Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Algebra Semester Project Description and Organizer
A project is a way for you to learn and demonstrate knowledge about a subject. It allows you to choose something you find interesting so you can demonstrate your creativity and effort. Do not submit something that is incomplete or poorly done. Your work is a reflection on you, take pride in the work you submit. This Project Organizer is to help you start your project and set goals in order to complete it thoroughly and on time. If you need help you should ask. Your teacher is a valuable resource.
| For your project you must: | Due Date |
| 1. Complete the “Project Organizer”. | |
| 2. Submit a rough draft | |
| 3. Complete “Peer Review” of rough draft. | |
| 4. Submit final project including all supporting material, 1-3 above, and this “Description Sheet”. | |
| Grading Rubric | Grade |
| All parts completed and submitted (organizers, drafts, peer reviews, final) Organizer completed Rough draft completed Peer Review completed | /5 /5 /5 /5 |
| Project was completely thoroughly and accurately as to the description | /10 |
| Neatness/Organization/Presentation | /10 |
| Effort (how much effort did you put into your work) | /10 |
| Creativity (Take an original idea and express it effectively) | /10 |
| Late (you will lose 3 points out of 60 each day late) | |
| Total | /60 |
Project Possibilities to Peruse
| Textbook Publisher – Take a concept that you have learned in math this year and develop a textbook lesson. Include: 1. an introduction of the concept 2. definitions of vocabulary 3. key concepts 4. example problems, easy, medium, difficult 5. several exercise problems with solutions 6. It should be attractive and creative with a least one image and one table, graph, or figure created from Geogebra or SkethchUp 7. Make PDF of final Helpful Ideas A. Look at textbooks for examples. What do you like and not like? B. Use internet resources to find interesting facts and information to make your material more interesting. | How to video – Take a concept that you have learned in math this semester and make a 2-4 minute video tutorial of that concept. Include: 1. Story board, outline of sequence 2. Clear video showing step by step process 3. Narration or subtitles 4. Appropriate music 5. Several worked out examples Ideas: Helpful Ideas 1. Go on Youtube, TeacherTube and SchoolTube to get ideas. 2. Find a way to make the material presented interesting. 3. Explore timelapse videos. 4. Khan Academy 5. Use art, cartoons, and images. | Graphic Novel Short Story (Cartoon) Create a graphic novel that tells a short story of math from your character’s perspective. It could be about a concept learned this semester or about an historical event in the history of math. It could be funny, dark, mysterious etc. Be creative. Consider: 1. Story line 2. List of characters 3. Style of drawing 4. Content/concepts covered You must research how to make a graphic novel. Here are some resources. Resources: |
| Infomercial– Chose one of the math concepts or ideas that you have learned and make a fictitious product (concept) that you try to sell in a 35-50 second commercial. 1. Include a story board (outline of sequence) 2. Show a product that demonstrates a math concept 3. Should be well edited 4. Include music and titles | Math Blog – Make a math blog focusing on one particular area of study that we have learned this semester. In the blog include: 1. Vocabulary/definitions 2. Worked out examples 3. Links to helpful resources, videos 4. Real world examples The blog should include a majority of original material created by you and include other sources created by others. | Other Ideas – Present a written proposal to me on what project you would like to do and we can discuss it. |
Project Organizer Name _____________________________________
This organizer is intended to help you divided the project into smaller pieces to make its completion more manageable. Each section needs to be thoroughly completed.
Project Name: Due Date Final:
Due___________1. Objective of Project: state in your own words what you will accomplish in this project including what it will contain, how long it will be, and the media used. You must have 3-5 sentences.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Due___________2. Materials: Create a list of materials needed and make sure you obtain those materials (include drawing materials, electronics, software etc).
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Due___________3. Resources: List Resources used for research and for idea mining (include books and internet sources used, must use at least three).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Due___________4. Intro: Write introductory for your project and/or explain the theme. If it is a drawing assignment explain what the content and style of the drawing to be made. What specific examples will you use as a model? (3-5 complete sentences)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Due___________5. Rough Draft: Complete rough draft/rough drawing. It should contain at least 75% of the full content. Written content should be typed.
