Period B - We worked on holiday puzzles.  Here are some samples:

Period E - We had our Holiday Party.  THANKS to all those who brought in food.  We had more than enough delicious treats for all!

The unit tests ar also marked and will be returned your first day back.  

To all my students and their families, have a safe and happy holiday!!

Period B - Mid-unit Quiz :)

Period E - Unit test.:)

NOTE: For both grade 9 classes, I have updated marks. If you would like to know your child's current mark, please send me an email.

Period B - NO CLASS - School Play.  Don't forget tomorrow is the quiz on 2.1-2.3.

Period E - I did a homework to check who completed the review.  We then went over questions 27a and 27c which people had questions about.  We then played  Exponent Jeopardy.  Here are the results:

Period B - Students worked on our review for the quiz for on Thursday. P69 1-3b,4-7,9,10 from the text.  here is an outline of skills needed for the test:

Here are the solutions for the review:

Period E.  After much debate we moved the unit test to Thursday.  On Friday, we will have a holiday party instead...students can bring in food if they like. 

Period B - Today we corrected the assignment from Friday involving product and quotient of powers and order of operations questions. It seems we were doing well but just to confirm that wehave scheduled a quiz for Thursday.  This quiz will cover  eerything we looked at form 2.1-2.3 of the textbook.  That being: exponents of zero, exponents of one, powers of ten, order of operations and also dealing with negatives with powers. 

More interesting however, we looked at multiplication and compared the way parents probably learned it to the way it is sometimes taught today.  Here is a side by side comparison of each strategy.  Which do you prefer?  Take the poll on the right of the page.

Period E

Today we started our review.  Students completed an activity where they answered questions from different levels of difficulty and then compared answers with eachother through discussion.  Here is what it kind of looked like.

I'M BACK

Period B - Students worked on an assignment dealing with order of operations involving exponents.  It is HOMEWORK if not complete. 

Period E - We reviewed the last two assignments on our last exponent laws.  The UNIT TEST date was scheduled for NEXT FRIDAY,  DECEMBER 21st!  NO HOMEWORK.  We start review on Monday.

Have a good weekend! 

Period B - The class went through an example of how to determine the surface area of a composite 3D object.  Please note I have also posted the Pythagorean Theorem quiz solutions.

period E - We reviewed two exponent laws.  P76-77 # 4-6a,8,10,12ab,13,15 were assigned.

Period B - Group activity calculating surface areas of different 3D shapes.  NO HOMEWORK

Period E - We did an activity involving dice dealing with product of powers law and quotient of powers law.  NO HOMEWORK

For a introduction to these laws watch this video ( from 3min 30s - 7 minutes):

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/exponents-radicals/v/exponent-properties-involving-products

Period B - Students continued looking at surface area.  Tomorrow they will start a group assignment determining surface area of 3D objects.

Period E - We worked on a second assignment dealing with order of operations involving exponents.  The assignment is HOMEWORK if not finished.  It is NOT from the textbook.  Tomorrow we look at exponent rules for multiplication and division.

For a preview watch the first 3mins 30 seconds of this video:

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/basic-exponents/v/exponent-rules-part-1

Period E - We continued to look at exponents of zero and one as well as negatives.  Students completed a hand-in assignment.

Period B - We went over the Pythagoras word problems. Answers are:

1. 91.02miles
2. 341.22meters
3.116.62yds
4. 21.74m
5. 25 feet
6. 7 feet
7. 13.34miles
8. 5000feet
9. 12 yards


Tomorrow there will be a quiz on Pythagorean theorem.  Here are some sample solutions to the word problems we reviewed today.  They are # 1,2, and 6.   HOMEWORK is to prepare for the quiz!

 #1

 #2

 #6

Period B - Students worked on Pythagorean Theorem questions and then corrected them together.  Students were then assigned 8 word problems involving Pythagorean Theorem for homework (They were on a handout).  DUE TUESDAY. 

If I could provide a helpful hint it would be to visualize what is being described, draw the diagram of that image and then put the values in the right spot and solve.

