Our Grade 7 Pre-Algebra curriculum follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks which incorporate the Common Core State Standards. The Frameworks include additional Massachusetts standards and features that clarify and enhance the Common Core Standards.
The Grade 7 Pre-Algebra curriculum is designed to connect, build upon, and extend students' previous knowledge of the structure of mathematics. Students extend their understanding of ratios and proportionality to solve single and multi-step problems. They will continue their development of number sense by recognizing fractions, decimals and percents as different representations of rational numbers. Students will continue their study of area from grade 6 to include solving problems involving the area and circumference of a circle and surface area of three-dimensional figures. Previous work on single data distributions will be expanded to include comparison between two data distributions and questions about differences between populations.
Instructional time will focus on four major areas: 1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships, 2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations, 3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume, 4) drawing inferences about population based on samples in the statistics unit which examines probability, data collection, data presentation, and decision-making. At all times, students will be encouraged to speak the language of mathematics and justify answers. Hands-on, collaborative and differentiated learning strategies will be used to make the math content more real and meaningful to all students.
To best meet the needs of our students, there are two math groups in grade seven, Pre-Algebra Accelerated and Pre-Algebra.
The text used is Math, Course 2, from McDougall Littell.
Throughout the course, students will continue to develop proficiency with the Common Core's eight Standards for Mathematical Practice. These standards are:
1. Making sense of and developing a variety of techniques to persevere in problem solving.
2. Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others.
4. Modeling with mathematics.
5. Using appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attending to precision.
7. Looking for and making use of structure.
8. Determining and expressing regularity in repeated reasoning.
Philosophy Statement: We believe the laws of mathematics are not arbitrary creations of man, but an absolute creation of God (Colossians 1:16-17). While gaining mathematical knowledge and developing essential life skills, students will recognize that God is a God of order and infinite wisdom.