Teacher:

Ms. Lydia Dickey

Mathematics Class Summary

Seventh/Eighth Grade Courses

Basic Math:
The students build on skills learned in the previous grades to further develop their mathematical competence. Students review operations on fractions and decimals including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. This includes learning to convert fractions from one form into another as well as into decimals. Students explore basic geometric properties and figures as well as how variables, tables and graphs in the coordinate plane are used to represent data and solve problems. The students then learn how to find similar shapes and scale factors. The study of rates, ratios and proportions is taught as an introduction to percentages. Additional topics developed are operations with integers and learn basic ideas about graphing linear relationships and solving basic equations.

Text:
Connected Mathematics Grade Seven. Prentice Hall, 2006.

Supplementary:
Connected Mathematics Grade Seven Additional Practice and Skills Workbook.
Prentice Hall, 2006.
Supplementary handouts
Notes

Methods:
The primary method of instruction is self-discovery in groups with a small amount of lecture utilizing modelling with the overhead projector and manipulatives.

 

Pre-Algebra:
Students build on the concepts and skills learned in seventh grade math to acquire a basic understanding of algebraic thinking as well as increased competence in operations with whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Students learn how to solve equations with one variable requiring multiple steps. The students explore patterns, learn to make predictions based on their observations and explore further graphing linear functions on the coordinate grid. Students learn how to find distances on the coordinate grid, the Pythagorean theorem and properties of special right triangles as well as examine exponential growth patterns.

Text:
Connected Mathematics Grade Eight. Prentice Hall, 2006.

Supplementary Materials:
Connected Mathematics Grade Eight Additional Practice and Skills Workbook.
Prentice Hall, 2006.
Supplementary handouts
Notes

Methods:
The primary method of instruction is self-discovery in groups with a small amount of lecture utilizing modelling with the overhead projector and manipulatives.

Eighth/ Ninth Grade Courses

Algebra 1:
In Algebra 1 students use the concepts learned in Pre-Algebra to build an understanding of algebraic concepts. They begin by reviewing solving equations requiring multiple steps followed by learning how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials. Students learn various methods of factoring and use those skills to solve problems. The understanding of linear relationships is deepened and they learn how to graph quadratic equations and determine various characteristics about their graphs. Students explore radicals and the simplification of radicals as well as how to simplify and manipulate rationals involving polynomials. They also learn how to solve systems of equations and inequalities.

Text:
Algebra: Tools for a Changing World. Prentice Hall, 1998.

Supplementary Materials:
Algebra Practice Workbook. Prentice Hall, 1998.
Notes on lecture
Supplementary handouts
Calculators
Graph paper

Methods:
The primary method of instruction is class lecture and modelling. Students take notes on lectures and are assigned examples to try on their own. Students are encouraged to work cooperatively on some occasions to promote learning.

 

Geometry:
Students use skills learned in Algebra to explore geometric properties and theorems. Students also use formal logic to write direct, indirect, conditional, and paragraph proofs. Students study congruent and similar figures as well as ways to prove that figures are congruent or similar. Students study various geometric figures and their properties. Students explore circles and the various parts of a circle. They learn the relationships between inscribed / central angles and the arcs formed by those angles. Students will learn the Pythagorean theorem, its applications, and various proofs thereof. The students will also begin a rudimentary course in trigonometry and the relationships of sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant and cotangent.

Text:
Serra, Michael. Discovering Geometry: An Inductive Approach, Key Curriculum Press, 1997.

Supplementary Materials:
Discovering Geometry: Quizzes, Tests, and Exams. Key Curriculum Press
Notes on lectures
Handouts
Calculators, protractors, rulers
Three-dimensional space figures
Compass and straightedge

Methods:
The primary method of instruction is class lecture, modelling, and inductive class discovery. Examples are worked in class and students work alone and in groups to practice skills learned.