Mr. Stafford's Blog

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, May 12 - 16

Wed, 07 May 2008 20:56:29 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, May 12 - 16

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we conclude our chapter on trigonometry. We focus on using our new skills in problem solving and word problems. The students will be assessed on their understanding over this subject.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra the students continue the unit on functions and equality. I will give a test to the students over the material covered to date. Our learning objectives are:

To explore the nature of relations and functions

To include the elimination method in our strategies to solve system of linear equations.

To work with absolute value in the contest of distance from a reference point

To solve equations with absolute value and square roots

To work with rational expressions including multiplication and division

And to explore the properties of real numbers and identify them in the context of algebraic expressions.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra we continue our chapter on exponents, scientific notation, and volume. I will give the students a quiz this week.

The primary learning objectives are:

Working with very large and small numbers

Simplify exponential expressions

Investigate the change in volume of three dimensional figures when the dimensions are enlarged or reduced

Investigate growth patterns of surface area and volume in relation to increases and decreases in dimensions.

Study the graphs of equations containing squared and cubed numbers

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we continue the chapter on probability, statistics and interpreting data. If you can, speak to your student about probabilities. Ask what they are learning, make up problems about probabilities using dice, cards, coins, etcetera.

In this chapter our learning objectives include:

Exploring probability through experimentation

Learning the difference between theoretical and experimental probability

Classifying and calculating independent and dependent probabilities

Representing possible outcomes in tables, grids and tree diagrams

Analyzing questions for bias

Learning to select representative samples

Classifying questions as open or closed option.

Determining whether a correlation exists in a scatter plot

Determining if a causality is reasonable for a given correlation

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, May 05 - 09

Fri, 02 May 2008 13:18:40 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, May 05 - 09

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we studying trigonometry. The students are to accomplish applying the law of sines and cosines as well as applying trigonometry to solve word problems.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra the students begin the unit on functions and equality. Our learning objectives are:

To explore the nature of relations and functions

To include the elimination method in our strategies to solve system of linear equations.

To work with absolute value in the contest of distance from a reference point

To solve equations with absolute value and square roots

To work with rational expressions including multiplication and division

And to explore the properties of real numbers and identify them in the context of algebraic expressions.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra we begin the chapter on exponents, scientific notation, and volume. The students are to accomplish:

Working with very large and small numbers

Simplify exponential expressions

Investigate the change in volume of three dimensional figures when the dimensions are enlarged or reduced

Investigate growth patterns of surface area and volume in relation to increases and decreases in dimensions.

Study the graphs of equations containing squared and cubed numbers

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we begin the chapter on probability, statistics and interpreting data. Our success includes accomplishing the following:

Exploring probability through experimentation

Learning the difference between theoretical and experimental probability

Classifying and calculating independent and dependent probabilities

Representing possible outcomes in tables, grids and tree diagrams

Analyzing questions for bias

Learning to select representative samples

Classifying questions as open or closed option.

Determining whether a correlation exists in a scatter plot

Determining if a causality is reasonable for a given correlation

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 28 – May 02

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:39:31 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 28 – May 02

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we begin the wonderfully useful chapter on Trigonometry. The students really feel great pride in stating that they are now beginning this unit of study as they should. We will also assess our understanding, knowledge and comprehension on similarity.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra the students complete the unit on quadratics and exponents. We will introduce the quadratic formula to solve equations as well as simplify rational expressions. Time permitting; I will test the students on Friday.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra we conclude the chapter on linear relationships titled “Slopes and Rates of Change.” We continue to graph inequalities and apply what we have learned in word-problem situations. I will give a exam on this chapter during the week.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we conclude the chapter on circles and cylinders. This three dimensional study includes volume and surface areas of cylinders and prisms. The class is applying formulas for surface area and volume to complex problems. This week, I will give the students a test on this material.

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 21 - 25

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:56:50 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 21 - 25

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we continue the chapter on similarity. We will use similar triangle to calculate the height of object one is unable to measure directly. Additionally we will use similarity in determining surface areas and volumes of similar objects.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra the students are beginning a new unit where the students have to opportunity to extend their ability to factor trinomials, develop procedures for working with positive, negative and zero exponents, simplify rational expressions and learn the quadratic formula.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra our work with linear equations includes inequalities and drawing a best fit line from a scatter plot. As we approach the end of school year I will continue to review concepts. This week’s review includes but is not limited to solving equations for a unknown variable and order of operations problems.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we are the chapter on circles and cylinders. This three dimensional study includes volume and surface areas of cylinders and prisms. I strive for the students to accomplish solving for an unknown dimension when given the other dimensions and say the surface area or volume. For example find the height of a box (rectangular prism) when one is given the volume is 48 cubic inches and the base dimensions are 2 by 8 inches.

