Middle School Math
The middle school runs four math
classes that are grouped according to skill level.
A student’s skill level will determine the
pace at which they will move through our two year program.
Instruction is guided in the seventh grade by
the Mathscapes Program and in the eighth grade by either Mathscapes or a
traditional Algebra 1 textbook.
Mathscapes uses a holistic
approach to math education by emphasizing problem solving. Math skills and concepts are introduced and
practiced through solving increasingly complex problems that have real life
application. Mathscapes is augmented with additional skill building exercises
to ensure the mastery of fundamental math skills.
The Mathscapes program exposes
students to the following concepts:
- rates, ratios, percents and proportions
- probability
- making mathematical arguments (formal mathematical
reasoning)
- scale modeling and measuring
- simple algebraic equations, tables and graphs
- functions and spread sheets
- exploring two dimensional and three dimensional figures
- number relationships, correlations, combinations and
orderings
- motion: distance, speed and time
- modeling and predictions
- writing algebraic equations
- slopes, angles and their ratios
- comparing function families: linear, inverse and geometric
- negative and positive numbers
Eighth graders will either remain
with the Mathscapes program or move on to a more traditional algebra class. Many students will not move into formal
algebra until they are in high school.
Regardless of a
student’s pace through the math program, a student must demonstrate competence
in the following skills in order to progress from Middle School to High School
mathematics:
- Multiplication and division math facts;
multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers
- Place value whole numbers; rounding whole
numbers
- Understanding and manipulating decimals
- Place value decimals; rounding decimals
- Adding and subtracting fractions; multiplying and
dividing fractions
- Converting between decimals, fractions and
percents
- Finding percents
- Order of operations
- Setting up and solving proportions
- Performing operations on negative and positive
numbers
- Volume and area of basic geometric shapes
- Understanding exponents
- Solving for X in a simple equation.
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