Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone is enjoying their vacation and time with friends and family.  I miss you all and I think of you often.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that you are having a wonderful holiday season.

Love,
Mrs. T

Busy Week

While most of you are so excited for the winter break, this week is very important.  Monday and Tuesday we will be reviewing for the Algebra Benchmark on Wednesday.  Monday, will be spent reviewing for the science benchmark on Tuesday.  These scores will be used, along with your grades, to place you in high school courses next year.  The final day to turn in late work is Monday, and after I get your benchmark scores I will begin calculating your quarter grades.  Thursday, we will review the benchmark scores and Friday is a minimum day.  We will be treated to a holiday concert by our band and choir Friday as well.  So, please focus and try to stay out of trouble (in and out of the classroom).

Pass Along the Holiday Spirit!

I would like to ask those of you who are able to bring in non-perishable food items for the needy.  The school is trying to do a food drive and I would very much like for all of us to participate....if you are able.  In addition, I am collecting socks and slippers to be distributed to a local Beaumont Elderly home.  I will give 1 point extra credit toward your science grade for each can, 5 points for socks, and 10 points for slippers.  However, let's keep the spirit of giving in mind.  Trust me, giving to those less fortunate makes you feel so good and often the elderly are overlooked.

Happy Holidays!
Mrs. Taylor

Graphing Linear Inequalities

This is a heavily tested concept on the CST and one that we will spend a lot of time on. Additionally, this topic requires students to fully understand how to graph. So, if you are not doing well in graphing (which most of you are but a few are still getting confused) then I suggest going to Khan Academy (just google it) and under Algebra there are many videos regarding slope, finding intercepts, and graphing linear equations.

Now, I would like for you to preview a couple short videos:
Video One

Video Two

Video Three

Science and Algebra Projects

I am soooo impressed by the science projects I have seen so far. I am going to ask permission from a couple students to post their unbelievable videos on this website. I am just so proud. Also, our math projects were very good. Most students seem to understand graphing linear equations. Way to go!!!

It's Crunch Time!!!

FYI...we only have about 2 1/2 weeks until the end of the quarter. We are also doing benchmark assessments on December 13th and 14th. So, it is very important that everyone comes to school each day and is ready to learn. All assignments must be turned in by the 9th for credit. The benchmark will count for a grade in science and algebra.

Solving Systems of linear equations

Solving systems of linear equations can be done by graphing, substitution, and combinations. View the 3 videos from Math Dude under Unit4:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/itv/mathdude/MD_Algebra1_4-1.shtm

Chapter 6 Review and Vocabulary

For Chapter 6, I hope you will remember our YMCA version of "It's fun to graph with Y = MX + B"...that was so nerdy you can't get that out of your head.

Also, when I say......you think....
When I say slope...you think Rise over Run.
When I say m...you think slope.
When I say rate of change...you think slope.
When I say Y-Intercept...you think "b".
When I say constant...you think Y-intercept.
When I say undefined...you think vertical line.
When I say no slope...you think flat surface horizontal line.
When I say "Given a point and a slope"...you think Point-Slope form.
When I say "Given a slope and the y-intercept"...you think Slope-Intercept form.
When I say slope formula...you think...Y two minus Y one over X two minus X one.
When I say test...you say...BRING IT ON!

Parallel Lines, Chapter 6

Also, if you go to Khan Academy you can find several videos on Parallel and Perpendicular lines!

Chapter 6, Point Slope and Standard Form

Chapter 6, Convert to Slope Intercept form

Graphing using Slope Intercept Form

Nov. 8th

Today we participated in Math stations where students explored how the various slopes change to look of a linear graph. As a result, the students concluded that a slope with a higher numerator than denominator results in a steeper line versus one that has a greater denominator will result in a flatter line. Another, station experimented with y-intercepts and the other dealt with parallel and perpendicular lines.

Our homework is a worksheet that dealt with linear equations.

