Mathematics

Math 6

As students transition to middle school mathematics, they will build on their understanding of number sense from elementary school and begin to learn the abstract components of mathematics. In sixth grade, math content will focus on six critical areas, including (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using those concepts to solve problems; (2) understanding division of fractions and extending the notion of number sense to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) using decimals to solve problems with all four operation; (4) writing, interpreting, solving, and using expressions and equations; (5) using the coordinate plane to solve problems with geometry and (6) developing understanding of statistical thinking. This work will lay the foundation for the focus on proportional reasoning and algebraic expressions in Math 7 and 8.

Accelerated Math 6

Math 6/7 and Math 7/8, a two-year compacted course sequence, provides three years of mathematics content in two years, preparing students for Algebra 1 in 8th grade. Math 6/7 will focus on (1) ratio and proportional relationships; (2) number system operations (fractions, decimals, and rational numbers); (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions, equations, and inequalities; (4) geometric problem solving involving area, surface area, and volume and; (5) introducing statistics and probability. The compacted nature of the course will require students to be comfortable and proficient in learning math at an accelerated pace. Placement in Math 6/7 will be determined using a body of evidence to support students’ readiness for success in this course.

Math 7

Students in Math 7 will build on their own work with rational numbers and algebraic thinking from Math 6 as they move into deeper and more complex math concepts. Math content will focus on four critical areas, including (1) analyzing proportional relationships and using them to solve real-world and mathematical problems; (2) applying and extending previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers and apply these operations to real-world situations; (3) use the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions; and (4) solve real-life and problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. This work will lay the foundation for the algebraic work with linear functions studied in Math 8.

Accelerated Math 7

Students who have successfully completed Math 6/7 may choose to complete this two-year compacted course sequence, preparing them for Algebra 1 in grade 8. Focus in Math 7/8 will be on solving problems using linear equations and inequalities, using radicals and integer exponents, connecting proportional relationships and lines, solving systems of linear equations, and defining, evaluating, and comparing functions. The full content of Math 8 (see Math 8 course descriptions) will be studied in this course. The compacted nature of the course will require students to be comfortable and proficient in learning math at an accelerated pace.

Math 8

In Math 8, students begin a serious study of algebra with the learning of linear functions. With their study of number systems relatively complete, the focus shifts to the abstract application of their understanding of arithmetic. This content will focus on three critical areas, including (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, modeling bivariate data with a linear equation, solving linear equations, and working with systems of linear equations; (2) developing an understanding of the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and (3) analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. This work will lay the foundation for their success in a high school Algebra 1 course.

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 formalizes and extends the mathematics students learned in Math 6/7 and Math 7/8. The major components of study include (1) using equations and inequalities to model real-life quantities and manipulating them to highlight quantities of interest while focusing on the underlying structures of equations and inequalities; (2) understanding of function, function notation, and the domain and range restrictions associated with the function; and (3) working with exponential and quadratic functions through a structural perspective in comparison to linear functions. These concepts lay the foundations for analytic geometry concepts and for the study of different function types in Algebra 2 and other advanced courses. This course is equivalent to the Algebra 1 course taken at the CCSD high schools.