SCIENCE

MATH 6 (2000) Grade 6

The sixth grade mathematics program focuses on understanding mathematical ideas through the use of logical thinking, and effectively communicating them using a variety of tools. There is an emphasis on number sense, estimation, mental computation, algebraic thinking and problem solving. Students learn concepts and participate in activities that show math connections to their everyday lives; they work individually as well as in small groups to discuss and solve problems. This course builds upon the ideas of fractions and decimals to lay a foundation for the concepts of ratio, proportion and percents. Geometric ideas are also explored. The course textbooks and workbooks are accessible through the app Notability on each student’s iPad. iPad enables powerful graphing tools such as Desmos to supplement hands-on work on graphing and to support an introductory unit for coding.

MATH 8 ADVANCED (2215) Grade 8

This course shares the goal of the Math 8 course of having students master algebraic and geometric skills which will lead to success in future math courses. There is a much heavier concentration on topics from Algebra I in this class and real-world applications abound. Geometric concepts such as volume and surface area are encountered through the study of density in their science class. The use of an iPad enables powerful graphing tools such as Desmos to supplement hands-on work in graphing.

MATH 6 ADVANCED (2010) Grade 6

The Advanced class covers many of the same topics as the Math 6 course with the important addition of a problem-based approach.Problem-solving is taught and emphasized in this course. Computation skills such as operations on fractions and decimals are emphasized and a certain level of mastery of these skills are assumed for students in the Advanced class. Students work in small groups and present their work to their classmates in class on a regular basis. Students use a levenger-type notebook for their course materials.

THE DWIGHT-ENGLEWOOD PROGRAM FOR MATHEMATICALLY TALENTED STUDENTS (HYPER MATH) Grade 6-9

For Middle School students of exceptional talent for and interest in mathematics, the Mathematics Department offers a challenging, four-year sequence of courses in grades 6, 7, 8 and 9 designed to stimulate and further that interest. Students are identified by the Mathematics Department and invited to participate prior to seventh grade. Students can be invited into the program in subsequent years, but most likely summer work will be required. Individual course descriptions follow:

MATH 7 (2105) Grade 7

The course has two primary themes: the strengthening of those computational and algebraic skills that are required for future math courses, and problem solving. The course includes problems from algebra, geometry, integers, ratios and proportions. The use of technology enables many different types of problems to be considered.

MATH 7 ADVANCED (2115) Grade 7

The Advanced class in 7th grade covers proportional thinking, linear functions and solving equations from real-world problems and applications. Hands-on activities and labs deepen student understanding of concepts covered.

MATH 8 (2205) Grade 8

This course has the goal of having students master algebraic and geometric skills while strengthening the arithmetic accuracy which will lead to success in future math courses. Students learn algebraic skills through direct instruction, group work and problem solving, and geometric concepts such as volume and surface area through the study of density in their science class. The use of an GRADE 6 HYPER Math (2020): Using a problem-solving approach, this course will strengthen and solidify the students’ algebraic thinking and skills. These topics include: proportionality and proportional thinking, linearity, algebraic expressions and equations (including algebraic fractions), quadratic functions and equations, analysis of data sets, Pythagoras’ Theorem, set language and notation. Challenging and varied problems are the jumping-off point for discussions that will sometimes lead to a deeper theoretical understanding of mathematics, and at other times, a more practical appreciation of the impact and application of mathematics.

GRADE 7 HYPER Math (2125): The primary theme of the course is Properties of Functions (Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential), but topics in coordinate geometry, right triangle geometry and analytic geometry are big as well. It is assumed that most of the skills of Algebra I will have been mastered prior to this course.

GRADE 8 HYPER Math (2225): This is a course in Plane and Solid Geometry. Topics included are: Inductive Reasoning, Coordinate Geometry, Constructions, Proof (both Indirect and Deductive), Transformations, 3-D Geometry, and Triangle Trigonometry up to the Laws of Cosines and Sines.