Mathematics

The Math curriculum focuses on five critical areas: (1) Fractions – Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and mixed numbers; (2) Decimals – Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide applying the base-ten system to decimals; (3) Operations and Problem Solving – Students interpret problems and representing them; (4) Algebra, Patterns, and Coordinate Graphs – Students read, simplify, and evaluate algebraic expressions using the Order of Operations; (5) Measurement and Data – Students convert units within the same measurement system using both multiplication and division. Students will review perimeter and area and explore the concept of volume as well as classify and draw polygons according to properties.  In addition, they will begin to formulate the idea of a hierarchy of quadrilateral properties.

The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics identifies five critical areas of focus in Grade 6: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division, and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking; and (5) reasoning about geometric shapes and their measurements. For Accelerated Mathematics, students will learn at a faster pace while completing the 6th grade curriculum by March and the first half of the 7th grade curriculum by the end of the year. 

The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics identifies four critical areas of focus in Grade 7: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. For Accelerated Mathematics, students will learn at a faster pace while completing the second half of the 7th grade curriculum by Movember and the 8th grade curriculum by the end of the year.  

The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics identifies three critical areas of focus in Grade 8: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations (2) grasping the concept of a functions and using functions to describe quantitative relationships and (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space using distance, angles, Transformations, similarity and congruence and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Algebra is the language through which most of mathematics is communicated.  Algebra concepts developed in previous grades are extended with emphasis placed early upon functions, graphing, and mathematical modeling of real world problems.  Topics include: solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, data analysis, and solving systems of equations.  Exponential and polynomial functions are also introduced.  In order to be successful in Algebra 1, students must have a strong foundation in computation, including operations with fractions.