Monday, August 20, 2012

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


Friday, August 17, 2012

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 16, 2012

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


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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

Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday, May 21st

This is my last post for the school year! Thank you for using the blog as a way to keep up with assignments. I know I've been a bit sporadic lately, but I will do better next year! No matter what, you can always email me for questions on anything.

SIXTH GRADE

There is a quiz over measurement tomorrow. You will need to know the following conversions:

METRIC SYSTEM
meters to centimeters
centimeters to millimeters
meters to kilometers

US CUSTOMARY SYSTEM
gallons to quarts
quarts to pints
pints to cups
cups to ounces

You need to know how to make the Big "G" to convert between any of the above measures.

inch to foot
foot to yard

The test will also include measuring lines using the metric system and the US Customary system.

SEVENTH GRADE

Math - There is a quiz tomorrow over operations with integers (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing). The quiz will also include exponents, order of operations, and evaluation. If you have any questions, send me an email tonight and I will help!

Geography - The last set of Atlas Activities are due tomorrow. There is also a Country Quiz tomorrow. Your last one! You will get your last flag Wednesday morning and will get to take home your passports.

EIGHTH GRADE

There is no homework. Tomorrow, we will play some math games!

See you all tomorrow for our last full day,

Mrs. Swickey


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Tuesday, May 8th

Sixth Grade

Measurement and conversion problems. Remember the following conversions:

1 ft. = 12 in.
1 yd. = 3 ft.
1 mi. = 5,280 ft.

If you are converting from a bigger measure to a smaller, you multiply using the conversion number. (So, going from feet to inches, you multiply by 12.)

If you are converting from a smaller measure to a bigger, you divide using the conversion number. (So, going from feet to yards, you divide by 3.)

Please email me if you have any questions!

Seventh Grade

Assignment #11 - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO #67 AND #68 ON THE BACK SIDE! These are really super hard problems and I don't like them. I'm so sorry they were on your paper. On the front side, there is a table on the bottom that might be a little confusing. The top numbers tell you the air temperatures without any wind. The left side tells you how fast the wind is blowing and the table tells you what it will feel like. For example, when it is actually -15 degrees outside (look at the top numbers - "Calm Air Temperature") and the wind is blowing 10 miles an hour, it will feel like it's -40 degrees outside. Once you understand how to read the table, you should be able to answer the questions. Send me an email if you are confused!

Geography - We started reading Chapter 17, Section 4 today. No homework!

Eighth Grade

Pre-Algebra: More distributive property and combining like terms. We are reviewing some skills necessary for high school. Everyone is doing very well! Thank you! Send me an email if you have questions.

Algebra I: We are reviewing in class for Algebra I test-out exam at McGuinness. Not everyone is taking the exam, but it is a good review of everything we've done this year. No homework!

See you tomorrow,

Mrs. Swickey

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tuesday, May 1st

Sixth Grade

The class took the Central Means of Tendency and Graphing Test today. Many didn't finish and will do so tomorrow.

Seventh Grade

Math - Today, the class finished up the work on their zoo data and graphs and presented them to the class.

Geography - Assignment #6. Guided Reading for Chapter 17, Section 1. The class also took notes over the chapter.

Eighth Grade


Pre-Algebra: We continued the review for the probability test, which will be tomorrow. Please study! Each student also saw his/her grade as of now and found out about any missing assignments.


Algebra I: Assignment #17 - a continuation of Completing the Square. Let me know if you have any questions!

See you tomorrow,

Mrs. Swickey