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 14 - 18

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:20:52 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 14 - 18

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we begin a chapter on similarity. The students are to discover the basic properties of similarity and see how similarity applies to industries such as the fields of chemistry, photography, optics, architecture, physics, medicine and integrated circuits to mention a few. We include ratio and proportion from algebra and continue with similar and congruent triangles.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra the students will showcase their knowledge on the concepts covered in unit nine where diagrams are used to write equations. The Pythagorean Theorem is studied as it provides a natural was to generate problems involving quadratic equations. We close the week beginning Unit 10: Exponents and Quadratics. We will further develop factoring skills with more complicated expressions and advance our understanding of exponents.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra we continue the unit on linear equations, especially slopes and rates of change. We seek to identify patterns from graphs and data tables that have a constant rate of change. In this unit, the students learn how to draw a slope triangle from a graph. Additionally they draw a graph given the liner equation in the y = mx = b from.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we are studying a unit on circles and cylinders. Our emphasis is on the area and circumference of circles as well as the volume of prisms. I continue to instruct the students on algebraic principles including combining like terms and the distributive property.

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 07 - 11

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:44:58 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, April 07 - 11

No school on Friday.

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we conclude the chapter on volume. The students are to accomplish finding the formulas for volume and surface area of prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones, and spheres. The students then are to apply this knowledge to solve word and real-life problems. I will test the students on Thursday.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra the students are to accomplish applying the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the distance between two points, solve equations involving fractions and square roots. Additionally, they are to explore square roots in terms of their meaning as numbers and they are to write the equation of a line given the coordinates of two points on the line.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra we begin a unit on linear equations, especially slopes and rates of change. The emphasis is on linear growth and the knowledge that a constant rate of change will result in a line. Additionally, I will test the students on chapter 8 this week.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we begin a unit on circles and cylinders. We will investigate 2 and 3 dimensions with regard to circumference, area, volume and surface area. The chapter 8 test is scheduled for Tuesday.

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, Mar 31 – April 04

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:44:07 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, Mar 31 – April 04

Hello and welcome back from spring break! Here’s information on my classes this week.

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we are studying volume and discovering the formulas for prisms, cones, cylinders, and spheres. Furthermore, we investigate displacement and density of solids. I will continue to give the students practice on a variety of concepts including exponents, radicals and coordinate geometry.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra I will assessment the students on Unit 8 which included factoring quadratics and solving quadratics for the x intercepts. In the next unit the students are to accomplish writing equations by using diagrams and models as an aid. Another objective is for the students to understand the meaning of square roots.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra, we conclude our study of the Pythagorean Theorem,

surface area and volume and I will assess the students. The learning objectives include:

identifying right triangles

developing and using the Pythagorean Theorem

using the technique of sub-problems to solve complex problems

finding the surface area and volume of prisms and cylinders.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we conclude the chapter on of geometry, mathematic properties (commutative, associative and distributive) properties, and equations. This unit is rich in vocabulary especially geometric vocabulary. The objectives include:

Classifying triangles by the lengths of their sides

Solving angle problems involving complementary and supplementary angles

Writing and solving algebraic equations

Solving problems by applying the commutative, associative and distributive properties

Combining like terms in algebraic expressions and equations

I will assess the students on Friday.

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, Mar 17 - 21

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:17:54 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, Mar 17 - 21

Hello, and welcome to our second week of CSAP and the week prior to spring break.

