Final on Thursday and the Class Final (produced by me) on Friday. They will count as 40% and 60% of the 6th Term grade respectively.

In Algebra I text, you are on your very last chapter to look over prior to the exams!

Page 685 # 9 - 13

Page 686 # 14 - 26

REMINDER!!! Please bring your Algebra I textbook to class on Thursday or Friday in order that I may turn them in to the department head and count your final exam scores. If you have lost your book, talk to me personally so that we can find some resolution.


FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Remainder of Chapter 9

Home Nugget #18 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Monday June 15, 2009
Due on Tuesday June 16, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Page 519 #37 - 40

Page 520 41, 43, 45, 48 - 51

Page 521 #1 - 17 odd

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Taking a A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 9

Home Nugget #17 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Friday June 12, 2009
Due on Monday June 15, 2009

In Algebra I textbook,

Read through and reconnect with content in lessons 9-1 to 9-3.

Then solve the following:

Page 518 # 11 - 16 odd, 17 - 20, 25 - 27

Page 519 # 28 - 33

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 8

Home Nugget #16 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Thursday June 11, 2009
Due on Friday June 12, 2009

Sheet titled Chapter 8 Test Form D

All problems.

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 8

Home Nugget #16 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Thursday June 11, 2009
Due on Friday June 12, 2009

Chapter 8 Test Form 2D - all problems

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 6 & 7

Home Nugget #15 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Wednesday June 10, 2009
Due on Thursday June 11, 2009


Students agreed that Chapter 6 is among the more dense sections of the Algebra I textbook and so today allowed us an opportunity to work all the way up to the theme of absolute value functions and their related graphs. We need further time tomorrow to flesh out the ideas in absolute value inequalities and graphing systems of linear inequalities.

Tonight presents another assessment opportunity to students to alter their fifth term grade. It is a short-answer type assessment sheet titled Chapter 7 Test Form 2C and will be graded as a 40 point quiz grade.

Students must write all answers on the question sheet itself and attach all related work on separate paper.

Students can also skip question #12 as it is misprinted on the paper. They will not be penalized for doing so. Students are encouraged to use their textbooks, their own notes, prior exams and certainly to collaborate in order to understand the concepts. Bear in mind that this lesson is part of an ongoing attempt to prepare for our math final exam.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 6

Home Nugget #14
Assigned on Tuesday June 9, 2009
Due on Wednesday June 10, 2009

Sheet titled Chapter 6 Test, Form 2D

All questions should be completed and you should be prepared to respond to any questions posed in class.

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 5

Home Nugget #13 of the Fifth Term
Assigned on Monday June 8, 2009
Due on Tuesday June 9, 2009

THERE ARE TWO PARTS TO TONIGHT'S LESSON!

Part I
Finish off sheet labelled Chapter 5 Test Form 2C

Part II
All problems from sheet titled Chapter 5 Test Form 3

All told, this makes you responsible for around 50 questions.

PLEASE NOTE!

This lesson does not have the usual FCAs associated with it.

Instead, students will be called upon, one at a time, at my discretion, to provide solutions and strategy for problems that I choose to focus on.

Your ability to respond will constitute the home nugget grade.

This means that you should be comfortable and well-versed with ALL problems and certainly feel capable of sharing your insight and expertise with classmates.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 3 & 4

Home Nugget #12 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Friday June 5, 2009
Due on Monday June 8, 2009

Chapter 4 Test Form D - all questions

All answers must be reported on sheet itself. All work/evidence must also be attached.

This will be graded as a 50 - point quiz!!!

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 2

Home Nugget #11 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Thursday June 4, 2009
Due on Friday June 5, 2009

All problems from sheet titled Chapter 2 Test Form 2D

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Taking A Trip Down Memory Lane - Chapter 1

Is it possible to be allergic to the word 'review?' I say this partly in jest but partluy with sincerity. I've always had an aversion to the thought of plodding through a lifeless review of concepts taught over the course of a school year.

What we have before us is more along the lines of a long-term reflection. My interactions with students this year lead me to believe with a high level of confidence that we have successfully navigated an enormous amount of meaningful content. The challenge that presents itself to us is how to revisit these themes and concepts without just fanciful conversation about them. My belief is that we simply have to dive into representative problems from each lesson and let ourselves 'relive' these experiences firsthand.

I made the best argument I could today in class with the intention of promoting the gravity of your math final and hope that you also view the assessment as a measure of your own progress this school year.

Home Nugget #10
Assigned on Wednesday June 3, 2009
Due on Thursday June 4, 2009

All problems from Chapter 1 Test Form 3

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Making Progress While Convalescing

Home Nugget #9 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Tuesday May 26, 2009
Due on Wednesday June 3, 2009

Lesson is worth 12 points given the extended time in which you have to complete it.

