This week's Classroom News is brought to you by the math team of the middle school, Mr. Hourihan and Mrs. Corcoran!
Prior to the February vacation, our 6th graders participated in St. Joe’s Math Olympics. Each class was divided into three teams, and for two weeks the teams competed in daily math events trying to capture bronze, silver, or gold. On the eve of the Super Bowl, Olympic competition shifted to the gridiron with Super math related questions.
As term two terminates, our sixth-grade mathematicians are completing a unit on relating fractions, decimals, and percentages. They are applying their understanding of percentages to determine test scores, shooting averages, team winning percentages, tips, etc. Sixth graders are becoming savvy shoppers who can calculate sale prices and shipping costs. They are also learning to apply rates and ratios to figure out the cost of items sold in bulk. Here is a sample of a few questions from a recent test.
- Macy’s department store is having a flash sale. A men’s fleece pullover sweatshirt that normally sells for $30 is on sale for 60% off. What is the sale price of the sweatshirt?
- If Sammy Sweettooth ordered $68.50 worth of Easter candy and paid 12% shipping for the delivery of the candy, what was the dollar cost of shipping?
- If 48 out of 120 students gave up candy for Lent, what percentage of the students gave up candy for Lent?
During the start of the spring term, students will be studying the division of fractions and participating in a geometry unit that will help them become more well-rounded students. They will also return to an investment activity they started to determine how their stock portfolios are doing, and when April rolls around, the students will learn about calculating income taxes. We are awash in a world on numbers, and it is important that students see how they can apply their math skills in real world situations. Remember, you can always count on mathematics.
In grade 7, Pre-Algebra students are working productively on mastering their computation skills with Rational numbers as well as exploring new, more abstract topics like proportions, probability, and percent. In the beginning of the year students were trained in specific procedures of critical skills like simplifying expressions and solving multi-step equations, skills they continue to practice.
Now they are learning a variety of methods for new skills like solving proportions and answering percent questions. Being able to choose the best method for the specific problem is challenging but so important for conceptual understanding as well as saving time by being more efficient. Students become proficient with daily practice in class and at home. Other ways to reinforce understanding is with procedural writing practice, which is a step-by-step explanation of a math problem using clear complete sentences with strong math vocabulary and transition words, without using personal pronouns or abbreviations. I am proud to say that students are improving in this endeavor, even if it is not their favorite! Using the online IXL platform to practice current skills or self-assessed weaker skills is another way students gain mastery and confidence in many areas. Students are given immediate feedback on their performance and help when they get stuck, which can help them catch mistakes before they become a habit. Most students are taking advantage of this opportunity to improve individual understanding and earn credit for it at the same time, a win-win!
Some projects that help students apply these concepts include a scale drawing of their bedroom, a shadow problem to determine the height of a tall tree in Mary's Garden, a Percent of Change Activity to do with grandparents/special senior and a Probability Game to practice compound events.
As the second trimester closes, I am encouraged by the strong effort and attitude of these 7th graders. They are learning not only some important math skills to get them ready for Algebra but also, they are learning how to solve problems more independently, collaborate productively, and that making and fixing mistakes is how we all learn from each other. Great job 7th Grade!!
In 8th Grade Algebra classes, students are mastering familiar topics while also tackling some new challenging topics to get ready for high school, where they will be expected to work more independently and self-advocate when they struggle. Students are encouraged to ask questions, collaborate effectively, share their work, critique themselves and each other (with love!) and get more help when they need it. Learning how to recognize mistakes, correcting them with written explanations, and working with a peer or with me in extra help are some of the ways students grow in self-awareness and build confidence in their understanding and in themselves as conscientious problem solvers.
One important topic both classes are studying is Linear Functions. While we also learn other types of functions this year, linear functions and systems of linear functions is our focus. Students will practice using in-out tables and three forms of linear equations to graph two-variable linear relationships on a coordinate plane. Using individual graph boards, writing about the different methods of graphing and using IXL will help them master these skills. Applying the skill to real-life problems is the goal so that students understand slope as a rate of change/relationship of input to output and the meaning of x and y intercepts.
Since this topic coincides with the Lenten season, students will be creating a stained-glass design of at least twenty intersecting lines and a central symbol (religious or Spring) then writing the corresponding linear functions. This can be a challenging project for some but enjoyable as well. Please look for these colorful designs on our first-floor windows before Easter!
As 8th graders begin their last term of middle school, I want to recognize their many accomplishments/improvements as students and of all the challenges and restrictions they have faced and overcome during this unique time of learning. So proud of you all!!
