Week of September 5-9, 2016

Dear Falcons,




Welcome to the third week of the six weeks!  We are half way through the first six weeks. This week we will continue to work with order of operations and begin covering factors, multiples, and prime factorization. We will also have a mini-assessment on Friday to check for understanding so make sure you are prepared and let me know if you need any extra help.

Reminders:
-University T-shirt money due on September 9, 2016.
-Don't forget to download the Class Dojo App.
-Prepare for Mini-Assessment.
-Parent Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 @ 5PM.
-Try your best not to be absent.
-Be the best you can be!



Check the following link to get a jumpstart on prime factorization.
http://www.mathsisfun.com/prime-factorization.html

Week of August 29- September 2, 2016

Dear Falcons,

We had an amazing first week of school. I'm looking forward to the next week. We will be learning many new things which include: analyzing different algorithms for division of whole numbers, make reasonable estimates with justification, and solve problems involving common factors and common multiples.

Make sure you continue to bring your math folders to class everyday.


Reminders:
-Student Council Representative Elections- Monday, 8/29/16
-Spirit shirt money due this week.
-Bring in nurse forms ASAP and thank you very much MIT homeroom and parents  for bringing in all your student information forms on the day after they were issued! Continue being responsible :)
-College T-shirt day on Thursdays.
-Spirit Shirt day on Fridays.
-Stay Alert in class so that you do not miss out.
-Be the best you can be!



Thank you for sharing your ideas on why you believe math is important. I was amazed by some of your responses. The following picture demonstrates different examples

Week of August 22-26, 2016

WELCOME TO AC2E 6TH GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS! I AM PUMPED FOR THIS NEW SCHOOL YEAR AND I HOPE THAT YOU ARE TOO. I WILL BE YOUR MATH TEACHER AND I HOPE YOU ARE READY TO WORK HARD MIGHTY FALCONS, WE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR YOU AND WE ARE 100% SURE YOU WILL SUCCEED EACH AND EVERYDAY. 

THIS WEEK WILL BE FULL OF  INFORMATION SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE ALERT AND FOLLOW ALONG,

I PROMISE YOU THAT YOU WILL LOVE OUR SCHOOL AND WILL  HAVE AN EXTRAORDINARY SCHOOL YEAR. WE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE TO ASSIST AND GUIDE YOU WITH WHATEVER YOU MAY NEED. 

LET'S MAKE IT AWESOME KIDS!

6^th Grade Honors Math Syllabus

2016-2017                                                                                                           

Teacher:  Mrs. Isabel Lopez

Room:  8017

Cell Phone: 956-573-7011

Email: ilopez042@rgccisd.org

Welcome  to Ac2E Middle School 6^th graders! I am looking forward to a brand new school year with new students!  My goal is to empower my students mathematically by coaching them to be critical thinkers as well as scholars understanding our new concepts.  Also, by building self-esteem each will be enabled to be positive and productive members of society.

Course Description:

6th Grade Math reinforces basic mathematical concepts and introduces skills that are essential for all students.  Concepts, procedures, and vocabulary that students will need in order to be successful in upper-level algebra and geometry courses are introduced and continually practiced.  Students begin with a general review of the four basic operations. They are introduced to exponents, geometric formulas, algebraic concepts, ratios, percentages, and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing signed numbers, etc.  6th Grade Math students work extensively with fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and estimating.  Problem solving strategies are also an integral part of the curriculum.

To be successful in this course, you will need to attend class on a regular basis, do all assigned homework, be prepared for class by bringing materials, ask questions, and have a good attitude.  These things will not only make you successful in this class, but also in life.

Course Goals:

         •For students to demonstrate comprehension and application of the above topics with 100% proficiency.

        •To prepare students for the STAAR exam by covering the Texas state standards (TEKS) and have a 100% passing rate.

·         Always work extra hard in math class and be the best you can be.

Grading Policy: Students are strongly encouraged to take home all graded material the day it is returned.  The material should be reviewed by the parents.

Quizzes/Classwork/Homework/Project/Journal/ etc: 75% of student grade

Tests/Exams: 25% of student grade NOTE: IN ORDER FOR STUDENT COMPREHENSION TO INCREASE AT AC2E MIDDLE SCHOOL WE WILL INCLUDE BOTH OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS AND MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS ON TESTS/QUIZZES. OUR GOAL IS TO DECREASE THE USE OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS FOR SUPERIOR STUDENT SUCCESS. STAAR TEST FORMAT QUESTIONS WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED FOR PRACTICE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.

·         Teachers will not assign a grade of “A” for work turned in late.

·         Work not turned in will be recorded as “M” (missing) so that grade reports will compute the grade as a zero until handed in. This will allow students and parents to see what the grade will be if work is not completed.

·         Late Assignments- Assignments that are received late shall be reduced by no more than five points per day after the due date to a maximum of 20 points. Assignments MUST be completed within five days.

·         Work that is turned in and is of good quality will not be assigned a grade lower than a “70.”

