Wednesday 8/31

Today we jumped into Chapter 2 with Lesson 2.1, which focused on sequences. We learned today that often times you have to do a lot of critical thinking and deep analysis to write sequences and discover patterns, clues, and rules. There is no substitute for this careful consideration and critical thinking, and it takes honest, determined practice to get good at it.

Tonight's homework will require this kind of careful consideration. Feel free to use all tools at your disposal (drawings, charts, tables, whatever!). Remember to think first about what the problem is asking you to do (is it only one thing, or more than one thing?). Then consider what you know, and what clues may have been left for you. The next step is to come up with a plan to solve.

Parents: If you're helping your son or daughter at home, please consider asking the above questions first and pushing them to try to "unlock" the problem on their own. It may not come naturally, but that's what they need to practice. The process is the goal, not necessarily the final solution. There are only a few problems on each nightly assignment, but they do require a great deal of deep thinking and careful work.

Homework: Textbook pages 50-53 Problems #7, 10, and 11

Tuesday 8/30

Today we took our Chapter 1 Test. Great job everyone!

Tomorrow we will dive into Chapter 2.

Homework: none

Monday 8/29

Today we spent the class period working in MATHia.

Don't forget we willl be taking our Chapter 1 test tomorrow. Be sure to go back and study Lessons 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 to get yourself fully prepared! Doing math is always better than looking at math =]

The test will be open classwork and open homewor, so make sure your materials are complete, organized, and prepared.

Homework: 30 mins of MATHia practice & study for the test

Friday 8/26

Today we spent the class period working with MATHia X.

We will be taking our first test of the year on Tuesday. It will cover lessons 1, 2, and 3 from chapter 1. The test will be open class work and open homework so make sure you've got those perfected and ready to go!

Have a great weekend!

Homework: Finish Solving Linear Equations Practice Worksheet and 30 mins of MATHia

DESMOS BLOCK NAME EXTRA CREDIT

If you would like to submit your completed project for extra credit, you will do the following:

1. Save your completed project under your Desmos account (You can use any email to create an account).
2. Go to our class website math8escher.blogspot.com and fill out the Desmos Assignment Submissions form below.
3. Make sure you submit the link or URL for your project. If you do not do this, I will not be able to view your project.
4. Submit the form and you are done!

THIS IS DUE BY MIDNIGHT TODAY!

Thursday 8/25

Today we finished our look at Lesson 1.3 with a linear equations bar model packet.

Be sure to check today's classwork at the link above.

Homework: Finish the rest of the linear equations worksheets

Wednesday 8/24

Today we explored the first part of Lesson 1.3. We used a bar model to simplify and make sense of complicated questions. We will continue with this model tomorrow!

Homework: Textbook pages 26 problem 1 #1-3

Tuesday 8/23

We wrapped up Lesson 1.2 on equations with infinite solutions and no solutions today.

We also discovered that many students would benefit from extra practice with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing positive and negative numbers. If this is an area you think might be holding you back from success, please check out the links at the side for Integer Addition & Subtraction Practice and Integer Multiplication & Division Practice.

Parents: Integer operations is not a skill that is taught in 8th grade, as the curriculum expects that students are already proficient with these skills. If you think your son or daughter would benefit from some review or additional practice, 10-15 minutes a day working on those two websites for a week or so should pay huge dividends for your child!

Homework: Finish Textbook Pages 22-23 Talk the Talk. Don't forget to double check your answers with the classwork link above!

Monday 8/22

Today we were working with our MATHia X software in class. We are all now familiar with the basics and prepared to begin working on our own at our own pace.

For those already familiar with MATHia, we have upgraded to the newer MATHia X software this year, which has a much improved user interface and will also be easier to get running at home. It no longer requires java and will run  in most major web browsers! Check out the links below to get you going at home if you need help or are curious about more details.

MATHia X Student Guide
MATHia X Support
MATHia X Device/System Requirements

MATHia X will be assigned for homework so if you cannot access a computer or the Internet at home, please let me know. Students are required to complete 30 minutes of MATHia work outside the classroom each week.

Homework: Work on block name project if completing for extra credit (It will be due by this Friday 8/26. Check Friday 8/19 blog post for details about submitting your project.)

Friday 8/19

Today we worked on our block name project. We learned how to create lines using tables and equations. If you would like to submit your completed project for extra credit, you will do the following:

1. Save your completed project under your Desmos account (You can use any email to create an account).
2. Go to our class website math8escher.blogspot.com and fill out the Desmos Assignment Submissions form below.
3. Make sure you submit the link or URL for your project. If you do not do this, I will not be able to view your project.
4. Submit the form and you are done!

Homework: Work on block name project if completing for extra credit (It will be due by next Friday 8/26.)

Thursday 8/18

Today we tackled the first half of Lesson 1.2, specifically concentrating on equations with infinite solutions. We'll complete the second half of the lesson next week.

Be sure to double-check your class work each day with the solutions provided here. If you're feeling a bit confused or overwhelmed at times (which is natural when you learn new things!), thoroughly reviewing the class work each day is a great way to help improve your understanding. It takes work, but it's worth it!

Homework: Textbook Pages 22-23 "Talk the Talk" #1a, 1c, 2a, and 2c

Wednesday 8/17

We completed Lesson 1.1 today and wrapped up our intro to writing and solving two-step equations. Be sure to check your classwork with the solutions provided at the Lesson 1.1 link.

Parents: Our textbook has far more problems and tasks than can be completed in a normal class period. It's designed to be modular and adaptable to the needs to the class. We'll only be completing key portions of the lesson each day. You're welcome to work additional sections at home with your child if they need extra help or practice. Solutions are always available here. There are additional practice problems available for download for those that have setup a Carnegie Resource Center Student Account. The Skills and Practice worksheets are the best tool for additional practice problems.

Homework: Solving Equations WS

Tuesday 8/16

Today in class we began Lesson 1.1 and will complete more of it tomorrow. Make sure to double check your class work answers each day with the solutions linked here (click on the "Lesson 1.1" link to see the solutions).

Homework: Textbook pages 4-6 problem 1 (parts 1 & 2, but not part 3)

Monday 8/15

Today we explored some essential components of Desmos. Desmos is an online resource which we will be using throughout the school year.

If you would like to review the activity again, go to student.desmos.com and type in your class code.

• Period 1: 77BY
• Period 2: 63NT
• Period 6: HTFP

Also, we started our first Desmos project in class. We wrote our first name in block letters on a piece of graph paper. On Friday, we will be creating our names in Desmos like the example on the right. This will be our first and certainly not our last Desmos project of the year!

Homework: Finish block name 

Friday 8/12

Today we reflected on our group work from yesterday and made awesome posters. We made posters that will remind us of how we should be working while we are in groups. They all came out great!

Homework: none

Have a fantastic weekend!

Thursday 8/11

Today we took on the straw tower challenge! Students worked in groups to build a tower using only 25 straws, one yard of masking tape, and one rubber band. Prizes will awarded to the groups with the "Best Design" as voted by the class and "Tallest Tower". Great job everyone and this is the start of a great year!

Homework: none