Course Title: Bridge to Algebra
Week of: 10/8/07-10/12/07

Standards addressed (What will students learn?):

Grade 6:

1.1 Understand the concept of a constant such as pi; know the formulas for the circumference and area of a circle.
1.2 Know common estimates of p (3.14; 22/7) and use these values to estimate and calculate the circumference and the area of circles; compare with actual measurements.
2.4 Determine the least common multiple and the greatest common divisor of whole numbers; use them to solve problems with fractions (e.g., to find a common denominator to add two fractions or to find the reduced form for a fraction).

Grade 7:

2.1 Use formulas routinely for finding the perimeter and area of basic two-dimensional figures and the surface area and volume of basic three-dimensional figures, including rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, squares, triangles, circles, prisms, and cylinders.
2.2 Estimate and compute the area of more complex or irregular two-and three-dimensional figures by breaking the figures down into more basic geometric objects.

Students are currently learning Geometric concepts. They include:

How to use formulas to determine the perimeter and area of rectangles, triangles, and irregular shapes.
How to find the area and circumference of a circle.
That pi is the ratio between the circumference and the diameter of a circle.
How to determine the base and height of a triangle.
Vocabulary: Area, Perimeter, Circumference, Pi, Diameter, Radius, Base & Height of triangles, Perpendicular.

Students were assigned their first project last week. Students will design and create a "stained glass window" using cardstock and a transparency that will include at least 1 circle, 1 triangle, 1 rectangle, and 1 irregular shape that can be broken down into any of the former shapes. Students will trace their cut-out "stained glass window" onto white paper and find the area and perimeter/circumference of each cut-out shape. Formulas and calculations must be shown.

Although time is given to work on projects during class time, some students may need assistance cutting out their "stained glass window" depending on the complexity of the design. Assignment is due on Thursday, October 11.

Please ask to see your child's math notebook. The notebook should include problems of the week, warm-ups, and notes and will be reviewed periodically for completeness.