Homework/Class Work Policy:

You are expected to come to class prepared to learn.  This means having homework assignments completed BEFORE class starts every day, having a pen, a pencil, paper, and a good attitude.  We all have “bad days” from time to time, but let’s all make a conscious effort to leave any discouraging words, thoughts, and attitudes at the door.

Homework must be completed in pencil, and all problems must be written down, worked out and at least attempted in the way shown in class in order to receive credit for the assignment.  YOU MUST SHOW ALL WORK ON HOMEWORK, TESTS, AND QUIZZES TO RECEIVE CREDIT!  There will not be extra time given at the beginning of class to finish homework.

Homework assignments are given for the purpose of extending lessons and for additional practice. It is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for the assignments whenever the student does not attend class.

Assignments may include, but are not limited to:

            Group work

            Projects/tasks

            Individual activities

            Homework problems

            Practice papers/worksheets

            Journal entries

            Warm ups

AGILEMIND: Agile Mind’s Intensified 6^TH Grade math course provides clear learning routines that support students in building conceptual understanding of algebraic thinking, using multiple routes to solutions and multiple ways to represent answers.  This design fits right in with our class components of consistent routines, clear expectations, and close learning relationships between adults and students. Students will be able to review daily lessons and complete assignments online from home when asked to do so. If student does not have internet access at home please notify me so that I can accommodate the best I could.

Interactive Notebook (Journal)

Each student will have a Math Interactive Notebook that they are expected to update daily; specifically: math notes and foldable cut outs. *STUDENTS MUST TAKE THEIR JOURNAL HOME EVERYDAY TO REVIEW THEIR MATH NOTES. This notebook is collected at least once a month and will be graded on organization, neatness, and completeness.

*Daily math bell ringer problems are a crucial part of defining students’ metacognition of mathematical processes and concepts.  Warm up bell ringers will tend to be a variety of math problems or a review of previous concepts. 

*If you find yourself getting behind, or not understanding something, please see me for help.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.   Our goal is to help you be successful and learn as much as you can.

Class Rules and Expectations:

1. Responsibility-bring all necessary materials (pencil, notebook, and agenda) to class.  You will not be permitted to go to your locker to get anything you forgot. Do all assigned work, make up any missed work, use time appropriately, and be mature.

2. Respect -classmates and all teachers.  Teasing will not be tolerated.  Be fair and listen to each person’s ideas.   Also respect all school property.    This includes desks, computers, bulletin boards, and all classroom materials.

3. Raise- hand and wait to be called on.   If a teacher is talking, you are not.

4. Use- only constructive criticism.

Consequences:

Behavior will be dealt by following the Discipline Plan outlined below.  There will be no tolerance of the impeding of others’ learning.

1.            Warning

2.            Parent Contact

3.            Team Meeting

4.            Detention

5.            Administrative Referral

Any offense that is disrespectful or hurts another person will result in an automatic discipline referral to the office.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please sign below that you and your child have read and discussed the Math Syllabus for this year.  This will be checked off and returned to the student.

____________________________________________________________            ___________

Student Signature                                                                           Parent Signature                              Date

WEEK OF MAY 2-6, 2016

FALCONS,

THIS WEEK WE WILL BE REVIEWING ALL OUR 6TH GRADE MATH TEKS. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE HERE EVERYDAY.

I KNOW WE CAN DO THIS MIGHTY FALCONS! YOU GUYS ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!!!

LET'S DO THIS!

WEEK OF APRIL 25-29, 2016

FALCONS,

I KNOW IT FEELS LIKE WE ARE GOING 100 MILES PER HOUR BUT I KNOW THAT IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT ON  STAAR TEST DAY.

REMEMBER TO FOCUS IN CLASS AND WORK ON YOUR REVIEWS AT HOME SO WE CAN CHECK THEM AT SCHOOL. 

REMEMBER THAT PLENTY OF REVIEW SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE DURING RECESS, 8TH AND 9TH PERIOD BUT ONLY IF YOU HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH YOUR PARENTS (VMS AND GMS STUDENTS), RMS STUDENTS CAN JUST WALK NEXT DOOR WHEN COMPLETE, AND ALSO ON SATURDAYS.

THIS WEEK WE WILL BE REVIEWING AND INTRODUCING THE LAST LESSONS OF THE YEAR WHICH ARE DATA ANALYSIS AND FINANCIAL LITERACY. PLEASE COME TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY AND STAY ALERT.

REMINDERS:

10 SCHOOL DAYS LEFT FOR STAAR

PICTURES SHOW STUDENTS TRYING TO FORM A TRIANGLE BY EXPLORING DIFFERENT SIDE LENGTHS THAT MAY BE USED.

WEEK OF APRIL 18-22, 2016

FALCONS,

WE HAD A GREAT WEEK FULL OF LEARNING AND DEDICATION.

