Friday, August 29, 2014

Geometry assignment; 8/29

We worked on another activity (geometry in a 2 x 4) in class today that dealt with describing and locating various figures (points, lines, and planes).  The periods were shortened due to a welcome-back assembly, so the students didn't complete the entire activity in class.  The rest of the questions were assigned as homework.

Assignment:  complete the 2X4 activity questions

Algebra 10-12 assignment; 8/29

We corrected homework today and did a quick review of how to multiply fractions and then reduce the final answer.  The students then took a short practice quiz at the end of the period before getting started on their homework.


Assignment:  Reducing Fraction worksheet side:  Do columns 2 and 4
                     Multiplying Fractions worksheet side:  do the even problems

Geometry assignment; 8/28

We went through an entry task exercise that involved more practice with drawing geometric figures to begin class with.  We then went over homework problems and answered any questions that the students had.  The bulk of the period today was then spent on a drawing and describing activity involving geometric figures.  Each pair of students took turns with both drawing and describing a set of 12 geometric figures.


Assignment:   page 10;  Algebra review;  #2-46 even

Algebra 10-12 assignment; 8/28

We spent some time today reviewing the commutative property and seeing how it only applies with the operations of addition and multiplication.  We then worked on the skills of factoring and simplifying fractions.
The students got a chance to get started on their homework at the end of the period.

Assignment:  section 1-2 ;  p. 14  #1-8 all, 18-29 all;  column #1 and column #3 on fraction worksheet

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Geometry assignment; 8/27

We went through out first lesson in the language of geometry today, taking some notes on several different word definitions and drawings that are needed to work through geometric problems.  The students then got started on their homework towards the end of the period.


Assignment:  section 1-2;  page 7-8;  1-20 all, 21, 22, 25

Algebra 10-12 assignment; 8/27

We spent some more time working on speed drills with multiplication tables today before getting into today's lesson.  Today's topics included working on solving expressions that need a number substituted in for a variable.  The second topic that we review was working with expressions that involved order of operations.
The students then got started working on their assignment at the end of the period.

Assignment:  section 1-1;  page 7-8;  #1-36 all

Monday, August 25, 2014

Geometry assignment; 8/26

We went over the course syllabus today as well as several of the classroom expectations.  We checked out books and got started on our first assignment that deals with a quick review of some equation solving skills in algebra.


Assignment:  Solving multi-step equations worksheet

Algebra 10-12 assignment; 8/26

We went through the course syllabus today and talked about several of the different expectations of the class.  We also did some foundational work with mental math drills before getting the first homework assignment.

Assignment:  one-step equations worksheet

Algebra 10-12 syllabus

Algebra  10-12 Course Syllabus

Mr. Landers                                            toby.landers@rsd.edu  Room 2602                                                                            967-6500

Course Description:

Algebra 10-12 is year-long entry-level math course that students can receive high school credit for.  The prerequisite for this course is that a student has already made an unsuccessful attempt to pass algebra 1.  The class covers Algebra standards set by the state and district.  At the end of the course, the students will be able to take an end of course (EOC) Algebra exam that can fulfill a graduation requirement for the Richland School District.




Course Overview:


ü  Introduction to Algebra / Review
ü  Integers and Rational Numbers
ü  Equations
ü  Inequalities
ü  Exponents and Polynomials
ü  Polynomials and Factoring
ü  Graphs and Linear Equations
ü  Systems of Equations
ü  Inequalities and Absolute Value
ü  Rational Expressions and Equations
ü  Radical Expressions and Equations
ü  Relations and Functions
ü  Quadratic Equations
ü  End of Course Review



Course Goals and Mastery Levels:
ü  Students will achieve mastery (80%) of the above concepts and pass the class.
ü  Students will achieve a passing score on the EOC exam.
ü  Students will be prepared to successfully go on into Geometry

Course Materials  (to bring to class every day)
ü  A notebook and paper, including graph paper  (3-ring binder with sectional dividers)
ü  Ruler, pencils, and erasers; 
ü  If tests and quizzes are done in pen, however, there will be a 5% deduction.
ü  Calculator and textbook.

