Sixth Grade
Today we worked on reducing fractions. The class already had a pretty good grasp of it so we spent some time going over what "relatively prime" means. Remember, two numbers are relatively prime if the only common factor they have is 1. So, even though the numbers 4 and 15 are both composite, they are relatively prime because their only common factor is 1. the factors of 4 are 1, 2, and 4. The factors of 15 are 1, 3, 5, and 15. So we say they are relatively prime - relatively is like "related to each other". The assignment is to complete the Relatively Prime worksheet for extra credit and then to do the back side with reducing fractions as well as the reducing fractions page where you make stars.
Seventh Grade
Math - Today the class worked on division estimates and quotients. Remember to estimate, you first need to round the numbers to compatible numbers. So, if you are supposed to divide 4782 by 83, you could round the first number to 4800 and the second to 80. Then you could divide 4800 by 80 easily - it's 60. If you rounded 4782 to the nearest thousand, you would have 5000 divided by 80. That isn't easy to do. The estimates are handy because you can then see if your actual answer is correct. In this case, it would be: 57 r 51. That's close to 60. You know the first number will be 6 or something close because your estimate was 60 - you can use that to narrow your guesses when dividing.
The assignment is to do #1-12 only - estimate each answer first in the left column of your paper. Then do the division on the right column.
Geography - We watched part of a National Geographic Video on Lewis and Clark today. While watching, the class answered questions relating to the video. Everyone did a terrific job listening and not disturbing others. We will finish the video tomorrow!
Eighth Grade
Pre-Algebra: Today we did another graph activity on Whale Weight. Everyone finished the first part in class. The second part is to graph the actual data.
Algebra I: Today we worked on an activity where the students would discover the weight of my car by measuring the footprint of each tire as well as the tire pressure. Using that information, the students could see how much weight each tire supported and adding those together, how much my car weighed. Each person needs to finish the calculations and you must show your work on your paper! No calculators allowed.
See you tomorrow,
Mrs. Swickey
