Math: Week 14

MSM2
SOLs Covered:  SOL 7.14a,b & 8.15a Two-step & Multi-step Equations
Math Packet:  #10 Solving Equations: Part 2
Upcoming Assessments:  Solving & Graphing Inequalities (Fri. 12/12)

7H
SOLs Covered:  SOL 8.3 Proportional Reasoning
Math Packet:  #12 Solving Practical Problems Using Proportional Reasoning
Upcoming Assessments:  Proportional Reasoning Part 2 Quiz (Fri. 12/12)

This is a bit late going out, so I apologize to anyone who expects to see it earlier.  Between Synergy (a.k.a. StudentVUE/ParentVUE) being taken offline Friday afternoon for routine maintenance and weekend plans (sadly also containing just plain old household chores... what an exciting teacher life I lead), I've only just now been able to sit and type this up.  Again, I'll try to stick to the shorter side (still have grades to catch up on now that Synergy is back up and running in addition to a few other things), but you know how that sometimes goes.

Both groups had Khan Academy assignments last week.  The MSM2 classes had five topics that were due on Friday, December 5th covering two-step and multi-step equations.  The 7H have ten topics that aren't due until this Friday, December 12th covering the solving of practical problems (SOL-speak for "real world" problems) using proportional reasoning.  There have been issues with students accessing the videos on Khan Academy and I've reached out to some of the county tech folks to see what's going on with that, but I haven't heard back yet.  It would be a huge help if students tried accessing them and/or any other video in the Education section of YouTube (which is the only part that we were told would be unblocked for students).  From the error message I've seen students receive, I'm not sure if it's a filter issue or an issue with streaming media or the internet itself.  If students try, I ask that they either share the info with me in class, send me an Edmodo message, or send an email (either student or parent).

When students were not working independently on their Khan Academy, we worked on the packets together in class.  The MSM2 groups need to remember to use their "quick notes" card to help them memorize the process for solving equations while the 7H group needs to remember to read their questions thoroughly and carefully set up their problems, using proportions when necessary or formulas (ex. simple interest I=prt) when the question calls for it.  Small mistakes can make the difference between right or wrong answers for any topic, but especially with our current topics.

I'm going to end things here for now, but as always if anyone has questions, feel free to email at any time.  Hope everyone has a great week!