Also here is a refresher video if you forget the calculation steps:

http://www.sophia.org/solving-for-the-hypotenuse/solving-for-the-hypotenuse--10-tutorial

Period E - We work on powers involving negatives.  All students were finished the assignment early so we took some time to organize out binders and added our last test to our test duotang.  NO HOMEWORK other than to review today's material at some time over the weekend.

Period B - We continued looking at Pythagorean Theorem.  NO HOMEWORK

Period E - We went over the homework and looked at dealing with exponents of zero.  NO HOMEWORK today.

Sorry for no post last couple of days.  I was away....

Period B - We looked at Pythagorean Theorem.  Students started an activity.  NO HOMEWORK but quizzes will be given back tomorrow.

Period E - We looked at powers involving negatives.  Students took notes and then finished the assignment from p55.  Questions 7f, 8d, 9ef, 12f, 13d-i, 14d-l, 16bd, 17a (i-iv). HOMEWORK if not finished.

Review video for exponent basics:

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/basic-exponents/v/understanding-exponents

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/basic-exponents/v/understanding-exponents-2

REPORT CARDS were distributed today.  Your son/daughter should be bringing one home tonight!  They should also be bringing home a Parent/Teacher/Student conference form to fill out and return if an interview with specific teachers is requested by you.

NO new content in math today.

Period B - We went over the review that was due today.  Students had an opportunity to ask any "last minute" questions.  NO HOMEWORK, except preparing  for Friday's quiz.

Period E - We corrected our review and then started our Exponents unit.  NO HOMEWORK, except preparing for Thursday's Test on square roots and surface area.

Period B - We looked at one of the questions from  Friday's HOMEWORK and then started the review for Friday's quiz.  Review was page21 #2-8.  HOMEWORK if not finished.

Period E - -We corrected the review together and then students wrote a practice test.  HOMEWORK, if not finished.  We are now finished with the unit except for the test.  If more explanation/clarification is needed, I will be available TOMORROW at lunch in the homework hut.

Period B - We examined how to estimate the square roots of non-perfect squares that are less than one. After that students completed the assignment we started yesterday adding questions 6c, 11cdef to yesterday's assignment.  Students will be handing it in so it's HOMEWORK if not complete.  We also set a quiz date for next FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16th. Topics from sections 1.1 and 1.2 will be on it.

Period E- We talked about the report card a little more and how it is still very early in the course.  A lot more hard work will be required.  Students then started our unit review.  The unit test is coming up next THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15th.  Today's assignment is was page 45 1-8,12,16.  It is HOMEWORK, if not complete.

ALL students in both my classes have seen their report card mark in math.   If you would like to know any more information regarding the number let me know.

Period B - We looked at using benchmarks to estimate the square roots of non-perfect squares.  P18 # 4, 5, 6bd, 7a-d, 11ab were started in class and are HOMEWORK, if not complete.

Period E - Using student work samples, we looked at our solutions to the homework.  Don't forget organizing and breaking the surface areas down into steps is the most helpful thing you can do!  Students then worked on a second hand in assignment.

The answers to today's homework are #3 = 11900cm square and 4b = 6385m square

Here is a sample from our last assignment.  Notice every piece is labelled, all steps are shown and it is easy to follow the thinking!

Period E - The answer 156.03 meters squared for question 10a if you don't include the windows and door like I said to do yesterday!  The answer in the back does not say that.

Period B - We started to look at estimating square roots of non-perfect squares.  We didn't finish the lesson so it will be continued on Thursday.

Period E - We had a work period on calculating surface area of composite 3D objects.  Most students seem to making progress in terms of organizing the questions and  breaking it down into pieces.  It is HOMEWORK if not finished. p31 #8,10a.

Enjoy TOKTW day!

Period B- We corrected the homework on finding square roots of perfect squares and students then completed a hand-in assignment.  Most students were finished in class.

Period E - We looked at surface area of composite 3D objects.  Students started the assignment but is is NOT HOMEWORK.

Period B - We reviewed the lesson from yesterday dealing with determining the square roots of perfect squares.  Students then started working on p11 4-10, 14.  HOMEWORK if not finished.