Due___________6. Peer Review: Peer must fully review your project and write notes or mark content to correct errors and include constructive criticism to be used to improve the project. A poorly done review by peer will result in lower grade for peer. You must seriously consider peer reviewers comments and appropriate changes.
Peer Reviewer’s Name _________________________
Due___________7. Final Project: Include all supporting material from this organizer (intro, rough draft/drawings, peer review). Make sure I can receive any electronic media on time either through email or other suitable means.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Geometry Class Expectations
Email: jmacdonald@millerschool.org - www.millerschoolmath.blogspot.com - Phone: (434) 823-4805 ex 250
Course Description: This class emphasizes two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. Concepts are introduced in the context of real-world problems in order to increase the conceptual development of the student. A variety of application problems and problem-solving skills are included. This course covers properties of geometric figures, definitions, informal proofs, trigonometric relationships, logic, and justification techniques. Our textbook is Geometry Prentice Hall Mathematics.
Materials for Class: Students are required to come to class everyday with:
1. A binder, which includes the following sections:
o Notes
o Homework
o Quizzes
o Projects/Drawings
2. Computer (with required software)
3. Pencil, protractor, ruler, and compass (preferably with wheel adjustment)
Student's Material Check Off
Daily Work Flow Chart
Participation: Because learning is an active process, every student is expected to show active participation in class. Participation includes answering questions during class, making relevant comments and suggestions during class, helping other students, and group work. Participating also means being prepared.
Daily Work Flow Chart
Participation: Because learning is an active process, every student is expected to show active participation in class. Participation includes answering questions during class, making relevant comments and suggestions during class, helping other students, and group work. Participating also means being prepared.
Lateness: You are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared to work every day. Read the Miller School Student Handbook about more information on this topic.
Absences: When you miss a class, you are expected to complete all the work from that day and keep up with any note taking/outlining. A syllabus will be provided for all assignments and my math blog will have updates. Email me at the address above if you need clarification. If you miss a quiz, we will set up a time for you to take it. You are responsible for submitting work missed.
Classroom Behavior: Please respect your classmates, your teacher and their property. I expect you to be polite and courteous to your classmates and your teacher to promote the best possible learning environment.
Homework:
· Homework will be assigned daily from your syllabus. It may consist of problems from the text, on-line problems, outlining and note taking, journal writing, watching tutorial videos or other project work. Always record the homework in your planner and know where to find the syllabus online and how to access the math calendar.
· Homework should always be completed in pencil in the required format. Check all odd answers in the back of the book. I expect you to correct the rest of the answers from your homework as we go over it in class. Making mistakes is important in how you learn.
· Maintaining your notebook will be a critical part of the class and notebook checks and notebook quizzes may be given.
· Homework and class work is all about reinforcing important concepts. It will be graded on effort, organization, neatness and your participation in group work. If you miss an assignment you will be responsible for getting the work completed. Difficulty with completing assignments on time will result in mandatory Help Session or Saturday Study Hall. You get half credit if you turn in an assignment late.
· Computer: A computer is mandatory for this course and should be brought to class charged with required software daily. We will be using the Khan Academy site and occasionally using Google SketchUp and Geogebra software which are free downloads from the internet. You will also need you computer to have access to the Miller School Math Blog. You must check you school gmail account daily.
Grading: The semester grade will be computed by the following percentages
Quizzes 35% (Quizzes on material will be announced and covered smaller portions of the material. Outline quizzes are unannounced and test how well you have taken notes on a particular reading.)
Projects 30% (There will be small projects and writing assignments as well as one or two large projects each quarter.)
Homework/Class work 35% (Homework is checked and graded daily. Preparation is also included as a part of homework which means all required materials are brought to class daily. Note taking/Outlining is also homework as well as any writing assignments. Many assignments need to be completed during class. Use your class time effectively)
We have two semesters. They are averaged to give you your final grade. Each semester has two quarters that are worth 40% each and a semester exam worth 20%.
