Barbie Bungee Jumping was a great activity for the students to wrap up their intense study of linear functions. I’ll be asking some of my students to push themselves by trying to create a Voicethread about the project. They will be using Voicethreads a lot in high school science so I might as well give them the tools now. It’s probably best that I give it a go though before I ask them to jump in with both feet! Check out the Voicethread below to see it all unfold!

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Semester one final exams are over! The students knew the importance of this test. As I told them, the test serves as one of the indicators for which math class a student should take once they enter high school. Our 8th grade students are all currently taking a complete Algebra I course. Students will either take Algebra again next year or they may be placed into Geometry. This decision is not made lightly and Mrs. Saich and I are already talking to students a lot about their goal for next year. I know this much is true: Algebra I is the foundation for all future math studies. Students must be solid with their Algebra skills in order to be successful in higher math. I am confident that the majority of our students would do well in Geometry next year, but some may have difficulty when they move on to Algebra II their sophomore year of high school. Some students would benefit from taking a second look at Algebra I their freshman year.

If a student takes Algebra I their freshman year of high school, they are not behind in math in anyway, shape or form. Their math sequence may look something like what you see below. At the high school in Pudong, students are allowed to “double up” on math their sophomore year so that they are able to take a higher level of IB math their junior year. Another option for some students is to take Geometry summer school after their freshman year in order to get into Algebra II/Trigonometry their junior year. My point is that there are always options for students. Their math career and sequence is not set in stone because of their freshman year placement.

I have talked with each student to let them know my first thoughts about what math they should take next year. Recommendations will occur in the spring and be finalized in May. If a student would like to work over the summer towards a higher placement, they should take the math placement exam the week before school starts next year. More information will be available during the 4th quarter about this process.

If you have questions or concerns about math placement, please contact me and I will walk you through the process!

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All students will be taking the Algebra 1 semester exam on early next week so we are spending this week reviewing. Is simply reviewing the best way to study for final exams though? Studying for major exams is much more proactive than simply re-reading the textbook. I came across this approach on a study habits website and I think it’s a great addition to what we are doing in class. Don’t re-read everything. Instead, find out what you don’t know as well and focus your studies in that direction!
A: Approach/attitude/arrange

• Approach your studies with a positive attitude
• Arrange your schedule to eliminate distractions

S: Select/survey/study!

• Select a reasonable chunk of material to study
• Survey the headings, graphics, pre- and post questions
  to get an overview
• Study marking any information you don’t understand

P: Put aside/piece together:

• Put aside your books and notes
• Piece together what you’ve studied, either alone, with a study pal or group, and summarize what you understand.

I: Inspect/Investigate/inquire/:

• Inspect what you did not understand.
• Investigate alternative sources of information you can refer to:
  other text books, websites, experts, tutors, etc.
• Inquire from support professionals (academic support, librarians, tutors, teachers, experts,) for assistance

R: Relay

• Relay understanding:
  How would I make this information understandable to other students?

E: Evaluate/examine/explore:

• Evaluate your grades on tests and tasks
  look for a pattern
• Examine your process
  toward improving it
• Explore options
  with a teacher, support professional, tutor, etc.

As you are studying for the test, remember to try and look at problems several different ways. If an eight year old can do this, so can you!!

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/HBf25kNs0tA" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

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