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We finished testing today for 6th grade.  Students seemed very confident and were anxious to ask specific questions to see if their thinking/reasoning skills were correct.
We began Chapter 12 - Integers and the Coordinate Plane. Most of the information in this unit is new so students need to review nightly. We will be learning a lesson a day. Please have your students to review to help them remember.

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Today we reviewed once more and covered a lot of the questions that students still had regarding the previous nights study/review and the Milestone.
The Math Milestone test is on Monday and Tuesday of next week.  Students will be given a maximum of  85 minutes for Section 1 and 85 minutes for Section 2.  Students should continue to review nightly and to bring any questions to class for discussion.
Overall, students seem confident about the Milestone Test.  Please encourage them to take their time and complete the calculations - not guess!  We have been reviewing all year and they have a toolbox of strategies they can use to help them score well.  Good luck to all of my math students - I know you will make me proud by simply doing your very best.

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Today we review out Unit 6- Test/Statistics.  Students asked questions for clarification and we discussed the most frequently missed questions and used the process of elimination to choose the one best answer.
Milestone Test begin on Wednesday.  Students will be taking the Language Arts parts.
Milestone Test for Mathematics begins next Monday, April 24 and students will be taking two parts.  Students should be studying nightly by reviewing their math textbooks and jotting down questions that they need help answering.  We will be using those questions during our discussion and review for the Milestone Test.

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Alrighty then... Today periods 2 and 4 completed the Touchstone test for Unit 6 - Statistics.  Both groups did well with period 4 receiving a slightly higher mean/average than period 2.
Periods 1 and 3 will take the Touchstone test tomorrow.  Students will have a very short questions and answer session preceding the test.  Students are encouraged to use their textbooks to study Chapter 10 and 11.
After testing, we will begin our review process for the Milestone Exams.  The math portions of the Milestone will be on both Monday, April 24th and Tuesday, April 25th.
Homework: Study for Milestone test. Review Chapter 10 and 11.

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Today we put our new knowledge to work.  Students used the Describing Data Display notes to complete a quiz.  Most students scored in the 100-90 range but a few scored in the 70-80 range.  All questions on the quiz were discussed and students seemed very proud of the knowledge/understanding they attained regarding describing data displays.
Tomorrow we TEST! Unit 6- Statistics test will be multiple choice and contains  20 questions.  Questions cover all of the concepts studied in the unit.  To prepare for the test, I suggest students review the unit from the text.  This unit has a lot of vocabulary words. Students should make a special effort to ensure they understand the vocabulary words.
Students with birthdays in March and April will receive their birthday treat tomorrow!

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Welcome back from spring break.  Today we continued our study of Unit 6 - Statistics.  Students reviewed constructing Box and Whisker Plots and Histograms.  Students also worked to complete exercises in textbooks.  Exercises were discussed and correct answers shared.
Students also worked on describing data displays using the following new terms: skewed left, skewed right, clustered, peak, spread out, symmetrical, and gap. Students received a study guide with picture representations and select students even created a human displays to model the various types of data plot shapes.
Homework: Extra practice page.
Upcoming:  Quiz on Measures of Variation on Tuesday
Unit 6Test/Statistics : Wednesday (per 1,2,4), Thursday (per 3) Students should review information from textbooks.
Parents please be reminded:  Students need to come to class with all materials to include: pencils, paper, completed assignments/homework.

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Hello Spring breakers.  It is official...no homework does not mean no study time.  It is true, I did not assign homework over the break. Please encourage your student to simply review the units that we have covered thus far so they won't loose any knowledge gained during the break.
Unit 1 - Number System Fluency
Unit 2 - Rate, ratio, proportional reasoning
Unit 3 - Expressions
Unit 4 - 1-Step Equations & Inequalities
Unit 5 - Area & Volume
Unit 6 - Statistics
Yes, we have previewed, covered, explored, and reviewed them all! Now, take time during spring break to take another look.   Solve some problems of your own choosing. Write down questions that you need answering.  Practice operations with fractions, decimals, and work on your fluency with your multiplication facts.
Enjoy your break.
Unit 6 - Statistics Test is scheduled for April 11, 2017

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Today we viewed, created and analyzed three data displays : box & whisker plot, dot plot, and stem and leaf.  See video below.
Students reviewed surface area AGAIN and completed an assessment to measure their skills.
It is very important that students turn in assignments on time. Grace has been given in the past and extra time allowed. As we look forward to preparing students for 7th grade, I want them to get in the habit of completing assignments and turning them in on time. Assignments not turned in will received a grade of zero in grade book. Makeups may not be available.

HW: Periods 2 & 4 - finish last page in the packet.
Periods 1 & 3 - Day off! No homework!

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We began class by creating and discussing how to make a Box and Whisker plot.
Next, we also spent some of our class time exploring the histogram.  We described the histogram and discussed how the information from the histogram could be used to make decisions.  We also discussed how the measures of center cannot be gathered from the histogram because the data is grouped into intervals and specific scores are not apparent.
We finished the day creating a Stem and Leaf plot from given data.
Homework:  Independent Practice; Extra Practice on Histograms; Mean, Median, Mode, Range WS #1-10.
Touchstone is coming soon - students should be in a steady state of review.