Learning Upgrade

This week, we will be beginning Learning Upgrade which is an application some of you used in 7th grade math. This year you will have an account for Algebra 1. We will be going to the computer lab each Friday and some Wednesdays. Also, this program can be accessed from home with your login information. There are 60 lessons in our program and the first 20 have already been covered in class. However, you will have to start with lesson 1 and work your way up. This will serve as a great review of material we have already covered. You will complete 1, sometimes 2, lessons each day. I will be assigning you the lessons and you will work to complete them until you earn a gold certificate which is when you reach 100 points indicating you have mastered the content. Our goal is for you to earn a gold certificate for all 60 lessons prior to the CST. We will take our CSTs in the 1st week of May so we have to get moving!

Tell me what you think!

Thank you!

Today, I was out doing classroom observations and I was so thrilled when my favorite substitute reported that my 2 groups were wonderful. She had a great day and I could not be more proud of all of you!!!! Thank you for being so kind...and I missed you today:)

Mrs. T

Quiz 11/3/2011

For my students who check in regularly, you will have the insider information. We are having a quiz on chapter 6 lessons 1-4. I hope you study hard and get an amazing grade!

Have a great evening!
Mrs. T

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! Most of my students who worked hard in class completed their homework. However, it was page 325 (4-22 even) and 32, 34, &36!
Have a safe, yet fun Halloween!

Friday 10/27/11

We will be taking an Algebra chapter 5 test and a science chapter 15 test. Make sure all your work is completed for both classes. You will staple the homework to the warm-ups and attach all those to the homework log, math side up. You will also turn in your study guide (completed and with full sentences) in on Friday. This is the end of our 2nd week of 2nd quarter so make every grade count.

Thank you for a wonderful week!

Red Ribbon Wednesday

Wednesday is sports day...wear a jersey! Also, write "Mathlete" on a card with your name and get 5 points extra credit.

Just checking!

Tomorrow is hat day for Red Ribbon Week! Wear one and give me a note that says "Hats off to Algebra!" and you will get 5 points extra credit.

Get another classmate to sign up as a follower of the website and when they tell me you referred them...5 more points!

Good luck.

Does a point lie on the line?

Lesson 5.3 Graphing with T-Chart

Beginning 2nd Quarter!!!

As of Monday, we will be beginning 2nd quarter.  We are starting chapter 5 which is graphing linear functions and equations.  This is where students must really focus and realize that this is no longer material they have seen before.  As a result, they must pay attention, attend school everyday, take good notes, and complete all homework assignments on time.  Moreover, they must study for every quiz and every test. 

I will check homework everyday and students who do not complete their work will be held in for lunch detention.  Also, I will be available every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday during lunch for tutoring.  Soon, Cougar College will begin and there will be tutoring after school every Monday and Thursday until 4. 
The first assignment, Coordinate Plane Dot-to-Dot is due Tuesday and worth 21 points.  Make sure you turn this in on time and start off the quarter strong.

Benchmark "League Championship" Vocabulary Practice

There is academic (on the field) vocabulary that we have covered in class and that will be used on our 1st Benchmark Assessment as well as the CST (the championship) in the spring.  In order to practice the vocabulary, you can go to the following link and use the flash cards, take quizzes (scrimmages) to practice, and play games to see if you know the terms.  Good luck and click HERE!  Just in case it does not work...it should...but look up BM1 Academic Vocabulary on the Quizlet website.

Absolute Equations & Inequalities

Extra Credit

In order to determine who is checking in with the website regularly, I am going to give 5 points extra credit to the students who write their name and "Nerdy Bird" on a piece of paper. <3 Mrs. T

Compound Inequalities

Solving Inequalities

Be sure to check out this link for help.

4.3 Solving Multi-step Inequalities

Solving Inequalities using +/-

Lesson 3.6

3.6 Website

Part C

For learning about solutions to equations...

