Week of Nov. 9-13, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:

The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org

How to read each entry: EQ= Essential Question for the Day
(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book
HW= Inv. 2 ACE ?s #4, 5 (Do the ACE questions 4 and 5 following Investigation 2 in your book)

Math Block 1
Mon. 11/9: Portfolio Selctions and Reflections HW: Type Portfolio Math Reflection
Tues. 11/10: EQ: Which cola do people prefer? (Problem 1.1 in Comparing and Scaling) hW: Inv 1 ACE # 1, 34 (starts on pg. 10)
Wed. 11/11: No School- Professional Development Day.
Thurs. 11/12: What is a ratio? (Problem 1.2) HW: Inv. 1 ACE # 4, 5, 7
Fri. 11/13: How can I make accurate mathematical statements about data? (Problem 1.3) hW: None


Math Block 2
Mon. 11/9: Individual Quiz, Math Portfolio Selection HW: Choose Portfolio pieces and type reflection by next Tues. Nov. 17, 2009
Tues. 11/10: EQ: What are decimals? (Problem 3.1) hW: Inv. 3 ACE #1-6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 (starts on p.47)
Wed. 11/11: No School. Professional Development Day! HW:
Thurs. 10/12: EQ: How do decimals relate to fraction benchmarks? (Problem 3.3) HW: Inv 3 ACE # 26-28, 55-57
Fri. 11/13: EQ: Fractions, Decimals, Division, OH MY! (Problem 3.4) HW: None.


Earth, Wind, Fusion
Mon. 11/9: Atmosphere and Weather Quiz, Earth, Moon, Sun Activities hW: None
Tues. 11/10: Earth, Moon, Sun Teaching Activities; Parallelex and light years. HW: Practice teaching your topic to a family member and get feedback
Wed. 11/11: No School- Professional Development Day
Thurs. 11/12: Earth, Moon, Sun Jigsaw Groups, Landing on the Moon
Fri. 11/13: Earth, Moon, Sun Jigsaw Groups, Our sun

HW: LTP Final draft is due Tues. Nov. 17, 2009. This includes final postcards and your visual (rock collection or crystal garden)
POL Powerpoints must be completed and loaded by Nov. 18, 2009 (Wed).

Week of Nov. 2-6, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog: The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org How to read each entry: EQ= Essential Question for the Day (Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book HW= Inv. 2 ACE ?s #4, 5 (Do the ACE questions 4 and 5 following Investigation 2 in your book)

Math Block 1 Mon. 11/2: Project Work Day! Unit test
Tues. 11/3: Stretching and Shrinking Unit Test. HW: Unit Project Due Tomorrow
Wed. 11/4: Grid Project Showcase . No HW
Thurs. 11/5: ADI #3- No math class.
Fri. 11/6: Math Portfolio Section

Math Block 2
Mon. 11/2: EQ: What are equivalent fractions? (Problem 2.2) HW: Inv.2 ACE #2, 4, 6, 8, 59
Tues. 11/3: EQ: What strategies help me compare fractions? (Class handouts) hW: Inv. 2 ACE #12-23 (p.29)
Wed. 11/4: EQ: How do I work with fractions greater than 1? (Problem 2.5) HW: Inv 2 ACE #25-45 odd, Individual Quiz Friday
Thurs. 10/5: ADI #3- No math class
Fri. 11/6: Individual Quiz, Math Portfolio Section


Earth,Wind, Fusion
Mon. 11/2: EQ: Moisture in the Air: Finding Relative Humidity HW: Bring materials for Earth Experiment tomorrow.
Tues. 11/3: Earth Experiment HW: Finish Earth Experiment Lab Report
Wed. 11/4: EQ: What are the ingredients for cloud formation? HW: Work on LTP- Be ready for check in tomorrow.
Thurs. 11/5: ADI #3: Denver Museum of Nature and Science + LTP Check in/ work time upon our return
Fri. 11/6: Weather and Atmosphere Wrap-Up, Start Earth, Moon, Sun HW: LTP Rough Draft due MONDAY!

Week of October 26-30, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog: The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org How to read each entry: EQ= Essential Question for the Day (Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book HW= Inv. 2 ACE ?s #4, 5 (Do the ACE questions 4 and 5 following Investigation 2 in your book)

Special Announcement: There will be no math help this Wednesday after school due to a scheduled CHOICE team meeting. If you need help, you can schedule to meet with me either Wed. or Thursday before school .

