Homework for Tuesday, 9/30

*If you are doing the "Long" worksheet below, you should have received an email about a few typos that I have fixed in the link.  Actually, it was from the negative integers unit, but I copied the wrong one for you today.  The one below should be good to go.  Sorry!  Mo ;-)

Assignment: Student Choice #2
Today you chose an assignment based on your comfort level with the order of operations.  Hopefully you selected review and practice where you need it and challenge where appropriate.  I have links to all four of the worksheets below; remember that you are responsible for one tomorrow and any number over the rest of this unit.
*You need to show ALL of your work ... ALL of it.  Please use another sheet of paper if things get crowded or messy or just if you feel like it.  Lined paper can help and it should be stapled to your answer sheet when you are done.
Links to copies of the assignments are embedded in the title of each.
Order of Operations - Practice
Order of Operations - Brackets
Order of Operations - Exponents
Order of Operations - Long
One of these is due Wednesday!
*Don't forget there is help on the Mo'Help tab of this blog!

Homework for Monday, Sept. 29

There are a few parts to this assignment, stay tuned in!

Assignment:  Complete Order of Ops Problems and write 3 of your own

1) Complete Order of Ops Problems
You all received a new folder with two copies of your problems for this assignment.
*One copy is your homework; the other copy stays in your folder
(more on the folders tomorrow)
*You are to complete all of the "Example" problems on your page.
Before each example is the "rule" (or rules) that you need to attend to.  PLEASE seek help if you do not understand a problem.  I do have an order of operations "help" link on my "Mo'Help" tab too!
*Show ALL of your work, every step, vertically
*Please number the problems as they are numbered on your page.  The numbers represent the rules you messed up on the original pre-quiz.
You should solve the example problems on a lined sheet of notebook paper and attach one of the copies of your problem set.
Due Tuesday

2) Write 3 Order of Operation problems (total) for others to solve
Please create and solve THREE order of operation problems following these guidelines:
a) You should use 8 numbers in your equation
b) Your equations should not include any decimals or fractions at any point
c) Your equations should not include any negative numbers.
d) Your equations should not drop below zero at any point.
e) Your equation should not go above 200 at any point.
Remember that this assignment is about the process and steps, not about tricky arithmetic.
*Veer, you owe me 5 of these!  
Due Tuesday

Homework for Wednesday, 9/25

Assignment:  Student Choice
This was our first day for students selecting their own homework from the options provided.  The four homework choices all dealt with variations of using the central tendencies, but students were encouraged to select something they felt they needed to work on.
*Students CAN select more than one worksheet, but are only "responsible" for ONE.
The assignments have varying degrees of difficulty and time commitment:
1) Perfect 10 - determining which central tendency the number 10 represents in a given set of data. (no copy online)
2) Out of the Box - Practice with the steps involved in creating 5-number summaries and box-plots from data.  (no copy online)
3) Central Tendency: Mean, Median, Mode - Gleaning answers from data tables; more like "story problems."  (no copy online)
4) Does the Data Fit?  Given a set of values for the central tendencies, students have to figure out the data they came from.  This worksheet is very difficult and typically takes at least an hour to complete.  A worthy challenge!
Due Friday - (one of these choices)

Homework for Wednesday, 9/24

Assignment:  Slugville ws
Don't just "do the math," really answer the questions.  Remember that the most important part of math (seriously) is the process and understanding what you are doing.  Math is not just a numerical answer.
*Be sure to defend each of your answers.  Convince me!
Show ALL of your work; no calculators allowed.  This is not rocket science arithmetic.
*Do you recognize any of the candidates?
Due Thursday

For a review of how to check your pre-quiz score on TeacherEase, please see yesterday's blog entry.

Homework for Tuesday, Sept. 23

Pre-Quiz Results:  available online in TeacherEase
All of your parents are hooked up to TeacherEase and should have received a "welcome" from the site.  If they have not noticed on in their in-box, they should check their Spam folder.  Otherwise, just send me an email and I will have the invitation resent.  Some of you have your own passwords in and that will work too. If you would like your own account, please send me your email address and I will hook you up too.   Directions for the site are included with that invitation.

