SIXTH GRADE

There is no homework today. The class spent quite a bit of time doing the Fast Math (it's like a warm up and the beginning of class). They also had a lot of questions on the assignment from yesterday. We will start fresh tomorrow with multiplying decimal numbers!

SEVENTH GRADE

Math: Today, we played a dice game where the students practiced adding and subtracting integers. It was challenging, but a lot of fun!

Geography: The class took notes over landforms and then we began reading from our book. There were a lot of questions about the sun, moon, Earth, the solar system, other planets, etc. It was a great discussion and I was glad to see them so curious! We will continue learning about the Earth tomorrow, but we will need to focus on latitude and longitude lines, the seasons, and time zones.

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: Multiplying Scientific Notation. I made a video and it is uploading to SwickeyTube now! I will embed it here when it is available. It's done, so here you go!

Algebra I: Order of Operations using the distributive property. I also made you a video! Here it is:

See you all tomorrow,

Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

Today, you are rounding again! I made a video for you that explains each section. It's not fully uploaded yet, but it should be soon. I will come back and update this spot to embed the video. If you are anxious, you can also try my YouTube channel: swickey678. It shouldn't take too long!

Okay....here it is now!

SEVENTH GRADE

Math: Subtracting Integers. Remember the rules:

Change the subtraction sign to addition and change the sign of the NEXT number. Then, just follow the adding integer rules!

Geography: Map Activity worksheets. Everyone finished painting their globes today! Well...actually, not everyone finished, but today was our last day to paint. They turned out terrific.

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: Today, we started working on multiplying in scientific notation. It is a bit complicated, so the class does not have to do the homework tonight. If you feel so moved and want to try a few, that's fine. But we will work on them in class tomorrow!

Algebra I: Order of Operations using the Distributive Property. Just do #1-9 on the front side of the worksheet. We will continue practicing these tomorrow and you will finish the assignment then.

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

Today, we practiced rounding decimal numbers. Remember, to round a decimal number, first find the place that you are supposed to round to. Then look at the number to the right. That number tells the first number what to do. If the number on the right is 5 or greater, then the first number goes up one. If the number on the right is 4 or less, the first number stays the same. Drop all numbers after the number you rounded to. Here are a few examples:

Example 1: Round to the nearest thousandth:

0.00587

The 5 is in the thousandth place. If you look to the right, you see an 8. An 8 would make the 5 go up one - so the 5 changes to a 6. Then drop the numbers after the 6. Your answer would be:

0.006

And that's it!

Here's another one:

Example 2: Round to the nearest hundredth:

25.02378

The 2 is in the hundredth place. If you look to the right, you see a 3. A 3 would make the 2 stay the same. Then, drop all the numbers after the 3. Your answer would be:

25.02

Here's one more that's more complicated:

Example 3: Round to the nearest hundredth:

5.9975

The second 9 is in the hundredth place. If you look to the right, you see a 7. A 7 would make the 9 go up one. But going up one would make it a ten. You can't put a ten in one decimal place, so you put a 0 and carry a 1 to the next place to the left. But that's a 9 too, so now it goes up to a ten. Put a 0 there as well and carry another 1 to the next place to the left...that would be where the 5 is now. So the 5 ends up going up 1 to a 6. It would look like this:

5.00 ------ this is the same as just a plain 5, so you could just write 5.

Now, after you have rounded all the numbers on the page, go back to each of the numbers I circled and write the number that was printed on the page (not your answer) and write that number in words. So, for Example 1 above, I would write:

Five hundred eighty-seven ten-thousandths

Example 3 would be written as:

five and nine thousand nine hundred seventy-five ten-thousandths

Be sure to write if you have any questions!

SEVENTH GRADE

Math: We talked about how to subtract integers today. It is a little complicated, so we just spent time going over it for the class period. There is no homework!

Geography: We continued painting our globes. They are looking terrific! They may not be "perfect" but everyone is really getting a good sense of where the continents are on the Earth. It's a very good spatial activity.

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: Is It Scientific Notation? worksheet. Remember to first change all of the numbers in improper scientific notation to correct scientific notation. Then take those numbers and write them in standard form.