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Today we reviewed surface area again and students used the teachers notes to self-assess.  Students also viewed a video to remind them of the formula used to find the surface area of the rectangular prism.
Our work time was spent reviewing mean, median, mode and range.  We ended our worktime with a classwork multiple choice assignment and graded it using iRespond.  The grades ranged from 100 to 80 which was very good!
We closed our work today with a GoFar activity which combined our knowledge of area, the coordinate plane, and using real world problem solving skills.

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Today we reviewed surface area of 3D figures to include: rectangular prism, rectangular pyramid, triangular pyramid.  Students reviewed how to find the surface areas and teacher assisted with student accuracy.
Students completed a classwork activity (20% of grade) that required them to name and find the surface area of 3D figures given the dimensions. See review video below.
Next we reviewed homework over mean, median and mode to ensure understanding and introduced how to calculate range.
Homework: Complete second page of Independent practice packet and GoFar activity pages 1 and 2 are past due.

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Surface Area Song: Rectangular Prism & Cube Math Video

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Whoa... we have been busy. Busy finishing Unit 5 and beginning Unit 6.  Today students received their Unit 5 test back. Students reviewed the answers and were encouraged to ask questions about the problems they missed.  Students also received the Area test and reviewed questions missed .  Each time a test is reviewed, we briefly review the basic concepts assessed in the test and we open the floor for questions.  Students enjoy sharing what they have learned.
Currently, we are working on Unit 6 - Statistics.  We have already learned how to identify and write Statistical questions and how to compute the mean, median and mode.  Check out the 'froggy' video below.  Cute but informative.
In preparation for the Milestone, given in April, students will be paired up and given a challenge problem in which they will be graded on how well they describe the process of how to solve. Students are encouraged to list the steps to solve and use appropriate math terms.

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Today we worked to learn about the volume of rectangular prisms. Students were engaged as they discussed the meaning of volume and watched a video to explain why volume is measured in units cubed. Students explored and found the formula for the volume of a rectangular prism to find V=lwh. Later students examined various packages to determine and rank which packages had the largest volume and which packages had the smallest volume. Last, students calculated the volume given the dimensions and calculated the volume by finding the dimensions themselves. It was a great first day learning about volume.

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Today we practiced using the formula to find the area of trapezoids.  Most student have memorized the formulas and are greatly improving with the computations.  As of today's class, we know how to find the area of quadrilaterals using the formula A = bh  or A = lw.
We also know how to find the area of triangles using the formula
A=1/2 bh.
Today we practiced finding the area of trapezoids using the formula
A = 1/2(h)(b1 + b2)
Tomorrow there will be a 10 question quiz on area using  whole numbers, fractions and decimals.  This quiz will assess computational skills and the basic understanding of the area of a polygon.
As always, math textbook are excellent resources for practice. Parents please encourage students to continue to practice and ask questions for clarification.
Also, please check USA Test Prep for ongoing assignments and assessment.

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Today we worked on calculating the area for parallelograms, triangles, and trapezoids.  We understand the process for finding the area is basically three steps. 1.  Identify the shape.  2. Choose the appropriate formula. 3. Substitute the values that are given into the formula. 4. Solve. Remember area is ALWAYS written in units squared.
Students should have turned in the Extra Practice page for Area of Parallelograms and should be working on Independent Practice pages for Area of Triangles and Area of Trapezoids. Review Math Antics video below.
Homework:  USA Test Prep
Area Test will be on Wednesday, March 8,2017.

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Today we learned two new formulas for area.  We learned how to find the area for triangles and trapezoids.  Students practiced in pairs and worked to complete a twenty problem area problem sheet.
Homework: USA Test prep and Extra Practice on finding the area for parallelograms.

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Today we picked up from Friday and continued working with area.  We are working with polygons to determine their areas and with area to determine the length of the sides.  In determining the length of the missing side, we are reverting back to our knowledge of equations and using that process to solve.
Students focused on finding the areas of quadrilaterals including the square, rhombus, rectangle, and parallelogram. Students should be able to recognize each of the above polygons and choose the appropriate formula to find the area.
HW:  USA Test Prep

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Winter break, here we come!
Here's a great way to make sure we don't lose any math information over the break.  USA Test Prep is ready to review Unit 4- Equations and Inequalities. Please have students to view the designated videos for review and then take the test.  The test grade will count on the progress report as a take home quiz. Have fun showing what you have learned and using your test taking skills to select the correct answers.
Have a great break!