Part B

Variables on both side...oh no! Part A

Multi-Step Equations

Multiple Step Equations from Algebra Teacher on Vimeo.

Solving 2 Step Equations

Solving 1 Step Equations-2

Solving 1 Step Equations

Ch. 2 Review PPT

Chapter 2 review

View more presentations from MrsT4math

Sept. 6th

Tomorrow is our Algebra test for chapter 2.  Remember to study hard and to try classzone.com.  Also, you should go to coolmath for additional help.  Go to Pre-Algebra and click on Integers.

September 1st

Today, we learned about section 2.7 which is square roots and how to approximate square roots for numbers that are not perfect squares.  Please refer to classzone.com and your notes for help with your homework.  Our homework was 2.7 (1-20) for my second group and 3-31 in the text book for section 2.7.  I will try to find videos to help you out further.
Try this one...http://youtu.be/QCZUV_fo7DQ

August 31, 2011

Today, our assignment is Practice Book 2.5 (1-15) for Algebra.  A couple good video segments to watch are for Distributive Property and Combining Like Terms.  Also, remember from our examples that we learned about terms, variables, coefficients, and constants. 

In the equation 2x + 8 + 3x + 4:
     Terms: 2x, 8, 3x, 4
     Variables:  x
     Constants:  8, 4
     Coefficients:  2, 3
There is a video that covers this if you are having difficulty.

We also did a lot of integer practice.  Please refer to classzone.com for the section online quizzes for immediate feedback.  Also, if you go to coolmath and select Pre-Algebra, you can play games involving integers.

Integers

Ok, we are definitely having trouble with integers.  You have to use the graphic organizer we made in class and follow the rules.  Keep practicing them until they become automatic.  Also, you should watch the following videos:
Adding Integers with Different signs
Subtracting Integers
Multiplying / Dividing Integers

See if you can come up with your own way to explain the rules.  Then, try to teach your demonstration to your parents.  Studies show that teaching something to someone else helps you retain the skill by 90%.

August 29th

Today we learned so much (or reviewed rather)!  We worked on adding and subtracting integers which led to classwork/homework in our practice books 2.2 and 2.3 front pages only.  2.1 was assigned on Friday and is also due Tuesday.  Check out the video under the video tabs at the top of this page.

For Science, we have been working on practice book pages 1-15 and those are due Tuesday when we take the chapter 1 test. We are working very hard!

Week of August 29th Preview

Monday:  Adding and Subtracting Integers - expect lots of practice!
Tuesday:  Multiplying and Dividing Integers - again, lots of practice!  These are major skills to focus on.
Wednesday:  The Distributive Property- another major skill.
Thursday:  Square Roots and Comparing Real #'s
We will also begin working on our Integer Posters and Story lines.  This is a fun project that helps us see real world examples of the use of integers and the best part is that you will be developing those story lines :)

August 26th

Today we took our Chapter 1 test for Algebra and began chapter 2 section 1.  I assigned practice book 2.1 all for homework - due Tuesday.  Also, for science we will be having our first test on Tuesday and the practice book pages 1-16 will be due.  We are off to a great start!  Mrs. T

August 24th Homework

Practice book 1.4 (1-21) for Algebra, no homework for science-just classwork.  Don't forget Back to School Night is Thursday and I can't wait to meet your parents!  Thursday is also Algebra Jeopardy!!!

August 23rd Homework

For Algebra, we have textbook page 29 (3-28) for homework.  We also have a quiz tomorrow and your menu math projects are due!

Homework Assignment 8.22.2011

Today we started (and most finished) Practice Book 1.3 (1-17).  For homework, you will have to complete the practice book page if you did not finish and do page 22 out of the textbook (3-28).  While it seems like a lot, it goes very fast.  Don't forget that you have a quiz on 1.1-1.3 on Wednesday and your Menu Math project that you have been working on in class is also due Wednesday.  Finally, Friday will be your 1st chapter test.  This material is all review from 7th grade - that is why we are moving so fast!