Period E - We looked at surface area of rectangular solids.  This is  building block for Monday when we will start looking at surface area composite 3D objects.  Students worked on six questions and most were complete by the end of class.  If not finished, they are HOMEWORK.

Period B - We started our new unit today (Unit 1 from the text).  No homework.

Period E - We wrote our mid-unit quiz today.  It is marked and will be returned tomorrow.  No homework.

Period B - We started our unit test. To be continued tomorrow. 

Period E -We corrected the review from Friday.  QUIZ on Thursday!

Period B - Reminder unit test is on Tuesday! Also looked at some samples of work completed by students.  Only homework is to prepare for it.

Here is a sample:

Period E - We set our mid-unit quiz date.  It is set for Thursday!  It will cover all material from 1.1 and 1.2 that we have already looked from the text.  We worked on or review p21 #3-9.  Due Tuesday, if not finished.

Period B - We started out test review questions. P 144 #1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23.  It is NOT HOMEWORK.  We will continue it tomorrow.

Period E - We finished looking at Pythagorean Theorem.  We did two examples questions and p 19 # 13, 20 was as started.  It is HOMEWORK if not finished.

Period Day-  No math today!

Period B - We examined students' work form the homework.  What can you see that was done well and not so well? NO HOMEWORK but  our unit test is coming up on Tuesday, October 30th.

Period E - We explored how/why Pythagorean Theorum works.  NO HOMEWORK

Period B - Our final time to work on the textbook assignment from page 140 # 4, 7,8,12.  It is HOMEWORK if not finished.  Please take some time and try them!

Period E - We corrected questions from the homework together.  A worksheet title "Extra Practice 2" was assigned.  It is HOMEWORK, if not finished.  Questions 3ad, 4, 5ad, 6 were to be omitted.

Here is a student sample:  Pretty well done except for the right hand side where the 16 and 4 do not line up.

Period B - We continued working on order of operation questions.  The questions were NOT HOMEWORK.  We will finish it tomorrow.

Period E - We went over one more examples of estimating square roots of non-perfect squares.  This time we did an example involving square rooting a non-perfect square that was less than one.  Students had time to work on the assignment on page 18 - #4, 5bde, 6abcd and 11c.  It is HOMEWORK if not finished!

Period B - We went over order of operation questions with fractions and negative numbers.  Students then started the assignment.  It is NOT HOMEWORK!  We need to work on it in class where we can get help if needed.

Period E - We examined 3 ways to approximate the square root of non-perfect squares.  Those being

1. The calculator
2. Mental math
3. Using benchmarks without a calculator

We will continue each of these strategies tomorrow!

Period B - No Class. It was TAG.

Period E - We went over questions from the "perfect square" text assignment.  The consensus was "we got it"  Students then worked on a hand-in assignment on finding the square roots of perfect squares in fraction and decimal form.

Period B - We reviewed yesterday's homework and progress reports were handed out to students.  Please ask them for it when they get home if you want to see their current mark.  Six questions from side J were assigned for HOMEWORK.

Here are some examples:

Here are some video explanations ( in order of easiest to harder):
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/introduction-to-order-of-operations
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/more-complicated-order-of-operations-example

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/order-of-operations

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/order-of-operations-1

You should be able to do all of these!


Period E - Progress reports were handed out.  Please ask them for it when they get home if you want to see their current mark.  We started our new unit today and went over PERFECT SQUARES.  P11 # 7-10, 14,15 were assigned for HOMEWORK.

Period B - We had a homework check on the division and multiplication riddle worksheet.  Page 127 #7,11,12 and p134 #12 were assigned.  I will be collecting these for marking!  It is HOMEWORK if not finished.

Period E - We finished our practice test and then students requested a study/test prep period.  Their wish was granted.  Don't forget the big test is tomorrow.

NOTE: Math progress reports will be going home on Friday for both classes (not all teachers provide these for all subjects).  Be sure to ask your son/daughter for it.  These are just a snapshot of how he/she is doing at the current time in terms of understanding and assignments being completed.   If you have questions about it, please call or email me.

