Middle School Mathematics
The Philosophy
The Middle School Mathematics program is designed to help students grow to be skilled, confident and curious problem solvers. We incorporate a balance of skill building and creative exploration while ultimately focusing on the learning process. In addition to focused individual study, students will take part in cooperative learning tasks, problem-solving activities, and design-thinking projects.
Introduction To Algebra and Geometry – Grade 6
The sixth grade curriculum is designed to build students’ number sense and facility with problem solving while encouraging curiosity and exploration of new ideas. Students will study topics in algebra including writing, interpreting, solving and using variable expressions and equations to model scenarios. The building blocks of geometry are studied as a way to describe and understand the physical world. In addition, students will deepen and expand their conceptual understanding of integers, fractions and decimals while exploring exponents, ratio, rate, proportion and percent.
Algebra and Statistics – Grade 7
The seventh grade curriculum develops and extends the study of algebra and geometry and introduces topics in statistics and probability. Students apply proportional reasoning to a variety of topics including probability, percent, scale, and linear functions. Fluency with integers, exponents, decimals and fractions is expected as students simplify and solve multi-step algebraic equations, write and graph equations and inequalities for linear models, and gain information and draw inferences from statistical data. Interwoven throughout all topics is an examination of patterns and the challenge of problem-solving.
Geometry – Grade 8
The Geometry course is designed to support the students’ transition from concrete to abstract reasoning. Students review the building blocks of geometry and apply geometric and algebraic properties through hands-on, inquiry-based, and proof-based activities. Students master properties of two and three-dimensional figures through study of advanced measurement, construction, and comparison. Students practice their reasoning skills as they solve problems involving spatial relationships, area, volume, and coordinate geometry. They extend their study of similarity and proportion as they deepen their understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem, the special triangles, and right triangle trigonometry.
Math Enrichment
Open to: Grades 6-8
Throughout the year, students in each class who demonstrate a high level of mastery and understanding of the course material will have the opportunity, within the course, to explore advanced material that will push their understanding beyond the standard curriculum. They may go deeper into course concepts or study extensions in number theory; complex numbers; limits, sequences and series; trigonometry; statistics; and engineering.
