Archimedes Math

Math Review Presentation

2009-06-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here you go guys:

LINK TO PRESENTATION

7D Practice Math Final

2009-06-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to your practice final, 7D. Try your best and practice good tactics for a multiple choice test.

Practice Test

Bridge Presentation

2009-04-30T11:12:00.001-07:00

Here is a sample presentation for your group to use as a template.

Video Essay Help!

2009-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a video to help you get started with your essay. Special thanks to Victor and Jessica for their help!

Bridge Essay Assignment!

2009-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Write a three page essay (double spaced size 12 font or smaller) about the history of bridges. Please make sure you include the different types of bridges, how they are used, and name a local bridge in your city or state that makes the transportation for your community easy. Also consider the following questions:

How has the construction of bridges changed over the years?
What are the most common materials used to construct bridges?
Why is it so important for soldiers to conquer or take a bridge from their opponents?

You can also include some of the answers to your questionnaire in your essay. This section is worth 50 points.

THIS SECTION IS DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 24th and MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE YOU CAN BEGIN BUILDING YOUR BRIDGE!

Bridge Project Update

2009-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the update for your bridge project. Check to see if your team has finished both forms and make sure that you have the team name and members updated. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me, Mr. Paul, or send an email to jduffy@archimedesacademy.org

Special 7D Announcement!

2009-04-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hi 7D! Here are the links for filling in your bridge work! Good luck!

Bridge Definitions

Bridge Questionnaire

-Mr. Justin and Mr. Paul

Duffy Bucks Final Round

2008-06-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

OK guys, last chance for Duffy Bucks this year.

Check out this website.

Pick any of the games listed, and get your 'IQ score' turned into Duffy Bucks by letting me check your score.

Pythagoras' Puzzle

2008-06-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

For homework tonight, review your practice test and prepare any questions you have for tomorrow's review. In addition, for every Pythagorean right triangle you (or your group) creates, you will be handsomely rewarded with 100 Duffy Bucks! If you write an excellent and complete paper explaining Bhaskara's BEHOLD proof, you may find a more immediate reward.

601 Challenge 10

2008-05-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

Parallels and Polygons

2008-05-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

Check out our in class presentation on parallel lines, polygons, and interior angle sums:

Your homework for tonight is problems 1,2, and 3 on pages 40 and 41.

Angles Gone Bananas!

2008-05-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some angle games to help you practice your knowledge!

Check out the banana game here!
Attack an alien spaceship here!
Take a fun review quiz here!
Or, test your Angle Kung Fu here!

For homework tonight, please complete problems 6-9 and 15 on pages 42 and 43 in your Shapes and Designs book.

Homework reminder and Angles

2008-05-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hi guys, don't forget that your homework packets are due tomorrow. If you want some review on acute, obtuse, and right angles check out the presentation below:

Symmetry Part 1

2008-04-30T09:24:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to finish up your homework sheet if you didn't complete it in class!

Homework 4/29/08

2008-04-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

For Homework tonight tackle problems 1-5 on page 17 of your new books Shapes and Designs. If you need a review, check out the polygon presentation below.

check out this sweet bee attack video here.

Math Strings and You!

2008-04-14T05:54:00.001-07:00

Here is today's lesson about math strings. Some of the slides have links in them. Check it out!

Quiz Reminder and Presentations

2008-03-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Don't forget you have a quiz tomorrow guys! Remember, the quiz will be on making bar graphs and blueprints, so you may want to check out your presentations which are now all online in the news section of archimedia. The graphs you made are great, but tomorrow you will have to make them by hand, so be prepared to analyze and interpret your data!

You can also view your presentations by clicking below:

Blueprint Bloopers!

2008-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple videos to help your architects design blueprints:

Video 1

Video 2

Some videos for you guys

2008-03-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted guys (keep checking your house proposal). Stay tuned for more material on that project, but in the meantime, check out these videos featuring Chris Brown, Ms. Melissa, myself, and Elmo:

have a good weekend guys!