Math Block 1
Mon. 10/26: EQ: How can I determine the height of the CHOICE tree? (Problem 5.1) HW: Inv 5 ACE #1,6,8,10, 12 (starts on pg 84)
Tues. 10/27: How can I use mirrors to determine the height of Platt? (Problem 5.2) HW: Inv 5 ACE # 3, 4, 23 (starts on pg 84)
Wed. 10/28: How can I use similar triangles to help me find the height of any object? (Problem 5.3) HW: due Friday: Inv 5 ACE # 5, 27
Thurs. 10/29: DCPA Play- No math class.
Fri. 10/30: Spooky math! Project Work Day/ Unit Review- bring project description and grid paper HW: Stretching and Shrinking Test Monday, Unit Project Due Tuesday.


Math Block 2
If you read this blog and tell Mrs. Saalwachter the answer to the prize question: Which factor is larger? 2/8 or 1/4!" you will earn a special prize.
Mon. 10/26: EQ: What strategies help me compare fractions? (Problem 1.4) HW: Inv.1 ACE #13-16 (begins on pg. 14), Partner Quiz tomorrow
Tues. 10/27: EQ: Partner Quiz, How can I evenly divide the licorice? (Problem 2.1) hW: None
Wed. 10/28: EQ: What are equivalent fractions? (Problem 2.3) HW: Inv 2 ACE #2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 59 (starts on pg. 28)
Thurs. 10/29: DCPA Play- No math class
Fri. 10/30: EQ: Spooky fraction math! HW: Divide out 3/9 of your candy to share with Mrs. Saalwachter on Monday (just kidding J)


Earth, Wind, Fusion
Mon. 10/26: EQ: What is so special about air? HW: typed materials list for Earth Experiment Tues. 10/27: EQ: How does air pressure impact local weather? HW: LTP Check-in #1 on Wed.- bring all research materials and notes, Also, bring in materials from home for Earth Experiment on Thursday.
Wed. 10/28: EQ: How does pressure effect cloud formation? 2nd hour: LTP Check-in and Work Day
Thurs. 10/29: EQ: Earth Experiment!
Fri. 10/30: EQ: How much moisture can air hold? HW: LTP

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:
The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org
How to read each entry: EQ= Essential Question for the Day
(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book
HW= Inv. 2 ACE ?s #4, 5 (Do the ACE questions 4 and 5 following Investigation 2 in your book)


Math Block 1
Mon. 10/19: EQ: How can internal ratios tell us if 2 figures are similar? (Problem 4.1) HW: Inv 4 ACE #1, 3, 15-20 (starts on pg 66)
Tues. 10/20: Partner Quiz HW: None
Wed. 10/21: How can internal rations tell us if 2 triangles are similar? (Problem 4.2) HW: Inv 4 ACE # 2, 27 (starts on pg 66)
Thurs. 10/22: What is the mystery side of the figure? (Problem 4.3) HW: Inv 4 ACE #5-11 (starts on pg. 67), Quick Quiz on Rules of Similarity tomorrow
Fri. 10/23: Quick Quiz, Project Work Day- bring project description and grid paper HW: None

Math Block 2
Mon. 10/19: EQ: Write your own Factor and Multiple Quiz HW: None
Tues. 10/20: EQ: What do I already know about fractions? (Problem 1.1 in Bits and Pieces I) hW: Inv 1 ACE# 1, 18, 22, 23 (starts on page 12)
Wed. 10/21: EQ: How can I use fraction strips to model fractions? (Problem 1.2) HW: Inv 1 ACE #2 (pg. 12)
Thurs. 10/22: EQ: What do the numerator and denominator tell me? (Problem 1.3) HW Inv 1 ACE #3-11
Fri. 10/23: EQ: What strategies help me compare fractions? (Problem 1.4) HW: None


Earth, Wind, Fusion
Mon. 10/19: EQ: Rockumentary Showings, How does water move on our planet. HW: Work on LTP
Tues. 10/20: EQ: What does our atmosphere look like? HW: LTP
Wed. 10/21: LTP Work Day
Thurs. 10/22: EQ: Air Everywhere Properties
Fri. 10/23: EQ: What is the connection between air and weather? HW: LTP

Week of Oct. 12-16, 2008

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:
The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org

How to read each entry:
EQ= Essential Question for the Day
(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book
HW= Inv. 2 ACE ?s #4, 5 (Do the ACE questions 4 and 5 following Investigation 2 in your book)

Sorry for the late post this week. I injured my right hand on Monday and needed a typing rest day yesterday. Thanks for understanding.