Algebra I: Order of Operations. Do the evens on both sides of the worksheet. Then, write 3 "stories" using an animal and a food that demonstrates order of operations. You must use 3 operations on at least one story. On the others you must use at least 2. Here is an example:

Rocky hid 7 acorns under the pine tree. Then he stacked 2 piles of 6 acorns each behind the large rock. How many acorns did he hide? This would be: 7 + (2 x 6) = 19! Be creative! We will share our best story tomorrow.

Have a great evening!

Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

Today, the class practiced some more with adding and subtracting decimals. On the assignment, do #1-22 and 27-30 only. Please use a separate sheet of paper for at least #11-22 and #27-30. Parents, just so you know the class is settling down and worked much better today! They are a talkative bunch, but so far, they are eager to learn and very willing to answer questions. I'm looking forward to a great year with them!

SEVENTH GRADE

Math: Today, the class wrote down the rules for adding integers. The assignment is another full page of integer addition with a few integer word problems on the back. The key to understanding integers is to just practice, practice, practice! Here are the rules:

ADDING INTEGERS

When I say, "adding integers" I mean that there is a + sign in between the numbers. You may not actually add the two numbers together:

When the signs are the SAME, add the numbers and KEEP the same sign.

(+3) + (+5) = (+8)      AND   (-2) + ( -9) = (-11)

When the signs are DIFFERENT, subtract the numbers and use the sign of the bigger number. (Remember, by "bigger" we are looking for the number that is bigger without it's sign...or you can think about which number is further away from zero on the number line.)

(+5) + (-9) = (-4) -----------signs are different, so subtract. 9-5=4. And since -9 is further away from zero than +5, you will use -9's sign to make the answer -4.

(-3) + (+10) = (+7) --------signs are different, so subtract 10-3=7. And since +10 is further away from zero than -3, you will use +10's sign to make the answer +7.

Geography: We began painting the continents on our globes today! Some continents are a bit misshapen, but the students are really trying and our goal is to get a good idea of just how big they are and where they are on the globe in relation to the other continents. We will be finishing up by Wednesday.

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: More scientific notation. Remember, you are changing each number into scientific notation. If you start with a really BIG number, the exponent will be positive. If you start with a really small number, the exponent will be negative! Here's the video from Friday. It will help you on today's assignment as well:

Algebra I: Multiplying and Dividing rational numbers. Remember the rule for signed numbers. If the signs are the same, it's positive. If the signs are different, it's negative! It doesn't matter if they are fractions or decimals. You still follow the same rules. Remember, when multiplying fractions, you first look to see if you  need to change any mixed numbers into improper fractions. If so, do the u-turn and then cross cancel. For dividing fractions, remember to change the division to a multiplication and flip the second fraction. Then cross cancel! Send me an email if you get stuck anywhere else. I'm here to help.

Your assignment is #8-94 (or 96?) EVENS only!

See you tomorrow,

Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

Today, we began our unit on decimals. The assignment is to compare and order decimals. Remember, you only need to order from least to greatest. Where the worksheet states to order from greatest to least, just ignore it and do least to greatest. Also, remember that a good strategy is to write them in a column and then look at the columns of numbers starting on the left. You can find the order easily that way. If you need help, send me an email!

SEVENTH GRADE

Math: Integer Addition. Remember, if you are using the tiles,  the red ones are negatives and the yellow ones are positives. If you have (-3) + (5), then you have 3 negative tiles and 5 yellow tiles. Every pair of one red/one yellow is equal to zero. So, you pair up 3 reds with 3 yellows to equal zero. You have two yellows left, so (-3) + (5) = 2.  If you have questions, email me! I'd be happy to help.

Geography: Page 23. Population Distribution. Just do the questions in the paragraph titled Practice the Skill.

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra:

I made a video for you! Send me an email if you are still stuck:

Algebra I:

I decided you didn't need a video after all. You are just identifying the different properties. If the descriptions on the top of the worksheet are confusing, just look at your own notes! For the back, just follow the instructions. If you are confused, send me an email or text!

See you tomorrow,

Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

We worked on a class activity today. The class worked in pairs to determine the fastest talker! It required a lot of arithmetic and the class worked very well and understood how to find each answer easily. It was a bit noisy, but for the most part, a good kind of noisy! Ask your child who the fastest was. There is no homework!

SEVENTH GRADE

Math: Today, the class used the whiteboards to practice working division and multiplication problems and then we did some mental math exercises.