The House Project

2008-03-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Remember, you can always check the right sidebar for the house project proposal, but just to keep everyone up to date here is a mini-presentation:

Here is your schedule for completion (remember, proposals are due WEDNESDAY MARCH 26!):

Concept and 3D sketch - Wednesday, March 19
Survey questions complete and graphed - Friday March 21
Blueprint review - Monday, March 23
Final Proposals due - Wednesday March 26

Remember, you can complete your work from home by signing into your start.archimedes accounts.

Problem of the MONTH!

2008-03-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ok guys, as promised here is Erickson's solution and the original Doomsday Scale POW:

If you can find another way to solve this problem, and type up your solution on your start.archimedes account you are still eligible for half the prize money, 150 Duffy Bucks!

The Problem of the Month is a simple extension on this problem. Instead of 20 bags, now you only have to deal with 12. However, you don't know if the phony bag is light or heavy! The scale is still the same and you only have three opportunities to use it. Remember, this is a very difficult problem, and so I am offering 1000 Duffy Bucks for well-written, clearly thought out, 1 page solutions. Good luck!

Homework 3/12/08

2008-03-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

Congrats on finishing the test guys! Nice work! Now, back to business. We are going to be starting our house design project. You may make your own groups for this, but the first step is registering your team. Check the team jobs below:

Then register your team here!

Don't forget to fill in your seating chart preferences here!

Get Pumped. Again.

2008-03-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

It's the home stretch 601! Study hard over the weekend and keep working on your practice tests. If you need to contact me, you can always reach me via email at jduffy@archimedesacademy.org! Also, check the blog regularly as I will be adding more to the constructed response review. Check it out here:

Get Pumped for the Test

2008-03-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

OK guys, we have only got one more class before the test. I will be posting answers to the constructed response sections soon, so please complete them and don't forget to get pumped for the test.

Test Prep MEGA POST!

2008-03-05T04:24:00.000-08:00

OK, here is a giant summary for you. For those of you who still have not completed submitting your answers (you are losing Duffy Bucks!), answer forms are here:

If you have submitted your practice tests, you can check your answers here:

If you still want to review the old tests, they are online here:

Tonight for homework I have given you book 2 for 2006 and 2007. These are constructed response questions, which means they are graded on a rubric (you can check the rubric at the sites above) and are worth TWO to THREE times as much as the multiple choice! Remember, leave nothing blank! Show your work! Explain your thought! Take over the world!

2007 Practice Test Review

2008-03-05T01:47:00.000-08:00

2007 Practice Test

2008-03-04T04:49:00.001-08:00

Not too shabby 601. Now it's time to practice with the 2007 test. If you still have not completed the 2006 test, remember that every day late is MINUS 20 DUFFY BUCKS! So get it done! This is important practice that will help you do well on the real thing!

Check out your personal 2006 test results here! Or, find the answer key for the whole test here!

2006 Test Review

2008-03-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick review of some of the questions that gave us the most difficulty on the 2006 test. Check it out!

Test Prep Packet 1

2008-03-02T17:03:00.001-08:00

Ok guys, submit your answers for the 2006 test here. This homework MUST be complete BEFORE class on Tuesday, as we will be reviewing the material in class. Because this is such an important homework, your grade (which is completion only) counts DOUBLE! We have 7 days left. We have begun The Final Countdown!

Oops!

2008-03-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a funny video about adding fractions (thanks to Ms. Megan):

Math Prep Worksheets!!

2008-02-29T04:13:00.001-08:00

Here are the worksheets:

Test Prep Starts.....NOW!

2008-02-27T05:04:00.000-08:00

OK guys. To help me get a good study packet for you, I have created a form that I need everyone to fill out for HW credit. Check the form out here. This will help me get a better idea of what we need to work on! Remember, if you ever have specific questions, feel free to send me an email at jduffy@archimedesacademy.org!

