Friday, September 30, 2011

Friday, September 30

Geometry - Due to the EXPLORE testing on Wednesday, we are currently in different places:

8:00 - We spent the hour reviewing our Ch. 1 tests, submitting an analysis of the mistakes that were made on the test. HW for Monday - Read Sec. 2.1, watch the appropriate videos, and complete pgs. 77 - 79 #2-10, #24-28, #37-39, and #44-53.

12:00 and 1:00 - We spent the hour working on Sec. 2.1, focusing on using inductive reasoning to make conjectures. HW for Monday - Complete the worksheet packet distributed in class today.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We discussed Sec. 2.7, focusing on various ways to identify the "best-fit" line for a given set of data. HW for Monday - Complete the worksheets that were distributed in class on Thursday. Additionally, students should use their graphing calculators to find a best-fit line for the three data sets provided on the Sec. 6.3 Practice worksheet.

Thursday, September 29

Geometry - Due to the EXPLORE testing yesterday, we are currently in two different places:

8:00 - We completed the Chapter 1 Test in class today. No HW for Friday.

12:00 and 1:00 - We spent the hour reviewing our Ch. 1 tests, submitting an analysis of the mistakes that were made on the test. HW for Friday - Read Sec. 2.1, watch the appropriate videos, and complete pgs. 77 - 79 #2-10, #24-28, #37-39, and #44-53.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We completed a quiz covering Sec. 2.1 - 1.5 in class today. HW for Friday - complete the worksheets distributed in class.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Wednesday, September 28

Geometry - We completed our Ch. 1 Test in class today. HW for Thursday - Complete the Ch. 1 Open-ended Assessment distributed in class today.

Note: Since the 8:00 section missed class today due to EXPLORE testing, they will complete the Ch. 1 Test in class on THURSDAY!

Algebra 2 / Trig - We worked on the Sec. 2.1 - 2.5 Quiz in class today. HW for Thursday - Complete pg. 131 #50-64. Additionally, students should look over the Tech Lab on pgs. 113 - 114.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Tuesday, September 27

Geometry - We completed our review for tomorrow's Ch. 1 Test. No HW for Wednesday, other than to prepare for tomorrow's test.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We completed our review of Sec. 2.1 - 2.5 in preparation for tomorrow's quiz covering those sections. No HW for Wednesday, other than to prepare for tomorrow's quiz.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Monday, September 26

Geometry - We began our review for the Ch. 1 Test, which will be taken on Wednesday, Sept. 28. HW for Tuesday - Complete pgs. 60 - 63 #1-40.

Note: Mr. Sondgeroth and Ms. Mayberry will be available over the Freshman Block lunch hours on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to over extra assistance to students preparing for the Ch. 1 Test.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We discussed Sec. 2.5, focusing on the graphs of linear inequalities. HW for Tuesday - Complete pgs.128 - 130 #3-8, #38-40, and #44-46.

Note: We will take a quiz covering Sec. 2.1 - 2.5 on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Alg 2 / Trig Test Retake Criteria

Students interested in a retake of the Ch. 1 Test should follow these steps:

1) Over the weekend, take a close look at your test and identify specific reason(s) for losing points on this test. Submit your written explanations(s) to Mr. Sondgeroth at the start of class on Monday. Include your e-mail address somewhere on this paper.

2) Mr. Sondgeroth will review your explanations and determine the proper course of action for your retake - options include oral exam, partial retake, or complete retake. He will e-mail you individually with his prescribed course of action.

3) In most cases, students back approximately 1/2 of the points they lost on the test.

Friday, September 23

Geometry - We completed our discussion of Sec. 1.7 - Transformations. HW for Monday - Complete pg. 53 #5-8, #10-12, #15, and #25.

Note: We are scheduled to take a quick quiz covering Sec. 1.7 on Monday, Sept. 26 and a test covering all of Ch. 1 on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We discussed Sec. 2.4, focusing on the writing of linear functions. HW for Monday - Complete pgs. 120 -123 #1-11, #19, #24-26, #29-35 (odd), #44-49.

Note: We will take a quiz covering Sec. 2.1 - 2.5 on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Thursday, September 22

Geometry - We discussed Sec. 1.7, focusing on the basic transformations - reflection, translation, and rotation. HW for Friday - Complete pg. 53 #5-8, #10-12, #15, and #25.





































Algebra 2 / Trig - We discussed Sec. 2.3, focusing on linear functions. HW for Friday - Complete pg 109 - 112 #5-19 (odd), #47-50, #52-66.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wednesday, September 21

Geometry - We began our discussion of Sec. 1.7, focusing on the basic transformations in the coordinate plane - reflection, translation, and rotation. HW for Thursday - pgs. 47 - 49 #13-14, #16-17, #20-21, and #34-37.