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Today we reviewed the test on Inequalities and Equations. Students checked their work and asked questions regarding problems missed.
We introduced independent (x) and dependent (y) variables and created tables to solve for the missing values.  Students worked problems on the board and in their textbooks.
On level students should complete pages 495-500
AC students should have completed pages 377-382 and pgs. 383-384 are assigned for homework.
Assignments that students should be working to complete and are due now include the following:
Amazing Maze (3 pages)
Roman Problems (picture)
Human Number Line (8 problems)

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Today we reviewed writing, solving and graphing inequalities. Students worked in trios to solve one of eight problems and then went to the board to show their inequality and to model the number line. We also worked to solve Amazing Maze using our inequality know-how.
Math question and answer tomorrow followed by test on Inequalities.
This Friday we will have our Third Math Bowl Competition.  Students should review all chapters covered thus far.

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Virtual Nerd's patent-pending tutorial system provides in-context information, hints, and links to supporting tutorials, synchronized with videos, each 3 to 7 minutes long. In this non-linear system, users are free to take whatever path through the material best serves their needs. These unique features make Virtual Nerd a viable alternative to private tutoring.

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Today we worked on inequalities.  We studied the symbols and solved basic inequality problems.  We discussed BrainPop video on what an inequality is and how it is used in the real world. We completed and checked the independent practice problems in the book and some students completed the Extra Practice page for a grade.
Homework:  Complete Extra Practice page in Inequality Lesson and watch attached video as overview to current and upcoming inequality lessons.

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The Math Dude discovers that not all algebraic sentences are created equal.

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Today we finished our equation activity centers.  Many students were able to model the equations and solve them based on the models.  Modeling is a great way to visual demonstrate understanding to see what is actually happening in the problem.
Homework tonight: study for assessment and preview section called Function Tables for next lesson.

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Today we worked in groups to further understand equations.  Each group had a different activity to complete.  One group matched up equations with their solutions and explained the process.  This group also used tiles to model/demonstrate how to solve an equation. Process involved using the inverse operations and isolating the variable.
The second group worked with ping pong balls to discover the missing value.
The third group worked in pairs to complete related activities presented at the end of the chapter.
We ended the class with some friendly competition in which student raced to see who could solve the equation the fastest. Sweet treats were given to the winners.
So far all of the following activities are in the process of being submitted into the grade book: Extra practice for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing equations, Mid-Chapter Check, Math Challenge I, Math Challenge II, Equation Presentation, Station 1 & 2.

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Attached is a neat activity to help master the vocabulary words associated with equations. Students are expected to know the definitions of the words and to be able to use the appropriate word when describing the process of solving equations.

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Unit 2 - Expressions and Equations Flashcards | Quizlet

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Start studying Unit 2 - Expressions and Equations. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

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Today we wrapped up the presentations.  Overall, students who completed the presentations did a good job.  Some students need to go back and rewrite their equations to fit what we are learning in class in this unit.  Students who did not present will be given a grade of zero.  The projects were not optional and count as test grades.  Students were given class time to research.  They were presented with many days of examples, challenge activities, discussions and videos.  The textbook has various sample problems to be used as models and students who presented early served as examples of students who presented at later dates.  In all, not excuses will be accepted - every student is capable of presenting a 2 - 3 minute presentation.
Look for the project grades to be posted on iParent later this week.  Any student needing to make changes MUST make changes by Friday.  After Friday, all project grades will stand.
Homework:  Students should complete the Independent Practice page for dividing equations that the worked on in class.
Students should review and study the Math Antics videos attached.

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Algebra Basics: Solving Basic Equations Part 2 - Math Antics

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Today we continued to practice solving multiplication equations.  We checked our Independent Work for accuracy and we did some error analysis problems to see if we could detect problems made by Eddie Equation, Ira Inverse and Paula Properties.  We want to make sure we don't make the same mistakes they made in solving equations.
Students still needing to present will be presenting on Thursday and/or Friday.
Next we begin inequalities!

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Today, we continued with our presentations and I must say they are really improving.  I have enjoyed the journeys that the students have chosen for their projects to include: Mexico, Jamaica, Sweden, and California, to name a few.  In researching the various places, students are including information about the language, currency, food, cultures, religions and population. Most students are utilizing technology by presenting power point presentations while others are using their creative skills to create posters.
Our skill practice today was multiplying equations and tomorrow we will review dividing equations.  Students should see the commonalities in solving the four types of equations - it is the process!
We will wrap up equations this week and students should expect an assessment early next week.  Tuesday sounds GOOD!
To all the parents who helped with the projects thank you.  Know that I am reviewing all the projects and having students to make necessary changes.  I will not assign a grade until projects are in their final grading forms - correct spelling, problems solved correctly, problems make sense, and equations are set up correctly, etc.
Students should review and study Math Antics- Solving Equations pt. 1 below.

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Algebra Basics: Solving Basic Equations Part 1 - Math Antics

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Today we continued our research projects for Operations with Equations.  It still amazes me at how many students will work hard to present an "A" project and how others students feel it is "ok" to present nothing.  Nothing = No Effort and that is not acceptable.
Parents, all students are being held responsible for their own project.  They can present it as they like.  It must be themed on a place in the world.  Each group has been given 30 minutes of research time in the media center and plenty of notification as to when their presentation day is to occur.  Any student not presenting will receive a grade of zero. Please be sure your child is ready to present.
Today, we also began our introduction of multiplying equations.  Three sample problems were presented and reviewed.  Students demonstrated their understanding by completing Got It and Guided Practice in the textbook.  We checked our work to ensure understanding and accuracy.
HW? 1.Work on projects. 2. Complete 20 question challenge (from the board).

