Grades 6-8 Math Curriculum

Strategies

 Using the textbooks, supplementary materials (i.e. manipulatives) and technology, students should be able to

• Classify information
• Understand patterns
• Estimate/determine  reasonable answers
• Choose a method of computation using basic operations
• Understand properties of algebra
• Recognize math and its applications in everyday lives
• Create and use a problem solving plan

Objectives and Goals

 To master the standards (NCTM-National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) learned and to become a more confident students of mathematics.

The overarching goal is for the students to be well prepared for the next level (i.e. all seventh graders should be well versed in pre-algebra in order to fully understand and complete a comprehensive year of Algebra1).

Assessments

Students are evaluated through homework assignments, class work, tests, and projects and are provided with additional instruction and challenging tasks as needed. They are also assigned homework on IXL.com for extra practice. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and value the importance of mathematics in everyday life. Students are also encouraged to show their knowledge through annual math competitions.

Grade 6

Sixth grade math begins as a transitional year for students as they begin to focus on four critical areas: (1) learning about ratio and rates, using concepts of ratio and rates to solve problems, and using percents to solve real world problems; (2) using expressions and equations with integers; working on one-step and two-step equations; (3) developing understanding of statistical thinking and probability; (4) learning basic concepts of geometry and how to work on finding the areas and volumes of familiar geometric figures and solids. Students get comfortable using fractions to represent the addition and subtraction of fractions, equivalent fractions and multiplying and dividing fractions. Focus is given on interactive ways of learning in the class by supplementing technology and other sources.

Grade 7

Seventh grade math continues with instructional time focusing on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

 Algebra 1

In the years prior to Algebra I, students have already been working on enhancing their study of algebraic concepts. They have investigated variables and expressions, solved equations, constructed and analyzed tables, used equations and graphs to describe relationships between quantities, and studied linear equations and systems of linear equations. The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades.

In Algebra 1, the following topics are studied: linear equations and inequalities, functions, polynomials, rational expressions, quadratics, operations with radicals, and graphing systems of equations and inequalities.