Multiplication and basic facts

We thought that you might find this document regarding multiplication written by the curriculum coordinators in mathematics. We hope that you find this information useful.

Chance and Data Investigation

This year, the 34 Year Group have been working on a Chance and Data investigation every week. Here is the detail of the investigation they will be exporing from this week.

The students roll two dice in a simulated game of Aussie Rules football. They play all four quarters in a competition against a partner and the scores are similar to the real thing. This simple dice simulation has the fun of a game, but also involves many number, chance and data concepts. Collecting class data allows analysis of several aspects of the mathematics. We then move into using a computerised model, which allows for long term patterns to be explored, and empirical results can be compared with theoretical expectations.

 Learning outcomes and related concepts
• Whole number skills
• Probability comparisons and calculations
• Collection and organisation of group data
• Probability distributions
• Concept of expected results
• Calculation of averages
• The mathematical investigative process (Working Mathematically)

 Learning stages
1. Building the simulation model with dice
2. Small group work playing the game
3. Coding and collecting group esults
4. Discussing and analysing the data
5. Investigations using computer simulation - calculating empirical probabilities
6. Conclusion and summary

 Features
Connecting to (and modeling) a recreational game: Most investigations benefit from an interesting context and games can be a great source of these. However, it is the conversion of the game into an investigation that frames the learning. Use of concrete materials: Each student rolls two dice; the first rolled being the goals and the second the behinds. The concreteness makes the entry to the puzzle accessible to all.
Non-threatening: The randomness of the game and the easy entry skills makes the game appealing. Having 'entered' the game context, students can then be informally exposed to various mathematical ideas at a level that suits their confidence and ability. Collecting group data: The game is a played in pairs, but the decision to invite students to list the scores on the board cleverly sets the scene to change from a game into a whole group investigation. The data, being generated by students provides important 'ownership' and any stories or patterns in the data are 'their stories'. Empirical versus theoretical calculations: At several places throughout the investigations calculations are performed in both modes, allowing students to see and discuss the relative merits of each.

Information regarding NAPLAN

Here is a letter from Esme regarding the upcoming NAPLAN tests, catch-up tests, disability support and exemption. If you have any question, feel free to come and speak to us regarding this matter.

Dear Parent/Carer

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2012 tests for Years 3 and 5 students will be held on Tuesday 15 May (Language Conventions and Writing), Wednesday16 May(Reading Comprehension) and Thursday17 May 2012 (Numeracy). NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals which can be used to improve student achievement.

During test week, catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days. These students may undertake catch-up tests on the days in the test week after the scheduled test, up to and including Friday 18 May 2012. However, we do ask that every effort is made to have your child at school on time (by 9am) in order to assist with the smooth management and organisation of testing.

If your child is eligible for support due to disability or an exemption, you should discuss this with his/her teacher prior to the tests. Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted.

Students may be withdrawn from the NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the principal. If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a Student Withdrawal form. These forms are available at the school.

Later in the year you will receive your child’s personal NAPLAN report. The report will show how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards. These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.

For more information about the tests, please visit the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the NAPLAN website at www.nap.edu.au.

Esme Capp

Principal

Mother's Day Classic

Come and join us for the Mother’s Day Classic fun run on Sunday 12th May to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Research. Follow the link below and register for the 4km walk or run or if really keen there is the 8km run. Please remember to enter PHPS as the team. This is a fantastic event and is lots of fun for the whole family. Everyone gets a medal and most importantly, the run raises vital funds for breast cancer research. Michelle and Sophie will be holding some training runs around Princes Park on Sunday 14/4, 22/4, 29/4 and 6/5 at 9am. Look forward to seeing you there.
Sophie 0414 834 855 Michelle 0413 215 472

http://mothersdayclassic.com.au/register-online

The Premier’s Active Families Challenge

The Premier’s Active Families Challenge

Here is a message from the organisers of The Premier’s Active Families Challenge...

The Premier’s Active Families Challenge is a key component of the Victorian Government’s commitment to get more people more active more often.
· The Challenge provides a great opportunity for all Victorian families to spend time together and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. 
· Families participating in the Challenge are asked to do 30 minutes of physical activity a day for 30 days between 19 March and 30 April 2012. 
· Each family that registers will receive 20 free YMCA passes, discounts at Rebel Sport, one free child pass to the Melbourne Aquarium and one free child pass to the National Sports Museum, and opportunities to win prizes including iPads and Rebel Sport vouchers. 
· There will be regular tips and ideas on ways to keep active throughout the Challenge.

Get more active more often, spend quality time together and have fun. It’s free, it’s easy, and there are plenty of chances to win prizes for yourself or your school . Register online at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/challenge or call 1800 463 684 , and remember to include our school’s name when you register.

Writer's Notebook

This Monday, students will be receiving their own Writer's Notebooks, which they will be expected to make an entry into every week. The Writer's Notebook is an excellent way of inspiring students to write, explore different genres and make writing relevant. Writer's Notebook contains two parts. The first part is the Seed of Thought, where students paste in a paper-based inspiration from home, such as a newspaper cutting, a ticket from a show or sporting event, a pamphlet from a museum exhibition, a photograph, a postcard, a picture found inside a magazine etc. This allows students to connect their writing with their 'out-of-school' experiences and come up with inspirations that are relevant to them. From this Seed of Thought, students write some ideas that come to mind and some possibilities for a full piece of writing. The possibilities might include a poem, a story or an informational piece. The students then choose one of the possibilities and write a full piece of writing inside the writer's notebook.

As all students are expected to bring in something to use as a Seed of Thought at the beginning of the week, we ask parents to discuss during the weekend which Seed of Thought to choose from home.

We are hoping to mark the end of the academic year by presenting the students' completed Writer's Notebooks to parents.

Parent Responses to the Welcome Festival

We are asking children as a home learning possibility to interview parents and carers about the Welcome Festival. Students are able to produce this in a written format or as a recording. We ask that parents review the responses for their accuracy. These can be handed in to one of the neighbourhood teachers.