WMS: Math/Science Update!

Dear Families,

The warm weather was sure nice! Can't wait for it to return. I hear by this weekend it's supposed to be warming up again just in time for Ski to Sea! I just wanted to let you know about what we're doing in math and science right now!

Also a reminder: homework assignments can be found on my website http://www.mrmacnevin.com. I stamp student planners on the day something is due when they turn it in. If they don't have stamps Tu-Fr in their planners, then they aren't turning their homework in.

Math:

• We are working on learning targets 5 and 6 this week!
• LT 5: I can evaluate algebraic equations.
• The kids all THINK they can do this already. And really, they can. But we are focusing on the writing format because in our next learning target (LT 6) they will have to use that format to solve single-step algebra equations. So look out for kids who are skipping steps, or doing things in their heads alone. They should be writing down all their steps.
• Example: Evaluate the expression 3s + 4t where s=2 and t=5.
• STEP 1: Rewrite the expression, replacing the variables with numbers
• = 3(2) + 4(5)
• STEP 2: Rewrite the expression, doing the math as you go
• = 6 + 20
• = 26
• LT 6: I can solve algebraic equations.
• We will be getting to this one more on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Students will be learning the steps to solving "for" a variable.
• Example: Solve for x given the expression 5x = 3. This is the classic beginning algebra solve for type problems that we all know and love. Students will learn to use the writing format they practiced today as a way of recording the steps for isolating 'x' on its own.

Science:

• We have been correlating rock layers between two canyons in the grand canyon.
• Today I also showed students a rubric we will use to evaluate their science notebooks. These rubrics are pretty big and tonight I asked them to try it out on their notebook. We will talk about it tomorrow in class before finishing the correlation discussion.

Thanks!

Brian MacNevin