Geometry:

This week in Geometry I will assess the students over concepts relating to the Pythagorean Theorem. Next we will study volume, discover formulas for finding the volume of prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres. The surface of spheres will be introduced as well as density concepts.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra we will conclude unit 8, Factoring Quadratics. I will assess the students on this and prior concepts after spring break. Our next unit will emphasize using diagrams to write equations. We will use the Pythagorean theorem in this unit because it provides a natural way to generate problems involving quadratic equations.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra, we continue our study of the Pythagorean theorem, surface area and volume. Our learning objectives are to assemble geometric nets (or 2-dim representations of 3 dim objects) and calculate the surface area of prisms, write and apply the formula for finding the volume of a cylinder, and calculate the surface area of cylinders.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II we continue our study of geometry, (commutative, associative and distributive) properties, and equations. We are studying the angles in triangles and quadrilaterals, solving problems about angles in these geometric figures and solving problems by using the commutative, associative and distributive properties.

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, March 10 - 14

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:03:22 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, March 10 - 14

Math Counts:

Congratulations to our Stargate Math Counts Students and Team! These students are: Mikey Davis, C.J. Feinberg, Nancy Kim, Daniel Kinch, Aaron Sandoval, Sawyer Vaughan and Joe Yoshimura. Five of these students individually scored in the top 25% among Colorado’s best middle school students and Sawyer Vaughan earned a top 10 placement. In the team competition, Daniel Kinch, Aaron Sandoval, Sawyer Vaughan and Joe Yoshimura earned a coveted fifth place! Way to go students and Stargate.

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we conclude the chapter on the Pythagorean Theorem.

The class should understand how to find the missing length (leg or hypotenuse) in a right triangle, how to find the hypotenuse in an isosceles right triangle, how to the sides are related in a 30-60 right triangle, how to find the distance between two points in a coordinate plane and how the theorem can be extended to three dimensions.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra we continue our study of factoring quadratics. In this unit the students are to:

· Lean how to “undo” multiplying binomials by factoring trinomials

· Explore how to factor special products, such as differences of squares and perfect square trinomials

· Combine factoring skills, including common terms, special binomial products, and trinomials

· Solve factorable quadratic equations algebraically using the Zero Product Property.

· Study quadratic equations in relation to their graphs.

This week we will focus on factoring perfect square trinomials, and factoring completely.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra, the class continues Chapter 8, the Pythagorean Theorem, Surface area, and volume. From the study the students should:

· Identify right triangles.

· Develop and use the Pythagorean Theorem

· Use the technique of sub-problems to solve complex problems.

· Find the surface area and volume of prisms and cylinders.

This week we estimate square roots, construct 3-dimensional models and 2-dimensional drawings, and develop the formula and compute the volume of a prism.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II, we continue our study in chapter 8 of Geometry, Property and Equations. From this chapter the students should accomplish

· Classify triangles by the length of their sides.

· Solve angle problems involving complementary and supplementary angles.

· Write and solve algebraic equations.

· Solve problems by applying the Distributive, Associative, and Commutative Properties.

· Combine like terms in algebraic expressions and equations.

This week we will focus on understanding the sum of the measures of the angles of triangles and quadrilaterals, solve angle problems with and without protractors, and verify conjectures about equilateral and isosceles triangles.

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, March 03 - 07

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:25:05 GMT

Middle School Mathematics, Stafford, March 03 - 07

Greeting and Happy March!

MathCounts

Who: Stargate MathCounts Students

What: MathCounts State Competition

When: Saturday March 08 from 8:30 to 1 pm.

Where: Colorado School of Mines

Geometry:

This week in Geometry we continue the study of the Pythagorean Theorem and associated concepts. We investigate the side length relationships of right triangles, Pythagorean triples and applications with word problems. Additionally the students will seek to understand simplifying and multiplying square roots.

College Prep Algebra

This week in College Prep Algebra the students seek to improve their understanding of quadratics. These are polynomials with the variables exponent on the order of two. These functions are no longer linear. Additionally the class continues to seek further understanding of linear functions, multiplying binomials, combining like terms, solving systems of linear equations, slope and x-y intercepts of linear functions and matching graphs to their equations.

Integrated Algebra

This week in Integrated Algebra, we begin with a review of concepts covered throughout the year. Next we explore the characteristics of right triangles, exploring and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. The students seek understanding with square roots, squares and finding areas of complex figures. We will also study volume and surface area of 3-dimensional objects.

Pre Algebra II

This week in Pre Algebra II, we begin with a review of concepts covered throughout the year. Next, we start a chapter designed to develop concepts of geometry and number properties. Here we review vocabulary, measures angles and introduce properties of complementary, supplementary and vertical angles through explorations.