Algebra is often considered a gatekeeper course because it opens the door to all other areas of study in mathematics. This course provides a comprehensive and fundamental survey of problem solving. Major topics of study include: evaluation of algebraic equations; exponent rules and manipulation; polynomials; solving and graphing linear equations; solving and graphing two variable inequalities; solving systems of equations; radicals; word problems; solving and graphing quadratic equations; and factoring.
In Eighth grade, basic algebra operations with fractions, decimals, and percents are reviewed and used in solving equations and in word problems. Systems of equations, functions, inequalities, irrational numbers, and quadratic equations are taught. Eighth grade algebra provides a secure foundation in the skills needed for a successful experience in high school mathematics. Abundant review of fractions, decimals and percents strengthens these vital skills. Word problems are worked to help students learn valuable application skills.
6th Grade Mathematics is the beginning course in the sequence of developmental math. Course content focuses on acquiring mathematical operation skills necessary for success in beginning pre-algebra. Major topics of study include: operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and signed numbers; solving equations; working with inequalities; geometry introduction; area and perimeter of geometric figures; surface area and volume of 3 dimensional objects; percents; statistical displays and measurements of data; and probability.
Pre-Algebra in the seventh grade is taught using the e-book, Pre-Algebra published by Glencoe McGraw-Hill. The curriculum is aligned with the NCTM national standards and with Common Core state standards. In addition it provides instructional materials in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) concepts that prepare students for college and careers in the 21st century. The course content connects students to real-life situations. Problem-solving opportunities are embedded in every lesson. Emphasis is placed on encouraging students to explain how they arrive at correct solutions. Higher order thinking skills are developed and used for this work. For example, students are asked to determine and find the error in a printed solution. Several projects are assigned over the course of the school year as culminating activities using previously learned material. Concepts covered in this e-book are: using ratios, proportions and percents to problem solve, locating and naming points on a coordinate graph, using properties of numbers to solve equations, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing rational numbers, using inverse operations to solve equations and inequalities, using proportions to solve missing measurements in two-dimensional figures, examining factors, evaluating expressions with positive and negative exponents, using formulas to solve missing measures in two and three dimensional figures, classifying triangles, quadrilaterals and other polygons and exploring probability and statistical measures.
Advanced math in the sixth grade is taught using the e-book, Math Connects, Course 2 published by Glencoe McGraw-Hill. The curriculum is aligned with the NCTM national standards and with Common Core state standards. The course content is engaging and connects students to real-life situations. Problem-solving opportunities are embedded in every lesson. Emphasis is placed on encouraging students to explain how they arrive at correct solutions. Higher order thinking skills are developed and used for this work. For example, students are asked to determine and find the error in a printed solution. These students also prepare and compete in several math competitions in the Nashville area. Concepts covered are: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers, decimals, fractions and rational numbers; evaluating expressions using the order of operations, using exponents to multiply and divide monomials, solving equations and inequalities, exploring proportion and its application to similar figures, problem solving using percents, exploring probability and statistical measures, finding perimeter, area, surface area and volume of figures and classifying and determining the measure of angles.
The Advanced Pre-Algebra class covers the identical material that the regular Pre-Algebra class covers, but it goes beyond the regular class in the depth of the material. A higher level of critical thinking and more independent work is expected of the Advanced Pre-Algebra students.