Math Block 1
Mon. 10/12: Check Up #1: Similar Figures HW: No homework
Tues. 10/13: EQ: How do the areas compare to one another in similar figures? (Problem 3.1) HW: No homework
Wed. 10/14: No class: ADI #2
Thurs. 10/15: How can I use scale factors to make similar shapes? (Problem 3.3) HW: Check Up #1: RE-TAKE
Fri. 10/9: EQ: How can I use scale factors to make similar shapes (Problem 3.3) HW: None

Math Block 2
Mon. 10/12: EQ: What is a Multiple? (Problem 1.3) HW: Inv. 31 ACE ? #18, 20, 24 (starts on pg. 15))
Tues. 10/13: EQ: Factor Practice? HW: Factor Check-in Retake
Wed. 10/14: No class: ADI#2
Thurs. 10/15: EQ: How can knowing common multiples help us solve real world puzzles? (Problem 3.1) HW: Multiple handout from class.
Fri. 10/16: EQ: Find the mystery number using factors and multiples. HW: None

Earth, Wind, Fusion
Mon. 10/12: EQ: What forces weather rocks? HW: Take LTP description home and share with your parents. You need a parent signature and to make your Research and Visual choices by Thursday this week.
Tues. 10/13: EQ: Rocks layering on the Front Range? HW: ADI tomorrow, LTP papers signed , LTP choices due Thursday
Wed. 10/14: ADI #2: NEIC and Eldorado Springs State Park
Thurs. 10/15: EQ: What are major erosion forces that shape our landscape HW: Hypothesis writing and identifying Variables handout
Fri. 10/16: LTP and Rock-u-mentary Work Day HW: Rock-u-mentary due Monday.

LTP Description posted below:

description.doc

Week of October 5- 9, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:
The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org

How to read each entry:
EQ= Essential Question for the Day
(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book
HW= Inv. 2 ACE ?s #4, 5 (Do the ACE questions 4 and 5 following Investigation 2 in your book)

Math Block 1
Mon. 10/5: EQ: What does it mean for shapes to be similar? (Problem 1.3 in Stretching and Shrinking) HW: No homework
Tues. 10/6: EQ: Who are the Wumps? (Problem 2.1) HW: Due Thursday: Inv. 2 ACE ? #1- use handout from class
Wed. 10/7: EQ: Who are the Wumps? (Problem 2.1) HW: Due Thursday: Inv. 2 ACE ? #1- use handout from class
Thurs. 10/8: How do different rules impact the size and position of a figure? (Problem 2.2) HW: Inv. 2 ACE ? #3, 16, 32a (on pgs. 29, 33, 36)
Fri. 10/9: EQ: What must be mathematically true in order for figures to be similar? (Problem 2.3) HW: None

Math Block 2
If you read this blog and tell Mrs. Saalwachter the code phrase "factors are fun and functional!" you will earn a special prize.
Mon. 10/5: EQ: How can knowing common factors help us solve real world puzzles? (Problem 3.3) HW: Inv. 3 ACE ? #16-21 (pg. 43)
Tues. 10/6: EQ: How can knowing common factors help us solve real world puzzles? (Problem 3.4) HW: Inv. 3 ACE ? #24, 25, 28 (pg. 43)
Wed. 10/7: EQ: How can we break numbers down into prime factorizations? (Problem 4.1) HW: Inv 4 ACE ? #1-3 (pg. 56)
Thurs. 10/8: EQ: What is a good system for finding prime factorizations? (Problem 4.2) HW: Inv 4 ACE ? #6-9, 12, 25, 28 (pgs. 56,57, 58)
Fri. 10/9: EQ: What is a multiple? (Problem 1.3) HW: None

Earth, Wind, Fusion
Attention! The LTP papers did not go home until Friday. Also, I need drivers for the ADI on Wed., OCT. 14. Can you help? Please email me!
Mon. 10/5: EQ: What makes a mineral a mineral? HW: PLEASE take all models home. I need the space for labs.
Tues. 10/6: EQ: What qualities distinguish one mineral from another?
Wed. 10/7: EQ: What qualities distinguish one mineral from another? Thurs. 10/8: EQ: How do rocks form from minerals? HW: ADI notebook – instructions in class
Fri. 10/9: EQ: EQ: How do rocks form from minerals?

