Finishing Up our Triangles and Trigonometry Unit
This week we will be finishing up our triangles and trigonometry unit. We will spend Monday of the week reviewing our non-right triangle solving tools: Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. We will also learn about a new formula to find the area of a triangle using trigonometry. On our second day of class for the week we will review for our summative and during our third class (either Wednesday or Thursday, depending on your class period), we will complete our summative assessment. This summative will contain two learning targets: I can solve right triangles (3d) and I can solve for missing measurements (3c). The first learning target will focus on Pythagorean Theorem, special right triangles and right triangle trigonometry. The second learning target will focus on non-right triangle trigonometry.
If you would like some additional help preparing for the summative please ask! I am available each day at 7am for extra help and welcome any and all questions!
Unit 7 Summative Retakes on Similarity
This is just a reminder that we are finishing up our eighth unit so that means that summative retakes for unit 7 must be completed BEFORE you complete your unit 8 summative. Please arrange a time ASAP to take care of this if you are interested. You will need to have your corrections and extra practice complete before you are retake eligible.
Circles
On our last day of class for the week, we will begin our unit on circles. We will talk about the different parts related to circles. Some will be familiar: center, radius, diameter; some will be new: secant, tangent, chord. We will also learn how to write the equation for a circle on the coordinate plane.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
What's Going On? February 22-26th
More Fun with Trigonometry
We will start this week by working more with right triangle trig ratios and applying them to "real-life" situations. In other words, we'll be working with right triangle trig word problems. On our second day of class this week, we'll check in with a quick formative to make sure that we're on the right track.
Once we make sure that we have a good understanding of right triangle trig, we'll move on to non-right triangle trig. We'll take a look at the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines that will allow us to solve for missing side and angle measurements in non-right triangles.
We will start this week by working more with right triangle trig ratios and applying them to "real-life" situations. In other words, we'll be working with right triangle trig word problems. On our second day of class this week, we'll check in with a quick formative to make sure that we're on the right track.
Once we make sure that we have a good understanding of right triangle trig, we'll move on to non-right triangle trig. We'll take a look at the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines that will allow us to solve for missing side and angle measurements in non-right triangles.
Friday, February 12, 2016
What's Going On? February 15-19th
Unit 7 Summative Assessment Retakes
Last week students took their unit 7 summative assessment on similarity. If a student would like to complete a retake on one or more sections, the following must be completed before our unit 8 summative assessment on triangles and trigonometry:
This week we will continue our study on right triangles and trigonometry. At the end of last week we reviewed the Pythagorean Theorem. This week we will continue our study of right triangles by taking a look at the relationships that exist within "special" right triangles. There is a special relationship between the sides and angles of an isosceles right triangle as well as in a 30-60-90 triangle. We will check in with a formal formative early in the week to make sure that we are on the right track for the unit.
During the second half of the week we will take a look at some right triangle trig ratios. We will talk about relationships that exist between sides and angles (SOH CAH TOA) and we will start to set up some ratios in order to solve for missing side lengths.
Last week students took their unit 7 summative assessment on similarity. If a student would like to complete a retake on one or more sections, the following must be completed before our unit 8 summative assessment on triangles and trigonometry:
- Complete all formative work (homework assignments and formative quizzes)
- Complete corrections on the original assessment
- Complete personalized extra practice from Mrs. Kamenar
- Take the Unit 7 Summative Assessment Retake
Please remember that the retake grade will be entered into Infinite Campus, even if the score is lower than the original assessment. So, students please make sure that you are ready for the retake and ask lots of questions!
Unit 8: Triangles and Trigonometry
This week we will continue our study on right triangles and trigonometry. At the end of last week we reviewed the Pythagorean Theorem. This week we will continue our study of right triangles by taking a look at the relationships that exist within "special" right triangles. There is a special relationship between the sides and angles of an isosceles right triangle as well as in a 30-60-90 triangle. We will check in with a formal formative early in the week to make sure that we are on the right track for the unit.During the second half of the week we will take a look at some right triangle trig ratios. We will talk about relationships that exist between sides and angles (SOH CAH TOA) and we will start to set up some ratios in order to solve for missing side lengths.
