McCabe's Math Moments...: October 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Algebra - Lesson 3-2: Solving Multi-Step Equations

Dear Algebra Student,

Here is some extra help if you should need it for your homework assignment. You can also go to our online "textbook" for more videos.

Sincerely,
Mrs. McCabe

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Enlarging a Photo

Today's Problem: A photo measures 6 inches along the base and is 8 inches high. We need to enlarge the photo so that it fits in a frame that is 15 inches along the base. What will the height of the new photo be?

The #1 most popular wrong answer...17.
So, students were back to the drawing board to figure it out correctly.

We used a variety of materials: graph paper, unifix cubes, tiles, or just good ol' paper/pencil.

After teams found the correct answer, students shared their various methods.

Sometimes when we solve math problems, it helps if we break down the problem to an easier, or smaller, place to start.

When we solve math problems, we need to understand what the numbers stand for.
Ask your student what 2.5 means for this problem.

Or the problem can be set up so that the FISHY method can be used.
What is the FISHY method?

Today we found out that there isn't just one way to solve a problem.
With math, there are many paths that all get us to the same solution.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

November Family Math

It's fun as we get cookin',

Math problems we are lookin',

Together we'll be puttin' ,

November Family Math.

It really is a dream,

As we work in a team,

There is no need to scream,

November Family Math.

(sing to the tune of...The Addams Family)

Tuesday, November 1st

6:00-7:00

Mrs. McCabe's room

To reserve your spot, please let me know by

THIS Friday, October 28th!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Integer Dot-To-Dot

Students practiced their integer operations by creating dot-to-dot puzzles. Check out the creativity! We'll use these worksheets to review our skills and to check problems for accuracy.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Attention Algebra Students!!!

Needing some extra practice problems or help for the test on Monday? Check out these great resources!

In your textbook: pg. 109-111

Or check out these video tutors online.
Simply go to phschool.com and type in these web codes...
Independent Probability - Web Code: ate-0207
Simply Probability - Web Code: ate-0206
Properties - Web Code: ate-0205
Distributive Property - Web Code: ate-0204
Multiplying & Dividing Rational Numbers - Web Code: ate-0203
Subtracting Rational Numbers - Web Code: ate-0202
Adding Rational Numbers - Web Code: ate-0201

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Check It Out! Students Published Online!

Ten 8th grade students got their ScreenChomp "How-To-Subtract-Integers" published into our online textbook! Way to go!

Be sure to check it out!!!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Using ScreenChomp to Communicate How to Subtract Integers

How does one subtract positive and negative numbers?
It's harder to see and do than addition, that's for sure!
After learning several methods
(ask your student which method they prefer...positive and negative notation, driving along the number line, or adding the opposite),
Students focused on explaining the process to others using an iPad App...ScreenChomp.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Awareness Graphs on the iPads

Students looked at the True Color personality data that they collected in science class as they organized graphs for various groups at RVMS...4th hour math, the football team, the RVMS News group, band, or the entire 8th grade class just to name a few.

Data was entered into the Numbers spreadsheet on the iPads and graphs were created to show the make-up of these various groups. It was exciting to see how each group differed than the others and the information that could be drawn from the charts.

It was also exciting to see the learning curve on the iPads! As each class got familiar with the spreadsheet app, students were making discoveries about how to enhance their final presentation with the various spreadsheet tools.