6th+Mathematics

// Which textbook will I be using this year? //

//Harcourt Math (6th Grade)//, Harcourt, 2004. ISBN 0-15-334745-7

// Who is my teacher? //

My name is Jason Moreno. I grew up in Houston, went to Texas A&M University, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. I then went to Concordia Seminary, received a Master of Divinity degree, and became a minister. I have lived in Missouri for a total of four years and in California for a total of five years. I have also lived in China for a year (though I don’t speak Chinese). I love chocolate chip cookies, volleyball, ping pong, biking, retro music, Irish jigs, sci fi, and talking about ideas.

I believe one of the most important things in life is to help the generation after you to be the best that they can be and make the world a better place. In every job I have had since college, this has been the guiding principle for my work and life. I do not expect you to be perfect at any point, but I do expect you to try. If you ever feel lost for some reason, I will understand; but it is much worse to be lost and not tell me. Whenever you feel lost or have a question (and you will at some point), say, “Jason, I feel lost. Can you please explain it again in a different?” I promise you, it will not make me upset in any way.

// What are my teacher’s goals for me this year? //

You will learn how numbers represent real-life situations and solve real-life problems. You will learn how to describe shapes and situations using equations and measurements. You will learn how to find a missing piece of information based on the clues given. You will learn how numbers fit inside each other and have other numbers in common. You will learn how likely something is to happen based on previous information. You will learn how finance works and explains savings, credit, and interest rates.

// What will I need every day? //

> > > > >
 * Textbook and Handouts
 * Binder with notebook paper
 * Pencil(s) - both mechanical and regular are acceptable
 * An anything-but-black pen
 * Calculator with trigonometric functions (only when specified by the teacher)

// How will my teacher grade me in this class? //

__Percentages per category__ Participation (regularly): 10% Homework (every day): 20% Quizzes and Projects: 30% Tests: 40%

__Grades Per Semester__ Q1: 40% Q2: 40% Final: 20%

Participation: Participation grades include everything you do in class, including having a complete binder with all of your previous homework, quizzes, projects, and tests in neat order; binders will be checked regularly. You are expected to participate in class, including asking questions and paying attention. If you are tardy or absent, you are responsible for talking to me, getting assignments, and taking missed quizzes or exams.

Homework: Homework can be assigned every day for this class to help you become efficient and accurate. Late work will receive a reduced number of points, and I reserve the right to refuse work that is more than two days late. (Approved absences will receive more time without penalty.) Be sure to keep your homework throughout the year; this will count toward participation.

Quizzes and Projects: Quizzes are shorter than tests; you are expected to correct and return them within two days to get part of your points back. Projects (group or individual) will be graded based on effort, neatness, clarity, correctness, and completeness.

Tests: Tests combine everything you have learned within each unit; you should have time to review any weak areas ahead of time (particularly during class review sessions). You are expected to correct and return them within two days to get part of your points back.

// What will be my schedule this year? //

__Quarter 1__ Unit 1: Review of Math and Introduction to Negative Numbers Unit 2: Decimals, Divisibility, and Percentages Unit 3: Graphing and Statistics Review Week: Units 1-3

__Quarter 2__ Unit 4: Fractions - Concepts and Operations Unit 5: Algebra - Concepts and Operations Unit 6: Inequalities - Concepts and Operations Review Week: Units 4-6

__Quarter 3__ Unit 7: Geometry, Shapes, and Solids Unit 8: Measuring in One and Two Dimensions Unit 9: Ratios and Proportions Review Week: Units 7-9

__Quarter 4__ Unit 10: Probability Unit 11: Finances Unit 12: Graphing Review Week: Units 10-12