For your POW this week, I would like you to write a one page essay describing why your strategy for "Sum it UP!" is the best option. Remember, your argument has to be correct and convincing! Essays which are deemed worthy will be rewarded with 100 DUFFY BUCKS!

Homework for 10/26/08

2008-02-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry I forgot to post this guys. Check the HW here.

Adding Fractions Part Deux (Two)

2008-02-25T05:19:00.001-08:00

VOLUME! (HW 3.3)

2008-02-13T06:14:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to finish your homework tonight guys (see the sidebar to the right if you forgot the paper)! If you need help with volume problems, check out this site for a great review: KS3 Bitesize.

There is a good test here to check your knowledge.

Homework 2/11/08

2008-02-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

Good work in class today guys! Remember the pattern we found today (the circumference of any circle divided by the diameter equals pi):

If you need to finish up your investigation sheet or any missing homework, check the sidebar (to the right) for the assignment.

OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT: For every solid fact you bring in tomorrow (written neatly on a sheet with your name on it) I will award 10 Duffy Bucks. Here are some resources to get you started:

Check the in class presentation below for review. Good luck 601!

There's Something about Circles

2008-02-10T19:29:00.001-08:00

Homework 2/6/08

2008-02-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

Please finish HW 3.1 tonight guys. Remember, it's due on Friday. If you lose your worksheet, you can find a copy here. If you are interested in Tessellations check out some of the resources I posted below.

The password for Friday's Do Now is here.

Some Games for you guys

2008-02-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

Filler
Chat Noir

Tessellations Resources

2008-02-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Check out these handy how to's on making complex tessellations:

You can also find some galleries of tessellations here:

Area and Perimeter Investigation

2008-02-04T04:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the website you need.

Password for Monday

2008-02-02T16:49:00.001-08:00

Get ready for a new quarter 601! Here is your password for Monday.

POW 3

2008-02-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

OK, this weeks POW is simple. All you have to do is be able to beat this game 3 times in a row in front of me. Make sure you are confident of your strategy, because a single loss eliminates you from the running. Feel free to practice as much as you'd like. Enjoy your break, and get those Duffy Bucks!

Here is another link to the game: chat noir (the black cat in French).

601 Announcements

2008-02-01T04:43:00.000-08:00

I hope you guys did well on your practice tests. Have a good weekend (no homework!), and rest up for the new quarter. For those of you out there who like videogames, Galileo's G Theater starts up on Tuesday, February 12 with a HALO 3 TOURNAMENT! Feel free to come and watch, or enter as a two person team (the tournament is 2 vs. 2). Registration is $10, see me if you are interested in playing or coming to watch!. Check out our ad on ArchimedesTV here.

MIDTERM!

2008-01-29T05:23:00.000-08:00

Midterm tomorrow guys! Study hard!

Homework 1/28/08

2008-01-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

OK guys, finish up the worksheet you got in class for homework tonight. If you are still struggling with fractions and percents check out some of the tools we used in class (and a few bonuses):

Fractions and Percents Game
Fractions, Percents, and Decimals Model
Comparing Game
Fraction Modeler (adjust the part, whole, or percent)
Balloon Invaders (a good game to practice percents)

601 Reminder

2008-01-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

It's good to always ask yourself what you know about math, like these two guys.

Don't forget to get your homework done this weekend guys. Also remember the password for Monday.

Homework 1/23/08

2008-01-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Ok guys, don't forget to finish up your classwork sheets for homework and complete the front and back of the second worksheet I handed out for homework. Your password for tomorrow is here. Remember, you can search the blog for concepts you may be having trouble with. You will find helpful videos and presentations, and if you have more questions log onto your starrt.archimedes accounts and email or chat with me at: jduffy@archimedesacademy.org.

POW 2

2008-01-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

This one is short and sweet 601. Solve it, and you will be the proud winner of 50 Duffy Bucks. Remember, your answer needs to be a one page essay explaining why you're sure you are right.