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Let the research begin.  Today students received their new project assignments and students creating addition equations each got research time in the media center.  Parents please ask your student how their research is going and what data they are planning to use for their project.  Also, provide them with possible ways to present the information.  I suggested power point, poster, dry erase board, and brochures.
In the meantime, we continue to work to solve equations with all operations.
As we work on solving equations, we are also reviewing operations with whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Students are doing a very good job with their computations.
I am leased to see their progress!

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Homework was better today - about 55% for period 3.  I still want to see it improve because practice is an important part of concept attainment in mathematics.
We worked on modeling (using a tape diagram), writing and solving additions equations today.  Students should understand the words inverse operations, isolate the variable, and Subtraction Property of Equality.
Projects! Students signed up for their upcoming projects today.  Project is called "Where in the World".  Students will research a place of their choosing anywhere in the world.  They will find facts that they can use to create equations.  They will create/write and solve four equations and present them in front of the class via posterboard, powerpoint, etc.  Students are required to use facts only, show all work and use math vocabulary during the presentation.  Presentations for adding equations begin on Friday, January 20th.
Homework tonight: Extra Practice page for Adding Equations

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Today we dug a little deeper into Unit 4 - Equations and Inequalities.  We are working hard to set up a good foundation for the skills presented in unit.  We are learning new properties of equality and the TRUE definition of Solution.  All this in preparation for solving algebraic equations and inequalities.   Homework includes reviewing study guide and completing the guided practice and independent practice pages in textbook.
Parents, now is a good time to be sure that your student is prepared for class.  Requirements are pencils, hand held sharpener, notebook paper, textbook, and willingness to learn.

Thanks for your support.

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Welcome back!  I hope the snow days provided an opportunity for students to prepare themselves for the upcoming semester.  Parents, please be aware that students must practice math to be successful.  I assigned homework on Friday and Monday (in case we were out) and I am very disappointed to say that the return rate for my 3rd period class was less than 20%.  Students need to practice basic skills in order to build more skills leading to mastery.
With the report cards, I sent home the Math Inventory results - the number to achieve was 870 to be on grade level.  Many students are not on grade level and should be taking advantage of every opportunity to practice and ask questions.  Not doing homework at this point in the school year is definitely not wise.

Please note overall math grade and homework have a direct correlation to math success.  If your students math grade is not demonstrating success, the place to start is at home with homework.

Today, we worked in groups to teach each other about key vocabulary words in Unit 5.  We also practiced writing expressions from word problems using 4 key steps and comparing and contrasting expressions and equations.  Tomorrow: A quiz on what was explained today.
Homework:  Review for tomorrows quiz.

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Happy New Year and welcome back! Today we are beginning Unit 4 - One Step Equations and Inequalities.

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Today we took our Unit 3 Test on Expressions.  It is always rewarding to see how much information the students have attained.  Many have a new understanding of variables and parts of an expressions while others are better at understanding how math concepts work together. Students completed the test and were allowed to use their textbooks (though many choose NOT to open the book) as well as iRespond.  Using the textbook is more to build confidence and the iRespond provides immediate gratification in that students get their grades instantly.
Projects - overall, the projects went well. Some were very impressive with the posters and power points and many were detailed demonstrating the information gained from the research. I plan to use many more projects as assessments in the upcoming units.
When students return from the holiday break we will begin Unit 4 - Equations and Inequalities.  In the meantime, please have students to once again use their textbooks as resources to look over the upcoming unit and to go on line to do some research.
Happy Holidays, enjoy and be safe.

Mrs. Mack

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Monday is Presentation Day. I am so excited to see what the students have prepared. This is a great way to wrap up Unit 3. It will be interesting seeing them integrate world information with the information mastered from the textbook and class work.

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Today we researched our topics and worked in groups to prepare for our presentations.  Students were given assistance when needed and direction in terms of fully understanding all that was being asked in their presentation.  Some students are still gathering research to support their claims other students are in the planning stage as how to present.  Students were instructed to use today to complete research and tomorrow they will plan the beginning and middle portions of presentations.  Presentations maybe power points, brochures, posters, etc.
Presentation dates are Monday, Dec. 19th and Tuesday, Dec. 20th.

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Today in Mathematics we reviewed Algebra Properties by completing and turning in the Extra Practice page in which we had to show mastery of the skill.  We also review basic skills in completing the MidChapter Check page.
We worked on or group projects for Unit 3 and each group shared a quick peek as to events to come regarding their projects and interesting ideas that they had learned during their research so far.
We complete the SMI Assessment and overall students make some impressive gains.  The SMI will be counted as a test grade based on level of mastery demonstrated on test.
Parents, please encourage your student to work on his or her project so the next time group meets they make the best use of their time.  All students/groups should be in the research stage. Research and planning can and should be done at home.  Presentation dates are December 16th, 19th, and 20th. All presentation grades are counted as test grades.

