Monday, August 22, 2011

We began with this opener (pdf). As you worked on the opener I went around and verified that you had the Self-Check problems completed from the video you watched over the weekend. If you have not done that yet, you still can - please watch the video tonight, complete the self-check problems, and show me tomorrow. (Remember, if you ever have trouble with the YouTube video, you can also visit our Docs & Links page which has a link to downloadable versions of the videos.)

We did a capture-recapture simulation to learn more about applications of proportions and looked at some other examples as well (lesson, pdf).

We then talked about the online pre-assessment you will do tonight for homework, how that process works, and what you need to write down.

Your homework for tonight is:

1. Complete the Proportions and Percents Online Pre-Assessment in the Moodle. Make sure you write your work down in your notebook and, after you complete the pre-assessment, you fill out the self-assess column of your Algebra 1 Concept Student Checklist. (Sorry - had a typo in the answer part until about 5:30 today, it's fixed now.)
   
   
2. As we discussed in class, please create your reflective blog for Algebra. Here's a 1:48 screencast that takes you through step-by-step how to do that but, if you have any questions, contact me. As a reminder, set your display name in Blogger to first name last initial (for me, KarlF) or first name last initial graduation year (for me, KarlF1982) if another teacher has asked you to do it that way. Your blog title should be your first name last initial Algebra Reflective Blog (for me, KarlF Algebra Reflective Blog). Also, recall that the URL for your blog should be fischalg11 followed by your first name last initial (for me, fischalg11karlf). (For the Anthony's, use your first name and the first two letters of your last name for both the blog name and URL.) After you've created your blog, email me the URL, and then proceed to number three below.
   
   
3. Your first reflective post for Algebra is due no later than first period on Friday. Please title the post: Reflective Blog Post #1 and respond to the following prompt:
   
   Looking back at your first week plus in Algebra (and, for some of you, your first week plus at AHS), how are you feeling? What's going well or you're excited about? What's challenging or are you concerned about?
   
   Then I want you to set three goals for yourself for this semester. One goal specifically related to Algebra, one goal related to AHS in general (can be related to classwork, sports, activities, or something else at AHS), and one goal outside of AHS. Make these goals fairly specific, not just "I want to get a good grade." I'll be asking you to revisit these goals toward the end of the semester and evaluate how well you're doing on them, so make them be worthwhile and achievable.
   
   
4. Optional: If you'd like some more practice problems with proportions, try these.