Mathematics
In math our students solidify their calculation and computation skills and broaden their repertoire of problem-solving skills through “real-world” applications of math. We emphasize the development of number sense, teaching estimation and encouraging students to check their answers for reasonableness. Students who are ready for the study of algebra begin a two-year Algebra I course in seventh grade.
Fifth grade students have six 40-minute periods of math each week. For four of these periods, they are in full sections of 22 to 23 students. The other two periods are “Math Labs,” with an additional teacher available and each class divided in half.
Sixth through eighth grade math is taught in three or four smaller sections, with students grouped according to instructional need.
Fifth grade math includes review and development of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, and students learn to perform operations on fractions, decimals and mixed numbers. Units on number theory, solving equations and evaluating expressions, geometry and measurement (both metric and customary units), and percents introduce new concepts and provide opportunities to apply computational skills.
The emphasis throughout the curriculum is on building computational and problem-solving skills and on estimation to determine the reasonableness of answers. Hands-on activities are used to solidify the understanding of concepts and number relationships. Students attend the math lab at least once a week to work in smaller groups on activities that reinforce the skills learned in class.
Sixth grade math includes the review and development of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of integers, fractions and decimals. Units on data, percentages, ratios and proportions, variables and formulas, and geometry introduce new concepts and provide opportunities to apply computational skills. Emphasis is placed on building computational and problem-solving skills and on estimation to determine the reasonableness of answers. Hands-on activities are used to solidify understanding of concepts and number relationships.
The main purpose of the seventh grade math program is to develop each student’s ability to use mathematical thought to solve problems. We concentrate on developing thinking skills, logic, the ability to make inferences, and the ability to use estimation and approximation to solve problems. All seventh grade math students study probability. Section 7-1 emphasizes math foundations, using hands-on investigation of mathematical problems and a review of fundamental concepts to strengthen skills and confidence in math. Sections 7-2 and 7-3 use an algebra textbook over a two-year sequence. Topics include operations of integers; evaluating expressions; solving, graphing, and writing linear equations; and solving and graphing linear inequalities. We conclude the year with a unit on the Pythagorean Theorem and a review of basic area formulas.
All eighth grade students study surface area and volume. The aim of the eighth grade pre-algebra course is to prepare students for algebra in high school by expanding their knowledge of numbers, computation, estimation, measurement, geometry, patterns and functions, solving, writing and graphing linear equations, and the ability to think in the abstract. Hands-on activities are used to improve their understanding of concepts, to exchange ideas, and to develop their ability to communicate and reason. Advanced students take Algebra I, a course which is essentially identical to a first-year high school course. Contingent upon their performance on placement tests at their respective high schools, Algebra I students will move on to sophomore-level math classes.
