Applying an Algebraic Rule

As part of CMP3, there was a unit project that suggested enlarging a picture using an algebraic rule applied to the coordinates. The standard it was addressing was recreating a drawing of a different scale. I thought that I would give it a try.  So the process began.  I decided to pick different pictures for the students to do, approximately 15 different ones.  1st period, I had them download the picture, put the grid on the picture and print it.  What a disaster.  2nd period, I had them start their grid while I printed pictures with grids on them already.  Much better!

Each student had to choose either to enlarge or shrink their picture.  Majority picked enlarging which was fine with me!  Next thing they had to do was start to create their grid.  We used big paper and marked off at each centimeter and connected the dots.  This also took way longer than expected.  Not for future self, buy large graph paper!  Once the grid was drawn, it was time to start identifying coordinates on their original image, apply the geometric rule and graph their new point.

For some this went well, others, needed some help.  I would say that by the end of it, 99% of students were able to this independently.  As you can see below, each student had their original picture and their coordinates on hand while creating their masterpiece.  It was a combination of both of these that allowed a student to be successful. 

Here is a picture of a completed shrinking.  I love it!

Overall I would say the was just ok.  To improve, I would have had graph paper already in the desired large size and had the pictures ready to go from the beginning.   With these changes, I think that it will go a lot smoother!

I finally put these up in the hallway.  I will snap a picture soon and post it here!

We've hit Integer Season!

An important topic in 7th grade is integer operations.  This is the first time that adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers are formally introduced.  I went about it differently this year than 2 years ago.  CMP3 suggested using chips to introduce addition, so that's what I tried!

I really liked it.  I felt that students really grasped the idea of adding integers.  They could see when adding a positive and negative number which had more and that determined the sign of the sum.

I also found that this concept really helped those struggling students.  This is a picture I snapped while helping a student one on one build her confidence in solving. 

After the introduction, I set students on a journey with a partner to answer questions from our online book.  This is where I saw students helping students the most.  They were explaining it in terms that made sense to them.  

The journey through integers is not always easy but I highly suggest using chips.  After using chips, I also taught students how to use the number line to add integers.  I left it up to the students which way of reasoning worked for them and never actually taught a formal way to add integers.  I would say 93% of students are confident in their integer abilities.  The other 7% I am working with daily.  

What are some methods of teaching integers you have tried?  Even if they didn't work, we can always learn from mistakes!

Katie 

Connected Mathematics 3

My district this year adopted the Connected Mathematics 3 curriculum.  We had our official 'get to know you' session with the curriculum and a representative Monday after the students left for the day. Let's talk about overload!

So here are a few things that I found to be interesting and terrifying all at the same time. 

• Every lesson has a Launch, Explore and Summarize
• Scaffolding thought about
• You can assign students lessons
• The student can 'write' and save work in their digital book
• You can comment and message students
• Concepts are throughout the curriculum, not just seen once

I have not had much time since Monday to explore more but I am excited about implementing this curriculum this year.  It won't be easy but, if it were easy, everybody would be doing it!

Anybody have any tips or tricks to using CMP3?  All and everything is greatly appreciated.