Period B - We looked at division of rational numbers.  KEEP, CHANGE, FLIP!   Check this out for a refresher:  http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/dividing-mixed-numbers

Period E - We went over question 23c from the the homework.  Students then wrote a practice test which was a sample of 12 questions based on the real test questions.

Period B - We looked at multiplication of fractions.  The riddle with three questions was HOMEWORK.  Please click video link for a refresher.

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/multiplying-fractions

Period E - Today was our review work period.  Students worked on page 144 #1-3, 5 ,7, 10, 14, 19, 21, 23.  Don't forget our test is on Thursday!

NOTE: Progress Reports will be sent home next week!

HAVE A GOOD LONG WEEKEND!

Period B - Today was a problem solving day.  Students worked on finding the solution individually and recorded their solutions in their problem solving book.

Period E - We broke into groups to present solutions to yesterday's problems.  Following that we started our UNIT REVIEW.  It is NOT HOMEWORK.  However,  our unit test is approaching.  A date of THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11th has been set.

Period B - Students wrote the quiz today. NO HOMEWORK

Period E - We reviewed one of the questions from yesterday and then students completed the textbook assignment p140 3, 4, 7, 12.  If not finished, it is HOMEWORK.

Period B - We corrected the assignment from yesterday and played a card game involving adding and subtracting. QUIZ tomorrow.

Period E - We looked at a couple of more examples and then students worked on  p140 #3,4,7,12. It is NOT HOMEWORK.  However, please watch the videos I posted yesterday if you are still struggling.  The last one especially!

Period B - Students worked on our mid-unit review.  p121 # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5b, 6, 8, 9, 10b.  It is HOMEWORK if not finished. 

Our QUIZ is on WEDNESDAY.  Can you compare two numbers?  Can you add and subtract fractions? 

Period E - We looked at some examples of BEDMAS or BEMDAS.  Why can it be both ways??? Students then worked on an order of operations assignment, questions 1-40.  If not finished, it is HOMEWORK.

Did you show your work?  Did you work down the page?

Here are some video explanations ( in order of easiest to harder):

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/introduction-to-order-of-operations

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/more-complicated-order-of-operations-example

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/order-of-operations

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/order-of-operations-1

You should be able to do all of these!

Period B - Corrected yesterday's work.  Then had surprise quiz.

Period E - Students submitted the last assignment.  We then watched, The Life and Times of Terry Fox.  Also, FYI the school raised $2400 for Terry Fox this year!  Monday is order of operations with rational numbers!

Check this out for a preview: http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/order-of-operations/v/introduction-to-order-of-operations

Period B - page 111 #3,5,7,11,13 and page 118 #3,5,9,11,13.  It is HOMEWORK if not finished.

Period E - page 127 #6,7,12 and page 134 # 3,4,12.  If not finished, it is HOMEWORK.

Period B - We worked through two examples with addition and subtraction of fractions.  NO HOMEWORK.  Assignment will be given tomorrow.

Period E - We worked through 3 examples on multiplication and division of fractions (positive and negative fractions).  Please see videos for another explanation of multiplying and dividing fractions.  The double sided riddle handout with the title, Why did they build a gym on wall street? is HOMEWORK. 

Multiplying fractions: http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/multiplying-fractions
Dividing fractions: http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/dividing-fractions

Period B - We started addition and subtraction if rational numbers.  The riddle assignment, "What does a lion...?" is HOMEWORK.

Period E - Quiz Day!  After the quiz we worked on a PANEFUL problem.  Students put their best solution in their math problem solving and mental math scribbler.  There is NO HOMEWORK.

Period B - Students worked in groups on a fraction refresher.  How did you work as a group?  Were you a leader? Did you contribute? NO HOMEWORK

Period E - We corrected the review assignment.  Students then did a "practice quiz" to get ready for our first big quiz tomorrow.  It will basically be a selection of 10 questions very similar to the review questions.

