OUTDOOR EDUCATION

PROGRAM AREA PHILOSOPHY SUMMARY

We believe mathematics is an essential universal language, necessary as a reasoning tool to solve problems and make sense of our world. We believe mathematical thinkers use reasoning and apply skills to solve problems and make informed decisions about their world. We believe successful mathematical thinkers will be able to: » actively explore, question, and dialogue with others » recognize and use interconnections of mathematical ideas to build understanding » select, apply, evaluate, and adapt: multiple strategies and tools to solve problems » apply the skills and procedures of mathematics efficiently, appropriately, and accurately » clearly communicate thinking in varied ways using the language of mathematics » reflect, justify, evaluate, and extend their own thinking as well as the thinking of others » demonstrate conceptual understanding » demonstrate curiosity, risk taking, flexibility, perseverance, self-reliance, and creativity

We believe mathematics learning happens best when learners build upon prior knowledge to actively construct and monitor their understanding through developmentally appropriate, challenging and meaningful investigations aligned to a coherent curriculum. The Middle School mathematics program is committed to providing each student academic challenge and opportunities to communicate mathematically. Computers, calculators, and other tools are used in the mathematics program to develop understanding and aid in problem solving. Mathematics instruction is designed to foster curiosity and self-confidence in doing mathematics. The mathematics program strives to give students a balance between conceptual understanding and problem-solving. All middle school students are pre-assessed to determine the appropriate course level for them to have appropriate challenge and meet their mathematical readiness.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Based upon academic readiness, which is determined by multiple indicators, students are placed in a level of mathematics to provide each student with an appropriate level of challenge. The courses are outlined below.

All students taking Grade 6 Math will learn the Grade 6 Common Core Mathematics Standards. Based on readiness, some students will also have access to 6 extended curriculum through differentiation and flexible grouping. This extended curriculum includes some of the Grade 7 standards. These students would take Math 7 Extended in Grade 7. Grade 6-8 Math standards

MATH 6 Assessment Strands: Essential Questions:

Ratios and Proportional Relationships

• How can I express a ratio? • What is a percent? • How is a percent like a ratio? • What is the connection between a percent and a fraction? • What is a rate and unit rate? • How can I use graphs when working with ratios? • How can ratios and proportional reasoning be used to solve real world mathematical problems? Number System • What are integers? • What are negative numbers? • How can I use a number line to determine a number’s opposite? • How can I solve real-life problems with positive and negative numbers? • What is a rational number? • What is a coordinate plane? • How can I find, identify or place a point on the coordinate plane? • What are factors and multiples? • How do I divide decimals? • How can I divide fractions? • How can models be used to compute fractions? Expressions and Equations • What is a variable? • What is a coefficient? • What is a term? • How can I translate a word phrase into a mathematical expression? • How can I evaluate an expression? • What are equivalent expressions? • How can I find out if two expressions are equivalent? • How can I solve an equation? • What is an inequality? • How do expressions and equations apply to real-life situations?