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Today in Mathematics we learned about Algebra Properties: Commutative, Distributive, Identity and Associative.  We plan to use these properties to compare expressions to determine if they are equivalent.  We also took another look at past lessons mastered in this unit including writing and solving exponents, finding the value of an expression, substituting values for variables, and writing algebraic expressions in our quickie quiz.
Tomorrow students will take the SMI: Scholastic Mathematics Inventory Assessment.  This is the same assessment they took at the beginning of the year.  We will use tomorrows assessment to measure growth and to determine what additional skills have been mastered.  The growth determined by this assessment will be used as a test score.  Students are encouraged to bring earphones for this assessment.
Unit 3 projects are underway. Students are working on creative ways to present their information.

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Today we began our Unit 3 Projects.  Students were given seven topics to choose from and encouraged to pick their three top picks.  Students were divided into groups of 3 or 4 and given the basic information regarding the projects. Some students began brainstorming about ways to research and present their projects.  Students will be working in groups tomorrow for 15 minutes to collaborate and begin planning.
Unit 3 is nearly complete.  Only one section and review time remains.  Students should begin to study Expressions in preparation for the test.  Students should continue to complete all assignments and to work on the USA Test Prep activities.
Below you will find the Unit 3 Topics and descriptions.  Feel free to discuss the topic with your child.

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Today we reviewed Order of Operations again and most students seem have mastered the order and the need to do operations in a specified order.  We also reviewed exponents and completed two of our Touchstone Assessment exercises.  Based on the results, most students understand exponents and know how to solve them.

Parents, students received their progress reports today.  Please note that in math only 3 of the 4 categories are posted.  Test grades are still be tabulated for Unit 2 and will be posted by the end of the week.  Test grades count for 40% of the overall grade.

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Today we watched the Math Antics video on Exponents. Video allowed us to build upon the information already learned. We also worked on solving Numerical Expressions and thus polishing our Order of Operations Skills. Lastly, students really enjoyed competing in teams while playing the Otter Exponent Game.
Homework: USA Test Prep and finish any classwork not completed in class.

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Today we worked to master evaluating exponents and order of operations.  Students viewed the Flocabulary video on Exponents. Students utilized the sentence "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" to help them remember the order of the process to solve expressions that have more than one operational symbol.  Students worked in their work text on the Got It Problems and Guided Practice.
Students concluded the class with an exit ticket of 10 problems on solving Exponents.
Homework: Periods 2, 3 and 4 - complete Order of Operations WS; Period 1 - complete Independent Practice pg in worktext. All classes should also work on USA Test Prep.

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Today we began Unit 3 - Expressions.  Students learned the parts of an expression; how to calculate exponents; and how to solve expressions.  Students were very enthusiastic to share all of their prior knowledge and blend that information with what was presented today.  We worked  as a class to problem solve and in small groups to identify the parts of an expression.  Overall, students did an exceptional job.
Homework: Please check out the new activities on USA Test Prep.

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Today students participated in a Scavenger Hunt to find metric problems needing conversions.  Some students practiced their mastery of solving percent problems in small groups and other students practiced their mastery of converting in the Customary System.  Unit test is scheduled for Friday, November 4. It is contains 25 questions.
Homework tonight: Periods 1,2,3 work to complete Study Guide.  Period 4 work to complete both sides of Percent/Customary Measure WS.

Parents the chilly weather is coming and the sniffles are here!
Our class is in need of tissue and hand sanitizer.  Please and thanks

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Today students learned about the Metric System of Measurement.  They learned that there are three units in the metric system: meters, liters, and grams.  Students practiced converting from meters to centimeters and from grams to kilograms using a technique that looks like stairs.  Students saw how easy it was to convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit by moving the decimal to the left and from a larger unit to a smaller unit by moving the decimal to the right.
Students learned that currently only three countries are still using the customary system: US, Liberia, and Burma.
Tonight's homework is to complete the Metric Mania WS on both sides .

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Learn how easy it is to convert centimeters to meters or kilograms to milligrams. But what do King Henry and chocolate milk have to do with it?

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Today students practiced converting withing the Customary System of Measurement.  We checked our homework first and I was very disappointed in the number of students who had not attempted or had not completed their homework.Our activator was the Hot Seat. Some students had to demonstrate their skills when they were put on the 'Hot Seat' to model on the board how to convert within the Customary System. Students learned in and out of the classroom because while some students were practicing making proportions in the classroom, other students were working in trios to solve problems in the hall for our Around the World Review Activity. For closing, students completed a 5 question Quickie Quiz on Conversions.
Parents, I can not over emphasize the importance of practice in Mathematics. Homework helps a student to recognize what he or she does not know.  It is an opportunity to discover and make connections between what is known and what is being learned.
Parents, I assign homework almost every night.  YES, your student does have homework.  Please insist that they show you the problems worked out and the assignment is complete.
Tonight's homework: Finish classwork on Converting Customary Measures and complete Percent WS. Unit Test scheduled for Friday, Nov. 4th.