Algebra 2 / Trig - Ms. Wilkinson led our discussion of Sec. 2.1, focusing on methods used for solving linear inequalities. HW for Thursday - Complete the worksheet distributed in class and complete pg. 94 #23-35 (odd), #41-42, #47, and #49.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Retake Update - Sec. 1.3 - 1.5 Quiz

Guidelines for retaking the Sec. 1.3 - 1.5 Quiz ...

- If you earned a C or better on this quiz, you have the option to retake this assessment.
- In order to retake this assessment, you must make an appt to meet with one of our MAT323 students on Thursday or Friday of this week (see post below).
- Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Schumacher will provide me with a list of students who they feel have made significant progress toward mastering the topics covered on this assessment.
- Retakes can be completed during your free time on Monday, September 26, or Tuesday, September 27.

- If you earned a D or lower on this quiz, it is MANDATORY that you retake this assessment.
- In order to retake this assessment, you must make an appt to meet with one of our MAT323 students on Thursday or Friday of this week (see post below).
- Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Schumacher will provide me with a list of students who they feel have made significant progress toward mastering the topics covered on this assessment.
- Retakes can be completed during your free time on Monday, September 26, or Tuesday, September 27.- Students failing to complete the retake process by the end of the day on Tuesday, September 27, will have their names submitted to Ms. Markert who will handle the situation from there.

Extra Help - Geometry

Our MAT323 students - Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Schumacher - will be holding small group review sessions again this week. Please e-mail the appropriate instructor to let them know which session(s) you intend to attend. Their e-mail addresses are located in the left-hand column.

Thu, Sept. 22
7:30 - 8:00 - Ms. Schumacher - Rm. 216
10:30 - noon - Ms. Mayberry - Rm. 223

Fri, Sept. 23
7:30 - 8:00 - Ms. Schumacher - Rm. 216
10:30 - noon - Ms. Mayberry - Rm. 223
3:00 - 3:45 - Ms. Mayberry - Rm. 223

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get some extra Geometry help!!!!!

Tuesday, September 20

Geometry - We reviewed our quiz from Sec. 1.3 - 1.5 and then began our discussion of Sec. 1.6, focusing on the coordinate plane and finding the distance between two points. HW for Wednesday - Complete pg. 47 #1-11 - same as yesterday ; )

Algebra 2 / Trig - We completed our Ch. 1 Test in class today and then discussed Sec. 2.2, focusing on ratios and proportions. HW for Wednesday - Complete pgs. 100 - 103 #6-13, #30-33, and #48-55.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Monday, September 19

Geometry - We completed a quiz covering Sec. 1.3 - 1.5 in class today. HW for Tuesday - Read Sec. 1.6, watch all lesson videos from the online text, and complete pg 47 #1-11.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We began our Ch. 1 Test in class today. We will complete the test at the start of the hour tomorrow. There is no HW for Tuesday.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Friday, September 16

Geometry - We concluded our discussion of Sec. 1.5, reviewing HW problems dealing with angle pairs and basic area/perimeter formulas. We also completed a quick quiz covering Sec. 1.4. HW for Monday - Complete pgs. 61 - 62 #16-24 and the Sec. 1.5 Wksht distributed in class.

Note: We will take a quiz in class on Monday, September 19, covering Sec. 1.3 - 1.5. Students will NOT be allowed to use their notes or books for this quiz, only their calculators.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We completed our review of Ch. 1, allowing students to retake one of the two prior quizzes from Ch. 1 (Sec. 1.1 - 1.5 or Sec. 1.6 - 1.9). No HW for Monday, other than to prepare for the Ch. 1 Test.

Note: Only 6 students chose to retake one of the quizzes in class today.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Thursday, September 15

Geometry - Ms. Schumacher led the completion of our discussion of Sec. 1.5, focusing on calculating the perimeter and area of rectangles and squares. HW for Friday: Complete pgs. 38 - 41 #4, #10, #11, #17, #21, #39, and #52. Be prepared for a Quick Quiz covering Section 1.4!

Algebra 2 / Trig - We continued our preparation for the upcoming Ch. 1 Test (Monday, Sept. 19) by reviewing the quizzes from this chapter and working on an extra credit practice test. HW for Friday - Complete the practice test distributed in class.

Note: Students will be allowed to retake one of the Ch. 1 quizzes during class time on Friday, Sept. 16.

Need Extra Help!!!!!

