Needed an extra lesson on lines in #Algebra2 since one class met an extra period this week for some unknown reason. Bouncing ping pong balls to the rescue! Students dropped ping pong balls from different heights and measured the rebound height, plotted the data and found a linear model. We haven't learned about regressions yet (soon though!) so they used a ruler to eyeball the best line.

Challenge time. I took all the balls away and told them to use their model to calculate the proper drop height for the ball to rebound to 78 cm. I rigged up a small hoop I had lying around at just that height so everyone in the class could tell whether the rebound was to the right height. Hilarity ensued when several groups realized their drop height predictions were below the rebound height. Turns out they plugged in for x when they should have plugged in for y. A good learning moment.

It was a pretty basic, last minute lesson, but I think it went ok. It was nice having everyone's data, graph, and model on the whiteboards around the room for all to see. I have whiteboards on all 4 walls (no windows though!).

Finished my syllabi today for my 3 classes. I'm teaching #algebra2, Precalculus, and AP #Calculus. I'm hoping I am not out of my depth. Though I believe it will be easier than the Algebra 1 classes I had last year, as those were all Freshmen and this year should be mostly Seniors. At least I feel a little bit better having gotten an idea of my classroom procedures and how they are changing from last year.

So, I need some input from other #teachers in #education who are #teaching on a #blockschedule. This is the first time that my school will be doing it, this is only my 2nd year teaching and last year we had normal 50-minute classes. I am going to be teaching #algebra2, #precalculus, and #apcalculus. My question is -- what break duration do you suggest? I'm thinking 5 minutes and give them the chance to walk around the room and such, get up, stretch, at about 40 after class starts, pick up again from 45 after and continue until the 90 minutes is up. I would love to get input?