*Your pre-quiz scores will show up in the "Comments" box of the assignment.  Please follow these directions - Under Academics, select Student Progress Update > Transition Math (current score for class, select this) > go to the Pre-Quiz comment for your score.  Poke around ... it's there!
*Your assignment is to send me an email from TeacherEase letting me know that you have seen your score.  Your pre-quiz scores will not count unless you let me know that you want to count it. This assignment should be done by selecting "Send email to teachers" under the "Communicate" heading on the TeacherEase site.  
*I will be evaluating your tests and providing you feedback within a day or two, then we will be moving forward from wherever YOU are; thank you for the notes!
Send email by Wednesday

Assignment:  Counting Pets (copy of the questions)
We're going to read histograms again, but this time you should have a better idea of how complex it actually is ... yet simple at the same time.  Don't mislead yourself: this homework IS hard.  Not the numbers, not the bar graphs, but really reading the data that is in them and understanding it.  I want you to really stretch yourself this time.  
*Don't forget to think about how the data is tallied.  It is different for each of the graphs.  If you were taking (or giving) the survey, how would you draw the graph?
*The graphs are DIFFERENT.  Make sure you are using the one that gives you the information for the question that is being asked.  You only need one of them AND ...
*Some of the questions cannot be answered.  If you don't have enough information to answer the question, then you need to explain why and tell me what information you would need to answer it.
*Hint: We practiced a little of this in class today with the beans: each of you held important data in your hand.  Think we recorded the data ... don't just look at the highest bar and call it good. 
You may complete this assignment in spaces (if you write small), on the back of the worksheet, or on another sheet of paper.  Your preference.

Due Wednesday

Homework for Monday, Sept 22

First, the homework -
Assignment: Alphabet Probability
Tonight we are collecting data of the frequency of letters used in books and articles.   You should use something that is very "reader friendly," not a science journal, dictionary, or geography atlas.  You may use a fiction book or newspaper article of your choice.  The guidelines are:
*Please write the title of the book/article you used somewhere on your sheet.
*Select 100 words; they should be in sequence, not random words on the page.  It does not matter where you begin your 100 words in the book/article, just that you tally the letters for 100 sequential words.
*Make tally marks on the grid for EVERY letter in those 100 words.  Be methodical and accurate.
*Total your tally marks in the spaces provided.  Be methodical and accurate.
*Answer the questions that follow on the page.  You should write them on the back of the assignment sheet or you may type them up and staple your answers to the page.
*If you lost or forgot your worksheet, you can get a copy of it by clicking HERE.
Due Tuesday

Pre-Quiz Results: 
I have "corrected" your pre-quizzes, but have not yet assessed them.  Therefore, you will be able to find your scores on TeacherEase Tuesday night, not tonight.  
*Your pre-quiz scores will show up in the "Comments" box of the assignment.
*Again, your pre-quiz scores will not count unless you let me know that you want to count it.  The point is communicating with me what you know, think you know, or don't actually know yet.  Don't fret, we will work together to patch up any holes that you do have.  
*We will be moving forward from wherever you are:  this is all about YOU!
Mo ;-)

Assignment for Thursday, 9/18

Assignment: Box Plot Practice
(Click the assignment name for a copy of this worksheet)
In class today we talked about struggling and learning new things.  We also discussed pushing through the barriers and having "Aha" moments that make us feel like we really accomplished something.  A big part of Trans Math is learning that you will not be handed a worksheet full of 3 + 5 = ? equations and be able to tune out the directions.  We're busy!!!  Math, at least the important part, is showing your work and understanding what you are doing.  But that takes WORK.  So having questions and struggling to understand is actually the normal part of becoming a mathematician.  Remember the Magic Trick?  You may not have understood it initially, but you learned how to do it and hopefully understood how important recognizing patterns can be.  Math = Patterns.  Go with that.  ;-)

Todays' assignment is adding another layer to our initial exploration with what box plots look like.  You received 5-number summaries, but now can you create your own and then build a graph from them?
There are two important steps here:
1) Creating your 5-number summaries.
This is slightly different depending on how many numbers (the quantity of data) you have to work with.  Please CLICK HERE to find out what to do with data sets that are not divisible by 4.
*Ordered lists are where you list the numbers from least to greatest (or vice versa) so you can find central tendencies and/or create your 5-number summary.
2) Creating your box-plots ... sideways.
Remember how we talked about having a scale that is both consistent and relevant?  This is your choice.  All scales do not begin at zero or end at 100 ... you get to figure that part out.
*Do make it consistent; use a ruler if you want to be super-precise, but close is good too.
*Do plot your 5 points and then draw the box plot.  If you want another review of how to do that, CLICK HERE.
Due Friday!

