BHS Math Placement Exam
Info [UPDATE 3/9/10] Update: I've gotten in contact
with some of the middle school math teachers at Berkeley that
made the Algebra I assessment for incoming freshmen. This
is what will be covered from our book:
Chapters 1-3 on the basics of Algebra, including solving
equations
Chapter 4 - different aspects of and operation with
Polynomials
Chapter 6 - algebraic fractions
Chapter 8 - graphing linear functions (lines)
Chapter 9 - solving systems of linear equations
Chapter 10 - basic inequalities
We are currently covering Chapter 8 on graphing lines, which
leads into a shorter chapter 9 where we'll solve systems of
equations. This should all be covered before the test.
Chapter 10 on inequalities will have to be squeezed in, but, to
be honest, it's one of the easier chapters in the book.
Some things we have already covered in the Honors Algebra class
(Chapters 5, 11, 12) won't be on the test. Quadratic
equations will not be on the test!
I will be giving out some review materials in class for those
who want/need it. Overall, I feel like the class is way
ahead of schedule in terms of getting through the Algebra
curriculum and CA state standards this year. I anticipated
having to really work hard the first three quarters of this year
due to the following factors: Israel trip, early HS entrance
exam dates, graduation activities, and an earlier end to the
school year than last year.
Some other info about the BHS Algebra assessment:
Testing dates are March 22, 23, and 26 from 4-5pm in
rooms C219, C221 or
jC224. I suggest Friday 3/26 so we can have maximum
prep time.
The test is the 3rd Quarter Assessment given in the BUSD
middle school
Algebra 1 classes. This is a multiple choice test covering
the CA Algebra 1
content standards. Tehiyah follows the state
standards, as well. What I'm trying to find out right
now is if they go in the same order that we do. I will
update when I get more info.
There is no registration required, just showed up a
little early with a couple pencils. They don't mention
a calculator, but I'd bring one just in case.
For those fearing that their 8th grader may not test into
Geometry his/her 9th grade year, but have to retake Algebra,
this is a very rare occurrence. In fact, I have no recent
memory of this happening to anyone entering BHS. The
question is usually whether they end up in Honors Geometry or
just Geometry. Either way, students can still test into an
Honors math course their 10th grade year.
UPDATE: As of March 4, we are at about raised for
our Walkathon! And that is with a little more than
half the 8th grade registered at active.com and/or
fundraising on their own.
Our
main
page is already up and the donations are rolling in!
Below is the map for our walking route. Go
here for more details,
including waiver forms for Walkathon participation (due to
Mr. D ASAP).
This is pretty amazing stuff: Using nanomaterials
painted onto regular copier paper, a scientist at Stanford has
created a new type of battery/capacitor. Watch the video
below, and go
here to read about it.
Washington, D.C.
Trip--Last pics and Videos
Check out some
high quality group pics from our trip at the official DC
blog--nice enough to print. Also, some videos of us
rolling down the hill at Mt. Vernon and the changing of the
guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
ENGRADE IS HERE
(updated):
I have finalized the pages for the online gradebook
www.engrade.com to help you
(parent and student) to keep track of grades in my classes.
Students have received their codes for signing up, and they
were supposed to bring them home. If they lost the slip of
paper I gave them, you can contact me (email preferred) and I
will send you the code.
If you have used Engrade before, you can simply use the
account (login name and password) that you created the first
time. If you haven't used it before, it is relatively easy
to do. You can just go to
www.engrade.com and they will guide you through creating a
new account. Both student and parent can have an account
to view the student's grades.
Kanye West-ify your
blog/website:
Click
here to see how. Too funny. Google "vma Kanye
West" if you want a little background.
ALGEBRA ONLINE HELP:
Be sure to check out some of the websites on my
"Web Links" page, which can be
accessed by clicking the link in the menu on the left.
I've added a few new websites that have some great algebra help.
GUESS WHAT THIS IS:
Click on the picture above to find the answer.
Off-Topic:I seriously hope this never happens at our school.
Explain the Physics Behind This!
How was Stonehenge Made?
Watch this fellow Michigander to find out
how it might have happened.
