Mrs. Accurso's Blog

Tuesday, September 20th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

You received your Lesson 2.1 Assessment back in class and I went over the solutions in detail.  We discussed how important it is to understand your mistakes and not to make the same mistakes on your Quizzes and Tests in GPS Algebra.

I also went through the Unit 1 Test, which will most likely be returned to you today in your GPS Algebra class, and answered any questions.

GPS Algebra Classes

You were given a copy of the worked-out solutions to yesterday's homework assignment (Multiplying Polynomials Worksheet).  You were provided time in class to check your answers for accuracy and ask questions.

We then went through an Investigating Special Patterns Learning Task.  This task was teaching the rules for Multiplying Special Products (squaring a binomial and multiplying a sum and difference).  As we were going through this handout, you were asked to write down the steps for squaring a binomial and multiplying a sum and difference on a separate piece of paper.

The Unit 1 Test was handed back today.  I went over the Unit 1 Test and answered all questions in class.

The homework assignment for today is: Page 70 # 2-18 even. 

Monday, September 19th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

We spent the first 20 minutes of class reviewing for the assessment over Lesson 2.1.  We completed together in class # 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12 on page 61 in the Notetaking Guide.  I also went over again # 21 and 23 on page 62.  We then reviewed the vocabulary for this lesson on page 58.

The rest of the class period was spent completing the Lesson 2.1 Assessment.

GPS Algebra Classes

I began class by handing out a worked-out solution key to Friday's homework assignment (page 66 # 2-10 even, 16, 18, 19, and 21).  You were given time to check your answers for accuracy and then I answered questions.  We went through # 21 in all classes.

I then handed out to you the worked-out solutions to Thursday's homework assignment (Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Worksheet).  We discussed in detail how this assignment was graded.  The worksheet consisted of 14 problems and I chose 10 to grade for accuracy. 

Your graded Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Worksheet paper was returned to you and you were given a chance to check the remaining four problems for accuracy and ask any necessary questions over the assignment.

We then went through the rest of the notes on Lesson 2.2, Multiplying Polynomials.  Again, this lesson begins on page 64 in the textbook.

The homework assignment for today is the Multiplying Polynomials Worksheet.  This assignment combines all of Lesson 2.2.  Consequently, there are problems like those in the notes from both Friday and today.

Friday, September 16th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

We began class by discussing the Spiral Notebook Check from yesterday.  I put my Spiral Notebook on the document camera to give you an opportunity to look back over the 20 vocabulary words that made-up the grade for the Spiral Notebook Check.  I stressed the importance of making sure you are writing exactly what the given defintion or formula in that you are given in class to write.  I then handed back the grade sheet for the Spiral Notebook Check.

I finished going over the problems that you completed in class yesterday.  These were # 5, 7, 9, 13, and 15.  I gave you an example of a polynomial with more than one variable that I wanted you to find the degree of.  You were to write this in your Notetaking Guide on page 60 in the left column.

The assignment you were given in class to complete was:  Page 61 # 8, 14, 16 and 18 as well as Page 62 # 20-23.  We went over the solutions to these problems at the end of class.

You were told that you will have an assessment, graded for accuracy, over Lesson 2.1 on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

GPS Algebra Classes

Yesterday's homework assignment (Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Worksheet) was collected.  It will be graded and returned to you on Monday.

We went through a PowerPoint for the notes on Lesson 2.2, Multiplying Polynomials.  This lesson begins on page 64 in your textbook.

The homework assignment for today is: Page 66 # 2 - 10 even, 16, 18, 19, and 21.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 15th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

You turned in your Spiral Notebook for a check.  This was graded and returned to you today.  You will receive your grade sheet for the Spiral Notebook Check tomorrow in class.

*Just a reminder that in order to receive credit for the information included in the Spiral Notebook, you must copy the material exactly like it is given to you in class.

We then filled out the seven vocabulary words on page 58 in the Notetaking Guide Workbook.  I provided you with examples of each of these to write in the left hand column on page 58. 

