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• Informal Geometry - Mrs. Johnson
• January has brought a focus on proportions and similarity in this Informal Geometry class.  Students have used ratios and proportions to solve problems by identifying relationships between corresponding parts and perimeters of similar triangles.  Once proportions were written, algebra skills were applied in using the Means/Extremes Property to determine the solutions.
• In addition to the triangle, students will soon study several other types of polygons.  They will name them, determine areas and angle measurements, and look for symmetry in their shapes.  The course will then proceed into studying circles, solid geometry, trigonometric ratios in right triangles, and a return to coordinate graphing.
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• Pre-Algebra - Mrs. Johnson
• Pre-Algebra students have progressed from solving simple algebraic equations at the beginning of the school year to now solving and graphing algebraic two-step and multi-step equations and inequalities.  Their work has involved integers, fractions, and decimals.  They have willingly and capably displayed their work on the board.
• The next chapter will extend their algebra work to graphing linear functions.  Graphing calculators will be used to display and compare them.  Students will also learn about systems of equations and graphing linear inequalities.
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• Transition Mathematics - Mrs. Johnson
• The second semester of Transition Mathematics began with a return to studying geometry.  Area formulas for triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and circles have been used.  The distributive property has been introduced to help students combine similar terms in algebraic expressions.  Another type of transformation, the size-change model, has been applied to create expansions or contractions of graphed figures.
• Students will continue building their algebra skills by solving and graphing more complex equations and inequalities.  It is important that complete steps and checks are included.  The school year will close with the study of solid geometry and statistics.
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• MathCounts - Mrs. Johnson
• MathCounts is a nationwide coaching and competition program that promotes academic excellence and provides challenging enrichment for middle school mathematics students.  It encourages good problem solving skills and provides opportunity for learning additional math concepts. 

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