Core 1-
We have started the Geometry Unit, the students are beginning the Packaging Project where they will design and create an actual 3D package for an item they choose. Attention to design, target market, functionality, as well as accurate measures of volume and surface area. The students are also completing self-directed units on area, volume, surface area, and nets.
Please keep up to date with your student’s ALEKS pie, as it should be at 80% or more in order to finish by the end of the school year. If not, the subscription does go through the summer, and the expectation would be to complete it during the summer. FYI, if this doesn’t happen they would have assigned connect and FLEX next school year until it was completed; hopefully that will not be needed!!
Cores 2 and 4-
For once we are aligned with Core 1, so we are also starting the Geometry unit! See above for more detail!
HEMPHILL:
Core 1- Math 7A
Students just wrapped up their Mission to Mars project where they used their knowledge of 2D and 3D shapes to design and build a scale model of living quarters to be used on Mars. They needed to ensure that all living quarters had the same amount of space inside (volume) and then needed to calculate which would require the least amount of material to construct.
As we enter the month of May, students are diving into the world of functions as they explore the difference between proportional and non-proportional relationships as well as learning to write linear equations in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b).
At this point of the year, students should have completed their 7th grade ALEKS pie entirely and should be at 383 topics on their 8th grade pie as of the end of April. Please check in with your student to check their status. The expectation is that if this is not done prior to the end of the year, it is completed over summer.
Core 2-
Talk about math in the real world! Many students have said that our most recent unit on tax, tip, commission, markup and markdown, and percent error has been so applicable in their daily lives. They see the connection between what we are learning in class and how they could use that in their shopping and social lives :) Currently, students are working to learn about calculating unit rate and proportional vs. non-proportional relationships in tables, graphs, and equations.
As we progress toward the end of the year, students should be nearing the end of their ALEKS pie. As of the end of April, students should be at 372 topics. Please ask your student to show you their progress on their pie.
GROSSKOPF/HEMPHILL
Core 4 -
We are excited to announce that students are in their final chapter of Algebra I, solving quadratic equations! In just a few weeks, their first high school course will be under their belts! With that realization, that also means that final exams are right around the corner. We are currently looking at beginning the final exam process in the middle of May. We will host one week of review sessions followed by one week of taking the final exams.
In addition to final exams, students should be working to complete their Algebra ALEKS pie. As of the end of April, students should be at 424 topics completed. Please ask your student to show you their progress.
GROSSKOPF
Core 1-
The students have been working on independent paths this whole year! For our final two units, we are coming back together to explore Linear Functions, and then Volume and Surface Area. Right now, we’re immersing ourselves in the world of slope, variables, and seeing how applicable this concept is to the real world. Your student should be at 410 topics if they’ve been on pace all year.
Core 2-
Many students have said that our most recent unit on tax, tip, commission, markup and markdown, and percent error has been so applicable in their daily lives. I’ve had some students come to me the next day saying, hey I figured out the discount when I went to the store this weekend with me parents! They see the connection between what we are learning in class and how they could use that in their shopping and social lives :) Our next unit will be Proportional Relationships through tables, equations, and graphs.
Your student should be at 410 topics if he or she has been on pace all year.
Wray:
Math 8 - Core 1 and 2
Since we returned from Spring Break, Math 8 students have analysing statistics through Scatter Plots and Two-Way Frequency tables. Statistics are obviously seen everywhere in real-life, but they can be confusing to many people and it takes a lot of practice to really understand statistics. Learning the basics in Math 8 is a huge step toward understanding stats and building a foundation for the future. Statistics can also be fun, especially when testing a theory. In two separate mini-projects, students tested some of the theories by gathering data and analyzing the data. Ask your students what their questions were and what trends they found. You can check your student’s progress on all of the Math 8 standard by checking For All Rubrics. Students should be continuing to learn and grow with Aleks too. At this point in the year, Math 8 students should have 82% of their Aleks pie completed.
Geometry Core 2 and 4
In the last month, Geometry students transitioned from two-dimensions to three. After learning and mastering area of polygons, we moved to surface area and volume of polyhedrons. Our next unit that we will begin next week is Transformations. Later in the month we will be doing the 2nd semester exam and a final unit on Statistics and Probability. You can check your student’s progress on all of the Geometry standard by checking For All Rubrics. Students should be continuing to learn and grow with Aleks too. At this point in the year, Geometry students should have 90% of their Aleks pie completed.
Independent Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, Calculus - Core 2 and 4
The best part of our Independent math model is watching students showcase what they have learned. Some students recently presented their projects to a group of their peers and more student will be presenting throughout these last 6 weeks. Students that are using Blackboard keep moving along as well and are learning a lot. Independent Math students will do their next reflection on For All Rubrics on May 1st and they will be setting goals for the rest of the year. Check F.A.R. to see your student’s progress and their goals.