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Today students completed a Word Splash to categorize the units used in the Customary System of Measure.  Teacher modeled conversion problems with whole numbers, fractions, and mixed numbers.  Students continued using the strategy to solve.
Homework:  Complete conversion problems #1-10 on back of Word splash;  AC period 2 (pgs. 125-126); 6/7-Period 4 (Extra Practice pgs. 127-128); OL Periods 1 and 3 (pgs. 122-124) Be sure to show your work!
Please! Please! The sniffle season is upon us...we need tissues and hand sanitizer.
Thank you for checking my blog... I appreciate all you do to help me help your child to succeed. Mrs. Mack

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Today students investigated Customary Units and how to convert from one unit to another.  Student inquiry included an activity called Plus/Minus/Intriguing in which students were given statements about the Customary Measures and they had to conclude if they agreed, disagreed or simply thought the idea was intriguing.  Students viewed the Brain Pop video on customary units and were made more familiar with the  terms associated with Customary Units like inches, feet, miles, pints, gallons, etc.  Teacher modeled how to convert Customary Measures using a four step - proportion strategy. Students also participated in an In/Out Circle activity where they had to ask and answer varied questions about Customary Measure conversions, abbreviations and appropriate measures.
Homework: Complete Brain Pop WS, AC pgs. 121-124, OL pgs. 119-122.

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Today students prepared for tomorrows test on Percents.  Students used the iRespond to get immediate results from their efforts on last night's homework.  The iRespond scores in periods 1 - 3 were not very good and I strongly suggest that students use the time tonight to review lessons on Percent problems and solving problems with percents.  Tomorrow's test is projected to be 12 questions long with one bonus.  After this test, we will begin the lesson on Customary Units and Metric Units.
Homework:  Review, practice, study for Percent Test; Finish Gallery Walk activity; USA Test Prep.
Below is the Newsletter for Unit 2 - please read and review.

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Students practiced more with percents today.  They calculated finding the part and finding the whole percent problems using percent proportions and the magic triangle strategies.  Most students are close to mastery of this topic which is great because the test is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26.
Homework tonight: Extra Practice pg. 321-322 OL; pg. 209-210 AC

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Students learned how to solve percent problems to find the part given the whole and the percent.  Students reviewed key concepts regarding percents using the KWL chart.  Students used the iRespond to input last  nights homework and received immediategrades.  We will review responses tomorrow.
Homework:  Textbook pgs. OL 316-318; AC 204-206

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Today we concluded out lesson on finding the whole given the part and the percent.  Students chose from two ways to solve: magic triangle or percent proportion. Students completed a four questions quickie quiz to assess their ability to solve percent problems.
Homework tonight: Extra practice pgs. AC 217-218; OL 329-330
Work on USA Test Prep
Next lesson: Finding the percent of a number.

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Polishing up Percents.  Students learned there are three types of percent problems. A problem to find the part, whole or percent.  We are working on finding the whole.  For example:  30 is 50% of what number.  Students are using strategies to include percent proportions and the 'magic triangle'- which can be used to solve all three types of problems.
Homework for tonight is to finish the Independent Practice pages and to complete 2 of the four problems from the note sheet. Note sheet attached.
OL pgs. 327-328 AC. pgs 215-216

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Students are working to finish Unit 2.  We still have two more lessons: Percents and Converting with Customary and Metric Measures.  We should finish Unit 2 and be ready to test next week.  In the meantime, we still have many activities to complete and exploring to do.
USA Test prep (Unit 2)begins today 10/17 and ends 10/31.  This site allows practice, review, videos, games, etc... all available to aid in student mastery.  This will serve as an ongoing homework assignment due on 10/31.
Parents, this grading period I am focusing my attention on work ethic: in particular finishing homework and classwork assignments and completing quizzes and test in the time alloted.
Tonight's Homework: Solving Percent Problems
Periods 1 & 3 pgs. 324-326       Periods 2 & 4 pgs. 212-214
USA Test Prep

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math antics percent problems - Google Search

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Instructions: For each of these word problems involving percents, figure out which number is missing. Is it the Part, the Total or the Percent? Circle the missing number on the equation below the problem. You do NOT need to actually solve these word problems. Total. 100. Part. Percent. = Total.

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Today we used recipes to aid in our understanding of how ratios, rates, and ratio tables are used in the real world.  We constructed ratio tables and used scaling to find the proper amount of certain items to ensure that our recipes came out the same.
Homework tonight is the Extra Practice page AC 159-160 or finish Eatery Activity pgs. OL pgs 213-214 or finish Eatery Activity pgs.
More practice on USA Test Prep and Edmodo in the works.