Assignment for Wednesday, 9/17

Assignment: 4 Box Plots and 1 Question
This is the complex graphing of 5 numbers that probably doesn't quite fully make sense to you yet.  Shall I repeat, that's OKAY!!!  The point is that you are going to create these graphs using the 5 number summaries you have and then figure out what you "get" and what is still dodgy in your brain.
1) Page Set-Up
*Turn your page "portrait" style and title it, "Coin Box Plots." (or some such thing)  Mark your scale as "1 box = 1 year"
*On the left hand side of your page should be your horizontal axis labeled with the coin years.  Make sure your coins are listed from 1945 (bottom) through 2014 (top).
*Make sure your years are listed on the LINES of the graph paper.
*I like to list my coins in increments of 5 years and I often draw a bold line marking those increments so I can see it as I work across my page.
*You will draw four box plots total, one in each color, so leave room (imagine your paper divided into quartiles ... ha!)  
2) Making Your Box Plots
Your box plots will stretch on your page from the top (2014) to the oldest coin data point at the bottom.
*You will need the 5-number summary you created for yourself, your partner's 5 number summary, and the two class 5-number summaries.  (Click HERE for the class 5-number summaries).
*Make one box plot at a time; you began with your own in class today.
-----First mark the 5 data points on your page.  Connect the whiskers (one at each end) and draw the box (with the median going through your middle point) using those 5 points as your markers.   I like to make my box plots 4 - 6 boxes in width, but that's up to whatever looks good to you.----
*If you would like to see again what a box plot looks like, click HERE.  That's the general picture; all box plots look about the same (shape), but come in different sizes depending upon the data you are using.  This is one of the things you should try to figure out, by the way ... if it's in quarters, why aren't they all the same size?  Hmmm...
*For more detailed directions on how to do this, click HERE.
That's really it for that.  Box plots are quick and simple to draw once you get the hang of them. 
Now ....
3) Your Question
At this point, you may have no idea what you created on your page or your light bulbs might be glowing, but in any case hopefully you noticed some things while you did the work.  What I want  you to do now is tell me what you THINK you did.  Pose this in the form of a question that you want to ask: "Am I right that.... " or "It looks like ..." are great ways to begin your question.  If you think you can interpret the data, go for it!  I promise you that box plots will not only become very useful to you, you will eventually find them easy to read and interpret ... but they have their limits and you need to understand them. 
So, let me know what you're thinking.  "I don't know," or "I don't understand," aren't acceptable questions.  What do you THINK you see?!?!?  You are seeing something whether or not you understand it, so take your best shot.  We will discuss these tomorrow in depth and I bet you will figure out more than you think you know. 
*I will assess your question based upon the effort I see that you put into it:  truly try and you'll be fine.  Give up easily or toss it aside and you won't be stretching your brain enough to grow.  Go for it!
Due Thursday

Homework for Tuesday, Sept. 16

Assignment:  Sodas WS
(the title of this assignment is a link to the worksheet)
Using the histogram provided, answer the questions on the page.
*When it asks you to explain, explain.  Seriously.  How did you use the data?
*If you need/want to draw horizontal lines to read the graph better, I certainly recommend it.  You will be responsible for being accurate ... don't guess.
*The numbers will all be whole numbers: no half students or partially drunk sodas.
Due Wednesday

Homework for Monday, 9/15

Assignment: 4 Definitions with 4 examples
Today you are to define four mathematical terms: mean, median, mode, and range.
You are also to include examples of each using the data set: 4, 4, 5, 7, and 20.
*You are not allowed to use the internet or a dictionary; these are "people based" definitions.
*You may not interview another 6th grader or a 6th grade Core teacher. (Gacek, Kehoe, Mo)
*Please cite your sources, including yourself (if you are your source)
By the way, each of these IS an average so that is clearly not enough information.  
Due Tuesday

Weekend Update

Did you forget to turn in your Coin Data homework on Friday?  Please remember to turn it in on Monday and attach a late slip!
You will need:  Your random chaos and organized lists, your frequency tables, your 3 histograms, and your amazing observations.

I sure had a fantastic time at Camp Colman.  Even if I didn't get to spend much time with some of you, the skits were AMAZING this year and I loved the energy you all put into them.  I was so busy I kept forgetting to take out my camera, but here are just two pictures from my activity group ... enjoy!

Aidan WC, Alina C, Liam, and Lily W. hold up someone on the vertical playpen.  This is called, "focus."

Jovanna, Helen, Elena, and Ella Wren wait patiently on the log.  (it was almost free time for a snack)

See you all on Monday,
Mo ;-)

Homework for Wednesday, Sept. 10

Homework:  Three Observations 
1) Three Observations:
You need to use the three historgrams you made to make THREE wonderful observations.
 - These observations should be made on a separate piece of paper; you may hand write or type them.
 - Use fabulous vocabulary, numbers, and examples; be brave and adventurous and try new words!
 - Dig deep, making these observations better than you could have made in the 1st grade, eh?  I know it looks like a city and that there are gaps in the graphs.  Duh!  Did anything surprise you?  Did anything speak to a trend that you noticed?  Can you draw any conclusions based upon what you see?

