Order - Day 3

Here are the answers for the fractions arrangement:

Notes you should have in your MTN:



















HOMEWORK:  The following should be copied in your MTN and have a response ready to discuss in class.

Order -- Day 2

Hallway Display:

The worksheets that student groups had to work from:

Copies of Reflection Writing Sheets:  (With either choice -- Make sure you tape into your MTN.)
Make a copy -- then print -- then handwrite your responses LINK.

Make a copy -- then type your responses in the boxes -- then print LINK.

Photos of students STRATEGIES brainstorming lists:

Roberts Group

Bayle Group

Shaw Group

Kahn Academy -- Comparing Fractions LINK.

Group Work Pics:

Roberts

Bayle

Shaw

HOMEWORK:
1. Complete "Order" fraction arrangements AND reflection questions in your MTN for Monday.
2. STILL out there:
    ~ Fractal Photo
    ~ Desmos Graph
    ~ Diggers Reflections (Acts 1 & 2)

Order, Order, Order

MTN's were returned to students with grades and comments on three reflection assignments.  Paper copies of Desmos graphs from last week's graphing activity was also given to students.

A portion of today's lesson was conducted in the hallway outside the math room. A fractal photo display is located here, along with a fraction number line and flip chart revealing the dates for which the photos were received with the fraction of the completed assignment. Students were especially surprised with 26/46 photos were share one week after the due date. This led to a quick ethics conversation about problem solving when internet and sharing don't work and the importance of on time work completion.

Students returned to the classroom for instructions on their next group task and arranging mixed fractions from least to greatest.

Tomorrow, strategies will be shared and the next steps will be explained.  I will also include photos of work handouts and work sessions.

HOMEWORK:   None for those students caught up.

The following are incomplete for some students:
1. Fractal Photo shared with Mrs. Warren
2. Desmos Graph and share with Mrs. Warren
3. Reflection Responses for Acts 1 and 2

Orleans-Hanna

Students participated in the Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test. This is used for determining how prepared students may be to learn algebra. This is one indicator used to help predict which seventh grade students will be placed on the Pre-Algebra course standards. For the eighth grade students, O-H helps to make determinations for Algebra high school level placement.

HOMEWORK:  None for those students caught up.

The following are incomplete for some students:
1. Fractal Photo shared with Mrs. Warren
2. Desmos Graph and share with Mrs. Warren
3. Reflection Responses for Acts 1 and 2

Tying up Loose Ends

A reminder that Quarter 1 comes to a close on November 4. Thus, the first 10 minutes of class was spent informing students of their missing work (a list is at the bottom of the post).

Next, we went over the thinking required and the correct responses for Mini-Evaluation #1. Anyone may retake the evaluation between now and November 3. Students can see me for retakes before advisory or during A-Block any school day, OR stay after school on a Tuesday or Thursday (must make arrangements with me prior to staying).

I would also like students to go to the following blog posts:

1.  Fractal Link from Bella    (Go to the link and test it out!)
2.  Ditch Diggers - Act 3  (Watch the video)

HOMEWORK:  None --- Except if the following are incomplete:
1. Fractal Photo shared with Mrs. Warren
2. Desmos Graph and share with Mrs. Warren
3. Reflection Responses for Acts 1 and 2

Ditch Diggers - Act 3

Most students completed their graphs. There is still approximately 29   25   23    18    students on the team that has not shared their graph with me.

Here is final video clip showing the two teams digging. Most students are not surprised by the results,  but it is always pleasant to receive confirmation of one's results.

Act 3

HOMEWORK: 1. If you have not shared your graph with Mrs. Warren -- Do it Now.
2. Make sure ALL reflection questions (Act 2) have been answered by Monday.

Students Working:

Ditch Diggers -- Act 2

After processing responses from last night's homework assignment, we moved into gather suggestions for what is needed to answer the big question: "Do the two teams meet?"

Eventually --- a suggestion was made about overlaying a grid over the ditch digging map.

Act 2

Then students were given a paper grid with input/output tables. Notes were given in order for students to determine the information that leads to slope intercept lines.

Instructions for how to manipulate Desmos Graphing Calculator were given using a former chart (Painted Cube sides).

Painted Cube Sample

Students were given time in class to complete (then share to me) via their graph via Desmos Account.

