Grades On-line

Just a reminder that students and parents can check on grades, work completion, work habits and standards being assessed by going to the Infinite Campus link, https://ic.link75.org/campus/msad75.jsp
The login and password are the network credentials of the student. The 6West team had the students write these in their agendas. It looks something like this:
User name is year of graduation, last name, first inital.......... 17smithj
Password are student's initials and a random four digit number..... js3214
If you would like me to email this information to you, just let me know.

Geometry

We are currently studying geometry. In this unit we will be:

• Classifying polygons
• Finding area and perimeter of polygons
• Solving the area and circumference of circles
• Classify three dimensional shapes (faces, edges, bases, vertices)
• Describe the proportional effects on linear dimensions when polygons and circles are scaled up or down

Our next unit of study will be Algebra.

Decimals

Wow! Where does the time go? Here it is MARCH already!

Students have learned how to represent decimals using number lines and area models (hundredths grids). They have learned to compare and order decimals, add, subtract and multiply with them. Students are also practicing converting between fractions, decimals and percents. We are currently working on dividing with decimals, both in the divisor and dividend. We will continue to work on all of these skills and solve word problems before taking the unit test next week.

This decimal tutorial link can help! Scroll down until you see decimals and pick the skill you want to review. Also remember to visit the math portaportal where kids can practice skills on-line!

Adding & Subtracting Fractions & Mixed Numbers

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

1. Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
   
2. Add or subtract numerators only, keep the denominator the same.
3. Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).

Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers

1. Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
2. Solve the fraction part of the problem first. You may need to "borrow" or "carry" whole numbers so the fractions work.
3. Then add or subtract the whole numbers.
4. Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
   

Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Because you asked for it... How to multiply fractions and mixed numbers:

1. If there are mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions.
2. (Optional) You can reduce the fractions on the diagonal if you want to.
   
3. Multiply numerator times numerator, denominator times denominator.
4. Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
   

Dividing Fractions & Mixed Numbers

You asked for it, here it is! These are the steps for dividing fractions & mixed numbers.

1. Make all numbers fractions. If you have mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions (denominator * whole number + numerator).
2. Flip the second fraction.
3. Change the operation to multiplication.
4. Multiply numerators by numerators and denominators by denominators.
5. Simplify the fraction.

Good luck!

Fractions

It seems like we've been working on fractions forever! The kids are complaining their math binders are getting too full which is a pretty good sign that we are almost done with this unit. Phew! The students just took a quiz on multiplying fractions and mixed numbers today and so far the results look great. Almost everyone has met the standard. Last week the kids were working on mastering adding and subtracting mixed numbers. This is a tough standard to master because there are so many steps in the process, but most of the kids actually exceeded this standard! Any students who did not meet the standard on either quiz will get time in school next week to meet with me or Ms. Graffam for some extra help and practice before trying a retake on Friday.

Over the next two weeks students will learn to divide fractions and mixed numbers as well as solve real life word problems involving fraction computation. I expect the unit to be complete on January 28, which happens to be the end of the second quarter.