In-Class Expectations
ü  Eating and drinking is not allowed in class, unless the liquid is water.  I do allow gum in class, provided it is not seen or heard.
ü  Electronic device policy:  If I see it or hear it, I collect it and you get it back at the end of class. 
ü  Phones are not to be used as calculators in this class.  If you need a calculator, you can borrow one.
ü  All tardies are recorded and handled by the office.  Be in your seat when the bell rings.
ü  Keep the language positive in your conversations with and about others.  No swearing please.
ü  The desks are clean.  Please keep them that way by not writing on them. 
ü  Respect others by listening well and responding appropriately when they are done speaking.
ü  During partner work time, work and share the responsibility with who you are working.
ü  If you’ve got a question or comment, please raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged.
ü  Use your class time well.  Use the class-time that I give you to get started on your homework.

Be ready to work every day!  Math is a doing sport!  It is not a spectator sport!
Grade Calculation:

Tests: Tests are worth 50% of the grade.  There will be a test given at the end of each chapter and at the end of each semester.  The semester test will be worth the equivalent of two regular test scores.  Any student absent from class is expected to make-up the test upon returning.  It is the responsibility of the student to arrange a make-up time with the teacher. 

Quizzes:  Quizzes are worth 20% of the grade.  Quizzes will be given on a regular basis throughout each chapter.  Any student absent on the day of the quiz is expected to make-up the quiz upon returning.  It is the student’s responsibility to arrange a make-up time with the teacher.            

Homework: Homework is worth 30% of the grade.  You will grade your own paper in class before turning it in.  Papers turned in with no name will receive no credit for that day’s homework. 

Late Policy:  Homework assignments turned in late will receive a 50% deduction.  Assignments turned in over a week late will not be accepted.  Late is after we collect the assignment at the beginning of class.




Grading Scale

93-100  à  A              83-86   à  B               73-76   à  C                           60-66  à  D

90-92    à  A-             80-82   à  B-              70-72   à  C-                            0-59  à  F
87-89    à  B+            77-79   à  C+             67-69   à  D+                        

Retesting Policy

A student can ask to retake one test per semester if they so desire.  The highest score that can be earned on a retest is 85%, and the grade on the retest is the one that will be recorded.  It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and arrange a time to retake the test with the teacher. 

Absences
è If you are absent, you have that number of days plus one to make up your work.  If you are gone 1 day, you have 2 days to get the make-up work turned in.  If you are absent 5 days, you will have 6 days to get the make-up work turned in.
è Students are required to get work ahead of time for planned absences.  This includes all school activities and sports.  Failure to comply will result in a late assignment.
è If there are extenuating circumstances, please communicate these with me as they come up.

Online Communication

I post a blog on a regular basis of the ongoing assignments for this class.  It is listed under the geometry heading on the blog.  This information is also communicated in the classroom. 

Blog site address:                    LandersmathHHS.blogspot.com

Regular (almost daily) homework is a part of this class, so keeping up with the assignments and knowing the schedule is a key part of success in Algebra 10-12.   

Be ready to work every day!  Math is a doing sport!  It is not a spectator sport!
Be ready to work every day!  Math is a doing sport!  It is not a spectator sport!


           
Algebra 10-12 Course Syllabus
2014-2015

Top Five Keys to Success:

 

#1 :  Be prepared with materials and homework each day you come to class.
#2 :  Listen well and take good notes.  You get credit for doing this.
#3 :  Be ready to work every day!  Math is a doing sport!  It is not a spectator sport!
#4 :  Use your class work time well.  Get a great start on your homework each day!
#5 :  Be respectful of each member of our class (their opinions, efforts, and equipment)

Final Note:
I am looking forward to having you in class.  If you or your parent/guardian have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me using the contact information above.



