Mathematics

Fifth grade mathematics challenges students to strengthen their skills and integrate their understanding of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents, geometry, measurement, and the coordinate plane. Students practice basic operations throughout the year, and problem solving is encouraged as students investigate strategies and creative solutions to complex problems. A variety of activities, including the use of manipulatives and technology, give them a concrete understanding of the topics and a firm foundation upon which to build.

 

Mathematics instruction in grade 6 provides a formal and solid development of the skills, strategies and concepts necessary for students to succeed in advanced, subsequent courses. In particular, the instructional program in this course provides for the use of pre-algebraic skills in a wide range of investigations and problem-solving situations, as well as, instruction and practice for the solidification of foundational algorithms. Topics include operations with fractions and decimals, working with percent, ratios and rates, algebraic expressions and equations, working with integers, analyzing data and graphs, and some of the basics of geometry. A small number of sixth grade students with advanced skills take Pre-Algebra.

 

Most seventh grade students, as well as a small number of sixth grade students with advanced skills, take Pre-Algebra, which provides a formal development of the skills and concepts needed for a successful transition into Algebra I in eighth grade. This course provides a wide range of problem-solving and critical thinking activities. Instruction and practice solidifies the foundational algorithms of algebra. Topics include operations with integers and rational numbers, proportions and similarity, an introduction to the fundamentals of Algebra including solving algebraic equations, linear relationships, functions and the basics of geometry.

Most students in eighth grade, as well as a small number of seventh grade students with advanced skills, take Algebra I in a supportive environment which meets the needs of the individual learner. Students have the opportunity to work both collaboratively and independently on problem solving and critical thinking activities. Topics include linear equations, functions, and inequalities, polynomials, quadratics, functions and their graphs, and rational, radical and exponential expressions and equations. 

A small number of eighth grade students with advanced skills take Geometry. The focus of this course is the exploration of both coordinate and Euclidean geometry. The topics of study include: parallel and perpendicular lines, distance and equidistance, quadrilaterals and parallelograms, congruence and similarity, right triangle relationships, circles, polygons, and proofs. Through the use of a spiraled, problem-based text, and a seminar-style approach to class, the course also develops students’ problem solving strategies, conceptual understanding, and mathematical communication and collaboration skills.