Geography: We started making our models of globes using papier mache. They were a bit messy, and I apologize for any unplanned loads of laundry you may have had to do this evening! But the class had a great time. We will continue working on them for the next day or two.

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: Today we reviewed conversions between percents, fractions, and decimals. It was a rather easy assignment and was really meant to make sure they remembered how to do them. We are gearing up to begin our new pre-algebra curriculum in earnest.  The homework is a quick review worksheet.

Algebra I: Today, the class took notes on the properties of numbers. There is no homework.

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

Today, the class took another timed test. This one was 100 multiplication facts. Some students will need to get a bit faster! The homework is to finish the front side of the assignment from yesterday. You still don't have to do the back side with the word problems.

SEVENTH GRADE

Math: Today's assignment is to do Column D on Lesson 1.4 and columns D & E on 1.5. Then, do the word problem page that is numbered as homework #3.

Geography: We spent some time talking about the different kinds of maps today. There is no homework!

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: The assignment is homework #4. All operations with fractions. Please send me an email if you are having trouble. I'd be happy to help!

Algebra I: I tested out my new iPad app that makes videos today and it worked great! I explain how to put the numbers on a number line in this one...which includes how to find which two numbers a square root is between. Here is that video and then below, I explain how to do absolute value.

 

For absolute value, remember that absolute value means how far away a number is from zero on the number line. This goes only for whatever number is between the absolute value lines. So, here are a few examples:

 For a), you see that the -2 is between the absolute value lines, so the absolute value of -2 is 2. 

For b), you see that the 5 is between the absolute value lines, so the absolute value of 5 is 5. (Remember, it's how far away the number is from zero on the number line....absolute value doesn't mean "the opposite" of a number.)

For c), you see that the -4 is between the absolute value lines...so the absolute value of -4 is 4, but there is a negative sign in front of the absolute value, so your answer to c) is negative 4. That first negative doesn't go away.

Also, you will have one or two where you have to add or subtract BEFORE you find the absolute value. So if you have -2 - 5 between the lines, you would first find the answer as -7. Then you would find the absolute value of that, which would be 7.

Email me if you are stuck! I'm happy to help. Always. 

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

Homework #2. Today, you are just going to do rows 1, 2, and 3. That's 15 problems. If you aren't sure which ones to do, let me know. I'll help you!

SEVENTH GRADE

Math - Homework #2. You are doing columns A, B, and C on both pages. That's it! Don't do columns D or E. Let me know if you have any questions!

Geography - Atlas Activity worksheet. Lesson #1. Use your atlas to answer the questions! 

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: Homework #3. Multiplying and dividing mixed numbers and fractions. Remember to always change mixed numbers to improper fractions. If you are multiplying, cross cancel wherever you can and then multiplying across. If you are dividing, flip the second fraction and then cross cancel and multiply across. Let me know if you have any trouble!

Algebra I: For the first part, you are just defining the terms. Use your notes! Then, you are going to circle the bigger number - whichever is furthest to the right on the number line.

For #17-26, you are using set notation to name the set and then writing them on a number line. For these, you are doing whole, natural, or integers so you will use dots only on the number line. Tomorrow, I will want you to explain why that is, so be sure you understand that you don't want to indicate anything in between the actual numbers (fractions and decimals).

If it says to name the natural numbers between -2 and 7, you will do this:

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} because the natural numbers are the same as counting numbers. The first counting number greater than -2 is 1. Also, since it doesn't say "inclusive" you don't include the 7. On the number line, you would have dots on these numbers only with no arrow.

For the rest, remember that you are just graphing on a number line. You don't have to use set notation to indicate these numbers. So, if you are going to indicate all the REAL numbers between -2 and 7 inclusive, you would have a closed circle on both -2 and 7 and then a dark line connecting the two. You put a closed circle because it says "inclusive". That means you are including the -2 and the 7. If it didn't say "inclusive" you would still put circles on the -2 and 7, but they would be open circles - not filled in to show that you are starting just after these numbers, but aren't including them.

Here's another example: Graph all the real numbers that are greater than 0 but less than or equal to 5. Now, you would put an open circle on 0, since you can't include the 0. (zero isn't greater than zero!) Then, you'd put a closed circle on 5 because it says it could be less than or equal to 5. So, that could also be the 5. Then you'd draw a darkened line between the two.