THIS WEEK WE WILL BE WORKING WITH DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT VARIABLES,WRITING EQUATIONS FROM TABLES AND GRAPHS, AREA, PERIMETER, AND VOLUME OF DIFFERENT SHAPES.WE WILL ALSO BE EXPLORING DIFFERENT TRIANGLE PROPERTIES AND ATTRIBUTES.

WE HAVE 15 MORE SCHOOL DAYS FOR STAAR!  MAKE SURE YOU CONTINUE COMING TO MATH DURING RECESS FOR EXTRA HELP AND BE PRESENT FOR SATURDAY TUTORIALS. 

Area of Triangles Without Right Angles

There are several ways to find the area of a triangle.

Knowing Base and Height

When we know the base and height it is easy.

It is simply half of b times h

Area =	1	bh
	2

(The Triangles page explains more)

Example: What is the area of this triangle?

(Note: 12 is the height, not the length of the left-hand side)

Height = h = 12

Base = b = 20

Area = ½ bh = ½ × 20 × 12 = 120

Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4  

Knowing Three Sides

There's also a formula to find the area of any triangle when we know the lengths of all three of its sides. This can be found on the Heron's Formula page.

Knowing Two Sides and the Included Angle

When we know two sides and the included angle (SAS), there is another formula (in fact three equivalent formulas) we can use.

Depending on which sides and angles we know, the formula can be written in three ways:

Either:   Area = 1 ab sin C 2

Or:   Area = 1 bc sin A 2

Or:   Area = 1 ca sin B 2

They are really the same formula, just with the sides and angle changed.

Example: Find the area of this triangle:

First of all we must decide what we know.

We know angle C = 25º, and sides a = 7 and b = 10.

So let's get going:

Start with:		Area =	(½)ab sin C
Put in the values we know:		Area =	½ × 7 × 10 × sin(25º)
Do some calculator work:		Area =	35 × 0.4226...
		Area =	14.8 to one decimal place

How to Remember

Just think "abc": Area = ½ a b sin C

How Does it Work?

Well, we know that we can find an area when we know a base and height:

Area = ½ × base × height

In this triangle: the base is: c the height is: b × sin A

Putting that together gets us:

Area = ½ × (c) × (b × sin A)

Which is (more simply):

Area =	1	bc sin A
	2

By changing the labels on the triangle we can also get:

• Area = ½ ab sin C
• Area = ½ ca sin B

One more example:

Example: Find How Much Land

Farmer Jones owns a triangular piece of land.

The length of the fence AB is 150 m. The length of the fence BC is 231 m.

The angle between fence AB and fence BC is 123º.

How much land does Farmer Jones own?

First of all we must decide which lengths and angles we know:

• AB = c = 150 m,
• BC = a = 231 m,
• and angle B = 123º

So we use:

Area =	1	ca sin B
	2

Start with:		Area =	½ ca sinB
Put in the values we know:		Area =	½ × 150 × 231 × sin(123º) m2
Do some calculator work:		Area =	17,325 × 0.838... m2
		Area =	14,530 m2

Farmer Jones has 14,530 m² of land

REMINDERS:                                                                     

MONDAY-SPRING PICTURES

WEDNESDAY-WEAR BLUE OF SUPPORT OF AUTISM AWARENESS.

FRIDAY-PIZZA PARTY FOR STUDENTS THAT EARNED A LEVEL III ON MATH BENCHMARK.

PLEASE TRY YOUR BEST TO BE HERE EVERYDAY!

BE AWESOME!

WEEK OF APRIL 11-15, 2016

FALCONS,


I AM SO PROUD OF ALL STUDENTS WHO EARNED A LEVEL III GRADE ON THEIR MATH DISTRICT BENCHMARK #2. KEEP IT UP GUYS REMEMBER OUR GOAL IS FOR OUR SCORES TO KEEP GOING UP AND NOT DOWN.  I AM CERTAIN THAT THERE WILL BE MORE LEVEL III GRADES ON OUR STAAR EXAM IF WE CONTINUE TO WORK EXTRA HARD EACH AND EVERY DAY FROM HERE UNTIL MAY 9TH.


THIS WEEK WE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON SOLVING ONE STEP EQUATIONS AND BEGIN WRITING AND SOLVING INEQUALITIES. WE WILL ALSO BE HAVING GEOMETRIC SESSIONS AS OUR BELL RINGERS TO CONTINUE TO GET MORE PRACTICE ON GEOMETRY LESSONS.  TRY YOUR BEST TO BE HERE EVERYDAY SO THAT YOU DON'T MISS OUT. I DON'T WANT ANYONE FALLING BEHIND.

MAKE SURE ALL ASSIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN TURNED IN, THE LAST DAY OF THE 5TH SIX WEEKS IS THIS FRIDAY. DO NOT SLACK OFF!

REMINDERS:
-BE HERE EVERYDAY.
-TUTORIAL SESSION APRIL 16. MAKE SURE YOU ARE HERE EVEN IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME COMING.
-REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW.
-CONTINUE COMING TO "LUNCH BUNCH MATH SESSIONS," FOR EXTRA HELP.