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Unit 2 continues.  Today we worked on an activity with ratios and unit rates but had to pay close attention to the wording of the questions- some were tricky.  We are working on being careful readers when it comes to word problems to be sure that we are answering the question being asked correctly.
For our closing activity, we used the three column strategy: information, operation, and solution to force us use to slow down and to make sure we understand the information presented in the problem; hints to solve/appropriate operation to use;  and sensible solution in an answer statement. The correct answer was 15 chickens!
Homework for this grading period will be coming mostly from the textbook in the form of Extra Practice Pages.  Parents please make sure your student is completing/attempting all of the problems on the assigned pages.  USA Test Prep and Edmodo will be including units 1-2 by Tuesday.
Here's a video to help understand rates.

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Today we worked on rates which are special ratios. We used unit rate to help us to become wiser consumers. We practiced calculating the unit rate by setting up proportions and using division to find "how much for 1".
Parents it is true - 95% of the time WE DO HAVE MATH HOMEWORK. Seldom do I give free days because the mastery of math comes through practice and understanding.  Homework helps
Tonight's homework is to complete the Best Buy Activity - 15 problems, review Unit 2 in textbook, and USA Test Prep and/or Edmodo.

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National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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Ratey pops up when you least expect him. And he can't resist pointing out the rates and "purrportions" in daily life. You'll never again overlook how everyday decisions rely on mathematical reasoning about rates. Ratey the Math Cat addresses number and operations standards as well as the process standard, as established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

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Welcome back.  As the quarter winds down to a close, there are still opportunities to improve your grades.  Already offered were opportunities on USA Prep and now you can go to Edmodo for even more practice.  Simply log on to Edmodo and go to Mrs. Mack's Classes  and enter the group with the code twv7ze.  Work on any and all activities you can.
Today we spent our class time reviewing ratios and ratio tables.  We also learned how to graph the ratios on a coordinate plane.
Homework is in the textbook on pages (AC) 165-166 and (OL) 219-220. Students, please check your binders for any incomplete or missing assignments.
See you tomorrow!

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Enjoy your break! Take this opportunity to review your notes. Clean out your folders. Complete assignments. Review Unit 1. Preview Unit 2. Be ready when we return to class with a new excitement for mastering math. For practice, take a look at USA Test Prep. I've added some of Unit 2 for you and there are videos, practice problems and even a test for you to try. When we return, we will take a look at Edmodo Snap Shot as another opportunity for practice and mastery. Enjoy your week and I'll see you soon.

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Today, we did a hands on activity to help us better understand ratios and how we can convert ratios to decimals to percents.  We warmed up with a music video from Flocabulary which reviewed what a ratio was and how to use a ratio table to solve real world problems.
Next, students worked in groups to estimate, count, group and compare building cubes. Students had to use/practice their long division skills obtained in Unit 1 in order to convert from ratio to decimals and their number sense to change the decimal to percent.
Progress report went home today so that parents could obtain another look of their students progress prior to report card.

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Today we began Unit 2 - Ratios and Rates.  Parents will be receiving parent letters with important tips to help understand this unit to include example problem and answers, vocabulary, and helpful tips.  Parents please review this newsletter with your child.
Homework continues to be on USA Test Prep.  Students should be spending 25-30 minutes nightly reviewing the lessons on USA Test Prep as a reminder of the concepts obtained in Unit 1.  Many of those concepts will be further utilized in Unit 2. I will be downloading more lessons next week and checking on the progress of previous lessons. Make sure your child is working on it.

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Today we reviewed operations with decimals once again and the students are getting much better.  They were able to recognize and correct their mistakes.
Homework: continue to work on USA Test Prep for about 30-45 minutes. There are many activities for you to work on to include vocabulary, problem solving, games, etc, All assignments will help to prepare you for the Unit 1 Test on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016.

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Today we practiced our ability to solve Operations with Decimals with our Decimal Dining at Waffle House.  No, we didn't actually go to Waffle House but, we used menus to "Order Up" different variations of orders. Students enjoyed adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and even calculating the tips for ordering selections.  All this was practice for decimal operations.
Homework for tonight  will be to complete the Choice Board packet pages and to go to USA Test Prep on computer.  Students should have logged onto my class already and there are many, many, assignments waiting for them - about 40 in all - just for Unit 1. Assignments include assessments, videos, vocabulary, and even games.  Students should work nightly about 35-45 minutes on USA Test Prep to complete all of the activities posted there.  Due date for completion will be sometime early October. USA Test Prep will be an ongoing homework assignment based on the unit we are covering in class.

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Today we finished our lesson on Operations with Decimals - Lesson 3. We did some real world problem solving and helped Nicky, Charlie, and Pedro solve their money issues. We discussed the rules for dividing with decimals in the divisor, dividend, and in both divisor and dividend. We went back to our Choice Boards - which are due on Wednesday and worked on the Division Choice Board. Unit Test scheduled for this Friday, September 16th. This test will cover all we have worked on thus far. Tests count for 40% of the overall grade. Students should begin their review of the material tonight so that they are fully prepared to show what they know.

