MS Curriculum Detail

Math

The middle school math program covers a wide range of ideas and skills including arithmetic computation with rational numbers, number theory, patterns and functions, statistics, geometry, and linear and quadratic algebraic operations.                                                          

The material is presented in a variety of ways to meet the needs of students with a variety of learning styles, and to benefit all students by expanding their range of approaches to mathematical (and other intellectual) challenges. Using discovery methods as well as direct instruction, students work both individually and in small groups.                                                                    

Students develop their abilities to communicate their mathematical reasoning orally, symbolically, and graphically. Middle school mathematics requires an ability to calculate accurately and to use words and symbols in a meaningful manner. Students learn the appropriate use of technology, which includes the use of graphing calculators (starting in 8th grade) and support programs such as Khan Academy, Desmos and other math websites. 

In addition to the 8th-grade math course, there is an advanced 8th-grade math class. This fast-paced class meets several times a week with a deeper exploration of concepts and covers additional topics.  Participation in this course is based on a combination of math grades from 6th and 7th grade, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations.  In preparation for the advanced section in eighth grade, students are strongly encouraged to seek out challenges in earlier grades, such as regular participation in Math Olympiad and other challenging work that exists within the curriculum. At the beginning of the year, math teachers distribute information concerning advanced work to all interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students.

  • Adv Mathematics

    In addition to the 8th grade math course there is an advanced 8th grade math class. This fast-paced class meets several times a week with deeper exploration of concepts and covers additional topics. Participation in this course is based on a combination of math grades from 6th and 7th grade, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendation. In preparation for the advanced section in 8th grade, students are strongly encouraged to seek out challenges in earlier grades, such as regular participation in Math Olympiad and other challenging work that exists within the curriculum.
     
    The advanced class may require an additional textbook, and may include but not be limited to concepts such as:
    • systems of inequalities and linear programming
    • properties of special right triangles, and other trigonometric concepts
    • geometric proofs
    • Venn diagrams and set notation
    • statistics including standard deviation
    • Radicals and surds

  • Advanced Math Study

    "Enriched 7th Grade Math"

    In addition to the 7th grade math course, an enriched math course is offered to seventh graders.   This is an opt-in course that meets twice-per-cycle during regularly assigned study hall periods.  Students who choose to participate in this course must commit to a minimum of one full marking period enrollment and a high level of expectations with regard to purposeful engagement with the material and peers.  A skills assessment will be used to determine placement in this course if interest exceeds the number of seats available.   

    Some of the topics explored in the enriched math class include:  

    • probability and combinatorics
    • similar figures, proportions, and scale factors
    • logic and proofs
    • statistics including random sampling and analyzing/interpreting data

  • Mathematics 6

    In sixth grade, students are exposed to a variety of new topics, while building upon and drawing from previously learned mathematical facts and concepts (in careful coordination with our lower school program but certainly accessible to students joining us from other schools, as well). Through the discovery method, students investigate real-world problems, using multiple strategies and collaborative learning to arrive at common solutions. Students learn to use calculators and other technologies such as Khan Academy to enhance concept development, while maintaining an ability to understand the mathematics behind the calculations.
       
    Students use the Math in Focus 2020 series (Singapore Math) as a framework for classroom investigations and individual study; each unit within the series allows for both remediation and enrichment activities. Course topics include:
    • number theory, including the prime factorization, LCM, GCF, and the fundamental theorem of arithmetic
    • two-dimensional geometry
    • measurement of two-dimensional figures
    • Statistics - mean, median, and mode
    • the use and manipulation of rational numbers
    • order of operations, including understanding of exponents
    • Ratios, rates, and percents
    • pre-algebraic concepts involving variables and patterns, and the coordinate system
    Along with learning content material, students are evaluated on the following skills throughout the year.
    • Mastering computational skills and thinking
    • Writing work in an organized and logical manner
    • Using precise mathematical language
    • Developing a reasonable approach to a problem and using mathematical reasoning
    • Persevering in solving problems
    • Looking for patterns

  • Mathematics 7*

    Seventh grade marks a transition to the generalized ideas and abstractions needed for algebra and all higher math courses.  All students are encouraged to investigate concepts as deeply as possible; in addition, students may request (or the teacher may encourage them to request) more challenging problems for practice and assessment.                                                       

    Students use the Math in Focus series (Singapore Math) as a framework for classroom investigations and individual study; each unit within the series allows for both remediation and enrichment activities. Course topics include:

    • the real number system
    • rational number operations
    • algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities
    • direct and inverse proportion
    • angle properties
    • geometric construction
    • volume and surface area of solids

  • Mathematics 8

    Eighth grade math completes the Math in Focus (Singapore Math) program and prepares students for the transition into the upper school math program.  This course uses a concrete-pictorial-abstract learning progression which is anchored in real-world, hands-on experiences.  The goal is to establish foundational independent, problem-solving skills that enable students to monitor their own thinking.  This approach is designed to ensure mastery of more complex math concepts needed to succeed in higher level math courses.

    Course topics include:

    • exponential notation and exponent rules
    • representing, comparing and manipulating numbers in scientific notation
    • graphing proportional relationships
    • lines and linear equations
    • factoring and expanding
    • systems of linear equations
    • functions and graphs of functions
    • Pythagorean Theorem
    • linear programming
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Preschool - 12th Grade
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