Week of Sept. 21-25, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:
The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org

How to read each entry: EQ= Essential Question for the Day
(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book
HW= Universal symbol for homework

Math Block 1
Mon. 9/21: EQ: How can equations represent real world situations (Problem 3.3)? HW: No homework
Tues. 9/22: EQ: Do I understand all Variables and Patterns Unit Goals? HW: Complete Study Guide started in class today.
Wed. 9/23: Variables and Patterns Unit Test HW: None
Thurs. 9/24: No math class- Goal Setting Conferences
Fri. 9/25: No math class- Goal Setting Conferences

Math Block 2
Thanks to all kids who read this blog last week and reported the Secret Code Phrase! Keep reading for more surprise opportunities to win fame and fortune!
Mon. 9/21: Final Practice with Mean, median, mode, and range. HW: Study for Final Test tomorrow
Tues. 9/22: Data About Us Final Test HW: None
Wed. 9/23: EQ: What do I know about the properties of numbers? HW: Keep an eye out for spectacular numbers in the news. Also, some of you are working on a New and Improved Version of your DAU Project due Monday 9/28.
Thurs. 9/24: No math class – Goal Setting Conferences
Fri. 9/25: No math class- Goal Setting Conferences

Earth, Wind, Fusion
Mon. 9/21: Constructing your Earthquake Safe Building HW: bring in materials for your Earthquake Safe Building
Tues. 9/22: Earthquake Safe Building Testing HW: Practice your presentation for tomorrow- it should be polished
Wed. 9/23: QUAKE- OFF! And Building Presentations- Will your building survive?! HW: NONE
Thurs. 9/24: No Integrated- Goal Setting Conferences
Fri. 9/25: No Integrated- Goal Setting Conferences


CO-OP

• Please have 2 copies of your Goals ready before conferences. 1 copy goes in your Portfolio, 1 goes to Mrs. Saalwachter.
• Please remember to bring in Fall Trip forms- DUE BY FRIDAY!
• Finish setting up your portfolio!

Week of September 14-18, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:

The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org

How to read each entry:
EQ= Essential Question for the Day
(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book
HW= Universal symbol for homework

Math Block 1
Mon. 9/14: EQ: How do equations represent relationships between variables (Problem 3.2)? HW: Inv. 3 ACE #8 (p. 57)
Tues. 9/15: EQ: How can equations represent real world situations (Problem 3.3)? HW: Inv. 3 ACE #16, 39, 40, 41, 42 (pg. 57 & 60)
Wed. 9/16: EQ: Can I write equaitons just given the values for x and y (Equation Sticks)? HW: No homework.
Thurs. 9/17: No math class
Fri. 9/18: No school. Professional Development Day

Math Block 2
If you read this blog and tell Mrs. Saalwachter the code phrase "data is all around us!" you will earn a special prize.
Mon. 9/14: Project Work Day. Data About Us. HW: Project Due tomorrow! Just in case you have misplaced the project sheet and rubric, it is attached at the bottom of this post.
Tues. 9/15: Data About Us Project Presentations HW: None
Wed. 9/16: EQ: Do I understand how to find the range, median, mode, and mean for all types of data and illustrate data in multiple ways (Data About Us Practice Test) HW: None
Thurs. 9/17: No math class
Fri. 9/18: EQ: No School. Professional Development Day

Earth, Wind, Fusion
I need parent volunteers for the ADI on Thursday. If you are free and can spend part of the day with us, I would appreciate it greatly. Contact me by email: kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org
Mon. 9/14: EQ: What truly causes earthquakes? HW: None
Tues. 9/15: EQ: How can we find the epicenter of an earthquake? HW: Begin to bring in items for your Earthquake resistant building.
Wed. 9/16: EQ: How can we construct an earthquake resistant building? HW: Bring all materials for ADI!!!!
Thurs. 9/17: EQ: How can I use a map and compass to orient myself? HW: Bring earthquake resistant home materials for Monday.
Fri. 9/18: No school. Professional Development day.

CO-OP
A typed rough draft of your goals and strategies is due on Tues. 9/15.
Please remember to bring in Fall Trip forms.


Data About Us Project Sheet: Data%20Project.doc

Week of September 7-11, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:

The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org<mailto:kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org>

How to read each entry:
EQ= Essential Question for the Day
(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book
HW= Universal symbol for homework

Math Block 1
Mon. 9/7: No School. Labor Day!
Tues. 9/8: EQ: How does each graph tell a story (Problem 2.3)? HW: Inv. 2 ACE #12
Wed. 9/9: EQ: Do I understand how graphs explain relationships between variables (Check Up 2)? HW: No homework.
Thurs. 9/10: EQ: What is an equation (Problem 3.1)? HW: Inv. 3 ACE #1
Fri. 9/11: EQ: What is an equation (Problem 3.1 con't)? HW: No homework.

