Mathematics

This course extends students' understanding and skill to compute rational numbers (decimals, fractions, negatives) and introduces algebraic and proportional reasoning. Many of the concepts and skills will have further reinforcement in a context requiring statistical and geometric (2D) reasoning. The areas of focus are all of the 6th grade as well as some of the 7th grade Common Core Content Standards: number systems, expressions and equations, ratios and proportions, two-dimensional geometry, and data analysis and statistics. The core of all our middle school courses is The Mathematical Practice Standards: reason abstractly and quantitatively; model with mathematics, attend to precision; use appropriate tools strategically, look for and make use of structure; look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. In 6th grade, students are heterogeneously grouped and work both independently and in cooperative group situations with instruction that is differentiated to appropriately challenge students. Extension and enrichment opportunities are available to all students.

The Grade 7 Concepts in Math course is a compacted course that teaches some Math 6 content, the majority of Math 7 content, and some Math 8 content within a single year. It is the second course in a three course sequence that covers 4 years of math in 3 years. Students enrolled in Grade 7 Concepts in Math will be on a path to take AP (Advanced Placement/college level) Calculus course in their senior year in high school.

Students will follow the 8th grade Common Core Standards. Eighth grade mathematics focusses on the algebra of linear relationships. Students formulate and reason about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear expression and solving linear equations and systems of equations. They grasp the concept of a function and use functions to describe quantitative relationships. Students analyze two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and learn and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Students continue to use and improve their skills in problem solving, communicating mathematical ideas in oral and written form, analyzing complex situations, organizing information, using computers and graphing calculators, and working independently and in groups. The Mathematical Practice Standards will be used to build on the student’s ability to make sense of a variety of problems.

This is the second year in a 2-year accelerated course. This course completes the 8th grade Common Core Content Standards in addition to the Algebra Content Standards. Students deepen and extend their understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying models to data. Students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. Students analyze two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence. In addition to analyzing bivariate data, students will also focus on data distribution and correlation. The focus is on solving linear, quadratic and exponential functions. The Mathematical Practice Standards will be used to build on the student’s ability to make sense of a variety of problems. Students are expected to maintain a B- or better for placement into Geometry in 9th grade. Pre-requisite: Math 7A or satisfactory completion of the Summer Bridge to Algebra Course.