Welcome to the 2017-2018 School Year!

Hello and welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! This is bound to be a very exciting year in our new learning space in 6A. I cannot wait to meet all of you as we embark on a fantastic mathematical learning journey!

This blog will be a very important resource for you throughout the year. I will post important announcements for class and links to various math-y things of interest online. You'll also find links to the math homework calendar and unit resources document.

TRi Time Pitches!!

Click here to view the slides for delivering pitches!

6+: Practicing your integers fluency!

Many of you ask me about IXL resources for practicing your integer operations.

The best ones are any of the Gr7, C sets:

Operations with integers

1. C.1Integer addition and subtraction rules
2. C.2Add and subtract integers using counters
3. C.3Add and subtract integers
4. C.4Complete addition and subtraction equations with integers
5. C.5Add and subtract integers: word problems
6. C.6Integer multiplication and division rules
7. C.7Multiply and divide integers
8. C.8Complete multiplication and division equations with integers
9. C.9Evaluate numerical expressions involving integers

And here are some games that you can use to practice your integer operations as well!

Fruit Shoot (pick Level 2 or 3 - do speed mode if you want to work on speed)

Integers Jeopardy (can take multiple players, so you can challenge a friend!)

Alien Math Integer Addition

Alien Math Integer Division

Alien Math Integer Multiplication

Get ready for TRI TIME!!!

Check out the amazingly helpful TRi Time Toolkit here:

Geometry of Footballs

More TedEd Riddles!

Can you solve the control room riddle AND the passcode riddle?

Math 6: LBR Summative Blog Post Instructions

Answer the following questions in a blog post: 

Solve the equation: ¾ ÷ ⅛ = 

Explain how to ‘read’ this problem. What does it mean? 

Solve this equation using an algorithm. Include a demonstration which explains how it is done. 

Draw a model to solve this equation and take a photo(s). Include this photo in your post. Clearly explain your model and its solution. 

Title: Fraction Division Labels: gr6, math

Note: You MUST include a demonstration (steps) and a model in order to meet expectations on this blog post.

DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

This will be marked according to the Mathematical Explanations Rubric.

(Originally assigned on Monday, November 7. Slides here.)

Get excited for 6A CRAB SOCCER!

Can you solve the prisoner boxes riddle?

Can you solve the river crossing riddle?

The Power of Believing You Can Improve: Growth Mindset!

Check out this amazing Ted Talk about growth mindset - and some of the science that actually proves that a growth mindset helps you get better!

Missing Homework Email

MISSING HOMEWORK EMAIL 

Email to your parents and CC your teacher

SUBJECT LINE: Missing Math Homework

Dear Mom/Dad,

I am writing to let you know that I did not complete my math homework that was due today. The assignment was <write the exact name of the assignment>. 

It is missing because <explain why it's missing>. 

I promise to complete the assignment and submit it by next class. I will make sure this doesn’t happen again by <explain how you'll make sure it doesn't happen again>. 

Thank you/love you/hugs and kisses/etc,
<Your name>

Enrichment Menu

The Enrichment Menu is available to all students to complete on their own time outside of class.

6+ students who complete midway mastery checks (MMCs) with 100% may work on the enrichment menu during class with teacher approval.

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + .... = -1/12 WHAT?!?!

MONSTER Primes!

Our first unit will cover factors and multiples. A special type of number is called a prime number. You'll remember that prime numbers only have two factors: itself and one.

It's easy to rattle off the first few prime numbers - 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13...

But how about when numbers become larger? 4,729 and 7,919 are both prime numbers.

179,424,691 is also a prime number.

So is 797,003,437!

How do you think these huge prime numbers are discovered?

Adam Spencer is an Australian radio host. He isn't a professional mathematician; rather, he is simply fascinated by math like many of you!

 One of his mathematical interests is prime numbers. In his TED Talk, Adam describes how "monster" prime numbers are discovered by mathematicians all over the world.

Why do you think "hunting" for "monster" primes is so fascinating? 

Would you be interested in helping hunt for monster primes?

Re-Assessment Policy

Submission of Late Work & Re-Assessments

It is expected that students complete all assignments on time. If an assignment is late, the student is expected to turn it in as soon as possible. Repeated lateness may result in an action plan involving the student, parents, and administration to ensure the student is able to complete assignments on time moving forward.

Students who are absent for a summative assessment are expected to communicate with the teacher to schedule a make-up assessment. Due to the length of time needed to complete a summative assessment, this will likely take place after school.

Summative re-assessments are available under the following conditions:

For students at Meeting Expectations and wishing to earn Exemplary, students must: Have the retake form with test signed by a parent prior to scheduling the reassessment Complete all HW prior to the initial assessment Demonstrate strong learning behaviors throughout the unit Show evidence of additional practice Correct the initial assessment Show evidence of exemplary performance during the unit (ie on formative assessments)

For students at Below or Approaching Expectations, students must: Complete all HW prior to the reassessment Show evidence of additional practice Correct the initial assessment Have the retake form with test signed by a parent prior to scheduling the reassessment

The re-assessment grade will replace the original grade, even if the grade is lower.  Typically, projects will not be re-assessed. As opportunities for re-assessment are provided, “extra credit” tasks are not available.

The Re-Assessment Form can be found at this link.

Locker Problem Explanation Reminders

Here are some friendly reminders for your locker problem explanation.

You must explain HOW you solved the problem. This includes telling me, in logical order, what you did to solve the problem. 

After that you must explain, using appropriate math vocabulary, WHY your answer works. 

You must have a visual that helps explain your answer.

Remember to refer to the rubric as you complete your response.

1: Below Expectation	2: Approaching Expectation	3: Meeting Expectation	4: Exemplary
Solution is not presented Student uses a representation that is not appropriate to the problem No steps used in solving are described Math reasoning and concepts are not explained Math vocabulary is not used	A solution is presented Student uses a representation (picture, table, diagram, and/or algorithms) to organize thinking Steps used in solving are described Some math reasoning and concepts are explained Some math vocabulary is used appropriately in explanation	All of the following are present: Correct solution is presented or incorrect solution is presented as the result of a minor computational error Student uses an appropriate representation (picture, table, diagram, and/or algorithms) to organize thinking All steps used in solving are clearly described in logical order All math reasoning and concepts are clearly explained Precise math vocabulary is used appropriately in explanation	All of the following are present: Correct solution is presented Student uses an appropriate representation (picture, table, diagram, and/or algorithms) to organize thinking All steps used in solving are clearly described in logical order All math reasoning and concepts are clearly explained Precise math vocabulary is used appropriately in explanation Students make a connection or interesting observation about the problem Student presents another way of solving the problem and/or presents thoughtful critique of another way

The format below can help you get started with your writing if you become stuck.

1. Summarize the problem: What is the problem about & what did it ask you to do?

a. This problem involves…

b. This problem is about...

2. Solution: What did you do and why did you do it?  What is your final answer?

a. First I…because…

b. Then I… because…

c. I realized… because…

d. My final answer is...

3. Is there another way to solve the problem?

4. Share any connections or questions you have

All of this information can always be found on the Mathematical Explanations tab of my website!

Divisibility Rules

Memorize these handy rules to help you hunt for factors!

In honor of April Fools...

In honor of April Fools' Day, check out this cool video on how to make your writing funnier!