## Saturday, October 25, 2014

### Math: Week 8

MSM2
SOLs Covered:  SOL 7.1a,b,c & 8.1b Comparing & Ordering Rational Numbers & Scientific Notation
Math Packet:  #6 Comparing & Ordering Numbers
Upcoming Assessments:  Review Test #3 (Tues. 10/28 & Wed. 10/29)

7H
SOLs Covered:  SOL 8.15c Properties of Real Numbers
Math Packet:  #7 Properties of Real Numbers
Upcoming Assessments:  Review Test #2 (Tues. 10/28 & Wed. 10/29)

First, let me apologize to anyone expecting me to post this yesterday.This week has really played havoc on my sinuses, so I just crashed when I finally got home yesterday.  Please know that for those of you who do depend on these to stay updated on what's going on in class that I will always try my best to get them out as soon as possible at the end of each week, but if you do not find them posted on Friday's as expected, you should see them soon after.  I'm still not at my best, so this will likely be on the short side, but without further delay, let's get on with the show!

The MSM2 classes continued working on the comparing and ordering rational numbers unit.  This has included working with negative exponents, which essentially turns numbers into fractions (ex. ${ 7 }^{ -2 }=\frac { 1 }{ { 7 }^{ 2 } } =\frac { 1 }{ 49 }$), and numbers written in scientific notation, which includes the "really small" numbers written with a negative power of ten (ex. $2.304\times { 10 }^{ -5 }=0.00002104$).  The 7H class has been working on the properties of real numbers.  While this isn't a new topic for them, the Math 8 SOLs "ups" the difficulty by placing emphasis on the application of the properties in order to solve algebraic equations and inequalities.  In addition to the usual "traditional" paper/pencil work and instruction, both classes practiced and reviewed through BuzzMath.

The big highlight this week for all the classes was their chance to end most math blocks by playing on Sumdog.  Sumdog has been expanding their content in recent years and now covers many of the national middle school standards, which they've expanded to align to our Virginia SOLs.  While the kids seem to really enjoy the gaming aspect of the site most days, they really enjoyed the competition that I introduced.  I set up competitions for each class as well as entered us into the weekly national competitions.  It was incredibly gratifying to see and hear their excitement to play; even if in their mind the gaming and competition is their primary concern, they can't avoid the math side of things, which makes my teacher's heart happy!  I'm hoping to log in on Monday to find they've continued their play over the weekend!