Algebra 1 students have a short assignment to work on before class tomorrow. The assignment is to study the difference between "odds" and "probability."
They then need calculate the odds of getting a heads when they do a coin flip; and then calculate the probability of the same event, getting a heads when they do a coin flip.
They should be able to explain the answers they got.
On Friday, February 19th, we worked on Satellites and Sun. We learned a bit about satellite orbits about the earth, and talked about what a geosynchronous orbit is.
On Friday, February 12th, Algebra 1 students took a trip to Saturn, mathematically speaking of course!
We did some work on Saturn's Big Hexagon. We learned that it really is BIG.
We learned how to convert units, work with large numbers, and do some unit analysis.
Here is the link to the problem; take a look and give it a try.
"The main purpose of the AMC 10 is to spur interest in mathematics and to develop talent through the excitement of solving challenging problems in a timed multiple-choice format. The problems range from the very easy to the extremely difficult. Students who participate in the AMC 10 should find that most of the problems are challenging but within their grasp. The contest is intended for everyone from the average student at a typical school who enjoys mathematics to the very best student at the most special school."
Students will take the exam during regular math time on Tuesday, February 9th.
This is the link to their site.
The University of Houston is hosting its annual High School Math Contest. The contest will take place on Saturday, February 13th. All middle school students currently enrolled in Algebra I are elegible to participate and are encouraged to do so.
There is no charge to enter the contest and it should be fun. It will also be very good experience for anyone who would like to test their mathematical knowledge against their peers in other schools.
This is the link to the contest site
The AMC 8 is a 25 question, 40 minute multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem solving skills. This school year it will be held Tuesday , November 17 , 2009 .
We worked on magnetic storms this morning. Using information from NASA, we learned a bit about magnetic storms and how they impact the Earth's magnetic field. We learned about the unit of magnetisim, the Tessla.
The point of this exercise was to use some of the algebra the students have learned in class to solve "real world" problems.
Today we discussed dimensions, points, lines, planes, and other Cartesian Coordinate stuff. We learned about ordered pairs and how to locate points in space.
We talked a bit about the slope of a line and the distance equation.
For a good high school math refresher, click on "A Good Math Refresher" at left.
We have electronic versions of our Algebra 1 text book available for purchase. These e-texts are very convienient to have at home as a second book. They also work well for students who use a laptop and would rather not have to carry both to school and class. The price of the e-text is $20.00.
Please let me know if you'd like to purchase one.
These first days of Algebra class have been filled with diagnostic testing. Once we determined who should be placed in Algebra 1 via our placement testing, we then determine where within the course students should be their learning.
To accomplish this we have students begin the tests for the course. If a student is able to score an 80% or greater on a diagnostic test, that student then reads the lessons that were covered by the test and then goes on to the next test. We stop testing when we get to a place within the course where the student can no longer score at least an 80% on the test. This is where study and learning of new material begins.
Each student may move through the course at his or her own pace. A good math student can finish Algebra 1 and move on to Geometry quickly.
Welcome to our Algebra 1 web site. Please visit us often to learn what we're up to in class.