In algebra, we're starting to look at patterns and sequences with a study of Sierpiński's triangle (shown here with a little illuminati flourish).

The snail habitat is set up, and the first snails have arrived! Stay tuned for pictures from the lesson where we attach a tiny harness and put them to work. No, I'm not kidding.

Seems like this could have been the image for Day 001, but better late than never. Welcome home!

A summary of students' ideas during the Collaborative Mathematics exploratory. Using only the symbols "8" and "+", build an expression that equals 1000.

Zombie finger puppets make great dry erase marker-toppers.

What is the shape of your name?

Creating class contracts on the first days back to school after the fall trips. Here are students' thoughts on what it means to be a respectful and responsible mathematics teacher.

Eighth graders ventured out into the wilderness... and my phone battery soon died. More after the trip!

Friday: Had my first test drive in the big yellow van. Monday: We fill it with 8th graders and gear, and we head north to Orcas Island for a week of ropes courses and sea kayaking!

Gear? Check! Next week, Westside's outdoor education program will take us off to our fall adventures. Until then, all this camping gear will remain piled in my room.