7th Grade Math

Course Goals:

By the end of their 7^th grade year, GMS students will be able to:

• use mathematics to better negotiate their environment; they will begin to view the world through "math eyes".
• represent numerical data graphically, interpret graphs algebraically, explain a graph using non-mathematical language, and predict future outcomes based on graphical information.
• solve complex problems through recognizing patterns, using variables, and by making connections to prior experience.
• solve problems as a team, using resources other than the teacher, through listening to and trusting each other.
• effectively communicate mathematical concepts, and their thought processes, in written, oral, and graphic form.

Course Content

The first 5 units of College Preparatory Math (CPM), Foundations For Algebra (FFA), Year 2, Volume II are completed in sixth grade. We complete FFA, Year 2 in seventh grade, and the units are described below.

Chapter 6 - Ray Sheo's Pro-Portion Ranch: Ratios and Proportions

Ratios are introduced through the use of dot grid figures. Students explore change in area, perimeter, and circumference as a figure is reduced or enlarged. Students write and solve proportions for percent problems and other numeric and geometric situations. Students develop formulas for parallelograms, triangles, trapezoids, and circles.

Chapter 7 - The Class Tournament: Division of Fractions, Percents, and Formulas

Students use an area model to divide fractions. They begin to solve equations involving fractions and decimals. Percent problems address sales tax, commission, markup, discount, and percent increase and decrease.

Chapter 8 - Gold Strike at Dried-Up Creek: The Pythagorean Theorem, Surface Area, and Volume

Students use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems. Students explore surface area and volume of prisms and cylinders through the use of 2- and 3-dimensional models.

Chapter 9 - College Bound: Slopes and Rates of Change

Students will continue to build on graphing skills by exploring linear growth and the slope of a line. Students also investigate inequalities and their graphs.

Chapter 10 - Modeling Growth: Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Volume

Students explore growth through 3-dimensional models. They develop an understanding of exponents and convert large numbers into scientific notation. Pattern work is extended to include rules and equations that use exponents. Students graphically investigate growth in area and volume and build models using enlargement and reduction ratios.

When we finish CPM, FFA, Year 2, we will complete the first four chapters of Algebra Connections, by Dietiker, Kysh, Sallee, Hoey. This is a new CPM text for Algebra I, and it is a good fit for The Girls' Middle School; the approach asks the students to use the following five ways of thinking as they explore mathematics: justifying, generalizing, making connections, reversing thinking, and applying and extending understanding. In math at The Girls' Middle School, students are asked to think in order to problem solve, not just memorize algorithms. This curriculum guides the students toward understanding the reasons behind the math. Additionally, this curriculum has built in lessons requiring the use of graphing calculators, one aspect of the math department's technology plan.

Chapter 1: Problem Solving

Students are introduced to the course and how they will be asked to think. There is an emphasis on problem-solving strategies. The students are introduced to many different mathematical topics, including: collecting data, plotting points, interpreting graphs, using a trend line to make predictions, calculating area and perimeter of rectangles, and using problem solving strategies such as finding patterns and Guess and Check.

Chapter 2: Variables and Proportions

Students will use "algebra tiles" to explore the concept of variables, laying the foundation for simplifying rational expressions and solving complex equations. Additionally, students will solve problems using proportional intuition and develop algorithms to solve problems involving proportional relationships.

Chapter 3: Graphs and Equations

Students graph lines and parabolas from a table and find the rules for the table. They will continue to develop equation-solving strategies and will begin to understand that a solution is the value or values that make the equation true. Students will use graphing calculators to explore these ideas.

Chapter 4: Multiple Representations

Students focus on the connections between the four representations of data: graphs, tables, patterns, and rules. They will be challenged with difficult problems that require them to think deeply about the relationships between these different representations. Additionally, students write equations from word problems and also begin to solve a system of equations.

B.S., Ecology and Behavior and Evolution (Theater minor) UC San Diego
M.S., Biology, UC San Diego

Esther participated in Teach for America and earned both a Multiple Subject Credential and a Single Subject Credential (General Science and Biology) from San Jose State University. Before coming to GMS in 2000, she served as Senior Teacher and Science Curriculum Coordinator at the Edison McNair Academy in East Palo Alto.