HOMEWORK:  1.  IF NOT FINISHED IN SCHOOL --  MUST table and line equation for both teams from the video then SHARE with Mrs. Warren via email. If you have any problems, SEE me first thing tomorrow MORNING.

2. Complete Reflection Questions.


ACT 3 (THE FINAL ANSWER) WILL BE SHARED ON TOMORROWS BLOG POST.

Ditch Diggers

As students entered the classroom, "Raider's March" was playing to set the mood. A portion of a video clip was displayed in order for students to see how tunnels are dug in modern day (background knowledge).

I have taken a Dan Meyer lesson (see his bio below) and adapted it for our students. The team will be working on a problem of "ditch diggers" beginning a tunnel at two opposite points. Students will determine as to whether or not the tunnel will meet in the middle (we certainly hope it will).

The first part - or as Mr. Meyer calls it, Act One - requires the students to watch a video (23 seconds long) and answer the questions in their MTN.

Tunneling Machine

Act One Video

MTN Questions

BIO:
Dan Meyer is a former California high school math teacher. He worked with students who didn't like math and believes in better math instruction. He has been a guest on a number of talk shows, spoken internationally as well as TED Talk, and recently earned a doctorate from Stanford University in math education. He is now the Chief Academic Officer at Desmos and still striving to improve math education for all students.

HOMEWORK:  1. Complete the "Ditch Diggers -- Act One" questions in your MTN.
2. Test out this link on Cool Fractals from a Bella find.  Fractal Link

Fractal Homework

Over half the team still need to turn this in. You can take a pic and share with me via the school email - OR - take a pic, print at home and bring in to school - OR - sketch the item in nature that is represented in nature.  Get it done!

Tuesday and Wednesday -- Cool math project coming up.

Fractals in Math and Nature

After a discussion from last night's homework, we viewed other samples of fractals. Notes were given on Fibonacci Sequence and an exponent tree (both fractal examples).

Here is a sample copy of one group's notes:

Fractal Pack

While viewing the samples from the above link, students completed questions in their individual MTN's.  Then followed directions to creating an example of a fractal watershed.

HOMEWORK: Take a photo of at least one fractal in nature. Share with Mrs. Warren before 7:30 pm Sunday, 10/16/16 via email.

Mini-Eval#1 and Fractal Intro

Most students completed their first summative math assessment -- Mini-Eval. Those students wanting more time can finish before advisory or during A-Block tomorrow moring.

Tomorrow, we will examine fractals and watersheds. In order for students to have some background knowledge of fractals, they will have 2 questions to answer in their MTN. Their answers will help keep track and record their discoveries.

This is the link that will help you answer both questions:
Fractal Foundation

Here is the link to the blue handout (in case you forgot your MTN at school):
Fractals (handout for MTN)

HOMEWORK:  Complete the blue handout in your MTN.

Review, PEMDAS, & Exponents

Today was used to review the notes from last Wednesday and practice PEMDAS with the expression derived from Painted Cube project. The Mini-Eval will be given tomorrow.

Here are 3 posters from last week's group work. They demonstrate how groups were able to visualize and work out the problem to a solution to the given question. Ask your child about the question.

HOMEWORK: Mini-Eval #1 is tomorrow.

NWEA Testing

Math classes were not held due to NWEA Testing.

HOMEWORK: Read over Painted Cube and Square/Cube Notes for Mini-Eval #1 on Wednesday.

Quick Review for Mini'Eval #1

Here is a copy of teacher notes from today:

 


***SPECIAL NOTE:  Mini-Eval #1 has been changed from tomorrow to Wednesday, 10/12/16.

HOMEWORK:  Read over Painted Cube and Square/Cube Notes for Mini-Eval #1 on Wednesday.

PC Presentations & Square/Cube Notes

Students were given 20 - 25 minutes to polish their group poster and prepare their shared presentation to class.  Groups were given 2-3 minutes to present their findings.

Tomorrow, students will participate in a YouCubed Survey about the math problems which we have tackled over the past couple weeks. Then square/cube number notes will be given to students.


HOMEWORK:  Look over Painted Cube and Notes in MTN for Mini-Eval #1 on Thursday.

Painted Cube Group Share

Today, students continued working in groups.  The groups must design a method that best demonstrates their understanding of given questions for cubes that measure 3x3x3, 4x4x4, 5x5x5, and relate to the growth pattern for cubes with larger measurements.

Below are photos of students working:

HOMEWORK:  Be prepared to present with your group tomorrow.