Fractions Are Fun!

Another day, another trip! Today's trip was down Fraction Street!

Fraction Street is full of many different adventures. Finding common denominators, adding fractions, comparing fractions, multiplying by reciprocals, finding common factors, simplifying... and the list goes on!

Our focus today was reviewing the steps to solve fraction problems with all four operations. We started with notes in a Flippable for our Interactive Notebooks (best resources EVER).

Quick review in the beginning to refresh our minds on what the various parts of a fraction were and what each part meant. Quick, easy and too the point!

 Each student got a copy of the blank Flippable above and was directed to have it ready as we went through notes for each operation. Our Flippables were soon filled with great amounts of notes and love!

Would you like a copy of the blank Flippable? Feel free to download it by clicking on the picture above! Leave me a comment if you plan on using it as well as I would love to see other interpretations of the Flippable!

And if using Flippables in class are your thing, then please take a look at my Flippable Template pack PACKED with 51 templates that you can edit and print for personal use!

**If you are interested in Commercial Use of my Flippable Templates, that is available as well.**

One Step Equations Anchor Chart

 This past week for Stumped in Pre-Algebra we covered One-Step Equations. As part of reviewing the process I created a mini anchor chart to put our Interactive Notebooks.

The chart started pretty simple with title and a sample problem for each of the four operations. Next, it was time to start working through the steps of each equation and take helpful notes as we went along.

First up was Addition! Pretty simple to find the missing addend in this problem. You have probably been doing this since Kindergarten and didn't know you were doing Algebra!

Time for some Subtraction! Again, just finding a missing value. Now a bit trickier with this one since it became a negative variable. Just remember, what you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other!

Are you ready to Mulitply? Using those inverse operations is key! Don't forget to use another method to check your answer!

Last, but not least, it's time to Divide! Now, with division it was a bit trickier and you can see where we used our inverse operations to help us change up the problem before we checked it.

Simple as that but a great reference! Check back Monday for a Flippable on Multi-Step Equations! :)

Transformations Small Group

 Yesterday's small group lesson after Class Connect was a review over the three different types of Transformations.

First up, we had to review our definitions. As we were reviewing them, we talked about different key words that could help us remember which type of transformation was which! On our next slides, we underlined those keywords and made examples of each type of transformation of an object about a 4 Quadrant graph.

And of course we had to do a bit of practice. For this assignment, I put it up on the whiteboard and we went through the triangle together. After that it was time for each student to get a turn and so I gave whiteboard privileges to all 17 students who showed up and we had a blast! 

 Now, if you are wondering what it should look like, here is an example of Mrs. S' copy that she printed out and worked along with you. This would be a great resource for you to put in your Math Notebook! You can download it for FREE here!

And of course, I couldn't leave you without a silly video! Don't forget to finish your Geometry Unit in Study Island by Friday, February 1st!

Multiplying and Dividing Exponents

What an awesome class we had today reviewing the rules of multiplying and dividing Exponents with the same base. Taking the time to work through our Flippable to add as a resource will definitely make the practice problems so much easier. Remember, it takes 28 days to make a habit so keep practicing.

 We started with a basic three flap Flippable with our Exponent Rule Names written on each flap.

Next up it was time to start adding the information! First up was Multiplying Exponents with the Same Base. We all know that means to add the exponents!

Next up was Dividing Exponents with the Same Base. Well, if we added for multiplying we must subtract for dividing! You can also see the extra examples we added in from favorite numbers of the class.

Then of course we couldn't leave the Zero Power out. Lonely zero powers that make the number equal to 1.

Wouldn't be a lesson with Mrs. S unless we had an Exit Ticket of sorts. I really tried to stump you on this one but so many of you had this down and got it right! Good job! Don't forget to Kmail yours in by Friday so I can give you your 1 hour attendance credit!

Of course I couldn't leave you without a video! Check out Super Exponent Guy!

Next week's Stumped in Pre-Algebra will be over One-Step Equations! Several of you asked about them this week so I really think it will help us out! :)

Teachers: If you are interested in this Flippable with the components and Exit Ticket, I have the available in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop as well as my Teachers Notebook shop. Enjoy!

Coordinates, Coordinates, Coordinates...

The big change from 6th grade to 7th grade is going from only reading a graph in Quadrant 1 where all numbers are positive and then moving into 4 Quadrants with positive and negative numbers both.

As we reviewed the various location of positive and negative numbers in each quadrant and the location of the x and y-axis and origin, feel free to use your Coordinate Plane Flippable (check your Kmail) as a reference when you are working on your practice problems in Study Island and beyond.

