The end of our final exam review sessions, and some activities that students can work on independently

Today marked our last after-school review session for the final exam.  In the past two weeks, we've had approximately 90 student-visits to review sessions.  Those students who took advantage of this opportunity grew considerably in their mastery of our objectives.

Although there are no more after-school review sessions, there is still time between now and the final exam for students to work independently to improve their mastery.  To help with this, I have uploaded review activities for each topic.  For each activity, I have also included step-by-step solutions so students can get help and check their work.

You can access these activities by clicking the link below:

Review activities and solutions for the final exam

Students: Please email me if you have any questions as you are working on the review activities.  Have fun!

Mock-final, and review plans for the final exam

On Monday, we took a "mock" final exam (both the exam and the key can be found here).  The purpose of this activity was to give students up-to-date feedback on their mastery of our course objectives.  On block day (Weds or Thurs), we spent time reflecting on the feedback, and each student wrote down their own individual review plan based on the feedback. These review plans should be taped into the front of every student's notebook.

So now, students have accurate feedback about their current mastery level, and they have a review plan for the next two weeks. For most students, part of the review plan involves coming in after school for one-on-one help.  I'm available nearly every day after school for the next two weeks, as shown in the calendar at the bottom of this post.

In summary, the effort that students put into the next two weeks will be reflected in the extent to which they show mastery on the final exam.  It doesn't matter where they are now, what matters is what they do over the next two weeks to achieve their goals.  Anyone can become a master mathematician with effort.  Parents: please help you daughters and sons stick to their review plan.

Here is the calendar of review sessions:

Review problems for the unit 5 summative assessment

Just a quick note that review problems and solutions are available in the folder for 3/21/2012 in the "daily activities" folder.  Students: If you have any questions when you check your solutions, please email me at frederick.peck@bvsd.org

Also, a quick reminder that our final review session before the test will be held on Thursday, March 22.  These review sessions have been very well-attended this week as students prepare for the summative assessment on Friday.

Unit 5 summative assessment and review sessions

Our summative assessment for Unit 5 is scheduled for Friday, March 23.

What's going to be on the test?
The test will cover all of the material on exponential functions and general rules for working with exponents.  In general, this means: (1) Using tables, graphs, and equations to model exponential growth, and (2) doing arithmetic and algebra with exponential expressions, (3) working with scientific notation and square roots.

Students can find many examples of this in their notebooks.  In addition, students have a precise list of objectives taped into the front of their notebooks.  This list can also be found in the "unit objectives" folder in the "daily activities" section of this website.

How to review for the test

• We will review in class on Thursday (March 22).  Part of this review will involve students self-assessing their mastery of each objective, and choosing review material that meets their needs.
• Students should look back at the feedback that they have on two quizzes that we've taken this semester, as well as all of our class activities and homework.  All of this should be in their notebooks.  Students should also check their grades for these assessments.  If they have not passed an assessments, they should plan to attend a review session!
• I will be available for after-school review sessions on every day next week from 3:00 - 4:00.

Homework completion, and a new plan for communication

This year, our homework completion rate is over 90%!  This is great news because homework is an integral part of the learning process in this class.  As discussed in the syllabus (the following was addressed to students):

We’ll use homework for many purposes.  It will be used to practice new concepts and skills.  It will be used to explore previously unseen topics.  And it will give you a chance to apply your knowledge to new situations. 

Each day, we'll check homework in class.  I will provide solutions, and you can ask questions.  This process of getting feedback and asking questions is vital to your learning!

Because HW is so important to the learning process, I've received some feedback from parents that they want to be informed if their son or daughter did not complete the daily homework.  In this spirit, I'm going to start emailing parents each day that their son or daughter did not complete the HW.  

Homework assignments are always available online via the "daily activities, notes, and homework" link in the "class links" box on the right side of the page.  Although it is much better for students to complete the HW on time, it is better to complete it late than to not complete it at all.

Powers of ten

We watched this movie in class on Monday.  It provides a fascinating glimpse of the universe at scales that are difficult to comprehend.  Our question was, "when numbers get so big and so small, how do we represent them?"

You can explore more powers of ten on the following websites:

• http://www.powersof10.com/
• http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/

Parent conferences

Hello parents!  As you have undoubtably heard by now, parent conferences are taking place this Wednesday (Feb 15) and next Thursday (Feb 23).  I will be available from 3:30 - 5:30 on each of these days to meet with you.  I'm looking forward to seeing you!