I gave you a perimeter problem to work out just like the ones you had on your GPS Algebra homework assignment yesterday.  You were to draw the figure and work out the problem in the blank column on page 59.  We went over the solution step-by-step in class.

We then practiced problems from Lesson 2.1 (Adding and Subtracting Polynomials).  You were to complete page 61 # 1-19 in class.  We went over the solutions to # 1, 3, 11, 17, and 19 at the end of the class period.  We will finish going over the solutions to the other problems tomorrow in class.

GPS Algebra Classes

We spent some time discussing how today's homework assignment is just like yesterday's.  I stressed that because there were no new notes today and the homework assignment was another day of practice on Lesson 2.1 (Adding and Subtracting Polynomials) that the homework assignment very well could be collected tomorrow and graded for accuracy.

This discussion was prior to going over yesterday's homework assignment (page 61 # 1-14) so you would understand the importance of checking your work for accuracy and asking any questions during class. 

I then went over page 61 # 1-14 in detail and answered all questions. 

I then gave you two additional practice problems just as a quick review.  The first problem was a trinomial and I asked you to give me the degree.  The second was a subtracting polynomials problem.  We went over both of these step-by-step.

You were given the Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Worksheet and allowed to work on it for the rest of the class period.  I reminded you that you must write your answers in standard form and either circle, highlight, or box-in your answers.

The homework assignment for today is to complete the Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Worksheet.

Wednesday, September 14th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

We began class by going back over the 20 vocabulary words that you should have in your Spiral Notebook for the check tomorrow.  Make sure to bring your Spiral Notebook to class to turn in for the Spiral Notebook check.  Each vocabulary word is worth 5 points out of a 100%.

We then used iRespond to do a Unit 2 Pretest.  This was not for a grade, but provided you with a preview of the material that will be covered in Unit 2.

We used the rest of the class period to preview today's lesson in GPS Algebra and use the white boards to review fractions and decimals.

GPS Algebra Classes

You were given a copy of the Unit 2 Calendar (first half).  We went over the calendar in detail.

You were given a handout for the Notes on Polynomials.  This is Lesson 2.1, which begins on page 59 in the textbook.  We went through the handout together and filled in all the blanks as well as added examples and other important information to the notes.  You were given time to work out the two examples on adding and subtracting polynomials and then we went through the solution to both of these step-by-step.

You were given the last few minutes of class to begin your homework assignment.

The homework assignment for today is: Page 61 # 1-14.

GPS Algebra - Unit 2 Calendar

Download GPS Algebra Unit 2 Calendar (1st half)

Tuesday, September 13th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

You finished writing the vocabulary from Lessons 6.6, 6.7, and 6.8 in your Spiral Notebook.  You should have 20 vocabulary words for the next Sprial Notebook Check, which will be this Thursday, September 15th.

You were given five minutes to review all of the vocabulary from Unit 1.  We then used iRespond to take the 25 question Vocabulary Assessment.  You were able to keep the assessment paper and we went over all of the correct answers before the class period ended.

GPS Algebra Classes

Unit 1 Test

*Make sure to bring your textbook to class tomorrow!

Monday, September 12th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

I began class with answering any questions you had over the Review Worksheet(s) due in GPS Algebra. 

We then took time to review the Unit 1 Vocabulary that you already have in your Spiral Notebook.  We began to add the vocabulary from Lesson 6.6, 6.7, and 6.8 to your Spiral Notebook.  We will finish this tomorrow at the beginning of class.

You were given a handout with all of the Unit 1 Vocabulary included on it.  Use this to help you prepare for your Vocabulary Assessment that we will have tomorrow in class.  We will be going over the correct answers on the assessment tomorrow to help you prepare for the Unit 1 Test, which is tomorrow during your GPS Algebra class.

GPS Algebra Classes

As you walked in the room there was a note on the document camera for you to pick up the warm-up assignment and begin.  The warm-up consisted of three problems and reviewed the following material: mean, median, mode, range, MAD, Q1, Q2, Q3, lower extreme, upper extreme, and box-and-whisker plot.  We went over the correct answers to this assignment and all questions were answered.

