Math

October was a whirlwind in math class, as we spent the last few weeks planning, decorating, and rehearsing the haunted willows, as well as naming, measuring, and then carving pumpkins. After the performance of the haunted willows we analyzed the data the class gathered about their pumpkins, and used that data to learn about averages, ranges, and units of measurement. Then, as class began its transition back into a more standard schedule for the next little while, we used the second half of the week to wrap up our unit on area and perimeter with an activity where students experimented with cutting up and reassembling 5cm by 5cm squares into a variety of irregular shapes in order to show how shapes with the same area can have vastly different perimeters. 

In the coming weeks, arithmetic operations will become the primary focus of our lessons. This will begin with Introducing column addition and multiplication with both the traditional and lattice methods, and then move into incorporating subtraction and division as well after that. We will also be playing a game of math “Jeopardy” this week, where students will be split up into teams and work competitively against each other to answer questions. This activity provides an opportunity for healthy competition and gives the chance to process the emotions that come with that competition, but also to review what we have learned thus far this year, and to simply practice math under pressure. On top of all of that, math jeopardy has been a favorite of students the last couple years and we are excited to introduce it to this year’s class.

Ty and Kenza

Beanstix algebra, The Area Stays the Same, Equivalent Names for Numbers