A Note on Calculators
Students will need to make sure they have a scientific calculator (one with sin, cos, and tan buttons) to complete the unit. If at all possible, I would suggest that students do not use an iPad calculator app as this is not permissible on standardized tests such as the ACT. A TI-30+ would be a great calculator for this unit and can be purchased for about $10-15. If students are serious about their math careers, a graphing calculator such as a TI-84+ might be a good investment but they are costly at $100 or more. A TI-84+ is definitely NOT a requirement for the course, but students might find them handy to have and they are allowed on standardized tests such as the ACT.
Friday, February 5, 2016
What's Going On? February 8-12th
Finishing Up Our Similarity Unit
This week we will wrap up our unit on similarity. We have talked about relationships between similar figures and shortcuts to prove that triangles are similar. We have also talked about relationships that exist within triangles (right triangle similarity and proportionality in triangles). At the end of last week we talked about how similarity applies on the coordinate plane with dilations. We will wrap up the unit by talking about fractals. We will draw some figures, like the one pictured at the right called the Sierpinski triangle. Fractals use self-similarity in order to create a larger figure that is similar to the original.
As we review for our summative, students will break up into groups and become our "class experts" on a problem from the review. The groups will then create a short video using the app "Explain Everything" to explain the process. All of these videos will be housed on our BlackBoard class website to aid the class in preparing for our unit summative.
If you have any questions, please ask! Let's have a strong start to 2nd semester!
If you have any questions, please ask! Let's have a strong start to 2nd semester!
Saturday, January 30, 2016
What's Going On? February 1-5th
ACT Check-In Assessment
Earlier in the year students completed a 36 question practice ACT assessment that contains concepts that students have previously learned as well as topics that will be covered throughout our Honors Geometry course. On Monday, students will complete a mid-year assessment to check our progress. We have been practicing some of our most difficult skills, so hopefully we will see an increase in performance and understanding in our skills.
Similarity
After we complete Monday's ACT check-in assessment we will continue our study of similarity. Last week we talked about how we can show two figures are similar and we discovered some triangle similarity shortcuts.
This week, we will talk about similarities that exist within right triangles and proportional relationships that exist within triangles. At the end of the week, we will take our study of similarity to the coordinate plane where we will talk about dilations (stretches and shrinks) of figures on a graph.
Earlier in the year students completed a 36 question practice ACT assessment that contains concepts that students have previously learned as well as topics that will be covered throughout our Honors Geometry course. On Monday, students will complete a mid-year assessment to check our progress. We have been practicing some of our most difficult skills, so hopefully we will see an increase in performance and understanding in our skills.
Similarity
After we complete Monday's ACT check-in assessment we will continue our study of similarity. Last week we talked about how we can show two figures are similar and we discovered some triangle similarity shortcuts.This week, we will talk about similarities that exist within right triangles and proportional relationships that exist within triangles. At the end of the week, we will take our study of similarity to the coordinate plane where we will talk about dilations (stretches and shrinks) of figures on a graph.
Monday, January 25, 2016
What's Going On? January 26th-30th
A Brand New Semester!
Welcome to second semester, Honors Geometry students! We have made it through the first half of the school year. Last week, I asked you to reflect on what went well and what might need to change for second semester. As I looked through the feedback many students said that they thought that we should stop learning about proofs. Well, you are in luck! We will focus on proofs a little bit during our seventh unit on similarity, but after that point we will not see proof. So those of you who dread proofs, you can breathe a sigh of relief!
Additionally, if you feel like the pacing might be a little off please say something! I encourage questions, so please ask!
This semester we will talk about a variety of topics, including similarity, circles, area, volume, trigonometry, as well as probability and statistics. We have a ton of cool stuff to learn during this second semester, so get ready!
Updated Grading Policy
Beginning second semester, if a student has an IE on two or more “I can” statements, the student’s grade will be an “F” until they have demonstrated minimal proficiency in the “I can” statement.
Retake Policy
In order to retake any summative, you must complete the following:
****Retakes must be completed prior to the next unit’s summative assessment date.****
The retake procedure will take multiple days to complete. You can’t do all things in one day. Please talk with me if you have any questions.
