Sixth & Seventh Grade: March 3 - 7, 2025

Mar 7

Hello, Middle School Families,

This week the class delved further in Algebra, learning about combining positive and negative numbers, both when adding and subtracting, but also when multiplying and dividing. Using a physical scale, students solved several math problems to guess the number of hex nuts in a bag. Without knowing it, they were doing algebra! After fully understanding the concept of a balanced scale, the class moved to working with algebraic equations on paper. If you are helping your child with homework, it may be helpful to remind them that the equal sign is the scale we used in class, and that both sides need to be in balance (so whatever you do to one side, has to be done to the other!).

After learning how to do the 5 division of the circle, we examined the special properties of the triangles and lines inside a 5 division of the circle. By looking at the ratio of the lines inside a pentagon/pentagram, the class noticed that the ratio hovered around 1.618 or Phi, and that this is called The Golden Ratio. We also explored the Fibonacci Sequence, discussing where it is found in nature, as well as replicating it with The Golden Rectangle of Whirling Squares. Finally, they wrote a math essay on The Father of Mathematics, drawing on notes taken from a class lecture.

With Ki Ieva, the students dyed the cloth that they will be using for our Auction project and have started mapping out their individual square. We will piece these together into one wall hanging.

Our measurement unit has wrapped up, and next week will be review for the test on Friday, March 14. As a reminder, I am offering morning office hours from 7:40 - 8:10 for those students who may desire extra math support before the test. Please email me in advance to let me know if I should be expecting your child.

Announcements and Reminders for Sixth/Seventh Grade: