Mr. Hand’s Math Classes
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Welcome to 8th Grade Math! Be prepared to
work hard and have a lot of fun this year! Most of the time, you will be
learning by solving problems by yourself and with friends. At other times, you
will be learning by listening, discussing, debating, writing and reading.
Class Expectations (20%): Try! Participate. It is ok to be wrong. Being wrong teaches you how to do things correctly.
Math takes a lot of practice. Work diligently and be willing to share your
ideas with the class.
You need a pencil,
a folder to hold work, and a graph-paper notebook. I also suggest that you buy
and bring a scientific calculator. A TI-30 or a TI-34,
are both good. Casio calculators are good too. We will be using these
calculators for working with Sin, Cosine and Tangents. We will also be using
the calculators for scientific notation. Math notebooks must be kept separate
from your other classes. It is best to have a graph paper notebook, although
a lined notebook is acceptable. If you forget your notebook on any given day,
you will need to write the day's work on lined paper and staple it into your
notebook immediately. Your notebook should be reviewed and studied daily. You must also have
a folder for any papers that are handed back.
Always come prepared. Always bring your math notebook, your math book, a
pencil, and your homework. I do not supply pencils. You will lose points from
your daily participation grade if you do not bring a pencil. Pens are not to be
used in this math class.
The book that you receive is the book you are responsible for. If the book in
your possession is damaged or lost, you will be charged for the cost of
the book. I would rather have my book than your money. Please
take care of books.
Homework (20%): Homework is
practice, and math requires a lot of practice. It is important that you follow
directions and show your work on your assignments. It usually takes 20 to 30
minutes to complete an assignment. I will give you a couple of nights to
complete an assignment; this allows you the freedom to decide when to do your
homework. You will have up to a week to complete a bigger project. Sometimes
you may receive review guide for an upcoming test.
Homework On-Time Effort (10%) Homework is due at the beginning of each
class. Late work will only earn you half-credit. Homework is important
because math requires a great deal of practice. Homework bridges the gap
between yesterday and today. If you do not have homework with you at the
beginning of class, you will come in for X-Block that day or you will stay
after school to complete homework. Homework done during the class will not be
accepted. X-Block or after school will still be assigned. All work must
be handed in on time! If you have 2 or more missing assignments, your Effort
Grade will be no higher than Fair.
It is your responsibility to get any missed assignments if you are
absent. Homework completion affects your effort grade and it is taken into
account when I make high school math recommendations.
For larger assignments, you may receive partial credit depending on the
assignment. Extensions must be arranged ahead of time. In the case of an
emergency, you may bring in a note from your parent or guardian. For
information about homework assignments, check the Math web page at Quia.
Quizzes (50%) Expect weekly
“Do Now” Quizzes. You should also expect unit quizzes based on class
activities.
Grading (example):
Weight
Total points earned
Class work 20% 180/200
Homework assignments 20% 85/100
Homework Effort 10% 100/100
Quizzes 50% 92/100
= 91% or A-
A+
= 100%-98%, A = 97%-93%, A- = 92%-90%, B+ = 89%-87%, B=86%-84%, etc.
Website: mmsnet.org Use Mr. Hand’s
Quia website to check math homework. Play Quia review games and read
information about the current unit. Many quizzes are similar to the review
games. Read the notes on the website and augment your class notes. Look for
mistakes on the website for extra credit.
Website Extra Credit: You can
receive extra credit if you notice an error on the website, or notice that some
information is missing. In either case, you should alert us in writing. You may
also email me. Email: handj@mansfieldct.org
If you need help:
I am always happy to help during x-block or after
school. Play the “QUIA” review games. Surf the math web site
(mmsnet.org). Read the notes and play review games.
How to reach me:
Jon Hand
Email: handj2@mansfieldct.org
(Remove the 2 before emailing!)
Leave a message: 429-5004, extension 304