Please sign the lines below indicating you have read and understand the above requirements and expectations of Mr. Landers’ Algebra 10-12 class. After reading the syllabus (student and parent), please detach this second signature sheet and return it to me in class.  This is the first assignment of the year.  I will check to see that this has been signed. 


_______________________________          _____________________________________               student signature                                                parent/guardian signature                                 




This syllabus is also posted on the website for the class assignments. 

è LandersmathHHS.blogspot.com

If you would like a copy emailed to you, just contact me via email and I will be glad to send you a one.






Geometry Syllabus

Geometry Course Syllabus
http://hanfordfalcons.org/files/content/0/99-1-m.jpg
Mr. Landers                                                                         toby.landers@rsd.edu  Room 2602                                                                            967-6500

Course Description:

Geometry is a year-long middle-level math course that students can receive high school credit for.  The class covers Geometry standards set by the state and district.  Successful completion of algebra is a prerequisite for this course.  At the end of the course, the students will be able to take an end of course (EOC) Geometry exam that can fulfill a graduation requirement for the Richland School District. 



Course Overview:
Over the course of the year we will cover the following topics:


ü  Points, Lines, Planes, and Angles
ü  Deductive Reasoning
ü  Parallel Lines and Planes
ü  Congruent Triangles
ü  Quadrilaterals
ü  Inequalities in Geometry
ü  Similar Polygons
ü  Right Triangles
ü  Circles
ü  Constructions
ü  Areas of Plane Figures
ü  Areas and Volumes of Solids
ü  Coordinate Geometry
ü  Transformations



Course Goals and Mastery Levels:
ü  Students will achieve mastery (80%) of the above concepts and pass the class
ü  Students will achieve a passing score on the EOC exam (if necessary)
ü  Students will be prepared to successfully go on into Algebra 2

Course Materials  (to bring to class every day)
ü  A notebook and paper, including graph paper  (3-ring binder with sectional dividers)
ü  http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33200000/The-magic-pencil-twilight-series-33271884-389-389.pngRuler, pencils, and erasers; 
ü  If tests and quizzes are done in pen, however, there will be a 5% deduction.
ü  Scientific calculator, compass, textbook and protractor.

In-Class Expectations
ü  Eating and drinking is not allowed in class, unless the liquid is water.  I do allow gum in class, provided it is not seen or heard.
ü  Electronic device policy:  If I see it or hear it, I collect it and you get it back at the end of class. 
ü  Phones are not to be used as calculators in this class.  If you need a calculator, you can borrow one.
ü  All tardies are recorded and handled by the office.  Be in your seat when the bell rings.
ü  Keep the language positive in your conversations with and about others.  No swearing please.
ü  The desks are clean.  Please keep them that way by not writing on them. 
ü  Respect others by listening well and responding appropriately when they are done speaking.
ü  During group or partner work, work and share the responsibility with who you are working.
ü  If you’ve got a question or comment, please raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged.
ü  Use your class time well.  Use the class-time that I give you to get started on your homework.

Be ready to work every day!  Math is a doing sport!  It is not a spectator sport!
Grade Calculation:

Tests: Tests are worth 50% of the grade.  There will be a test given at the end of each chapter and at the end of each semester.  The semester test will be worth the equivalent of two regular test scores.  Any student absent from class is expected to make-up the test upon returning.  It is the responsibility of the student to arrange a make-up time with the teacher. 

Quizzes:  Quizzes are worth 30% of the grade.  Quizzes will be given on a regular basis throughout each chapter.  Any student absent on the day of the quiz is expected to make-up the quiz upon returning.  It is the student’s responsibility to arrange a make-up time with the teacher.            

Homework: Homework is worth 20% of the grade.  You will grade your own paper in class before turning it in.  Papers turned in with no name will receive no credit for that day’s homework.  Papers with no work shown / diagrams drawn will also receive no credit. 

Late Policy:  Homework assignments turned in late will receive a 50% deduction.  Assignments turned in more than 1 week late will  be given a zero.  Late is defined as after we collect them at the beginning of class.