Math Block 2
Mon. 9/7: No School. Labor Day!
Tues. 9/8: EQ: What do we mean by mean (Problem 3.1)? HW: Inv 3 ACE #1, 2
Wed. 9/9: EQ: How can different data sets have the same mean (Problem 3.2)? HW: Brainstorm at least 5 survey questions that you could ask your classmates for the project.
Thurs. 9/10: EQ: Project Work Day HW: Work on "Is anyone typical?! Project" Due Tues. 9/15
Fri. 9/11: EQ: Project Work Day HW: Work on "Is anyone typical?! Project" Due Tues. 9/15

Earth, Wind, Fusion
Mon. 8/31: EQ: No School. Labor Day!
Tues. 9/1: EQ: How can we represent terrain using topographic maps? HW: Bring in an non-floating object for use in tomorrow's topo activity?
Wed. 9/2: EQ: How do scientists know what the ocean floor looks like? HW: None
Thurs. 9/3: EQ: What causes the sea floor to spread? HW: Reading 1: Plate Tectonics plus accompanying activity.
Fri. 9/4: EQ: How do Earth's plates move against one another- a lithospheric phenomenon? HW: None!

CO-OP
A typed rough draft of your goals and strategies is due on Tues. 9/15.
Please remember to bring in Fall Trip forms.
8th graders- take home Regatta supplies please!

Week of Aug. 31- Sept. 4, 2009

Welcome to Mrs. Saalwachter's Blog:

 

The best way to reach me is kelly.saalwachter@bvsd.org

 

How to read each entry:

EQ= Essential Question for the Day

(Problem 2.1)= In class we worked on Problem 2.1 from your book

HW= Universal symbol for homework

 

Math Block 1

Mon. 8/31:  EQ:  How can I make a table and graph from notes about an activity (Problem 1.5)?  HW:  Inv. 1 ACE #12

Tues. 9/1:  EQ:  Which bike shop offers the best deal for the bike trips (Problem 2.1)?  HW:  ACE #3, 21

Wed. 9/2:  EQ:  How much should the group charge for their bike trips (Problem 2.2)?  HW:  ACE #6, 17

Thurs. 9/3:  EQ:  How does each graph tell a "story" (Problem 2.3)?  HW:  ACE #12-14

Fri. 9/4:  EQ:  How can I predict patterns about variables (Handshake activity)  HW:  None!  Enjoy the 3 day weekend.

 

Math Block 2 

Mon. 8/31:  EQ:  Do I really understand what mode, median, and range tell me (M&M activity)?  HW:  Think about how many minutes it takes you to get to school. 

Tues. 9/1:  EQ:  How do I make a stem-and-leaf plot (Problem 2.1)?  HW:  ACE #1-4

Wed. 9/2:  EQ:  How do I make a coordinate graph (Problem 2.3)?  HW:  ACE #5-7

Thurs. 9/3:  EQ:  How do I make a coordinate graph (Problem 2.3)?  HW:  ACE #8

Fri. 9/4:  EQ:  How can I use a coordinate graph to find out important information (Problem 3.4)? HW:  None!  Enjoy the 3 day weekend.

 

Earth, Wind, Fusion

Mon. 8/31:  EQ:  Is there a pattern to where earthquakes occur on Earth?  HW:  None

Tues. 9/1:  EQ:  How far would I need to dig to reach the center of the Earth?  HW:  Due Fri:  Bring in your scale model of the layers of the Earth. 

Wed. 9/2:  EQ:  Can continents really move?  HW: Due Fri:  Bring in your scale model of the layers of the Earth.  

Thurs. 9/3:  EQ:  Can a solid behave like a liquid:  the mysterious behavior of the asthenosphere. HW: Due Fri:  Bring in your scale model of the layers of the Earth.   

Fri. 9/4:  EQ:  What makes the inner layers of the Earth move?  HW:  None!  Enjoy the 3 day weekend.

 

CO-OP

Picture day is Sept. 2!  Look sharp :)

8th graders need to bring Regatta materials home by Thursday this week. 

Ms. Saalwachter's Homework blog

This is where Ms. Saalwachter will post her homework and assignments.