Math in Action!

We are keeping busy in our Math classes! 6th graders are studying fractions and using snap cubes to build fractions then solving story problems to deepen their mathematical skills. They are really enjoying building fractions with the snap cubes and try to build towers on the sly! They are also exploring fractions with fraction circles and fraction bars. Next week, they will begin a project to explore fractions on a deeper level. I have a variety of students in the 6th grade class from high learners to struggling learners. I am attempting to reach every learner at their own level which is a huge challenge! 

The students in math 7 have an exciting year ahead of them! I have been in contact with a teacher in Texas who has arranged a web page for collaborative learning with about 15 different international schools around the world. I have contacted three teachers and we will be exploring some projects based off STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) ideas along with Video Wars! Our students will be creating short videos to share their projects ideas and answer questions about living and going to school in Germany. Right now, they are in the middle of a project where they are creating their own math game based on concepts we are learning in a couple of chapters. We are studying fractions and will be entering into multiplying fractions this next week. I will be showing them area models so they can explore and see the fractions as they solve problems. I am amazed at the creativity of my students as they are creating their games and am thrilled with their interest in this activity! I will get more pictures up soon! 

Math 8 students are creating an art design with fractions based off a Piet Mondrian painting using primary colors within fractions. They recently used baseball stats to explore turning fractions into decimals and probability. We are also studying fractions in math 8 and will be dividing fractions next week using area models and solving story problems to dive deeper into the concept. I am in the process of planning more projects for this class to further their interest in math! 

I am co-leading an elective as well called Math Adventures which is every Monday and Thursday at 8th period. Elective courses are created based on student interest and teacher/parent talents. Students get to choose their elective course for Monday and Thursday and one for Tuesday and Friday each quarter. The Math Adventures is for students who struggle in math and need more intervention. We are using Monday's to explain math in a new and different way using manipulatives. Thursday's are homework days where students can get help and support on their homework. Other elective courses include sewing, robotics, outdoor sports like broomball, soccer, frisbee, and others, cooking, running, book club, history bowl, hiking, chapel band, Ipad intensive (for 5th graders), and much more! 
I will keep you posted as we continue to explore math through creative hands-on activities and projects!