Similarity
This week we will start our seventh unit on similarity. As we begin the unit, we will define ratio and proportion. We will then talk about what it means to have two similar figures. We will also discuss some of the shortcuts for proving that two triangles are similar. You can find our tentative homework schedule here.
Everyone is starting this semester with a "clean slate" so let's make sure that we're off to a great start. Please see me if you have any questions!
Welcome to second semester, Honors Geometry students! We have made it through the first half of the school year. Last week, I asked you to reflect on what went well and what might need to change for second semester. As I looked through the feedback many students said that they thought that we should stop learning about proofs. Well, you are in luck! We will focus on proofs a little bit during our seventh unit on similarity, but after that point we will not see proof. So those of you who dread proofs, you can breathe a sigh of relief!
Additionally, if you feel like the pacing might be a little off please say something! I encourage questions, so please ask!
This semester we will talk about a variety of topics, including similarity, circles, area, volume, trigonometry, as well as probability and statistics. We have a ton of cool stuff to learn during this second semester, so get ready!
Updated Grading Policy
Beginning second semester, if a student has an IE on two or more “I can” statements, the student’s grade will be an “F” until they have demonstrated minimal proficiency in the “I can” statement.
Retake Policy
In order to retake any summative, you must complete the following:
- All daily practice assignments must be completed for the unit.
- Any required formative assessments must be completed.
- Student must meet with teacher to discuss first summative and do corrections.
- Teacher might request additional practice outside of school prior to retake.
****Retakes must be completed prior to the next unit’s summative assessment date.****
The retake procedure will take multiple days to complete. You can’t do all things in one day. Please talk with me if you have any questions.
Similarity
This week we will start our seventh unit on similarity. As we begin the unit, we will define ratio and proportion. We will then talk about what it means to have two similar figures. We will also discuss some of the shortcuts for proving that two triangles are similar. You can find our tentative homework schedule here.
Everyone is starting this semester with a "clean slate" so let's make sure that we're off to a great start. Please see me if you have any questions!
Friday, January 15, 2016
What's Going On? January 18th through 21st
Exam Week: January 18-21st
This week is the official semester exam week. Please check the schedule to see where you are supposed to be and when. Our first period Honors Geometry class will have our exam on Monday from 8:10-9:40. Our second period Honors Geometry class will have our exam on Monday from 9:50-11:20. Our fourth period Honors Geometry class will have our exam on Wednesday from 8:10-9:40. It is extremely important that you arrive on time to your exam!
What's on the Honors Geometry Exam?
For this first semester exam, you will have three required sections on your exam:
- 1d: Proofs about lines and angle
- 1e: Proving triangles congruent
- 3c: Solving for missing measures
You will also need to choose at least two additional sections for your exam. You may choose to take more than two additional sections, but you must complete the exam within the 90 minute exam period. Please check Infinite Campus to see your current grade status for each learning target as you make your selection.
- 1a: I can precisely define Geometric terms
- 1b: I can use the basic language of logic
- 2a: I can write equations of lines
- 2c: I can prove theorems about quadrilaterals
- 3a: I can use the segment and angle addition postulate
What to bring to the exam
On the day of the exam, you should bring a calculator, something to write with, your "cheat sheet" and something to do if you finish the exam early.
Cheat Sheet
For the exam you may use one 8-1/2" by 11" piece of paper. On this piece of paper, you may include formulas, definitions, sample problems....ANYTHING YOU WANT! The cheat sheet must be handwritten and will be turned in at the end of the exam period. Please do not plan to share your cheat sheet with a student from another class.
Preparing for the Exam
This past week we completed the activities prepared by different groups to help review the material from each learning target. You also have access to the semester exam review that has been posted on BlackBoard. I would suggest that you complete the review and add any tricky problems or any formulas or definitions that you had to look up while completing the review onto your "cheat sheet". Additionally, I will be available each day of exam week from 7:00-8:00am in room 807 if you would like to get some extra help.
Relax, breathe, eat well, and get a good night's sleep. Good luck on your exams!
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