Grading Scale

93-100  à  A              83-86   à  B               73-76   à  C                           60-66  à  D

90-92    à  A-             80-82   à  B-              70-72   à  C-                            0-59  à  F
87-89    à  B+            77-79   à  C+             67-69   à  D+                        

Retesting Policy

A student can ask to retake one test per semester if they so desire.  The highest score that can be earned on a retest is 85%, and the grade on the retest is the one that will be recorded.  It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and arrange a time to retake the test with the teacher. 

Absences
è If you are absent, you have that number of days plus one to make up your work.  If you are gone 1 day, you have 2 days to get the make-up work turned in.  If you are absent 5 days, you will have 6 days to get the make-up work turned in.
è Students are required to get work ahead of time for planned absences.  Long- term assignments due during a planned absence must be turned in prior to leaving.  This includes all school activities and sports.  Failure to comply will result in a late assignment.
è If there are extenuating circumstances, please communicate these with me as they come up.

Online Communication

I post a blog on a regular basis of the ongoing assignments for this class.  It is listed under the geometry heading on the blog.  This information is also communicated in the classroom. 

Blog site address:                    LandersmathHHS.blogspot.com

Regular (almost daily) homework is a part of this class, so keeping up with the assignments and knowing the schedule is a key part of success in Geometry.   
Be ready to work every day!  Math is a doing sport!  It is not a spectator sport!



Geometry Course Syllabus
2014-2015

Top Five Keys to Success:

 

#1 :  Be prepared with materials and homework each day you come to class.
#2 :  Participate in all activities….in order to learn math one must “do” math.
#3 :  Listen well and take good notes.  You get credit for doing this.
#4 :  Use your class work time well.  Get a great start on your homework each day!
#5 :  Be respectful of each member of our class (their opinions, efforts, and equipment)

Final Note:
I am looking forward to having you in class.  If you or your parent/guardian have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me using the contact information above.



Please sign the lines below indicating you have read and understand the above requirements and expectations of Mr. Landers’ Geometry class. After reading the syllabus  (student and parent), please detach this second signature sheet and return it to me in class.  This is the first assignment of the year.  I will check to see that this has been signed. 


_______________________________          _____________________________________               student signature                                                parent/guardian signature                                 




This syllabus is also posted on the website for the class assignments. 

è LandersmathHHS.blogspot.com

If you would like a copy emailed to you, just contact me via email and I will be glad to send you a one.


Welcome to school year 2014-2015

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the 2014-15 school year here at Hanford High.  I'm looking forward to a great year, and I hope you are too.  A little about myself.  This is my second go around at Hanford High, as I started out my teaching career in the early 90's here at HHS.  Between then and now I have enjoyed teaching at an international school in the Philippines, Enterprise Middle School, and Three Rivers' Homelink.  I'm a math and science teacher, so there have been a number of different courses in both those areas that I have taught over the years.  My wife and I have three boys in elementary school, and I enjoy watching them grow up, coaching their sports teams, and taking part in all the adventures that little boys have.  I look forward to getting to know you this year and hear more of your own story.

A big part of having a great school year is getting off to a good start.  Good habits of work routines and regular communication about class expectations are things that I want to help you develop in my class this year.  Regularly reading this blog is part of that process.  I will use this blog to communicate with you the various assignments and upcoming tests/quizzes that we have talked about in class.  This same schedule will be posted on the board in the room.  This is just another way to let both you and your parents know what we are doing in class and what responsibilities you have here in class.

I will have two headings for each of my blog entries -- one for algebra and one for geometry.  Be careful to read the correct one so you won't be confused!  If you do have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me via email, as I will check that regularly throughout the day up until about 4 pm.  If you email after that, I most likely won't get back to you until the next day.

Here is my school email address:    toby.landers@rsd.edu


Again, welcome to the new school year.  Hanford is a great school and has a lot of great offerings for students to be involved in and make a positive impact.  It all starts with a great attitude in the classroom though.  I look forward to doing all I can to help make this year a successful one for you.

Mr. Landers