Functions

This upcoming week, we will be digging into the world of functions. We will start with what a function is, then further dissect proportional vs. non proportional functions as well as linear and non-linear functions. As the week progresses, students will be making the connections/similarities between equations and functions. Yes, they can seem very similar, hence the confusion. By the end of the unit, students should be able to defend the following points:

1.Both equations and functions use expressions.
2.Values of variables in the equations are solved based on the value equated, while values of variables in functions are assigned.
3.In a vertical line test, graphs of equations intersect the vertical line at one or two points, while graphs of functions can intersect the vertical line at multiple points.
4.Equations always have a graph while some functions cannot be graphed.
5.Functions are subsets of equations.

Can't wait to see what the week brings! 

Algebraic Proportions

Since we started with solving simple one step equations, my students have been totally into the "X jokes". You know the ones... 

They are too funny! Gotta love them though! 

This week we will be looking at Algebraic Proportions. I love how as soon as the kids hear the word proportion, they are usually like "oh yeah, we already learned that, its soooooo easy!" Then I write an example like the following and all mouths stop moving... funny the power an "x" has over teenagers! (haha, does that count as an 'x joke'?)

Haven't posted extra credit on here in a while, first 5 people from each class to bring me this worked out and solved correctly, get 10 Dojo points plus their lowest grade gets replaced with a 100. Happy Solving! :)

Absolute Value Inequalities

My prediction was right! My Falcons did great with inequalities! Its all about remembering the rules, I tell them. Now we are stepping into solving inequalities involving absolute value. We had previously worked with absolute value equations, so now we are bringing past knowledge into inequalities. Some of my students were able to guess what we had to do once we had isolated the absolute value bars. They are so smart, I tell you! For those of you who need a refresher, here goes a quick run through on solving absolute value inequalities.

Solving Equations: MASTERED! Up Next... INEQUALITIES! :)

We have been working on solving equations in class for the past week, and now that the kids feel confident in their abilities, we are moving on to solving and graphing inequalities. The kids all gave me the deer in the headlights look when I merely mentioned the word, Inequalities! I must agree with their logic, it does sound rather unpleasant. Lets see how things go! I am confident that by the end of the week, they will have mastered this as well! What can I say, I'm blessed to have such "eager Einsteins"! :)

 

Operation Science Fair: Success! :)

Although I am not a Science teacher, I am glowing with pride about the overall turnout of our school science fair last night! We had great support from our students and their families, as well as district personnel and community members. Our Falcons were anxious to show off their hard work, and explain to everyone the science behind their projects. As the night progressed, and the time to announce the winners arrived, I was even more proud to find out that two of my very own Princeton kids were amongst the prized winners! Shout-out to Mario Alvarez, and Randy Amaro! I am very proud of you! Great job on representing our homeroom! :) Below are some of the many projects displayed last night! Enjoy!

 

Operation: Falcons' Ready to Conquer Semester 2!

Welcome Back Falcons!
Don't you just Love the energy of coming back to school after getting a "recharge" for 2 whole weeks! I bet all of you were having Algebra withdrawals, anxiously waiting to come see what new & exciting things we would learn, right?!

This first week back, will be more of a review of the topics we covered at the end of last semester, just to make sure everything is fresh before we move on to new topics. Surface Area, Compound & Absolute Value Inequalities will be some of our review topics for this week.

This Thursday, we also have our 2nd Annual Science fair going on, and it will be a full team effort! We Falcons collaborate and help each other out like the family that we are, so the whole school will be coming together to make sure that our students feel the support and honor of their Falcon family as they present their experiments to a panel of judges. Cant wait to see who will be awarded the Grand Champion of our 2nd Annual Science Fair!

We invite our community to come out and see all the hard work and effort that our students have done!