If you aren't sure, you can email me! I'll be at the PTC meeting and Back to School night, but I will be able to write you back after that.

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Swickey

SIXTH GRADE

We graded the assignment from yesterday and spent some time going over procedures for grading. There were a lot of questions! Then, the class took a timed addition test. There is no homework this weekend.

SEVENTH GRADE

Math - We went over questions from the assignment yesterday and then graded it. The class then took a timed addition test. There is no homework this weekend!

Geography - The class continued taking notes in Geography. There is no homework!

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: We graded the assignment from yesterday and then went over how to add and subtract fractions again. Also, we discussed how to compare fractions. Remember, to compare two fractions by cross multiplying, multiply the denominator of one fraction with the number of the other. Do this with both denominators and compare the numbers you get when you multiply. To compare fractions by finding a common denominator, just do the same thing you'd do if you were adding them and then compare the numerators. Homework is assignment #2.

Algebra I: We finished taking notes over sets of numbers today and practiced determining which set each number belong to. Then, we practiced writing set notation. There is no homework!

Have a good weekend. I'll see you all on Monday.

Mrs. Swickey

Thursday, August 16th

SIXTH GRADE

We had a great second day in 6th grade math! I showed them how to do a mental math activity that everyone enjoyed and then the class worked on a review assignment - addition and subtraction of whole numbers. Only do the first three columns (a, b, & c) and then all of the word problems on the back. There is a small number 1 in the upper right corner. That tells me and the students that this was assignment #1. It's how I keep track of the homework and will prove very useful when students are absent or missing work.

 We won't spend a lot of time reviewing and will be jumping into fractions and decimals very soon! Remember, if you didn't turn in your homework policy today, it is due tomorrow.

SEVENTH GRADE

Math - The class worked on a review assignment in class. Operations with whole numbers. We won't spend a lot of time reviewing and will be starting in with our first new unit very quickly!

Geography - We began reading a section in our textbook on the five themes of Geography. The class took notes. We will continue with this tomorrow. There is no homework.

EIGHTH GRADE

Pre-Algebra: We began reviewing fractions today. The students were struggling to remember the rules, so just be sure to always find a common denominator first! Please email me if you have any questions on the assignment. Also, be sure to have the homework policy signed and return it tomorrow if you can; Monday at the latest.

Algebra I: We jumped right in and started taking notes on the sets of numbers. Also, the class worked on integer operations. Be sure to finish the integer page, if you weren't done in class. We will finish notes on sets of numbers tomorrow.

See you all tomorrow!

Mrs. Swickey

First Day of School - August 15

SIXTH GRADE

Hello! We were off to a great start in 6th grade math today. We spent most of the time going over rules and procedures, but the class was able to spend a few minutes working on a math problem together. Tomorrow we will be getting down to business with some more math work! The only assignment is to get the homework policy signed and returned by Friday. Be sure to read the policy thoroughly and let me know if you have any questions. You can email me at: b s w i c k e y AT s c b c s DOT o r g. (Obviously no spaces and symbols for the AT and DOT.) I check my email frequently and am always happy to answer questions. See you all tomorrow for another great class!

SEVENTH GRADE

Our 7th grade may be a small group, but they are so lovely and I am looking forward to a terrific year with them! We spent most of our day today going over class rules and procedures. Each student also set some goals for the school year and we discussed our class motto: "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken." 7th graders sometimes struggle with who they are and having confidence in themselves so we spend a lot of time talking about being the very best YOU and not trying to be anyone else. 

We didn't have time for a lot of curriculum today, but each student did make a list of as many countries as they could name. I was very pleased to see so many countries listed! I think the Olympics helped with that. We will do this again at the end of the year and hopefully, they will have a much better understanding of the world and what is a country, versus a continent, city, or state.

The only homework is to have the homework policy signed and returned by Friday.

See you tomorrow for another great day!

EIGHTH GRADE

I did not see either 8th grade group today as each teacher kept their homeroom class until lunchtime. Both of my 8th grade classes are before lunch. I will see them tomorrow! I'm sure it's going to be a great year with them again. 

See you all tomorrow!

Mrs. Swickey