Math
Overall this year I have greatly enjoyed math. I feel I have been given the opportunity to learn new things, as well as re-learn things from previous years. This year in math I have had a great teacher, which for me is a huge deal when it comes to school classes, especially math. I feel as though this year my teacher, Marra, is doing all that she can to make she we understand what we are doing, and that we are learning. Even though the year is beginning to wind down, I know that much more math will be coming my way. Throughout the year, I feel I have learned a lot, and I will take all that I have learned with me to the next grade, and continue growing!
ALEKS is a math/algebra website where we can learn new math skills and practice the ones we already know.
ALEKS is benefiting my math skills in many ways. For example, when I first started using ALEKS it was pretty simple math that I already knew. But after I "re-learned" it, I felt as though it was in my mind for good. And since I did those ALEKS topics I feel I am still able to do them. ALEKS is also a great place for me to learn new things about math. I was very surprised to learn that when I first started using ALEKS that it helps you through a problem if you don't get it. I like how it takes you step by step through the problem, and in some cases, it even shows you multiple ways to do something.
As great as ALEKS is, I still have some struggles with it. Sometimes, I still do not always understand how it gets the answer it gets. For example, when I do a problem incorrectly and click the "Explain" button, I do not always understand the explanation. When I face this problem, I usually read it over again and again until I get it. If that does not work I will go to an adult or someone who knows how to do it so they can explain it to me. One way or another, I feel determined to always understand.
I feel I use ALEKS fittingly. I do it when it is required, which is usually every week and feel I get a good amount out of it. When using ALEKS I use scrap paper to do my work and once I am done using the paper, I do not throw it away, but instead I keep it and refer back to it and use it instead of notes. Lastly I think I am using ALEKS in a good way to learn and re-learn old things. In the future I feel I could better utilize ALEKS buy not doing so much at one time but to spread it out. I think this could be helpful because when I do a lot at once I can feel overwhelmed and and like it is a lot to take in at one time. So by taking breaks and spreading it out over the week, I think I would learn more and get even more out of using ALEKS!
To learn more about ALEKS, please visit there site: http://www.aleks.com/
So far this year I have been doing very well on my tests and quizzes. I feel as though I have been putting all of my effort into studying when needed. Before a test I always try to practice and even "re-learn" what is needed for myself to understand what I will need to be doing on the upcoming test. With each test, I feel like I am growing with whatever subject is was on! I also think that Marra does a very good job preparing us for tests and quizzes because she always gives us a lot of review and always encourages us to study for tests! And with all of this combined I think this is why I am doing so well on my tests and quizzes!
Math Problems:
I think my favorite type of math problem is FOIL (First, outside, inside, last). This is my favorite time of problem because in the last 2 years I had seen problems like this and never really understood what I was supposed to do (of course I wasn't actually being directly taught them). Another reason is because earlier this year I was explained how to do them but still didn't get it, until we actually did it as a lesson in class. And right at that moment when I got it, a huge light bulb when off it my head and I was thinking, "WOW! I really get this now!".
Example of a FOIL Problem:
(x+1) (x+2)
So first we do the first to number/variable: F-- (x*x)
Then we do the outside number/variable: O-- (x*2)
Next we do the inside number/variable: I-- (1*x)
Lastly we do the last number/variable: L-- (1*2*)
Now we actually multiply the things inside each pair of parenthesis. (x*x) = x^2, (x*2) = 2x, (1*x) = x, and (1*2) = 2. Then we combine like terms. (2x and x)
Which equal 3x. Lastly we pair that up with our remaining variables. and get our final answer: x^2 + 3x + 2.
Below is a Mini Project that we did where we created ceiling tiles with math equations on them. The picture of my final tile is below:
After we created the ceiling tile we had to make a stop motion animation of our equation using SAM Animation. This is my video. You can either watch it directly or click on the You Tube link below.