The Socks

Cathy has six pairs of black socks and six pairs of white socks in her drawer.

In complete darkness, and without looking, how many socks must she take from the drawer in order to be sure to get a pair that match?

Mr. Justin's Junction

2008-01-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

You can peruse the store contents here guys. Check the sidebar on the right for your bank balance and a static version of the store.

MLK Speech

2008-01-21T02:13:00.000-08:00

Here is the last speech ever given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a truly great man. Enjoy your Martin Luther King day 601, and please remember the legacy of Dr. King. We have some difficult days ahead.

Duffy Dollars

2008-01-16T13:00:00.001-08:00

Get those Duffy Dollars 601.

Here is your password for Wednesday (1/23/08).

601 Newsflash

2008-01-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long wait guys. I know you have ELA testing this week, so there is no additional homework. However, the HW I handed out last week is still due for those of you who did not get it in on Monday. Good luck on your test guys. Since we have some new dancers on ArchimedesTV (see the sidebar to the right) I thought I would share this video of some real old school dancers: the Nicholas Brothers (in Stormy Weather - 1943):

Homework 1/11/08

2008-01-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Finish up your test review packets for Monday. Remember, thanks to our reds you only need to complete either pages one and three or one and two.

Here are the worksheets if you need them (click on the links to view the worksheet):

If you need more help with adding fractions, here is a good video:

-Mr. Justin

Homework 1/9/08

2008-01-10T04:06:00.000-08:00

Hi 601! If you did not finish the worksheet on mixed numbers I gave out in class, please complete it for homework. We will be having a quiz on adding/subtracting fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers early next week, so it is important that you get in your practice now. If you would like more information about mixed numbers, including a little practice game you can use to test your skills, check out this website, or here is the presentation I gave in class:

Don't forget to vote on our seating chart poll!

Fraction Films

2008-01-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

OK 601, tomorrow we begin shooting our fraction films. For homework tomorrow, please brainstorm ideas with your group so we can get right to it in class. Remember, your film must meet the requirements if it will be published online. You can check out the requirements here, or check out the existing videos at archimedia.

Fraction Game

2008-01-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is late 601, but if you'd like you can check out the fraction game we played in class here. This is great practice for finding equivalent fractions. Remember if two fractions are equivalent, it's just another way of saying they represent the same value!

Homework 1/2/08

2008-01-02T05:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 601! As you may have noticed, I did not update the Archimedes problem over break, so I am giving an extension until Friday for extra credit. More hints coming here soon, I promise. For homework tonight, please complete the worksheet I handed out in class today and problems A-E in Investigation 1.4. Remember, this isn't due until Friday because we don't have class tomorrow. I hope you all had a restful break and are ready for business.

Here's a link to the icosahedron project: WEBSITE

Here is a link to the video: VIDEO

Homework over break!

2007-12-21T04:18:00.000-08:00

Now, before everyone gets upset, remember this is an optional assignment. Over the break, for those of you who are brave enough, I would like you to try taking another crack at our first Problem of the week (the one with Archimedes and the scale). You can view the original problem here. If you successfully complete the problem and give me a 1-2 page write up of your work by the end of the break, you will earn up to 5 points extra credit towards your final grade! Check your grades online at snapgrades (remember, grades are still being inputted so your marks are subject to change) to see if you need this credit. If you have any questions, email me at jduffy@archimedesacademy.org. Check the blog over break as I will be adding new music and helpful hints for this problem. Have a very merry Christmas, a happy New Year, a joyous Eid, a wonderful Kwanzaa, or just a good old fashioned rest 601!

Homework 12/12/07

2007-12-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

For homework tonight, please complete problems 1 and 3-6 on page 12 of your new Bits and Pieces I book. Remember, for problems 3-6 you only need to estimate amounts but for problem on I want full sentence answers and a drawing of the thermometer.