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Upcoming assessments include : Lesson 3 quiz on operations w/Decimal 9/16; Unit 1 Test 9/18/2016. USA Test Prep as study guide for Unit Test begins on Monday, September 12, 2016.

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Today we began Lesson 3 : Operations with Decimals. Students took a pre-assessment to test their prior knowledge as well as completing an Anticipation Guide to test the understanding before and after the lesson. Students received a packet containing Choice Boards for Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. Homework tonight is to begin working on Addition/Subtraction Choice Board activities. Quickie Quiz tomorrow on long division and dividing fractions.

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SYEAH! The first Math Competition was great! We have some upgrading to do but the students did an exceptional job! Students in the audience participated and received sweets.  Students on winning teams selected prizes to include pencils, dry erase boards, calculators. Go students... we love math

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Homework: 50 Question Math Challenge for Lesson 2.
Today we finished out Lesson 2 by focusing our attention on the final step in fraction problem solving. That final step is simplifying. If you did not finish the 20 practice problems on the board - do so tonight. We will check tomorrow. Also don't forget Math Competition tomorrow.

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Homework: Students are asked to work for just 15 minutes to review the packet on dividing fractions. Quiz coming soon!

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Today we modeled dividing fractions by fractions using tape diagrams. Tonight's HW is on pages 147-151 for OL and pages 85-89 for AC.

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Happy Friday and Happy Belated Birthday to all of my students with birthdays in July and August.  Each birthday student was treated to a birthday star and birthday cupcake.
Today we worked on the GCF and LCM Assessment.  Students binders were checked and grades given for organization. No homework as a reward  for exception behavior in my absence on Thursday.
Next week...more dividing fractions.

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August 24, 2016
There is a direct correlation between homework and tests.  Here it is...
Students who practice by doing homework and checking for accuracy usually do well on quizzes.  Students who do well on quizzes usually do well on tests.  It all begins with homework.  Homework is free practice.  With homework you are not penalized for getting the wrong answer - you check it and learn from your mistake.  By the time the quiz and test come around you are no longer making those mistakes because you know the material.  Practice matters....make sure your student practices.

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Today, we reviewed long division and division of fractions. Many students  had not completed their practice problems and were unprepared to share their work or check it for accuracy.  Again parents, students should be practicing math nightly. Any classwork that is not complete is automatically homework.
HW for periods 1 and 3 is in textbook on pgs. 135-138 .
HW for periods 2 and 4 is in textbook pgs. 73-76.
I will begin using Remind calling system to inform parents when their child has come to class without his/her homework.  Please send current phone number if number on file is incorrect.
Thanks, Mrs. Mack

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Upcoming Assessment:
Computation with GCF and LCM.
Note: Students should come to class with all materials everyday.

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Students in periods 2-4 received their assessment on factors and multiple part A today.  Overall, scores were good. Wednesday, students will have completed the computation portion on factors and multiples.
Today, we practiced long division and discussed using a t-table to solve problems with two numbers in divisor. We labeled the parts of the division problem.
HW. OL pgs. 45-49
AC pgs. 33-37

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Happy Friday.  Students took part 1 (vocabulary) of the summative assessment on Factors & Multiples. I have already begun grading and the scores are looking pretty good.  Students who receive a perfect score will see their owl on the Scoreboard displaying their accomplishment.  The test was 22 questions  matching activity with an answer box.  On Monday, students will take a shorter computation assessment to measure the computation skills required to find the GCF and LCM. Students should be reviewing their notes nightly.   Homework  for tonight. includes 19 multiple choice problems on GCF and LCM.  Students should show their work . Students will put answers in iRespond on Monday at the beginning of class to check for accuracy.
50 problem HW challenge will be sent home on Tuesday.  Get Ready for the Challenge!

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When: Monday, Aug. 22, 2016
Topic: GCF and LCM computation
Test are 40% of overall grade

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Today was a Challenge but students demonstrated they were well prepared.
Period 1 - 96%, Period 2 - 93%, Period 3 - 90% and Period  4- 95% turned in. Great Job!

Parents, I hope to see you at the Open House on Thursday, August 18th at 6:30. We will be sharing some important information with your regarding your students success for this school year. See you there!

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Students continued to work to master GCF and LCM. Many students utilized any free moments to complete the 50 question Homework challenge due on Tuesday, August 16th same day as quiz. Test on lesson scheduled August 19th.

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The first week of school was great.  Thanks to all of you for making it run so smoothly.                  August 5, 2016

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The first week of school was great.  Thanks to all of you for making it run so smoothly.                  August 5, 2016

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Hello Class, Welcome to our padlet.  Today, we learned how to problem solve using GCF and LCM. We did a hands-on- party planner activity.  We found factors and distinguished between prime and composite numbers.

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Hello Class, Welcome to our padlet.  Today, we learned how to problem solve using GCF and LCM. We did a hands-on- party planner activity.  We found factors and distinguished between prime and composite numbers.

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Aug. 10, 2016