POINT PLEASANT BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT

G. HAROLD ANTRIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NEW JERSEY

Mathematics Curriculum

Elementary Text

Course Overview – Grade 6 Mathematics

The Sixth Grade Mathematics course is the first in a series of three integrated Mathematics Courses that meet the NJCCCS in grades six to eight.  This course emphasizes numeric reasoning through fluency and facility with numbers, geometry as a means to solve problems and make sense of a variety of phenomena, and measurement as a tool to quantify a variety of problems. Students also cover topics of algebra as a way to communicate the patterns in mathematics, data-analysis as a means to model a variety of real world situations, probability as a way to quantify chance circumstances, and discrete mathematics to develop methods for organizing and interpreting non-continuous data.  Problem solving strategies are developed throughout this course.  This course will help students appreciate the value of mathematics and continue to develop tools needed for varied educational options.

Course Overview – Grade 7 Mathematics

The Seventh Grade Mathematics course is the second in a series of three integrated Mathematics Courses that meet the NJCCCS in grades six to eight.  This course emphasizes geometry, measurement, and proportionality.  Problem solving strategies are developed throughout this course.  Work with decimals and percents in real life situations are a major thrust of Course 2 as well as more in-depth study of algebra and functions.  This series follows a structured sequence that allows for introduction, reinforcement, and extension of topics needed for success in high school algebra and geometry.  This course will help students appreciate the value of mathematics and continue to develop tools needed for varied education options.

Course Overview – Grade 8

The 8^th grade course is the third in a series of three integrated Mathematic Courses that meet the standards in grades 6 – 8.  The course integrates mathematical topics and prepares students for the first year algebra.  Other integrated topics include geometry, measurement, statistics, probability, and proportional reasoning.  Problem solving activities and applications are integrated into every chapter.  Technology plays an important role in Course 3, in particular the use of the graphing calculator and Excel Spreadsheets.  The course culminates the three-year strand that will enable our students to enjoy and appreciate the value of mathematics and be able to succeed in the high school.

Course Overview – Grade 7 Pre-Algebra

Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra is a one-year accelerated course designed to meet the needs of the superior elementary mathematics student.  This course meets the NJCCCS in grade eight.  Students will learn to set up problems using appropriate operations and to employ a variety of problem solving techniques.  The student will receive a thorough preparation for work in algebra and future study in mathematics.  Curriculum will be enhanced by the use of technology in every unit.

Course Overview – Algebra

The study of Algebra I helps students build their critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as their understanding of a multitude of algebraic concepts.  The jobs in the 21^st century require employees to have more enhanced problem solving skills and greater mathematical knowledge.  The contemporary Algebra I course also incorporates the NCTM standards.  Problem solving, applications, reasoning, geometric models, technology, and various exploratory techniques are developed throughout this course.

Middle School

The course offerings and core texts for the middle school math program are as follows:

·         6^th Grade Math:  Mathematics Applications & Concepts – Course 1, Glencoe-McGraw-Hill

·         7^th Grade Math:  Mathematics Applications & Concepts – Course 2, Glencoe=McGraw Hill

·         7^th Grade Pre Algebra:  Passport to Algebra & Geometry, McDougal – Littell

·         7^th Grade Pre Algebra:  Pre-Algebra (2005) McDougal-Littell

·         8^th Grade Pre Algebra:  Mathematics Applications and Concepts – Course 3, Glencoe-McGraw Hill

·         8^th Grade Algebra I:  Structure & Method – Book 1, McDougal - Littell