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Installing GSP

Homework, POTWe and GSP

In class, we discuss the types of homework you get (textbook, POW and GSP), what is expected on those assignments. and how they're graded.  You can download the handouts in Word or PDF format.

The PurpleMath web site (http://www.purplemath.com) has lots of information about how to do mathematics homework.  Check it out by clicking here.

I will do my best to post homework on my HomeworkNow.Com page in a timely manner.  You can bookmark this link in your browser.

Textbook Homework

Textbook homework is assigned on most nights.  The assignments will take about 45 minutes to complete, but on some nights it will take longer and on other nights you'll spend less time.

The expectations for textbook homework are:

Write your name, due date and assignment at the top right corner of your paper.
Do your homework on 8.5 x 11 paper.  You may use unlined paper, lined paper or graph paper.  If you take paper from a spiral-bound notebook, please remove the ragged edges.
Use pencil for your assignment.
Staple multiple pages together before class begins.  Do not fold over the corners or use paper clips.
Show your work on all problems that require it.  Some homework problems can be solved without computation, or require one word answers.  In these cases, you don't need to show your work.  When you need to do a computation or write an equation, you must show your work.
You may work with other students on textbook homework, but the paper you turn in must be your own work in your own words.  You may not copy the work of another student.  Working with other students can mean:
Getting help understanding the problem.
Comparing  your answers and then correcting your answer if necessary.
Checking their work to look for errors.
Working on a problem together, then re-working the problem on your own.

Homework will be checked on most days in one of these ways:

Desk check: You place your homework on your desk.  I walk around and look at the assignment to verify that you've done it.
Collect: You'll turn in your homework assignment after we've gone over it or corrected it in class.
Homework quiz:  You'll be asked to copy up to four answers from your homework paper onto a "homework quiz" sheet.  I will collect the papers and verify your answers.

Late textbook homework: If you are absent for 1-2 days, you may turn in textbook homework up to two days after the due date for full credit.  If you're absent for longer and can't make up the homework within two days, see me and we'll work out a plan.

Otherwise, late homework will be accepted at reduced credit until the end of the unit during which it was due.  After that, the grade for missing homework will be zero (0).

POTWe - Problem of the Week 

In class we discussed the grading rubric and discussed a sample problem, showing the difference between a no-so-good solution and a great solution.  The rubric and sample Problem of the Week write-up is available in Word or PDF format.

You may work with other students on problems of the week, but the paper you turn in must be your own work in your own words.  You may not copy the work of another student.  Working with other students can mean:

Getting help understanding the problem.
Comparing  your answers and then correcting your answer if necessary.
Working on a problem together, then re-working the problem on your own, writing everything in your own words.

When you have worked with another student, always indicate on your paper who you worked with (whether you gave help or received it).

POWs will not be accepted after the due date unless you're absent from school.  You will be allowed to make up one missing POW assignment per term by completing an additional POW.  The lowest POW grade each term is dropped.

GSP - Geometer's Sketchpad

We use Geometer's Sketchpad for two main reasons:

  1. To keep your geometry skills fresh in preparation for taking Geometry in 9th or 10th grade.
  2. To teach you how to use the features of Geometer's Sketchpad software.  GSP can be used to help you solve problems in Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry and Calculus.  It can also be used to create mathematical drawings and illustrations, fractals, and geometric art.

You may work with other students on GSP assignments, but the paper you turn in must be your own work in your own words.  You may not copy the work of another student.  Working with other students can mean:

Getting help using GSP features.
Getting help understanding the questions.

You may not watch someone use GSP while you write down answers.  When you work on the exercises you must operate GSP yourself.

When you have worked with another student, always indicate on your paper who you worked with (whether you gave help or received it).

GSP assignments will not be accepted late after the first one. (That's in case you have some technical problems setting up GSP.)  The lowest GSP grade each term is dropped.

Installation instructions for GSP are also available.

 

This web site was developed by and is maintained by Mr. Srebnick for use in the 8th grade math program at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston.