Mr. Stachowiak – 6th Grade Math & Science

Last Minute assignment update

Pre Algebra: page 388; #9-19, 27-33 (odd)

Pre Algebra: page 394; #13-31 (odd)

Everyday Math: Study Links 9.1 and 9.2

Everyday Math:

Students have become rather competent at finding equivalent fractions, doing math with negative numbers, and multiplying/dividing fractions. We are now working on ratios and rates in chapter 8 which bases off of these concepts previously learned.

Pre-Algebra:

The previous chapter went very well as this was a review for most of the group. This next two weeks will involve catching up to the similar material that the students in Everyday Math are covering. It has become obvious that the students are covering a lot of the same material, but that the Pre-Algebra students are seeing more difficult versions of the same math. This of course will make them much more competent in 7th and 8th grade.

Science:

Everyday Math:

We are currently approaching the end of chapter 6. This chapter has brought about the introduction to the algebraic processes. Students are learning how to multiply and divide fractions, how to add and subtract negative and positive numbers, and how to work with equations. These next two weeks will involve working with equations and inequalities.

Pre-Algebra:

Simply put, chapter 4 was generally a review chapter. There were a few ideas that had foundations in what they had learned earlier this year, but for the most part students already knew most of what this chapter covered. We will conclude these next two weeks with an in-class project and then the chapter test.

Science:

Everyday Math:

We have just concluded chapter 5 (Graphing Angles and Congruence) and are finishing with a test. These next two weeks is the introduction to higher level mathematics. We are now introducing the concept of the variable and algebraic math. This is always a little challenging to students as they are very used to thinking directly about numbers and how they relate to each other. The method for working algebraic equations will be something that we will need to work hard at in order to have the students succeed.

Pre-Algebra:

Chapter three was a new and difficult chapter to most students. It introduced the concept of algebraic equations and inequalities. Students had some difficulty working algebraic equations and solving for variables. We are far from finished with that topic, but are now going on to number theory. Chapter 4 deals with factoring, working fractions, and further depth of exponents. We will continue to work the idea of the variable into every lesson because from this point on every math course will use this concept. We will end before break taking a quiz on 4.1 through 4.4 and then going to enjoy the spring break.

Science:

Everyday Math:

After finishing the fraction chapter, we have begun working on geometry and continuing to fine tune fraction math. There are still a number of problems that students are having with adding, subtracting and multiplying fractions. We will continue working on those kinds of problems daily while we work into the geometry chapter. This week will be focused on introducing relationships between angles and how the angles for different shapes add up.

Pre-Algebra:

Since we finished chapter 2, most of the students have begun fine tuning their algebra skills and are really starting to show they understand the material. There are still a few problems such as working with negatives in equations. This will be a focus point throughout algebra for most students. I intend on making at least one problem a day that they must work on math with negative numbers.

Science:

Everyday Math:

During the past couple weeks we have been working through the skills surrounding fractions. This has included finding equivalent fractions, converting between improper and mixed numbers, finding common denominators, and multiplying fractions. During this week we will be concluding this chapter and taking the chapter test.

I have noticed that many students are having trouble deciding on when to find a common denominator. This should be performed when fractions with different denominators are either added or subtracted. When fractions are multiplied it is crucial to remember it is not necessary to find a common denominator. Instead you should remember the phrase, “Top times top, bottom times bottom.” Lastly, regardless of adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing fractions, you must always remember to reduce the answer to the simplest fraction.

Pre-Algebra:

This week we will be finishing Chapter 2 (Introduction to Variables and Equations) and progressing on to Chapter 3 (Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities). These topics are a bit difficult so extra work is advised.

Science:

Everyday Math:

Study Links 4.7

Pre-Algebra:

Pg. 108-111; Odd numbered problems

Prepare for the chapter 2 test

Science:

Everyday Math:

Study Links 4.6

Pre-Algebra:

Pg. 93-94; #’s 11-41 (odd)

Pg. 105-107; #’s 13-45 (odd)

Everyday Math:

Study Links 4.5 & ISAT Extended Response Question

Pre-Algebra:

Pg. 81-82; #’s 11-29 (odd), 37,38

Pg. 87-88;  9-35 (odd)

Everyday Math:

Study Links 4.4

Pre-Algebra:

None

REMEMBER, GRADES ARE DUE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25. ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE BEFORE THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST BE TURNED IN BY TUESDAY TO EARN CREDIT.

ANY WORK COMPLETED FOR PREVIOUS CHAPTERS CAN STILL EARN 50% AND ANY WORK COMPLETED FOR THE CURRENT CHAPTER RECEIVED BEFORE WEDNESDAY WILL RECEIVE 100%.

Everyday Math:

Study Links 4.3 and 4.4

Pre-Algebra:

NONE

REMEMBER, GRADES ARE DUE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25. ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE BEFORE THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST BE TURNED IN BY TUESDAY TO EARN CREDIT.

Everyday Math:

Study Links 3.6 (2 pages) and 4.2

Pre-Algebra:

None