On Tuesday, those of who were in school received a double-sided practice sheet titled 12-4 Practice Probability of Compound Events on one side and 12-4 Word Problem Practice Probability of Compound Events on the other side.

You are responsible for answering ALL questions with work and evidence of your thought process on a separate sheet of paper.

I understand that we had just begun our conversation around compound probability on Tuesday, but I am confident that with all this time at your disposal you can come to a stronger understanding of:

• compound events that are either independent or dependent
• mutually exclusive and inclusive events

In particular, the trick is to figure out when to multiply fractions and when to add them and perhaps most intriguingly, when to work subtraction into the mix. Area diagrams can be a huge help in making sense of these situations as can simply writing out possible outcomes as we did with permutations and combinations.

Furthermore, upon our return we will be looking to finish off Chapter 12 and prepare to launch into a reflection of all the content covered this school year in anticipation of the final exam, which for many of you, is a major determinant of how your final grade looks.

To this end, you should also read over lessons 12-5 and 12-6 and attempt the Mid-Chapter Test on page 671.

Keep in mind that the web address for the online version of the book is available at the top of this blog and that I am happy to respond to math queries at nkhodjat@gmail.com

The unexpected closing of school is not cause for us to dismiss the content goals we have in mathematics and I strongly encourage you to follow the recommendations in this blog posting.

Pushing the Envelope on Probability by Working Independently Through Lesson 12-4

Home Nugget #8 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Wednesday May 20, 2009
Due on Tuesday May 26, 2009
(The assignment by necessity had to be long term because of the Science MCAS that students were taking on Thursday and Friday and the schedule changes caused by it)

THIS LESSON IS WORTH 12 POINTS!

Read through pages 663 - 666 (Lesson 12 - 4)

Solve problems 1 - 37 on pages 667 and 668.

Note to students: this idea of conducting independent study on a topic has been a recurring theme this year and it has been my hope that you see the value of not just completing a lesson for the sake of 'getting it done' but rather for deriving something meaningful from it. This lesson in particular places a heavy emphasis on probability and forces you to reason through different scenarios before deciding on a problem-solving plan of action. How appropriate that this is one of our last topics of study this year given that we have committed so much time to identifying patterns and predicting future outcomes. Come to class on Tuesday having genuinely spent time trying to understand the themes and topics presented so that we can engage in a true conversation where students volunteer their interpretations and conclusions.


FCAs
6 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
6 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Pursuing Further Exposure to Problem Sets Involving Permutations, Combinations and Fundamental Counting Principle

Home Nugget #7 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Monday May 18, 2009
Due on Wednesday May 20, 2009

In your Algebra I textbook, the following problems will help you become re-acquainted with content from the first three lessons.

Page 742

Lesson 12 - 1 # 1 - 4
Lesson 12 - 2 # 1 - 4
Lesson 12 - 3 # 1 - 5

ALSO I xeroxed and distributed a sheet on Monday that includes further practice problems. At the bottom of the sheet it reads pages 574 and 575. You are to solve ALL problems EXCEPT for #7, 9, and 11.

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Promised Sampling of Solutions

So here are a handful of solutions for this weekend's home nugget which was entirely comprised of word problems. Bear in mind that you are responsible for showing all work and evidence, so the function of these solutions is to simply confirm or disprove answers that you are finding on your own.

From 12-2 Word Problem Practice

#1 - 362, 880 ways to line up

#3 - 98, 010 codes are possible

#4 - 10 outcomes are possible

From 12-2 Word Problem Practice

#1 - 15 ways they can be paired

#3 - 55 pairs can be formed

#4 - 720 ways to arrange the letters

Staying Aggressive With the Fundamental Counting Principle and Permutations/Combinations

The word problems on this lesson are meant to cover a range of difficulty levels. You will likely feel more confident after Friday's class in terms of your ability to try out problems and be successful in solving them. I will post a good deal of solutions this weekend in order to give you some immediate feedback as to how accurately you are solving.


Home Nugget #6 of the Fifth Term
Assigned on Thursday May 14, 2009
Due on Monday May 18, 2009

Lessons 12-2 and 12-3 Word Problem Practice Sheets

All problems should be completed with work/reasoning/evidence shown separately

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

A Long Term Assignment to Carry Us Through the Math MCAS and Beyond

Home Nugget #5 of the Fifth Term
Assigned on Thursday May 7, 2009
Due on THURSDAY MAY 14, 2009

THE FOLLOWING LESSON IS WORTH 16 POINTS! You have a week to complete the assignment which is comprised of studying and solving problems from three different lessons, all relating to statistics and probability. We spoke at length about the challenges presented by these sorts of independent study assignments and students seem to acknowledge that there should be an emphasis on understanding as opposed to coverage, of material.

