Welcome to 7th Grade Math



Welcome to Math 7 for 6th Graders

Thomas Jefferson Middle School

2017-2018 School Year

Overview of the Course & Essential Understanding:

The 7th grade math curriculum incorporates various topics from number sense to geometry through inquiry-based exploration, problem solving, and mathematical discussion. In this course, students will learn to apply rational numbers (integers, fractions, decimals, and percents) and equations to solve real-world problems, geometric figures, data and statistics. Students will often be asked to consider how mathematics is used to model and describe events and relationships in their lives.

The course requires students to collaborate effectively with others, practice good written and oral communication, think critically, and become active problem solvers. A very important aspect of this course is that students will be using mathematical discourse throughout the year to discuss, explain, and prove concepts. Additionally, we want to give students an opportunity to further develop IB traits such as: risk taker, balanced, inquirer and understanding how to recognize what one could regard as mathematical errors more as opportunities for plans towards perseverance. We will be using Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures as a vehicle for this highly structured collaboration, which will enable ALL my students to reach their full potential this year, in a brain friendly environment. ( (***More information is available on research.)

IBMYP Focus:

IBMYP math units have been designed to add a global dimension to student learning, connect math to other curricular areas, and allow students to improve their communication skills. In keeping with the International Baccalaureate philosophy, a major aim of this course is to foster within students an understanding of the interdependence that connects them (in a mathematical sense) with their environment, and a sense of responsibility and understanding toward the world around them. In addition, students will focus on the many ways that the discipline of math touches aspects of their everyday lives. Finally, students will examine mathematical concepts from a variety of perspectives.

Textbooks and Resources

Students may request a textbook to use and keep in good condition.

Big Ideas Math 7, Virginia Edition, published by Big Ideas Learning. Authors: Ron Larson & Laurie Boswell.

Materials Needed:

• Pencils, pens, and eraser.

• Package of loose leaf paper in the team 3-ring binder

• Calculator- TI30XA. It is available for $8 and must be purchased through the school.

***It is suggested student purchase a school calculator by 10/5/17.

Units of Study:

|Unit |Timeline |SOL |

|Integers |Quarter 1 |7.1e, 7.3a, 7.3b |

|Data Analysis and Probability | |7.9, 7.10, 7.11 |

|Properties and Algebraic Expressions |Quarter 2-3 |7.17, 7.13 |

|Equations and Inequalities | |7.14, 7.15 |

|Functions and Sequences | |7.12, 7.2 |

|Functions and Sequences |Quarter 3-4 |7.12, 7.2 |

|Proportions and Similarity | |7.4, 7.6 |

|Volume and Surface Area | |7.5 |

|Quadrilaterals and Transformations |Quarter 4 |7.7, 7.8 |

|Powers of 10 and Scientific Notation | |7.1a, 7.1b, 7.1c, 7.1d |

Math IB Assessment Criteria/Objectives

Students are expected to meet the following objectives by the end of the program. Each criterion will be used at least twice to assess student work.

|Mathematics Assessment Criteria |

|Criterion A: Knowledge & Understanding |

|i. select appropriate mathematics when solving problems in both familiar and unfamiliar situations. |

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|ii. apply the selected mathematics successfully when solving problems |

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|iii. Solve problems correctly in a variety of contexts. |

|Criterion B: Investigating Patterns |

|i. apply mathematical problem-solving techniques to recognize patterns. |

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|ii. describe patterns as relationships or general rules consistent with correct findings |

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|iii. Verify whether the pattern works for other examples. |

|Criterion C: Communicating |

|i. use appropriate mathematical language (notation, symbols and terminology) in both oral and written statements |

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|ii. use different forms of mathematical representation to present information |

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|iii. communicate coherent mathematical lines of reasoning |

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|iv. Organize information using a logical structure. |

|Criterion D: Applying mathematics in real-life contexts |

|i. identify relevant elements of authentic real-life situations |

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|ii. select appropriate mathematical strategies when solving authentic real-life situations |

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|iii. apply the selected mathematical strategies successfully to reach a solution |

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|iv. explain the degree of accuracy of a solution |

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|v. describe whether a solution makes sense in the context of the authentic real-life situation. |

Grading

For IB units, grades are calculated by first determining the IB score from the IB rubric that matches the assessment criteria for the task. Students will receive IB rubrics at the start of each unit of study when applicable.

Determination of Grades:

| |Formative assessments |Summative assessments |IB |

| |for “practice” |to show mastery | |

| | | | 15% |

|Weight towards |10% |75% | |

|quarterly grade | |Quizzes*/Tests |IB |

| |Homework and Classwork |*quizzes= 50% of tests | |

Quizzes: Quizzes will be given often. This is a way to assess the understanding of the content and gage what still needs to be worked on.

Tests: There will be 2-3 tests per quarter each consisting of an online unit format and a cumulative paper format. The cumulative portion will not be available to retest. That said, there will be opportunities to retake missed objectives on online tests. This will be granted when a student makes test corrections, receives and completes extra practice approved by the teacher and done outside of the math class. *IB units will be entered into their own category*

Homework: Homework is intended to practice what was taught in class or, in a flip model, introduce a new skill for in class practice the next day. The homework is not expected to take more than 20 minutes and will be due the next class period. It is an effort grade of 100%, when completed on time. Late homework will be accepted; please encourage your student to complete it on time. Lastly, homework from the week not completed will be reassigned as homework over the weekend.

IB: This may include checkpoints during IB projects and can also be factored into the test category as well.

| |Formative assessments |Summative assessments |

|Late work |for practice |to show mastery |

|policy | | |

| | |Accepted through the end of the quarter. |

| |Late homework is accepted (explained above) |No penalty for late assessments; students will be asked to stay after school |

| | |if necessary to make up missed assessments. |

APS Grading Scale:

|GRADING SCALE |

|Letter Grade |Percentages |Quality Points |

| A |90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 |4.0 |

| B+ |87, 88, 89 |3.5 |

| B |80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 |3.0 |

| C+ |77, 78, 79 |2.5 |

| C |70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 |2.0 |

| D+ |67, 68, 69 |1.5 |

| D |60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 |1.0 |

| E |0 – 59 |0.0 |

Notes:

• Grades reflect student achievement, not behavior.

• Quarterly grades will round up when the percentage is .5 or higher.

• Each quarter is weighted equally when calculating the final grade

Expectations:

Students are expected to be respectful (to each other, themselves and materials), responsible (being prepared, on time, and an active participant) and optimistic. “Learning is not a spectator sport.” ---D. Blocher

Math Office Hours (Extra Help):

Homework help is available in all subjects in the library this year every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a math teacher present most of those days. Additionally, on Wednesday’s we have math lab with community volunteers at the math lab at 2:30-3:30 pm. Late buses are available for bus riders. Students can also seek additional help at the start of TA, Yellow Jacket Period or an agreed upon time with the teacher. Parents are expected to check Synergy at least once a week on Parent Vue in Synergy (). As the year progresses, teachers will be utilizing Canvas to attach documents and post on a parent friendly team calendar.

***Please don’t hesitate to contact me as needed. I’m looking forward to teaching your child this school year! (

Kelly Abbott

Kelly.abbott@apsva.us

Zach Carter

Zachary.carter@apsva.us

Chantel Coston

Chantel.coston@apsva.us

Heather DeMao

Heather.demao@apsva.us

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