Done with your MAP test?

Try out these brain teasers! Show all your work on a sheet of paper and bring it to Mr. Munden the next time you see him in class.

EASY

Science Students

Within the BrainBashers school, the science department has three disciplines.

In total, 280 students study chemistry, 

254 students study physics and 

280 students study biology.

97 students study both chemistry and physics, 

138 students study both physics and biology, 

152 students study both chemistry and biology.

73 students study all three disciplines.

Can you determine how many students there are in the science department? The answer is well below 814.

Squares

How many squares do you see in the image below?

MEDIUM

Transporting the Animals
A man wants to transport a fox, a chicken and some corn across a river.
He has a rowboat, but it can only carry the man and one other item.
If the fox and the chicken are alone together, the fox will eat the chicken.
If the chicken and the corn are alone together, the chicken will eat the corn.

How does the man do it?

HARD

The Egg Problem

Once upon a time, and old lady went to sell her vast quantity of eggs at the local market.

When asked how many she had, she replied:

Son, I can't count past 100 but I know that.

If you divide the number of eggs by 2 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 3 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 4 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 5 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 6 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 7 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 8 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 9 there will be one egg left.
If you divide the number of eggs by 10 there will be one egg left.

Finally. If you divide the Number of eggs by 11 there will be NO EGGS left!

How many eggs did the old lady have?

RSA Encryption and Prime Numbers

Did you know that factoring is used everyday to keep your information online safe?

RSA encryption is the standard way that websites keep your information safe from hackers and thieves. For example, when your parents buy something online with a credit card, RSA encryption helps make sure that their credit card information is not stolen!

This is an awesome real-world application of factors.

Check out this cool Numberphile video to learn more:

Welcome to Middle School and 6th Grade Math!

If you are reading this letter then you must be a capable mathematician. Staying at the top of any field requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work, and that is exactly what we expect from you this year.  The person who will determine how successful you will be this year is you. Keep on top of the work and always let us know if you are having any problems with any of the concepts so that we can work together to ensure that you fully understand them. This should be your most successful year ever – it’s all up to you.

You will receive a math textbook for each unit. Once you get your laptop you will also have access to a massive amount of material that you can use to reteach, revise and extend your mathematical understandings at home.

We ask that you review the work that we have done in class with your parents as frequently as possible; but at least once a week.

Yes - we will have homework as a way of reinforcing what we have studied in class. This will often be started in class, so if you are focused you may be able to complete much of it in school. Homework is a component of the behavioral standards that we will set in class. These standards include Organization, Responsibility, Collaboration, and Reflection.

You will also be graded on your ability to apply the eight Mathematical Practices.

Math Class Expectations:

• You will take an active role in class.
• You will ask questions.
• You will be a positive team member.
• You will do your part to ensure that you are successful in math.
• You will make mistakes and learn from them.
• You will continuously communicate your level of understanding to me.
• You will review your math work with your parents.
• You will be a teacher and a learner.
• You will need to have a sense of humor!

What to bring to every Math Class:

• Laptop computer, notebook, and your mesh bag of supplies
• Completed homework
• A well-fed and rested brain!

You are going to have a great year. Now, let's get started!    

Best Wishes,

Mr. Munden

Welcome!!

Hello and welcome to the 2015-2016 school year!

I am so excited to be back at SAS this year and cannot wait to get to know all of you. I am confident that this will be a year full of learning and laughter!

Please bookmark this website and check it regularly as there will be a variety of posts related to what we are doing in class (and some just for fun!).

-Mr. Munden