Math in Middle School
5th Grade Parents-Wondering what mathematics will look like at the middle school you've chosen? Orientation meetings will take place in October this year. Signs are being posted with dates near each school.
Family Letters for each unit are available at: http://www.wrightgroup.com/index.php/home/everydaymathematics/emsecondupdate/familyletters/46?SID=2149 . Reading these letters will give you a better overall view of what will be covered in each unit. Sometimes there are examples of problems and terminology which you might find helpful.
Homework Notes:
The amount of work your child has each evening will depend upon what is accomplished during our math block. I strongly encourage questions from students, and we will spend a lot of time exploring possible solutions and answers. Since my goal is for your child to become meaning-motivated, I want to build understanding of both the how and the why of mathematics. Sometimes children have a lot of questions and there is not as much time available for working on homework. On some nights they will have lots of homework and on other nights there will be little. Should you have scheduling conflicts once in a while that prevent homework completion, just send in a note or email me at rwoods@lps.k12.co.us so your child can have extra time to complete the assignment.
If your learner does not understand how to do some portion of the homework, encourage them to look in the Student Reference Book and attempt what they can. When they come in the next day, they should ask enough questions to clarify whatever they are unsure about. Homework is a practice time, therefore the only grade will be whether there has been a strong attempt to complete it.
Small, disposable cups (bathroom size are fine) are needed for the Cottage. We have chilled, bottled water. We ask, however, that parents send in a few sleeves of cups each trimester for student use. Several students have brought in cups. Thank you!
Homework Assignments:
Sept. 29-Lesson 2.5-Objective: to read and write numbers to trillions in number-and-word notation and standard notation and to convert between the two. Students will read p. 4 in their SRB and complete MJ pp.57-60.
Sept. 30-Objective: to read and write small numbers in standard notation. Students will read and discuss p. 27 in their SRB and complete pp. 61-65 in their journals
Oct. 1st Lesson 2.6-. Pretest Unit 3 on variables, formulas, and graphs. No homework tonight. This is not a for a grade. It is my way of seeing whether there are students who have already mastered most of this material
Oct. 2nd Lesson 2.7-Objective: to review and extend knowledge of exponential notation: and to use the powers key on a calculator. Learners will read p. 6 in their SRB, complete pp. 66-67, and play Exponent Ball.
Oct. 3rd Lesson 2.8- Objective: to use scientific notation; and to convert between scientific notation and standard notation. Read SRB p. 7+8. Do MJ pp. 68-71. Learn how to play Scientific Notation Toss (SRB p. 303) and play the game.
Oct. 6th Lesson 2.9-Objective: to use and interpret scientific notation on a calculator. We’ll read SRB p. 263 and do MJ pp. 72-74.
Oct. 7- Lesson 2.10-Objective: to estimate quotients, and to review and practice the partial-quotients division algorithm for whole numbers. Read SRB pp. 22+23. Do MJ pp. 75-77. Play Division Dash (SRB p. 284).
Oct. 8th-Lesson 2.11-Objective: to estimate and calculate quotients for division of decimals by whole numbers using the partial quotients division algorithm; and to obtain quotients to a specified number of decimal places. MJ pp. 78-80.
Oct. 9th-Lesson 2.12-Objective: to review and assess students’ progress on the material covered in unit 2. MJ pp. 81+82.