7th Grade Math Course Overview
September 6, 2007
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to 7th Grade Mathematics at Compass School! I am eager to work with all of you this year and welcome your comments and feedback.
The 7th grade math curriculum is a course in Pre-Algebra that focuses on building strong problem solving skills, making sure each student is equipped with the basic number skills needed for algebra and real-world application, and learning some beginning algebra and geometry.
To this end, the curriculum will feature three threads: (1) classwork from our text, Glencoe’s Impact Mathematics, Course 1, (2) homework Modules, and (3) Problems of the Week (POWs).
While we will be using a textbook for in-class work, we will not be using it for homework and students need not bring their books home. Homework will instead consist mainly of Modules, along with a POW write-up every other week. I give a weekly assignment sheet on Mondays; this is also posted on my Compass website.
The classwork will emphasize pre-algebra and geometry, with the first trimester focusing on patterns, variables and formulas, the second on angles, polygons, perimeter and area, and the third on solving equations, applying equations to geometry concepts (including the Pythagorean Theorem), and negative numbers. Work in class will be done in groups of three or four as much as possible, with attention paid to sharing ideas, strategies, and insights.
Modules, on the other hand, emphasize the basic math skills of factors & multiples, fractions, decimals and percents, with the goal being for every student to have facility with these by the end of the year. For some students, much of the module material will be review; for others, it may be a challenge. Therefore, Modules are largely self-paced, with flexibility for the student to take less time on some and more on others. On average, students should be doing 10-12 problems a night on Module weeks to keep up.
POWs emphasize critical thinking and mathematical writing skills. Students are required to solve a challenging word problem and explain their solution in detail in a formal write-up. Students will work in groups to solve the problems during slightly longer math classes on alternate Wednedays. The following Friday, they will present their group's solution to the rest of the class and take notes on other groups' solutions. A write-up explaining how they solved the problem is due the following Monday.
I look forward to communicating with you. My e-mail address is alexandra@compass-school.org.
Respectfully and optimistically,
Alexandra Zuser