Ms. Mayberry will be available for individual and group help during the Frosh Block lunch periods (10:30 - noon) on Thursday, Sept. 15, and Friday, Sept. 16 and after school (3:00 - 3:30) on Friday, Sept. 16. Please send Ms. Mayberry an e-mail (clmaybe@ilstu.edu) if you plan to attend the after school session.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wednesday, September 14

Geometry - We completed our discussion of Sec. 1.4, focusing on vertical angles and linear pairs. Additionally, Ms. Schumacher began our discussion of Sec. 1.5, focusing on the formulas for calculating the perimeter and area of rectangles and squares. HW for Thursday - Complete pgs. 31 - 33 #1-13, #31-32, #34-44.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We completed our quiz covering Sec. 1.6 - 1.9. HW for Thursday: Complete pg. 80 #1-24 and pg. 81 #1-5.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Solving Equations Retake Update ...

ONLY 3 STUDENTS CHOSE TO RETAKE THIS ASSESSMENT!!!!!

That is very disappointing. If you earned a grade of C or below, you should have put in the effort to get this assessment retaken. You had the time - you had a full hour for lunch in your freshman block today, correct?

In the future, retakes will not be an "option" for the lowest performing students. Students who fail to complete the retakes voluntarily will be turned over to our Asst. Principal - Mrs. Markert - as a disciplinary matter.

Tuesday, September 13

Geometry - We began our discussion of Sec. 1.4, focusing on complementary and supplementary angles. No HW for Wednesday, however we will take a quick quiz in class tomorrow covering basic constructions.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We concluded our discussion of Ch. 1 today. HW for Wednesday - Complete pgs 78 - 79 #36 -55 in preparation for tomorrow's quiz covering Sec. 1.6 - 1.9.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Monday, September 12

Geometry - We continued our discussion of basic constructions, focusing on duplicating and bisecting segments and angles. HW for Tuesday - Complete the constructions worksheet distributed in class.

Retake Update: The Take Home retakes should have been submitted by the start of class TODAY. Contact Mr. Sondgeroth IMMEDIATELY if you have not yet completed the Take Home retake. The Equation Solving retake should be completed on a free period or after school by the end of the day on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We discussed Sec. 1.9, focusing on parent equations of different types of functions - constant, linear, quadratic, cubic, and square root. HW for Tuesday - Complete pgs. 70 - 73 #2-1-, #17-21 (odd), and #33-39 (odd).

Assessment update for Algebra 2 / Trig:
- Wednesday, September 14 - Quiz Sec. 1.6 - 1.9
- Friday, September 16 - Test Ch. 1

Friday, September 9, 2011

Friday - September 9

Geometry - We reviewed HW from Sec. 1.3, focusing on the Angle Addition Postulate. We then began our discussion of construction, focusing on the differences in sketches, drawings, and constructions. HW for Monday - Please watch the video clips listed below that explain several basic constructions. Come to class Monday prepared to demonstrate each construction.

Please check out the following sites and links to learn more about basic constructions:

Whistler Alley (Instructions)

HS Tutorials (Videos)

Teacher Tube (Videos)

Algebra 2 / Trig - Ms. Wilkinson lead today's discussion of Sec. 1.8, focusing on basic transformations in the coordinate plane - reflection (flip), translation (slide), rotation (spin), and dilation (stretch/compress). HW for Monday - Complete pgs. 63 - 66 #18, #20-21, #23, #29-37 (odd), #49-52.

Geometry Retakes ...

Students who have met the criteria for retaking the "Geometry - Take Home Assessment" may pick up a copy of the retake from Mr. Sondgeroth (either in Rm. 216 or Rm. 223) until 3:45 this afternoon. the same "restrictions" apply this time as last ... notes, book, computer are OK to use when completing this assessment. Students should NOT receive assistance form any other human or their work on this assessment. Completed retakes are due to Mr. Sondgeroth at the start of class on Monday, September 12.

Students who have met the criteria for retaking the "Solving Simple, Single-Variable Equations" assessment may retake this assessment in the Math Office (Rm. 223) during a free hour or after school on Monday, Sept. 12, or Tuesday, Sept. 13. Students should not need more than 30 minutes to complete this retake.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Thursday, September 8

Geometry - We completed our review of the Take Home Assessment and the Equation Solving Assessment. Guidelines for retaking both assessments are posted below. We then completed our discussion of Sec. 1.3, focusing on terms related to angles. HW for Friday - Complete pgs. 24 - 26 #1-2, #15-18, #30-32, #34-38, and #41-45.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Answers to Solving Equations Quiz
























Click on each page to enlarge

Wednesday, September 7

Geometry - We reviewed the take home quiz and discussed the policies for retaking this quiz and the equation solving quiz. No HW for Thursday.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We discussed Sec. 1.6, focusing on relations and functions. HW for Thursday - Complete pgs. 48 - 50 #24-36 (even) and #47-49.

