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6th Grade Math
Course Description
The GMS math department uses the College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) program in all grades. In sixth grade students complete the first half of the Foundations for Algebra: Year 2 course, which students finish in seventh grade. The first half of the sixth grade year is focused on reinforcement of arithmetic skills, using statistics to review decimals, linear equations to practice working with positive and negative integers, and probability to solidify fraction skills. Norms are also established regarding classroom expectations, cooperative groupwork, showing math calculations, and justifying and communicating one’s mathematical thinking. In the spring the focus of the curriculum shifts to introductory algebraic skills, as students learn to distribute and factor, combine like terms, and simplify and solve equations.
Philosophy
In the Foundations for Algebra curriculum, mathematics is approached from a problem solving perspective, engaging students in challenging mathematical situations within a group context. New content is constantly being introduced, but rather than requiring immediate mastery of a skill before moving on, the curriculum uses a spiral approach where skills are constantly revisited. Each chapter focuses on several core skills that are practiced for weeks in different contexts, allowing students the time to truly master new material. Students learn to work in cooperative groups, monitor their own progress toward skill mastery, assist others, and ask for assistance themselves. They learn to see math as a tool for problem solving in a variety of contexts. During math class, they practice listening to, assisting, communicating with, and evaluating their peers, writing for mathematical purposes, and organizing and presenting information. You can read more about the CPM curriculum at http://www.cpm.org/parents/info.htm
Course goals and objectives
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Goals
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Objectives
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Students will solidify their arithmetic skills as they prepare for algebra.
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- Compute (add, subtract, multiply, and divide) with decimals, integers, and fractions
- Calculate equivalence between fractions, decimals, and percents
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Students will apply mathematical skills to new applications.
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- Use graphs and statistical tools such as stem and leaf plots, box and whisker plots, line graphs, bar graphs, mean, median, mode, range, and outliers to organize, display, and analyze data
- Calculate the probability of independent events
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Students will develop a foundation in algebraic thinking.
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- Determine the relationship between x and y values by finding the y-rule and accurately and completely graphing the linear equation in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane
- Use the order of operations to accurately simplify expressions with both numbers and expressions
- Combine like terms, distributes, factors, and uses inverse operations to manipulate, simplify, and solve algebraic equations
- Write and solve algebraic equations from guess and check tables and word problems
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Students will develop skills and habits to be successful in future math courses.
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- Complete work that is thorough, careful, and on time
- Attempt work independently, ask for help when needed, offer help kindly, and seek out challenging academic opportunities
- Participate knowledgably and effectively in class discussions
- Cooperate and contribute productively and respectfully to group work by listening and sharing ideas
- Come to class prepared and ready to learn
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"I never knew I liked math before!" Girls' Middle School student
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