Bosque School 2008-2009 7th Grade Math Tom Allen Contact Information Phone: 898-6388 7 am to 3pm 890-6856 for urgent needs 5 pm to 8 pm Email: talle@bosqueschool.org Objective This course is designed to assist students as they make the transition between the concrete subject of arithmetic and more abstract subjects like algebra and geometry. This is accomplished by working with variables, variable expressions, equations, inequalities, and formulas. Subjects covered in earlier math courses such as fractions, ratios, percents, exponents, roots, and probability are studied in further depth for greater mastery. The students also explore basic algebraic concepts and skills. The course is taught so that a wide range of abilities is challenged through riddles, puzzles, and more complex mathematical problems supplementing the daily coursework. In addition to the specific arithmetic, algebraic and geometric skills and concepts mentioned above, this course aims to develop students’ ability to communicate technical information and mathematical knowledge, which places a heavy emphasis on the processes and reasoning to support answers as well as proper mathematical notation. Calculators The use of calculators is allowed as appropriate. Calculators have become increasingly important in the curriculum of high school and middle school math courses. I believe that these devices allow students to see mathematics as a dynamic and useful subject. Students are able to analyze actual data taken from real-world examples rather than simply manipulate contrived problems. As a teacher, I have witnessed how calculators encourage more discussion and enthusiasm about mathematics, thereby increasing student understanding of concepts and decreasing rote memorization. Furthermore, technology is becoming increasingly pervasive in our lives and each student's future success will depend, in part, on his or her ability to adequately interact with this technology. I suggest that students have a scientific calculator that uses the correct order of operations. If you are purchasing a new calculator, I would suggest the TI-30 X II S by Texas Instruments. It shows and recalls the steps students use in solving a problem and is solar powered. Textbook The course uses Math: Course 3 by McDougal Littell, the same series used in sixth grade. Many different approaches to mathematical concepts and skills have been developed recently due to advances in technology and an emphasis on meaning-making in mathematics. Thus, in addition to the textbook, students may receive numerous handouts and/or packets derived from other sources. Students will have a textbook to keep at home. There will be additional texts for students to use during class. Materials Students should ALWAYS have the following supplies: o 1” 3-Ring Binder (or a section of a larger binder) o Pencil o Graph Paper o Ruler o Calculator Grading o Students will be graded as follows: o Quizzes (25 – 50 points) o Tests (50 – 100 points) o Homework is assigned most days and assignments are posted on my Bosque website under the faculty link. Most homework will be graded on completion and checked in class, though I will collect occasional assignments to grade in a more detailed way. Each homework assignment is worth 10 points. o Final Grade will be computed by dividing the total number of points received by the total number of points possible and converting this to a percent score. o Students may raise one test grade per semester up to 20% by completing an extra credit project. The project involves researching a famous mathematician, then writing a paper and creating poster about the person. Specific directions can be found under the handouts section of the web page. Skills Practice o Arithmetic skills will be practiced each week during our full block class, except for weeks when we have tests. o Full blocks will begin with a one-minute multiplication facts test. o Each week students will be given a test on a different arithmetic skill. If they are 100% correct or only miss one, they will pass the skill. If they do not, they will need to retake the test the following week, until they pass. If you would like additional practice worksheets for a skill, let me know. A Note to Students You will be expected to do the following: o Ask questions when you are confused o Respect your classmates yourself, the teacher, the subject and the space o Participate in class discussions and activities o Complete your homework on time o Think about math and how it relates to what is around you