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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 the geometry of polygons and similarity. 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 and even encouraged, as appropriate, in this
course. 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 the bosque
websites 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
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