The hope is that by next Thursday, students will have sufficient exposure and practice in attempting problems to engage in a real discussion about topics of statistics and probability.

Read pages 642 - 644
Do pages 645 and 646 # 1 - 20

Read pages 650 - 652
Do page 653 # 1 - 20

Read pages 655 - 658
Do page 659 - 660 # 1 - 45

FCAs
8 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
8 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Too Much of a Good Thing? Taking a Second Crack at a Practice Test on Chapter 9

Home Nugget #4 of the Fifth Term
Assigned on Wednesday May 6, 2009
Due on Thursday May 7, 2009

Complete all questions from Chapter 9 Test Form C
Be sure to provide work/explanations/evidence where appropriate.

This home nugget now completes the FOURTH summative practice activity for this chapter. Students should be ready for anything at this point.

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Tackling Chapter 9 Test Preparation with Gusto

Home Nugget #3 of the Fifth Term
Assigned on Tuesday May 5, 2009
Due on Wednesday May 6, 2009

Complete all questions from Chapter 9 Test Form 3
Be sure to provide work/explanations/evidence where appropriate.

Bear in mind that this version of the test is considered among the toughest of assessments so you should expect a good deal of challenge and rigor. The bright side is that if you can work your way through these problems, you are likely to perform well on any assessment I give.

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

The Fifth and Final Term is Underway! Look out July!

O.k., so the title is a little out of hand. But I think we should all allow ourselves the excitement.

Today I asked students what they want out of the course in this final term and the response was lukewarm in general. It is worth giving some thought to the idea that if you are uncertain about your goals and aspirations, it will be awfully difficult to derive anything meaningful from the course.

From my perspective, here are some of the things I am striving for:

1. Looking at multi-step and multi-layer problems that more closely resemble real-life situations and allow us to see real math applications.
2. Use this time to cast a look back at all the "big" themes from this year and be able to say with confidence that we have mastered these ideas and are ready to develop them further in future courses. The outcome we want to avoid is to feel that the summer will wipe away the gains we have made since September.
3. Continue to approach class in an explorations-based manner where students always take the lead on figuring things out and are then able to take ownership of material first-hand.
4. Stay committed to making good use of class and home time to practice note-taking, home nugget completing and reflection skills.

Be reminded that on the posting for Friday May 1, 2009 I specifically detail the home nugget conditions for the fifth term. Be mindful of these terms in the coming days.

Home Nugget #2 of the Fifth Term
Assigned on Monday May 4, 2009
Due on Tuesday May 5, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Page 521

Numbers 3 - 6, 9, 14 - 18, 21 - 24

SPECIAL FCAS!!! You need an analysis tonight!
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
1 point: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.
1 point: bulleted analysis of the content/skills/ideas being illustrated by the lesson

Entering the Fifth and Final Marking Term of the School Year - Coping with Exponential Growth and Decay Functions

Among the proposed assessment changes in the 5th term is the notion that I will no longer consistently collect home nuggets. A significant number of students have misinterpreted this to mean that home nuggets are no longer relevant. Let me clarify again and add a stipulation.

In the 5th marking period, I will GENERALLY ask for a show of hands of those students who assert that they have completed their home nuggets according to the FCAs and would be confident in assuming they earn at least a 3. These students will automatically earn a 4 for that lesson.

HOWEVER, given that some students are still not convinced of the enormous value of completing lessons consistently and meaningfully, I will randomly collect lessons periodically to see first-hand whether lessons are being completed in actuality. Students who are found to have falsely claimed home nugget completion will suffer a three lesson penalty of three zeros.

The take-home message is: DO ALL HOME NUGGETS IN THEIR ENTIRETY. They are simply the best way to understand and improve on the content. You will be a better student and mathematician for the experience.

Home Nugget #1 of the 5th Term
Assigned on Friday May 1 , 2009
Due on Monday May 4, 2009

Finish ALL questions on the most recent MCAS packet. You should include all work and answers right on the papers. This will be our study guide for tackling specific content next week in anticipation of the actual exam.

ALSO

In Algebra I text,

Page 519 # 37 - 40
Page 520 # 41 - 51

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

ATTENTION!

Home Nuggets will continue to be assigned for the remainder of the year. They are intended to achieve a number of outcomes, namely to allow you to either explore or practice concepts. This is not a phenomenon specific only to a mathematics course but rather any pursuit.