We then spent the rest of the class time going over the solutions to the two review worksheets given out on Friday for homework.  I went over each problem step-by-step.  All questions were answered.

You were reminded to bring a calculator to class tomorrow!

The homework assignment for today is to study for the Unit 1 Test.

 

Friday, September 9th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

I began class by handing back to you your grade sheet for the Spiral Notebook check.

We then did a practice problem like your GPS Algebra homework assignment due today.  We did # 1 on page 371 in your textbook.  We went through this problem step-by-step including creating a Box-and-Whisker Plot.  This was a review of Lesson 6.8.

We then used our Notetaking Guide Workbook to review Lessons 6.6 and 6.7.  We reviewed the four Sampling Methods (Stratified Random Sample, Systematic Sample, Convenience Sample, and Self-Selected Sample) and wrote them in our workbook on page 380.  We then did page 380 # 1 together and then you completed # 2 on your own.  We went over the solution.  I had you complete # 4 and 5 on the same page and we also discussed these solutions.

On page 381, you completed # 6 and 7 on your own first and then we went through and talked about the solutions.

I wrote the formula for Mean Absolute Deviation on the document camera and you were to copy it the last box on page 382.  We then completed # 14 on page 386 together.  This problem required you to calculate the Mean Absolute Deviation.

For the rest of the class, you were assigned page 385 # 3-6 to complete.

*Remember that your GPS Algebra Unit 1 Test is this Tuesday, September 13th.

Have a great weekend!

GPS Algebra Classes

As you walked in the room, there was a note on the document camera to pick up the warm-up and begin immediately.  This was a very short assignment over Box-and-Whisker Plots.  We went over the correct answers and then I collected the assignment.  It will be graded for accuracy and returned to you on Monday.

We then went over yesterday's homework assignment (page 371 # 2, 4, 7, and 8).  I answered any questions that you had.

You were given a handout that included all of the topics since the Unit 1 Quiz.  The Unit 1 Quiz covered Lessons 6.1-6.4.  The handout went over the remaining topics that will be on the Unit 1 Test from Lessons 6.5-6.8.  To see the handout click Download Topics 6.5-6.8.

You were given an Extra Practice Worksheet for the Unit 1 Test that reviewed Lessons 6.5-6.8.  This assignment was to be completed in class.

You were then given the Review Worksheet for the Unit 1 Test.  Once you completed the first assignment, then you were to use the rest of the class period to work on the second.

The homework assignment for today is to complete the following:

1)  Extra Practice Worksheet for the Unit 1 Test

2)  Review Worksheet for the Unit 1 Test

*Remember that the Unit 1 Test is this Tuesday, September 13th.

Have a great weekend!

 

Thursday, September 8th

GPS Algebra Support Classes

Your Spiral Notebook was handed in, graded, and returned to you.  You will receive your grade sheet tomorrow in class for this assignment.

We then used our Notetaking Guide Workbook to review Expected Value.  You were to write the formula for Expected Value in the vocabulary box on page 371.  We discussed that you must have the probability and outcome value for each event in order to calculate the Expected Value.

I then went through # 1 on page 375 with you, step-by-step.  You were to complete # 2 and 3.  We went over these problems in detail during class.  I then made up an example with fractions and a percent for the probability and we went through this example as well.

We then looked at the vocabulary for Lesson 6.6 on page 377.  We discussed the four methods for sampling and then went through and wrote in the definition for each of the ten words on page 377.

GPS Algebra Classes

We finished the notes today on Unit 1.  We went through a PowerPoint that finished Lesson 6.7: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion and Lesson 6.8: Compare Statistics from Samples.  Lesson 6.7 begins on page 363 and Lesson 6.8 begins on page 369.

We went through the Box-and-Whisker Plot from the notes together in class after you were given a chance to complete it on your own.

We ended class by going over all of the solutions to yesterday's homework assignment (page 365 # 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 14, and 17).  Questions were answered as well.

The homework assignment for today is: Page 371 # 2, 4, 7, and 8.