Math Wizards We have been building a solid mathematics foundation, with a strong focus on operations with fractions and decimals. Additionally, scholars have been working in each of the five strands of math (number sense; measurement and geometry; data, statistics, and probability; algebra and functions; and mathematical reasoning. Current study is in the area of geometry. We are a pilot classroom for textbooks being considered for adoption next year! Our scholars will be using textbooks from two publishers, Scott Foresman and Houghton-Mifflin. Each publisher's materials include a digital path, or online component, to supplement learning. From November through January, we will use the Houghton-Mifflin text, and the digital path can be found on the "math links" page. VISION FOR THE 2008-2009 YEAR The math curriculum in this class is an accelerated program that is a hybrid of fifth and sixth grade standards. We will focus on the "Essential Math Concepts", or EMC's, a program developed by teachers within the Capistrano Unified School District. The program is designed to present math concepts in a logical progression to establish a strong foundation and build upon it. As we implement EMC's, you may notice that we are not following the textbook's chapter order. Speaking of textbooks, our class will be a pilot classroom for two textbooks that are being considered for next year's districtwide adoption. For the first trimester, we will be working with a book by Scott Foresman (find a link to the book in the "math links" section of this site); in the second trimester, we will use a textbook by Houghton-Mifflin. This is an exciting time, as this year's scholars will help to determine the textbook to be used for the next several years! Throughout the year, we will build on our knowledge of the four basic arithmetic operations applied to fractions, decimals, and positive and negative numbers. In geometry, we will know and use formulas to compute volume. Students will become familiar with angle measurement and will use protractor and compass to solve problems. Problem solving will be a large focus, as the skills we learn and apply will support mathematical reasoning as well as our approach to solving problems in every day life. Some helpful hints to be successful in this class: - Study the notes in your math notebook to review Language of the Discipline and examples as well as independent practice completed in class. Check out the www.eduplace website for additional resources and practice. The link on the "Math Links" page will take you there! - Review Problem Solving Steps: UNDERSTAND: What is the question and what do you know? A good strategy is to read the problem 2 or 3 times. PLAN: Taking what you know from the step above, what strategy will you use to solve the problem? SOLVE: Execute your plan to solve the problem LOOK BACK: This step is critical! Make sure that you satisfy ALL conditions laid out in the problem and that you have included the unit of measure. LAST (but not least): YOU MUST SHOW YOUR WORK! Quizzes are generally given on a bi-weekly basis and cover cover current material as well as a few problems from previous concepts that have been studied during the year in order to keep our math skills sharp! Mistakes are a part of the learning process, and I believe that scholars can improve understanding and mastery by correcting mistakes from their quizzes and tests. Scholars are expected to turn in accurate corrections, and parents are encouraged to provide support at home, as appropriate. Most days, we spend about 10 minutes on mental math incorporating operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), problem solving, and language of the discipline (e.g., "subtracting" instead of "minusing"). It is essential that scholars have mastery of these basic facts (including multiplication facts up to 12's). Please practice math facts onsistently at home. I am pleased to announce that my class has recieved a grant from the CUSD Foundation for four exciting math games, so we will also be doing some "Aerobics for the Mind!"