7th Grade Mathematics
Mathematics Philosophy of District 203
Mathematics is a universal language that allows us to make sense of fundamental principles, thoughts, ideas, patterns, problems, and phenomena surrounding us, and communicate our understanding and resolutions of these concepts to others.
In order to develop and enrich student understanding of mathematics, District 203 will provide a comprehensive and cohesive mathematics curriculum in which mathematical topics are explored and analyzed with significant depth.
The environment in every mathematics classroom will provide the following: active and responsible engagement in the learning of mathematics, an atmosphere of risk taking, in-depth investigation and analysis of intriguing situations and problems, ample opportunities of refection and interaction, and connections to everyday life.
Instruction in every mathematics classroom will provide a rich variety of cognitively appropriate strategies and resources so that all students have opportunities and experience both success and challenge.
As result of this curriculum, environment, and instruction, District 203 students will experience the utility, power, and beauty of mathematics as they become proficient in using and applying fundamental mathematical concepts and skills including: computation, critical thinking, reasoning, and resourceful problem solving.
Mathematics Resources:
Family Mathematics resources:
Principles & Standards for Mathematics
In 7th grade, a student will learn:
Geometry
Statistics and Probability
· Theoretical and geometric probability
· Collecting , organizing and analyzing data
· Spreadsheets
Algebra
· Operations of integers
· Equations and inequalities
In Naperville, the students will learn mathematics that is:
In Naperville, the students will learn mathematics by being:
District 203 has named 5 focus areas for grades K-12
· Number and Operation
· Measurement
· Algebra
· Geometry
· Statistics and Probability
7th Grade focus Areas:
· Geometry
· Statistics and Probability
Honors Math
7th Grade
The Gateways math book provides an extremely challenging program. It will constantly challenge students to think at levels that they have not too often explored before. The program consists of pre-algebra, pre-geometry, and advanced problem solving. The problems are often multi-leveled and require much more then computational skills. Students will be required to take prior knowledge, and apply it in ways much more complex then they were previously used to doing. I encourage you to help your child to realize the importance of two things.
1. Show all work on complex problems.
2. Ask questions when they do not understand.
Both of these may be something new to your child, both will strengthen your child’s performance in and outside of class.
Your child may experience frustration in the evenings as he /she is working through the homework. As stated before, these questions are designed to make the student function as a problem solver in addition to solving the necessary computation. It is essential, therefore, that they make sure they understand the problems well before a quiz or test. I have implemented a system whereby each student must comment at the top of the homework when they do not understand their mistakes and they are to reference any particular problem that is still giving them difficulty. As I review their homework I make note of the comments they have written and supply and address them either with the whole class, or with a personal explanation of a problem individually or on their homework paper. This system has proven invaluable to me as a teacher and it should work well for the student who is hesitant to push for further clarification during class time. I also encourage kids to visit me during study hall period.
Gateways provide a fast-paced challenging program for your child. It is going to take a combination of your gentle support, the student’s hard work and perseverance, and my instruction and guidance to develop in your child the advanced skills the Gateways text has to offer. I look forward to a rewarding year as my classroom is filled to the brim with bright, determined students.
Honors Curriculum Guide
Trimester 1: Gateways chapter 1: Patterns
Gateways chapter 2: Formulas and Percents
Gateways chapter 3: Measurement and Estimation
Trimester 2: Gateways chapter 4: Ratio and Proportion
Connected math: What do you expect?
Connected math: Samples and Populations/ Gateways chapter 5: Data Analysis/Graphing
Trimester3: Gateways chapter 6: Signed Numbers
Gateways chapter 8: The language of algebra
Gateways chapter 9: Real numbers
(If time permits continue in Gateway with chapter 10 – topics of number theory)
Last updated: 09/18/2006