- This is your opportunity to show me what a great math thinker you are, so impress me!  Interpret what you see, don't just repeat it.  For example, "There were a lot of coins in 2010," is not nearly as cool as, "In 2010 I had 12 coins which is twice as many coins as in any other single year.  It made me wonder if they produced a lot more pennies than usual in that 2010." 

- Remember that things like, "a lot," "some," and "kind of," are not specific enough.  In those cases you are letting me use MY interpretation of those words and it might not be what you were intending.  So be specific - use percentages, fractions, and/or actual values to make your points.  

*One observation - your graph

*One observation - your partner's graph

*One observation - your graphs combined.  These observations should compare your two histograms, specifically noting what you observe about the differences and similarities in their shapes.  How did things change?  Did combining your graph emphasize the similarities or the differences?  How?

 - It is best if you try to make at least one observation regarding a similarity and one regarding a difference, but this is not required.
- You may make more than three observations if you want additional feedback.  Feedback is good!

*HINT - I should be able to tell from your explanation what your point is and what the data you are comparing looks like without looking at your graphs.  Remember, telling me that there are "more coins now," or, "my bars got higher," does not tell me anything that I wouldn't know; I wouldn't even need to look at your graph to know that 40 coins are twice 20 coins; so LOOK, observe, and explain!

All of this is Due Wednesday before we leave for Camp Colman

Homework for Tuesday, Sept. 9

Coin Data:  Frequency Table and 3 Histograms
Never underestimate the power of being able to read and interpret graphs deeply.  We're practicing that, you know: deep interpretation.
Frequency Table -
*Your sheet should list all of the years from 1960 - 2014 (unless you are Kimberly and Clara!)
*You should have one color representing your tallies and another color representing your partner's tallies.
*Tallies should be marked next to the appropriate year; there should be one tally per coin represented.
You will use this table to create your histograms.

3 Histograms -
Here is a visual of the set-up for the three histograms you are to create.  (note they are all on one piece of graph paper turned sideways)

The super important things are that every year is represented, your scale is accurate, you have three colors designated in your legend, and that everything is labeled.
The histograms are stacked on top of one another with each histogram in a unique color as used in your frequency table.  But this time, there will also be a "combined" graph color.  Be sure to make a legend on your histogram sheet with these labeled.
*Each coin should be represented twice:  once in the individual graph and once in the combined data graph.
*Count your boxes - each individual graph should have 20 colored boxes and your combined graph should have 40.
Graphs are nothing if they are not accurate and not useful if you cannot interpret them.  Be prepared to dig deep tomorrow!
Due Wednesday

Homework for Monday, Sept. 8

Coin Data:  Statistics!
Today in class you received a random sample of 20 pennies from my home stash.
1) Your first task was to predict, in a few sentences, what the years for your sample of pennies would be and why you thought that.  You might have spoken in terms of range, or clusters, or even specifics, but the point was to let me know how you think.
*Your next task was to organize your paper (below your prediction) by dividing the page in half down the middle.
-On the left side your heading should be Random Chaos.
-On the right side your heading should be Organized List
*Your next task was to go through your pennies one-by-one in random form, writing down the year of each penny as they occur in the left column.  You should have twenty different data points, meaning you should write each year every time it occurs.
*On the right side of the page, you create your organized list from your random chaos data.  Begin with the newest penny at the top and work down to the oldest.  Again, you should have twenty different data points, meaning you should write each year every time it occurs.
2) Finally, on the back of your page briefly discuss how accurate you think your prediction was and why.  Again, let me know how you are thinking ... I want to see how your mind works and I will only know if you tell me.  ;-)
This should be complete by TUESDAY, Sept 9.
P.S.  If you find you are short a penny or two, please just find a random penny and use its year ... you need 20 pieces of data!

Awesome Job!

Thank you for such a great beginning to the school year!  It has been fun getting to know you all better and start getting into the math in ways you probably don't even yet realize.  Ditto for SoEmo; you are all very respectful of one another and did a good job of listening.

Congratulations to the Green Team: Ben, Elena, Emma L., and Willa for their come-from-behing victory in the Marshmallow Game.  We will talk more about communicating next week...

If you forgot to bring in your Magic Trick assignment today, or just didn't have time to complete it yet, please remember to do so on Monday.

I hope to see you all at the NOVA picnic tonight!
Mo ;-)

First Assignment for Thursday, Sept. 4

Assignment #1:  Magic Trick!
*Perform the magic trick we learned in class for at least one adult.
*Explain how the magic trick works.
*Have the person sign your sheet.
Due: Friday, Sept. 5