Happy New Year

Welcome back to school and to 2011! By now you will all have had a chance to see how you performed on the midterm exam. Some of you will be pleased and other will be dissatisfied. Now is the time to reflect and to make plans to rectify any problems you have. Talk to me, use Study Hall, and Math help sessions. Do you think there is anything you could have done better? - keep better notes; do some extra work at home that hasn't been set as an assignment; ask more questions in class!

Use the next few weeks to assess how you can make the second semester of the school year one which will be more productive. The more effort you out in now, the easier next years work will seem. Good luck!

Midterm Exam Reviews

Pre-Algebra
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Algebra
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

The Decimal Board Games Are Finished!

At last, the moment they have been working towards and waiting for. Mr. Rossi's 5th grade math class have finished their board games and spent today trying them out. take a look at the pictures below. This has been a great, fun way to practice using decimals.

Decimal Board Games

The board games are almost ready! In class today the students assembled the draft versions of their games and took them for a 'test-drive'.

Decimal Board Games

The 5th graders started their decimal board game in class today. After studying adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals they are putting their knowledge to good use. Each group will design and make a game that tests students knowledge of decimals in a fun way. Check back to see the progress they make.

Practical Pre-Algebra

We have just finished a project in Pre-Algebra. Students made scales out of rulers and pencils to try to establish equations and inequalities to model the masses of different coins. This practical analogy for equations has helped them make sense of an otherwise abstract concept.

Flying Thingamajigs!

The 5th grade math team assembled in the Calvert School gym today to test their "Flying Thingamajigs". A Flying Thingamajig is made fom a single strip of paper and launched from a drinking straw. Everybody in the grade had three attempts to 'fly' the furthest distance. The winner was the proud recipient of a Calvert Frisbee and assorted other prizes. Overall all though math is the real winner!

The exercise will form the basis of a data collection and handling unit for the grade. Now it's back to the classroom to analyze the results.

Welcome Back to School

Welcome back everyone!

Grade 5 Review

Grade 5 Online Study Guide
Follow the above link to some more study guide material. You will need to type your name in the box at the top of the page. When you have finished answering any questions scroll to the bottom and click on "Check your work". You don't need to have completed all of the questions.

Remember to look at the Topical Videos on the My Calvert site for extra help. Good Luck!

Algebra - Chapters 1- 4 Reviews

Here are some reviews for chapters 1-4

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Pre-Algebra - Chapter 4 Review

Try this review for Chapter 4.

Grade 6 Midterm - Review

Ome of you said that you were unsure about writing and using equations. This study guide has a selection of questions for you to try

Grade 5 Midterm Review

As well as your textbook, the MyCalvert site is a great resource for you when reviewing for your midterm exam. Take some time to look at the videos that explain many of the skills that you have worked on this semester so far. (Click here for a summary of relevant videos)

Algebra Project - The Big Dig

Project Deadlines:
Activity 1: Tuesday 24th November
Completed Project: Tuesday 1st December

Measurements should be entered here.

You can find everyone's results here.

Resources:

Diagram of the Human Skeleton

Greatest Common Factor (GCF) and Least Common Multiple (LCM)

Look through the Powerpoint presentation that I sent you via e-mail, or look at the copy below before you try the problems work sheet. Scroll down to see more information and some useful videos.
GCF LCM Word Problems

If you still are having problems understanding how to find the GCF and the LCM of a number then take a look at this video. It will take about 11 minutes to watch all of the way through, but it should help you clear up any misunderstandings. Look carefully at how the presenter list the answer and try to incorporate it into your answers.

You can also access useful videos on the My Calvert site on Greatest Common Factors and Least Common Multiples

Greatest common factor and least common multiples

Parents' Evening Information

It was a real pleasure to meet so many of you last night, but a disappointment not to have had more time to talk about the math program here at Calvert. Those of you whose older children have passed through the school will be very familiar with the school's philosophy and expectations as well as the systems that we tend to utilize for communication.

I thought I should post the most important parts of last night's class information for those sessions that were rushed and incomplete or for those of you who were unable to attend. So here goes!

Contact Information:
eMail - orossi@calvertschool.org (probably the quickest way to get in touch with me)
Voicemail - Ext 287

Links to Textbooks and other resources:
I recommend that students access their textbook and where applicable the textbook's student page from the links on this blog and mark them as a Favorite. I believe that they can also access the texts via My Calvert.

Syllabi
8th Grade Algebra I
8th Grade Syllabus AlgebraI Rossi

7th Grade Pre-Algebra
7th Grade Syllabus Pre-Algebra Rossi

Grade 6
6th Grade Syllabus Math Rossi

Grade 5
5th Grade Syllabus Math Rossi

Finding Area Formulas

Finding the area of polygons is easier than you think. Take a look at these webpages to see if you can work ourt the formulas for the areas of parallelograms, triangles, and trapezoids.
Area of Parallelograms
Area of Triangles
Area of Trapezoids

Math Games

AAA Math
Cool Math
Math is Fun

Geometry Construction

Geometry has always held a fascination for me, in particular the drawing of geometric shapes. I wish that sites like this one had been available when I was learning the subject.

Geometric Constructions

Geometry

We are about to launch into a series of chapter that relate to linear, 2-D, and 3-D geometry. We'll started by reminding the students how to use a protractor accurately. These 2 online activities are both fun and informative.
What's My Angle?
Angle Activites.