Help: One of the great aspects of MSA is the availability of teachers to work with you one on one. I am frequently available for extra help during 7th period. If you have questions about the homework, any upcoming quizzes, projects, or anything about the class please stop by. You can make an appointment with me or just drop in, but please be on time to help sessions which begin at 2:50pm.
- Mr. Macdonald
Algebra I Class Expectations
Email: jmacdonald@millerschool.org - www.millerschoolmath.blogspot.com- Phone: (434) 823-4805 ex 250
Course Description: This course serves as the first in the sequence of college preparatory mathematics. Concepts are introduced in the context of real-world problems in order to increase the conceptual development of the student. This course covers graphs in the coordinate plane, linear equations and inequalities, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, and data analysis. The concept of functions is emphasized using graphical, verbal, numerical, and algebraic methods. Our textbook is Algebra I, McDougal Littell 2007.
Materials for Class: Students are required to come to class everyday with:
1. A binder, which includes the following sections:
o Notes
o Homework/Class work
o Quizzes
o Projects
2. Computer (with required software) and power supply
3. Planner
Student's Materials Check List
Daily Work Flow Chart
Participation: Because learning is an active process, every student is expected to show active participation in class. Participation includes answering questions during class, making relevant comments and suggestions during class, helping other students, and group work. Participating also means being prepared.
Daily Work Flow Chart
Participation: Because learning is an active process, every student is expected to show active participation in class. Participation includes answering questions during class, making relevant comments and suggestions during class, helping other students, and group work. Participating also means being prepared.
Lateness: You are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared to work every day. Read the Miller School Student Handbook about more information on this topic.
Absences: When you miss a class, you are expected to complete all the work from that day and keep up with any note taking/outlining. A syllabus will be provided for all assignments and my math blog will have updates. Email me at the address above if you need clarification. If you miss a quiz, we will set up a time for you to take it. You are responsible for submitting work missed.
Classroom Behavior: Please respect your classmates, your teacher and their property. I expect you to be polite and courteous to your classmates and your teacher to promote the best possible learning environment.
Homework:
· Homework will be assigned daily from your syllabus. It may consist of problems from the text, on-line problems, outlining and note taking, journal writing, watching tutorial videos or other project work. Always record the homework in your planner and know where to find the syllabus online and how to access the math calendar.
· Homework should always be completed in pencil in the required format. Check all odd answers in the back of the book. I expect you to correct the rest of the answers from your homework as we go over it in class. Making mistakes is important in how you learn.
· Maintaining your notebook will be a critical part of the class and notebook checks and notebook quizzes may be given.
· Homework and class work is all about reinforcing important concepts. It will be graded on effort, organization, neatness and your participation in group work. If you miss an assignment you will be responsible for getting the work completed. Difficulty with completing assignments on time will result in mandatory Help Session or Saturday Study Hall. You get half credit if you turn in an assignment late.
· Computer: A computer is mandatory for this course and should be brought to class charged with required software daily. We will be using the Khan Academy site and occasionally using Google SketchUp and Geogebra software which are free downloads from the internet. You will also need you computer to have access to the Miller School Math Blog. You must check you school gmail account daily.
Grading: The semester grade will be computed by the following percentages
Quizzes 35% (Quizzes on material will be announced and covered smaller portions of the material. Outline quizzes are unannounced and test how well you have taken notes on a particular reading.)
Projects 30% (There will be small projects and writing assignments as well as one or two large projects each quarter.)
Homework/Class work 35% (Homework is checked and graded daily. Preparation is also included as a part of homework which means all required materials are brought to class daily. Note taking/Outlining is also homework as well as any writing assignments. Many assignments need to be completed during class. Use your class time effectively)
We have two semesters. They are averaged to give you your final grade. Each semester has two quarters that are worth 40% each and a semester exam worth 20%.
Help: One of the great aspects of MSA is the availability of teachers to work with you one on one. I am frequently available for extra help during 7th period. If you have questions about the homework, any upcoming quizzes, projects, or anything about the class please stop by. You can make an appointment with me or just drop in, but please be on time to help sessions which begin at 2:50pm.
- Mr. Macdonald
Monday, February 7, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)