Homework 12/10/07

2007-12-10T07:03:00.001-08:00

For homework tonight, please finish your house sketches. Remember, I need one picture of the outside of your house and one drawing of the interior (the inside). If you have not already finished your blueprints, please complete those as well. For those of you who are still working on the points buyback from the previous test remember this is your responsibility. DO NOT LOSE your tests or you will not be able to increase your grade. Instructions for points buyback can be found here.

Homework 12/4/07

2007-12-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Big week 601. Don't forget to STUDY for the test tomorrow (check the practice test out here for help). If you are really having difficulty with anything, send me an email at jsduffy@archimedesacademy.org.

You can also keep working on your house blueprints (the instructions are here and a sample blueprint is here). Remember, this is our first long term project, so it is important that you keep on schedule because if you fall behind now it will just be harder to catch up in the future.

Homework 12/3/07

2007-12-03T04:39:00.000-08:00

Hope the little break didn't get you thinking you were getting off the hook 601. Your homework tonight is to finish up your Practice Tests from in class today. If for some strange reason you lost your practice test, I have posted an online version here. The test on Wednesday will be directly based on this material so it is very important you get this done. Study hard!

Homework 11/27/07

2007-11-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry I missed you guys in class today, 601. For homework, please finish up p. 54-55 Letters A-D. Also, complete the following:

Find the prime factorization of these numbers using exponents:

1,024
506
999
2,400

Remember, if you haven't turned your locker problem in yet, it counts double and every day it is late results in 2 points off instead of just one!

Homework 11/26/07

2007-11-26T07:27:00.000-08:00

Good news 601! There is no new homework tonight! But this means you should take the extra time to make sure your locker problem is complete and handed in. Remember, each day late is 2 points off instead of just one and this assignment counts double. All homework must now be turned in using your homework folder. So enjoy your break, finish up your assignments and get everything handed in. Remember you can check out your grades on snapgrades at any time using the login and password you got on Parent/Teacher night.

Homework 11/21/07

2007-11-20T20:10:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving 601! Over the break, please take this time to make sure you have the correct homework folder (with clips, you can check the original post for details here). Because this is a new quarter, we will be starting to store our homework in our folders again and when we return from break I will do a folder check for a free homework assignment.

There is one other homework assignment over the break. Please re-read Investigation 4.3 in your Prime Time books, and tackle THE LOCKER PROBLEM on pages 61-63. If you need help with this problem, our textbook has a great online tool here which you can use.

I would like you to answer this problem in the form of a one page essay, with at least4-5 paragraphs explaining how you got your answer. Attach any extra work to your essay, and keep in mind that because this is a substantial assignment, I will be counting it as 2 HW grades rather than one.

So, all you have to do is tackle the locker problem, get your HW folder prepared, and enjoy your turkey!

Homework 11/19/07

2007-11-19T04:30:00.000-08:00

Please finish the classwork we began today. Pages 56-57 in your Prime Time books #1-3 and 19-26. If you need help remember you can check your glossary on page 74. You can also check out a helpful website for review here: LearnAlberta. Check out Lesson 7 for a review of prime factorization, multiples, and factors.

Homework 11/14/07

2007-11-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

Finish up your assignments from yesterday (due Friday). For those of you who did not complete the assignment, please redo your work and finish up by Friday. Remember, p. 56 #4-11.

Homework 11/13/07

2007-11-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

For homework tonight please complete problems 4-11 on page 56 in your Prime Time workbook. If you are having trouble with factor strings, check out our in class presentation here.

Homework 11/5/07

2007-11-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Remember, no school tomorrow. So take the day off to work with your group on your spaceship design project. The work is due on Wednesday, and remember that the best ship will be getting a prize. For details on the project, check out your handout here. I have also posted a sample of what your work should look like here and a scoring rubric here. Good luck to all crews!