Period B - We started with a homework check.  Were you finished?  We then had bus evacuation for part of the class.  After that, students completed a hand-in assignment.   It is HOMEWORK if not finished.  Also please watch this video to get a sneak peak for Monday's class. http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/addition-subtraction/v/adding-integers-with-different-signs

Period E - We corrected the subtraction questions from Wednesday.  Students then worked on a mini quiz that will be returned Monday.  We finished off by starting our review for sections 3.1-3.3.  Page 121 #1a, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7a, 8, 9.  It is HOMEWORK if not finished.  Also, please notes the important dates column.  The first QUIZ of the year has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 25th.  The questions are similar to those that were in the review.

Don't forget to check yesterday's blog entry.  Is your homework done?

NOTE: Tomorrow is period A day.  Students are with their period A teacher ALL day.  Have fun and happy learning!

Period B - We worked on the following assignment:  Pages 100-102,  Questions: 2, 5, 7, 8, 10abc, 12, 14, 15,16,17,18,21,23,24.  If not finished in class, it is HOMEWORK. This video may help if you have questions:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l89DOBYUCPQ&safe=active

Period E - We corrected the questions from page 111.  We discussed the importance of showing your work.  Students then completed the second half of the assignment.  If not finished, it is HOMEWORK, due Friday.  Here is a sample of a couple of well organized student solutions: Interesting that both showed their work across, not down! 

Period B - We played a rational number card game today. NO HOMEWORK. Tomorrow is textbook work. 

Period E -  We finished off our last examples for addition and subtraction of rational numbers and started the textbook assignment below from sections 3.2 and 3.3. The questions from page 111 are HOMEWORK. The rest we will finish tomorrow.

Period B - HOMEWORK- Finish the riddle handout.  Both sides.

Period E - We worked in groups on fraction addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 
NO HOMEWORK.

Period B - No class

period E - We started addition of rational numbers.  The  riddle, "What should you do if you are surrounded by 20 lions..." is HOMEWORK. Check this video out if you need another explanation:

http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/addition-subtraction/v/adding-integers-with-different-signs

Period B - We worked through our notes.  To be completed tomorrow. NO HOMEWORK.

Period E - We corrected yesterday's assignment and students handed in an assignment that assessed their understanding of concepts we have covered so far. NO HOMEWORK

Period B - Today we reviewed converting fractions to decimals.  Students started a riddle assignment with the heading "What is a falsehood?"  If not finished it is HOMEWORK.

Period E - We worked on the following assignment:  Pages 100-102,  Questions: 2, 5, 7, 8, 10abc, 12, 14, 15,16,17,18,21,23,24.  If not finished in class, it is HOMEWORK. This video may help if you have questions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l89DOBYUCPQ&safe=active

Period B - We worked on our first problem solving activity and text books were assigned.  No homework.

Period E - We finished 3.1 notes and examples.  No homework. Class time tomorrow to work on assignment.

Period B - Today we reviewed a problem solving model and comleted our skills assessment.  Please remember to hand it in tomorrow if you haven't done so already. NO HOMEWORK otherwise.

Period E - Today we started by completing our "picture problem" and reviewing a problem solving strategy.  We then started Unit 1 - Rational Numbers. Today's assignement was a two-sided worksheet which reviewed converting fractions to decimals.  Tomorrow we will start on comparing and ordering rational numbers.  Here is the link to a video with some helpful strategies and vocabulary that you can review before we get started.   His trick for comparing fractions may be useful for some of you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l89DOBYUCPQ&safe=active

Period B - Please follow our blog!  Today we filled out a questionnaire and started a short skills assessment. We will continue it on Monday!

Here are the refresher videos:

Adding fractions with unlike denominators: http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/adding-fractions-with-unlike-denominators

Subtracting fractions: http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/subtracting--fractions

Multiplying fractions: http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/multiplying-fractions

Dividing fractions: http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/dividing-fractions

Converting mixed to improper fractions (just watch the first part): http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/v/converting-mixed-numbers-to-improper-fractions

Hi folks,  Welcome to grade 9 math! Please check this out as often you like as a reminder for assignments, test dates and other cool happenings...

2 weeks left

Time to start thinking
 about heading back :)

Nice day at Grand Beach with the family.  Great way to start the summer!

A NEW BEGINNING

Hello all,  Welcome to my blog.  You will find the daily assignment, helpful links and other information here!  Enjoy.