Do all lessons in their entirety such that you can continue to learn mathematics in a meaningful way.


Home Nugget #27 of the 4th Term
Assigned on Thursday April 30, 2009
Due on Friday May 1, 2009

Read pages 510 - 512

Based on the reading, solve problems 1 - 10 on pages 512 & 513

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Home Nugget #26 of the 4th Term
Assigned on Wednesday April 29, 2009
Due on Thursday April 30, 2009

Page 506 # 12, 15, 17 and 19 - 26

Page 507 # 30 - 41

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Exponential Functions - Familiar or Novel?

Home Nugget #25 of the 4th Term
Assigned on Tuesday April 28, 2009
Due on Wednesday April 29, 2009

Read pages 502 - 505 on exponential functions. Those of you who remember the book Growing, Growing, Growing from 7th grade will likely recall many of these concepts in great detail. Pay special attention to the examples provided.

Then solve problems 1 - 8 on pages 505 and 506. You will need graph paper in order to complete this assignment.

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Using the Quadratic Equation: More Than Meets the Eye

We are finally at a point where we can begin to discuss whether the quadratic formula is really the cure-all some students think it to be. In reality, the formula is only as effective as the person using it. Like any other formula, there is a story to be told about what its solutions mean and reveal about a quadratic function. The icing on the cake in this lesson we are in will be to make decisions about which solution techniques are most appropriate for given functions.

Use tonight's lesson as a chance to re-examine your use of the formula, what the discriminant means and to tackle some semi-puzzling word problems. Have fun. Seriously.

ALSO: YOU MUST BRING YOUR MATH TEXTBOOK TO CLASS TOMORROW! I AM BEING ASKED TO CONDUCT AN INVENTORY OF BOOKS. I MUST ACTUALLY SEE YOUR COPY WITH MY OWN EYES. Thank you.

Home Nugget #24 of the 4th Term
Assigned on Monday April 27, 2009
Due on Tuesday April 28, 2009

Page 497 # 9 - 17 and 23 - 25

Page 498 # 37 - 39 and 41 - 43

Page 499 # 54 - 62


FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

April Vacation: Continue to Pursue Solutions of Quadratic Equations - Pick Up the Quadratic Formula as a Tool in Your Arsenal

Home Nugget #23 of the 4th Term
Assigned on Friday April 17, 2009
Due on Monday April 27, 2009

Read lesson 9-4 on pages 493 - 496 "Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula"

Solve:

Page 497 # 1 - 8, 18 - 22, 26 - 32

Page 518 - 519 # 11 - 33

You will need graph paper for several problems. On Monday April 27, you will have a 50 point quiz on lessons 9-1 to 9-4.

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Three Critical Lessons in One Assignment

Tonight's home nugget combines elements/themes from lessons 9-1 to 9-3. Our conversations and interactions in class are evidence that by and large, students are still in need of further practice of these concepts. You are urged to think critically about each and every problem and to follow the FCAs as closely as possible.

In Algebra I text,

Page 492 # 1 - 13 graph paper was provided in class today

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Practicing Completing the Square Under Various Circumstances

Home Nugget #21 of the 4th Term
Assigned on Tuesday April 14, 2009
Due on Thursday April 16, 2009

In Algebra I text,
Page 489 # 12 - 19 and 27 - 31

Page 490 # 33 - 35, 40 - 42 and 44

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Much Needed Practice With Graphing Quadratic Functions and Word Problems

Home Nugget #20
Assigned on Monday April 13, 2009
Due on Tuesday April 14, 2009

In Algebra I text,

Read pages 487 and 488 specifically examples 2 and 4

Solve the following:

Page 752 # 1 - 7

Page 735 lesson 9-2 #4, 5, 6 and 22, 23, 24 on graph paper

FCAs
2 points: all problems completed in their entirety. Your effort at the end of the lesson is as evident as at the start.
2 points: evidence/explanations for your thought/solution process is provided for ALL pertinent problems.

Alternative Assessment: Using Means Other than Traditional Tests to Guage Student Abilities

Due Monday April 13, 2009

We have recently revisited the ongoing theme of alternative assessment in the math classroom and continue to promote this philosophy by working on two lessons, one of which is due Monday and the other which will be collected on a previously unannounced day.

Rubrics have been provided for both tasks and we have spent considerable time discussing questions and concerns, but more importantly the importance of such lessons. Traditional paper and pencil tests are not the sole measure of a student's competency in a subject therefore alternative methods need to be made available. This is the thinking behind the math field guide for chapter 8 and the ongoing class notes.

Your Math Field Guide and your Class Notes each count as a 100 point test grade. Invest in them wisely!