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A working knowledge of mathematics is vital to
deal effectively with daily life. The primary
purpose of our middle school mathematics program is
to help students develop their ability to solve
problems and reason logically. The middle school
curriculum aims to give all students the
opportunity to appreciate the full power and beauty
of mathematics and to acquire the mathematical
knowledge and intellectual tools necessary for its
use in their lives.
GRADE 6
Sixth grade students continue the Everyday
Mathematics program produced by the University of
Chicago School Mathematics Project. In this program
students are introduced to a number of mathematics
"strands" from Kindergarten through middle school.
These strands are:
- Algebra and Uses of Variables
- Data and Chance
- Geometry and Spatial Sense
- Measures and Measurements
- Numeration and Order
- Operations
- Patterns, Functions, and Sequences
- Reference Frames
- Spreadsheet Applications
One main aim of the sixth grade program is to
bring closure to many of the topics begun in
earlier grades and to build maturity, confidence,
and problem-solving skills. Another aim is to lay
the foundation for algebra, geometry, and data
analysis.
A key feature of this program is the high
interest everyday situations that are used to
present mathematics concepts.
GRADE 7
The seventh grade mathematics curriculum, in
conjunction with the sixth and eighth grade
mathematics program, provides the equivalent of a
first-year algebra program. It is an integrated
curriculum where concepts are incorporated from
algebra, number and operations, geometry, data and
probability. Units emphasize particular strands,
though the strands are connected and integrated
throughout the course. The students are expected to
develop an understanding in the following
areas:
Algebra
- develop and apply the properties of
exponents to solve algebraic problems
- write algebraic expressions to represent
situations and patterns
- apply the distributive property to expand
and factor expressions
- simplify expressions by combining like
terms
- solve single-variable linear equations in
which the variable appears on both sides
- recognize linear relationships from
multiple representations
- describe, draw, and calculate slope on a
coordinate grid
Geometry
- evaluate and apply formulas for volume
and surface area
- construct formulas
- apply ideas about similarity and scale
factor
- explain the relationships between scale
factor and the surface area and volumes
- plot points in all four quadrants
- demonstrate the ability to use the
distance formulas
Number and Operations
- demonstrate proficiency with operations
using signed numbers
- analyze percent operations, including
percent increase and percent decrease
- demonstrate knowledge of ratios, rates,
and proportions and solving problems that
require comparing ratios and solving
proportions.
Data and Probability
- calculate probabilities in situations
involving multipart outcomes
- conduct simple simulations to find
probabilities
- design and interpret graphs using
spreadsheet applications
LEVELS
Students in both level 1 and 2 will be expected
to develop competency in the identified strands.
The pace of instruction in level 1 will support
student exploration projects that will draw upon
their analytical aptitude while providing for
additional enrichment opportunities.
GRADE 8
The eighth grade mathematics curriculum, in
conjunction with the sixth and seventh grade
mathematics program, provides the equivalent of a
first-year algebra program. It is an integrated
curriculum where concepts are incorporated from
algebra, number and operations, geometry, data, and
probability. Units emphasize particular strands,
though the strands are connected and integrated
throughout the course. The students are expected to
develop an understanding in the following
areas:
Algebra
- solve linear inequalities, linear
systems, quadratic equations
- write and interpret linear equations
- predict the effect of changing
coefficients in graphs, e.g., y =
ax2 + bx =+ c
- identify functions and patterns from a
table, a graph, or an equation
- identify equivalent expressions
Geometry
- recognize and describe reflectional and
rotational symmetry
- apply algebraic rules for similarity
transformations, translations, and
reflections
Number
and Operations
- apply the definition of square roots to
estimates and simplify expressions
- classify Real Numbers into subsets
Data
and Probability
- solve problems using combinations and
permutations
- design and interpret graphs using
spreadsheet applications
LEVELS
Students
in both level 1 and level 2 will be expected to
develop competency in the identified strands. The
pace of instruction in level 1 will support student
exploration in extension projects that will draw
upon their analytical aptitude while providing for
additional enrichment opportunities
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