Homework 10/29/07

2007-10-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

STUDY FOR TEST TOMORROW

Use your practice tests as study guides for the quarterly exam tomorrow. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at: jduffy@archimedesacademy.org

Homework 10/24/07

2007-10-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT

Here is an optional assignment for you, 601. I have published the in-class presentation here. If you can give me a sound reason why my conjecture is true, you'll earn 10 points for your house. If you can give me a solid written reason, you'll earn 20 (and maybe some extra credit too!).

Homework 10/22/07

2007-10-22T07:09:00.001-07:00

For homework tonight, please finish your GCF/LCM worksheets I gave out in class. Remember, the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of two numbers is the largest proper factor they share. The Least Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest multiple they share.

Homework 10/17/07

2007-10-17T03:58:00.000-07:00

For homework tonight, please complete exercises 17-21 and 26-30 on pages 30-34 in your Prime Time notebooks. Remember that this means only numbers 17,18,19,20, and 21 as well as 26,27,28,29 and 30. No class tomorrow, which means this assignment will be due Friday.

Homework for 10/15/07

2007-10-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

For homework today, please complete the code worksheet that I gave out in class. Remember to show all your work, because no work=no credit! If you are having difficulty remembering the order of operations, check out this website here.

Homework 10/10/07

2007-10-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

For homework tonight, please complete exercises A-D on page 26.

Homework 10/9/07

2007-10-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

Long break is over guys. Homework Quiz tomorrow! Prep your folder and get ready!

Homework 10/3/07

2007-10-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

For homework tonight (due on Friday 10/5/07), please complete problems 1,3,5,7,9,22-24, and 31-33 on pages 30-34.

Homework 10/1/07

2007-10-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

For homework, please complete all problems on pages 20-21 in your Prime Time workbooks.

Homework 9/26/07

2007-09-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

For homework, please complete the worksheet we began in class today. This worksheet will help you study for the test so it is important that you try your best and direct all questions to me. I can address questions via email at jsduffy@gmail.com

Homework 9/25/07

2007-09-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

In your Prime Time workbooks, please complete the following excercises for tomorrow:

Pg. 13 - Questions A-E.

Remember to complete homework on 3 hole punched paper and have it ready for tomorrow. Timely completion guarantees 7 out of 10 points!

Homework 9/24/07

2007-09-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

In your Prime Time workbooks, please complete the following excercises for tomorrow:

Pg. 14 - Exercises 8, 9, 31-33, and 40-44

Remember, this homework should be done on 3 hole punched paper and not in your workbooks. Copy the problem and write your complete answer.

Problem of the Week - 9/19

2007-09-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

King Hiero II is calling on Archimedes again. This time, he is having a problem with his tax collection. He has received 20 bags of gold from his people, but he suspects one bag may be light, meaning that someone is cheating on their taxes! Now Archimedes has to test the bags of gold using the only scale in the land: the Doomsday scale! This scale is built using one of Archimedes' simple machines: the lever, and looks like this:

This means the scale can only show if one side is heavier than the other. Therefore, Archimedes must always weigh an equal number of bags on both sides. However, there is a catch. The scale is not called the Doomsday scale without reason! If Archimedes uses the scale more than three times it will self-destruct, taking everyone with it. How can Archimedes find the phoney bag of gold using only three measurements?

MORE RESOURCES

To learn more about Archimedes famous experiment with King Hiero II's golden crown, check out these websites:

Introduction to the story of the crown
Did Archimedes really use a bathtub?

Homework 9/17/07

2007-09-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

This one is a freebie. By Friday, (9/21/07) please bring in one composition notebook for Do Nows and one folder with fasteners for homework to class. Remember, all homework assignments are graded out of ten, with three points for completion. This means that if both the folder and the notebook are handed in on time, you will get 10 points out of 10. For each day late, you lose one point (down to 7/10). Both the folder and the notebook should have your name and 601 written on the front. The composition notebook should look like this:

The folder can be any color, but should have fasteners in it, like this:

It is important that the folder have fasteners to hold your homework, which will be completed on 3 hole puch paper. The composition notebooks are everywhere, and the fastener folders can be found at Staples for less than $2 (product description here).