Also, feel free to enjoy Groundhog Graphing and send in your pictures if you use them at home! I'd love to see your work!

3D Prisms and Pyramids

Are you having trouble distinguishing between prisms and pyramids? They are quite tricky so I'm here to help you out as you work through your practice problems and determine the differences between prisms and pyramids.

Recently we went over determining what various 3D Shapes were based on their characteristics. Based on what we worked on in class, quite a few of my students were having difficulty determining between prisms and pyramids.

To help make that a little easier when you are working on your Study Island I have created an Anchor Chart that you can print out and use when you are doing your practice problems.

Don't forget to complete your Study Island Geometry Assignments by February 1st! I'm looking forward to seeing those Blue Ribbons all across the board!

Stumped in Pre-Algebra?

Please take a moment to fill out the form below so we will be able to target direct skills to teach during our Stumped sessions starting January 28, 2013 at 9 am.

Inverse Operations Anchor Chart

Inverse Operations are fundamental when learning about expressions and equations. To help my students in remembering the operations that "undo" each other, I have created an Inverse Operations Chart to use as a resource.

You can simply click on the image above to download the chart for FREE! It's already filled in for you and ready to use as a resource. Now, if you are looking for blank charts to use in the classroom, feel free to check out my Inverse Operations and One Step Equations Anchor Charts and Practice Problems in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store for only $2.00!

And if you need more practice on using Inverse Operation in Addition and Subtraction, here is a great video with examples that I found to share!

Week 24...

Week 24 is upon us and going strong.  We are studying the effects of changing dimensions this week and our packet is due on FRIDAY.  The packet is PINK and easily noticed just for Valentine's Week.

Don't forget that Bellringers will also be checked on Friday.

Grades are being pulled on Tuesday morning for report cards and then report cards will go home later this week.  Please make sure you have tied up all of your loose ends so you don't see a grade you are not happy with.

As of today, Monday, we only have 27 school days and 20 actual class periods until the STAAR test.  Please make sure that you are working hard to be here EVERY day and staying on top of the work as we still need to cover many things in that little amount of time.

Pythagorean Theorem and Notebook Check

This week we will be discussing the Pythagorean Theorem, which is an idea that came from the ancient Greeks about the right triangle.

The basic principle behind this idea is that if a triangle has a right angle and you made a square on each of the three sides, then the biggest square has the exact same area as the other two squares put together.

Here’s a right triangle.  The hypotenuse is the longest side of the triangle.

This week, please take the time to watch the following videos to assist you with your learning of Pythagorean Theorem. This concept builds upon the Square Roots that we learned today and will be something that you will truly love to work out because they are so easy!

Introduction to Pythagorean Theorem

Pythagorean Theorem 1

Pythagorean Theorem 2

Pythagorean Theorem 3

Also, any commenting on these 4 videos will be for extra credit. Remember to use the 3-2-1 Response method and number the things so I can easily read them.

Pythagorean Theorem Practice is due on Friday.  I will also be taking a grade on your class notebook on Friday.  You will need to have the following 5 things for a 100...

1. Square Roots Notes

2. Perfect Squares Chart

3. Root of the Problem

4. Technical Reading Strategies

5. Pythagorean Theorem Notes

Edited 2/9/2013: You can now find a copy of Pythagorean Theorem Notes Graphic Organizer and Task Cards Activity in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.



You Can't Combine Apples and Oranges!

Today we began a review of Simplifying Expressions and started working with One Step Equations.  Below you can see the anchor charts that we created that should be written as NOTES in your notebook.

If you still need practice on Simplifying Expressions (combining like terms) and One-Step Equations, check out the videos below:

Simplifying Expressions
Solving One Step Equations
Solving One Step Equations 2

Practice:
Linear Equations
One-Step Equations

Test Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that we have a test tomorrow!  Students have an opportunity for bonus points on the test if they create a note card filled with notes for the test. I have given information above on what they should focus on for their notes.

Indirect Measurement

On Tuesday and Wednesday we reviewed Indirect Measurement.  We took notes and glued them into our notebooks working through a problem together and reviewing steps to use and vocabulary.  We will continue to add to our notebooks.  You should keep these with you at ALL times! :)

Scale and Indirect Measurement

Here is the link to a video on Khan Academy to help enforce this material more.  Remember the ratio of height/shadow does not change!  Use this in any problem that is asking for Indirect Measurement to be found.

Don't forget on the homework, you can omit #9.