Retaking the Geometry Take Home Quiz

Students who performed below expectations on the most recent Geometry take home quiz have the opportunity to retake the quiz by completing the following steps:

1) We spent a good portion of Wednesday's class reviewing the quiz and answering questions. Students were asked to take notes and reminded of topics that should have already been in their notes. Students should spend time on their own reviewing the material covered on this quiz and identifying topics with for which they may need additional instruction.

2) Students are encouraged to spend their Freshman Block lunch time (bring your lunch with you) in the Math Office on Thursday and/or Friday working with Ms. Mayberry, one of our pre-service teachers from the ISU Math Dept. Students who can not meet with Ms. Mayberry at this time, so go to the online Geometry text and watch the tutorial videos and complete the online quizzes in Sec. 1.1 and 1.2.

3) After that meeting, students will be given the retake quiz to be completed at home over the weekend and returned at the start of class on Monday, Sept. 12.

4) The new score will replace the old score.

Note: Students will NOT be allowed to retake any assessment without first showing that they have made a serious attempt to relearn the material - watched online videos, completed online review/quizzes, received individual help, etc. The purpose of allowing retakes is to insure that students continue to make an attempt to master areas of content where they are currently lacking.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Retaking the Solving Equations Quiz

Students who performed below expectations on the most recent algebra assessment have the opportunity to retake the quiz by completing the following steps:

1) Go to the online algebra textbook and watch the tutorial videos that explain the skills needed to solve simple, single-variable equations and complete the accompanying online quizzes:
- If you struggled with 1) - 2) ... review Sec. 2.1
- If you struggled with 3) - 4) ... review Sec. 2.2
- If you struggled with 5) - 8) ... review Sec. 2.3
- If you struggled with 9 ) - 10) ... review Sec. 2.4
- If you struggled with 11) - 12) ... review Sec. 1.7 and 2.3
- If you struggled with 12) - 14) ... review Sec. 1.7 and 2.4

2) After watching the videos, contact Mr. Sondgeroth to schedule a time to retake the quiz in the Math Office or Learning Center.

3) The new score will replace the old score.

Note: Students will NOT be allowed to retake any assessment without first showing that they have made a serious attempt to relearn the material - watched online videos, completed online review/quizzes, received individual help, etc. The purpose of allowing retakes is to insure that students continue to make an attempt to master areas of content where they are currently lacking.

Tuesday, September 6

Geometry - We collected the take-home assessment covering Sec. 1.1 - 1.2. We then completed an assessment on solving simple, single-variable equations. HW for Wednesday - Read Sec. 1.3 and come to class prepared to discuss ANGLES.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We completed our assessment covering Sec. 1.1 - 1.5. HW for Wednesday - Read Sec. 1.6 and complete pgs. 47 - 50 #2-8, #20-21, #23-29 (odd), #33-37 (odd), #42, #44-46.

Note: In both classes, our new assessment policy affords students an opportunity to retake an assessment which either they, or the teacher, feel did not fully represent the student's understanding of the content being assessed. Students have the option to get assistance from me, one of our college assistants, or from another source before retaking any assessment. At least initially, the new score will replace the old score.

Friday, September 2

Geometry - We began our discussion of Sec. 1.3, focusing on the definition of an angle. HW for Tuesday - Complete the Take Home Quiz covering Sec. 1.1 - 1.2.

Note: When completing a take home assessment, students are allowed to use their notes, textbooks, and netbooks (for research of a topic). They are not allowed to get assistance form another person or to copy the work of another person.

Algebra 2 / Trig - We began our initial assessment of Sec. 1.1 - 1.5. Students will be allowed to complete the assessment in class on Tuesday. HW for Tuesday - None.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thursday, September 1

Geometry - We concluded our discussion of Sec. 1.2, focusing on what can and cannot be interpreted from a diagram (OK - location/placement of points; NOT OK - assuming specific length/measure/congruence/etc). Additionally, we discussed the processes needed to solve simple, single-variable equations algebraically. HW for Friday - Complete the algebra equation solving worksheet distributed in class.

Note: Hints for solving simple, single-variable equations:

Addition Property for = ... If a = b, then a + c = b + c
- It is OK to add equal quantities to both sides of an equation
- This also applies to subtraction

Multiplication Property for = ... If a = b, then a * c = b * c (where * means multiply)
- It is OK to multiply equal quantities to both sides of an equation
- This also applies to division

Distributive Property for Multiplication over Addition
a * ( b + c ) = a * b + a * c

Similarly, we Combine Like Terms in much the same way ...
x * z + y * z = ( x + y ) * z


Algebra 2 / Trig - We spent the day reviewing for Friday's quiz covering Sections 1.1 - 1.5. HW for Friday - Complete pgs 38 - 39 #3-19 (odd), #23-33 (odd), and #43-47 and pg 43 #1-17.

For additional practice for Friday's quiz, review problems on pgs. 76 - 77 and/or pg. S4 in your text.