Curriculum - Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum aims to instill habits of mathematical thinking that will prepare students both for further inquiry in math and for the use of quantitative reasoning throughout life. The department helps students to recognize the relationships represented by the language of mathematics and to learn essential problem-solving skills by analyzing strategies and solutions.

Through appropriately challenging experiences, students have the opportunity to puzzle over relationships and to develop the habit of questioning. Discovery is recognized as a valuable tool in the learning of math; this discovery takes place in teacher-led classes, individual explorations, and in learning groups which offer a natural context for practicing mathematical communication. At all levels, technology is used to relieve the constraints of tedious computation and to help students conjecture about the mathematics they are studying. Graphing calculators enable students to solve problems utilizing rapidly evolving modern methods. Students are taught to approach mathematics from multiple perspectives, including numerical, graphical and symbolic.

Grade 7: In Grade Seven, students prepare for higher mathematics courses such as algebra, geometry, and calculus. They are placed in appropriate levels based on their preparation. Topics include modeling linear, inverse, and exponential functions and solving equations as well as 2- and 3-dimensional geometry. At the same time, students broaden and enrich their math background with topics such as statistics, data analysis and proportional reasoning. Mini-projects, open ended problems, group work, and writing assignments play vital roles in our core curriculum. These activities are important for developing both higher-order thinking skills and communication skills in students. There is extensive use of graphing calculators. We offer an advanced pre-algebra course for students whose preparation so indicates.

Grade 8: Two separate algebra section are offered: Algebra I and Algebra IA. Both course focus on the interrelations of the most important ideas of elementary algebra; graphing, using variables, writing and solving equations, and modeling with functions. Although students still learn how to do standard manipulations and how to solve standard problems, they do so in more meaningful contexts and with a better understanding of why these manipulations lead to the solution. Graphical solutions using technology are also emphasized. The Algebra I course is a fast-paced course that finishes a full first-year Algebra course in one year. Students enrolled in Algebra IA cover the topics of the first-year course in two years, finishing at the end of Ninth Grade. A large majority of students in the Eighth Grade are placed into Algebra I.