Academics
Math Introduction
We aim to stay ahead of
the curve in all aspect of student development, however in the math
department we take things a step further. With rigorous course standards
and an accelerated curriculum, our students start one step ahead of the
rest and there are no limits to how far ahead they will finish.
Middle
School grade levels follow Math in Focus which is the U.S edition of
the Singapore’s top-ranking math program. It follows the pedagogical
framework that includes emphasizing concept mastery, a
concrete-to-pictorial-to-abstract approach, metacognitive reasoning, and
the use of model drawing to solve and justify problems.
Middle School Standards
Grades 6 & 7
• A focused and coherent syllabus: Math in Focus introduces fewer topics in each grade, but teaches them to greater depth. Topics are taught to mastery, so they build from year to year across grade levels without repetition.
• A visual and balanced approach: Math in Focus is highly visual, following a concrete-to-pictorial-to-abstract progression.
• A focus on numbers and operations: Math in Focus is sequenced in a way that ensures students develop and maintain strong number sense.
• An emphasis on problem solving using model-drawing: Math in Focus utilizes model-drawing strategies that help students solve both routine and non-routine problems.
• A recognition of the importance of attitudes and metacognition: The Math in Focus framework emphasizes the importance of attitude and the ability to self-monitor while problem solving to achieve success in math. It provides students with the tools they need to break down complex concepts and problems, which in turn develops positive attitudes.
The content for course 1 includes (6th grade)
-Positive Numbers and Number Line, Negative Numbers and the Number Line
-Multiplying and Dividing Fractions and Decimals, Ratio, Rates, Percent
-Algebraic Expressions, Equations and Inequalities, The coordinate Plane, Area of Polygons, Circumference and Area of a Circle
-Surface Area and Volume of Solids, Introduction to Statistics, and Measures of Central Tendency
The content for course 2 includes(7th grade)
The Real Number System, Rational Number Operations, Algebraic Expressions, Algebraic Equations and Inequalities
-Direct and Inverse Proportion, Angle Properties and Straight Lines, Geometric Construction, Volume and Surface Area of Solids
-Statistics, and Probability
Learning Outcomes
-Students will apply bar modelling methodologies to organize key information and solve word problems.
-Students will explore basic geometric shapes/figures and their respective properties.
-Students
will develop a deeper understanding of computing with fractions,
percentages, and ratios.-Students will write, solve, and graph basic
algebraic equations and develop arithmetical skills
-Students will explore, construct, and apply geometric properties to their respective shape and/or solid.
-Students will collect, analyze, and interpret real-world measurements using statistics and probability.
Grade 8
Grade 8
This is a first year algebra course in
which you will learn to reason symbolically. The key content involves
writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations, including
systems of two linear equations in two unknowns. Quadratic equations
are solved by factoring, completing the square, graphically, or by
application of the quadratic formula. The course also includes study of
monomial and polynomial expressions, inequalities, exponents, functions,
rational expressions, ratio, and proportion. Algebraic skills are
applied in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.
Course Academic Goals
In this course, you will know and be able to:
-Interpret the meaning of variables and variable expressions
-Solve linear equations (including proportions) in one variable
-Apply the concept of absolute value to simple equations
-Graph a linear function by plotting points, using intercepts, and using the slope and y- intercept
-Sketch the region defined by a linear inequality
-Derive the equation of a line when given a variety of parameters for that line
-Solve inequalities in one variable (including those with absolute value)
-Solve systems of linear equations by graphing, using substitution, and using elimination
-Solve systems of linear inequalities by graphing
-Solve quadratic equations by graphing, finding square roots, using the quadratic formula, and factoring
-Simplify and perform arithmetic operations on and with rational expressions
-Solve rational equations
-Solve application problems using the above techniques
Learning Outcomes
-Students will learn to solve, graph, and write linear equations, systems, inequalities, and quadratic equations.
-Students will collect real-world data/measurements and apply mathematical concepts to hypothetical and real situations.