Proportions Word Problems

This week we are reviewing the different types of proportions, scale factors, dilations and similar figures.  We will be having a test on Friday of this week.  The test consists of word problems that will require extra thinking and are more aligned with our upcoming STAAR test.  Please take extra time this week to study for this test as it is crucial!

Today's homework is a packet of 10 Proportion Word Problems.  They are due on Tuesday for 1st Period and Wednesday for 8th period.  Make sure you are showing all of your work so I won't have to hand it back to you as an incomplete assignment.

Heads up: I will be taking a Notebook grade this week!  I don't know what day so make sure it is organized and up to date! :)

Copy Cat Dilations

A dilation is a transformation that does not affect the shape of an object but does enlarge or reduce the size of an object.

This week we created "Copy Cats" of a a picture that was chosen and re-created the artwork on a sheet of graph paper to dilate the object.  Some students chose to enlarge their picture while others chose to reduce their picture.

 Created by Yulissa G. (1st Period)

 Created by Brittany G. (8th Period)

 Created by Josh C. (1st Period)

Created by Briana R. (1st Period)

More to come as they are turned in!

  These were due in class on Thursday, November 3rd, 2011.  A student has until Monday, November 7th, 2011 to turn it in to receive a grade of a 70.  After that the grade will stand at a 0 and is not able to be made up according to the CISD Grading Policy.

Six Weeks is Ending!

The end of the Six Weeks is drawing near and so are grades.  Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, November 1st will be the last time I am taking grades for the six weeks. This is the last time to make up grades from the past few days and complete tests from Friday.

Tomorrow and Wednesday we will be working on a project called "Copy Cat" in Pre-Algebra. Don't forget to bring your photo to class that we will be "copying" in a larger scale.  This is to review TEK 8.6a which states, "Generate similar shapes using dilations including enlargements and reductions."  We will be putting these "Copy Cats" on display in the hallway for others to see as well.

Today's assignment "Indirect Measurement" is due on Thursday.  The finished "Copy Cat" will be due on Thursday as well.  

Fall is Here!

Welcome back to another week at CMS!  Today we continued working with Proportions and introduced finding percents in proportions.  The packet Proportions and Percents 01 is due on Tuesday/Wednesday (depending on when you have me for class).

The test that was scheduled for Tuesday/Wednesday has been moved to Friday.  We still have a few things to cover before the test and will get those in on Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday.  You will have an assignment each day.

Please make sure that you are getting your work in on time and if you need to come to tutoring to make up a low grade from last Friday's day of grading, please see me to sign your planner as Wednesday is the last day to make them up!

Due Dates Coming!

Lots of due dates are on the horizon!  Make sure that you have them in your planner and take care of them!

Fractions and Proportions 01- Last day to turn in for a 70 is Friday, October 21st.
Fractions and Proportions 02- Due on Thursday, October 20th. Last day for a 70 is Tuesday, October 25th.
Bellringers 09- Due in class on Friday, October 21st.

Skills Test Make Up- Last day for make ups is Friday, October 21st. Make sure you get your planner signed if you plan on coming in at 8 am that morning.  Anyone who is outside when I arrive between 7:20-7:40 am can come in with me. I will not come to the door to let you in after I arrive.

Ratios and Proportions Test- Tuesday and Wednesday, October 25th and 26th.  Make sure you are on top of things!  This will only be 20 questions and you will have half the period to work on this!

Extra Credit: Create a poster (at least 12" x 12" but no bigger than one posterboard size) showing how you use ratios and proportions in the real world.  Give at least 3 examples.  Each proportions must be worked out and an illustration shown.  Do your best work as this is worth an extra 100 in the grade book!  Extra Credit is due by 10/31/2011.  No late extra credit will be taken.

More Proportion Help

WKU stands for Word Ratio, Known Ratio Unknown Ratio.  Using this method when solving proportion problems will help make sure that you set up equivalent ratios that will make sense as you Cross Multiply an Divide.

The word problem states "The Rangers scored 3 runs in the first inning.  If they continue at this rate, how many runs will be scored in the entire game without any overtime?"  After we read through the problem, we go through and circle the words that we are comparing, in this case runs and innings. This is our WORD ratio.  We then continue to read the problem to find our KNOWN ratio, in this case 3 runs in 1 inning.  We have to use what we know about baseball to know that a regular game has 9 innings and we are trying to find the number of runs in those 9 innings.  To do this we place a variable in the UNKNOWN ratio.  We then cross-multiply and divide to find our answer of 27 runs in 9 innings.

Here you can also watch a video of me reviewing this with one of my STAAR Classes.  Enjoy! Leave me a comment! :)