CURRENTLY IN MRS. COLLINS’ CLASS…

 

We have finished Chapter 3 with our study of Real Numbers and the application of Pythagorean’s Theorem to a wide variety of right-triangle problems.  Now we have moved into Unit 2, which studies Proportional Reasoning, and contains Chapters 4 and 5.

 

In Chapter 4 we learn about ratios, rates, and proportions.  We also learn about slope as a rate of change and find the slope of a line.  We make scale models and use indirect measurement.

 

Chapter 5 links ratios to percent and we learn the percent proportion, estimating percent, the percent equation, percent of change, and simple interest.  Consider practicing percents using mental math to find tips for restaurant servers and to find amounts that can be saved on “percent off” sales.

 

You may wish to log on to the Online Study Tools at www.msmath3.net.  You can find self-check quizzes, practice chapter tests, and other study help.

 

 MRS. COLLINS’ EXPECTATIONS FOR THE MATH CLASSROOM

 

  1. If you are absent:  on the day you return read the Absent Work notebook and transfer the info into your planner.  Worksheets should be in the folder IF any were assigned.  Also you can access Parent Web from home to get daily info.
  2. Use the bathroom between classes.
  3. Do your own work and turn it in on time.  Keep answers out of sight until collected.
  4. Use pencil to write assignments and tests.  Neatness counts.
  5. If the teacher must leave the room, stay in your seat.
  6. Come to class prepared with your pencil, assignment, notebook, planner, etc.
  7. Don’t touch other people’s property without their permission.
  8. Use a cover on your textbooks and please don’t store papers inside.  Classroom book copies should be inspected for damage and reported immediately.  On-line text is available at mi.msmath3.net (user name:  MAC3MI06 and password:  899k3qkn)
  9. No food or beverages unless a special exception is made.
  1.  Follow Lifesaver Team rules and school-wide policies.

 

GRADES

 

A point system is used.  Daily work is 5 points, quizzes are about 15 points, and tests are 30-50 points.  Grades on late daily work are reduced to E’s, but that’s still better than a zero or missing assignment.  About 15 points of extra credit are available each marking period through special assignments, winning of math games, as well as supplying tissue and packages of pencils (limited to one time for each marking period).  A letter grade is produced by finding the percent of the total possible points a student has.  Regular updates are distributed through written progress reports (every other week usually) and can also be parent-requested via email or voice mail.  No student will fail if all work is turned in and effort is shown in every area.

 

If you receive a D or E on a daily (5 point) assignment, make an appointment with Mrs. Collins to work on the paper at 7:35 a.m. or after school, then the grade will be raised to a C.  Late assignments, tests and quizzes do not apply to this offer.

 

TEACHING STYLE

 

Mrs. Collins usually teaches a new lesson by introducing the concept to the whole class, and then having students practice a problem in their Math Notebook so she can monitor each individual.  Then that problem is discussed and re-taught on the board or overhead projector so students can be sure they have the work shown correctly and the answer is right.  This continues as needed so that when students leave class with homework, they have completed practice problems in their Notebooks that are typical of the assignment.  Quizzes on their Math Notebooks are given every chapter.

Homework is usually given 3 times per week, but not on Friday.  Sometimes an alternate, more challenging assignment is available to give those interested a little “mental stretching”.  Mrs. Collins can give help for struggling students at 7:35 a.m. and after school.  Visit www.msmath3.net for extra examples, practice test/quizzes and other useful activities.