Lower School:
Fourth Grade Mathematics:
Mathematics classes are heterogeneously grouped in the fourth and fifth grade.
Teachers use various instructional methods to address the multiple modes of
student learning and differences in their previous mathematical backgrounds.
The fourth grade curriculum focuses on exploring arithmetic operations,
alternatives to standard algorithms, procedures and strategies for problem solving,
interpreting data, identifying patterns and relationships between numbers, and basic
geometry and algebra concepts. Manipulatives are used to promote and enrich student
comprehension. Students learn about number patterns, estimation,
number sense, and computation. Each student maintains a strategy
notebook so that he can organize and synthesize classroom discussion with his
homework, algorithms, and other pertinent information.
The program highlights problem-solving for everyday situations, facility with
basic number facts, arithmetic skills and algebra, and practice through
mathematical games and technology. Multiple methods for basic skill practice
and review are used. Whole number concepts include rounding,
place value, and all four operations. Two dimensional spatial concepts are explored with
tangrams, puzzles and games. Concepts in fractions and decimals include comparing and
ordering, equivalence, addition, subtraction, and the relationship between fractions and decimals.
Problem solving skills focus on using information, data and mathematical concepts from
the curriculum. Throughout the academic year, there is ongoing review of and
repeated exposure to key mathematical ideas in different contexts to
improve comprehension and mastery.
Recources:
Textook
Math, Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley, 1999
Supplementary Materials
Investigations in Number, Data and Space, Scott Foresman, 2004
Weekly/ Daily Math Challeng, Grade 4 & 5, Great Source Education Group, 1992.
Middle School Math with Pizzazz, Creative Publications, 1989.
Lane County Problem Solving in Mathematics Grade 4, Dale Seymour Publications, 1983
Continental Math League Grade 4, 2002
Math By All Means, Geometry, Math solutions, 1994
Dienes' blocks, Cuisenaire rods, pattern blocks, trading chips, geoboards, tangrams, and attribute blocks.
Fifth Grade Mathematics:
Heterogeneous grouping is continued in the fifth grade. The focus of the fifth
grade curriculum is on numeration systems, number theory, rational numbers, measurement,
data analysis, spatial problem solving, patterns and functions, and problem solving strategies.
The fifth grade program explores the relationship among nubmers by the study of place value, multiples and
factors, prime and composite numbers, divisibility rules, exponents, and integers.
Concepts include all operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and percents. The
curriculum also encompasses a study of area and perimeter of rectangles, circles and triangles.
The curriculum incoporates graphing and statistics in various forms. Each student maintains a strategy notebook
to organize and synthesize his learning. Students explore a variety of mathematic concepts through
Challenge Problems and write reflections on their strategies. Students use a vareity of hands- on materials to
help them develop a sound conceptual understanding of the mathematical ideas.
Resources
Middle School
Sixth Grade Mathematics
During the spring term of the previous academic year, math teachers (in consultation with homeroom teachers,
Fenn's Learning Specialist, and the Mathematics Department Chair), place students for sixth grade math classes
according to educational needs. The sixth grade mathematics classroom provides for a smooth and gradual transition
to a more conceptual and algebraic focus, through multiple modes of student learning and varied instructional methods.
Visual models, manipulatives, and technology contribute to the education process during the sixth grade year.
Students continue to develop their understanding of measurement, data and chance, geometry, order of operations,
numeration, and techniques for solving problems. Students intensify their study of algebra and variables, as well as
patterns, functions, and sequences. Students use real life experiences and data, as well as hands-on investigations
and cooperative groups, to derive meaning from and see the utility of mathematics they learn.
The curricular focus of the sixth grade includes exploring patterns, investigations in algebra, exponents, modeling
integers, exploring the language of algebra, exploring data and graphs, number theory, number systems, fractions and decimals,
proportion, percent and probability, geometry and exploring linear functions through data analysis. Students learn by whole
group instruction, small-group instruction, collaborative groups and individual activities in class. Study and organizational
skills are also taught and utilized.
Seventh Grade Mathematics
Academic sectioning continues in the seventh grade to address the varied educational needs of students. The goal of the seventh
grade mathematics curriculum is for all students to derive meaning from the algebra they learn through active, experiential, and
collaborative experiences in the classroom.
After a careful, deliberate and thorough review of the important tools of arithmetic, geometry, and the elementary algebra
previously learned in the sixth grade, students investigate mathematical relationships through data, and learn to model
problem-solving situations using variables. The primary areas of focus are to understand and find linear relationships, to be
able to graph and symbolically model and manipulate these relationships, and then to be able to interpret and use the information
in a meaningful way. Various skills are taught to further enhance students' understanding of algebraic functions.
Some students will complete and master the entire Algebra One curriculum during this year and will be ready for Honors Geometry
in the eighth grade. In this case, the Department Chair and the student's teacher, in consultation with the student and his parents,
will make all appropriate placement decisions. All students in the seventh grade are required to purchase the TI83 graphing calculator
and should plan to use it on a daily basis. Students use the graphing calculators to explore topics such as data analysis, graphing
and patterns involved in algebraic concepts.
Upper School:
Eigth Grade Mathematics:
At the close of the seventh grade year, students, with the support of their parents and teachers, make a decision regarding the pace
at which they would like to take the eighth grade algebra course. The options are an honors pace, a standard pace and a two-year pace.
The honors level course covers a full year of algebra, delving deeply into discussions on matrices, regression lines, and quadratic equations.
The standard level course covers a full year of high school algebra at a more deliberate pace than the honors level. The two-year program allows
students to explore each topic from many different perspectives during their eighth and ninth grade years.
Students who have successfully completed Algebra One in the seventh grade will either be placed in Honors Algebra or Honors Geometry in the eighth
grade. Those selected for the Honors Geometry course will complete a full year of honors high school Geometry, and a review of Algebra One topics and
a preview of Algebra Two during the final spring term.
All students in the eighth grade will learn how to apply their algebraic knowledge to solve real-life problems. Students are required to purchase
the TI83 graphing calculator and should plan to use it on a daily basis. Students use the graphing calculators to explore topics such as data analysis,
graphing, and patterns involved in algebraic concepts.
Ninth Grade Mathematics:
For those students who have completed either Honors Algebra One or Algebra One, a full year-long course of Geometry is offered. Topics include the
development of geometric proofs, congruent and similar polygons, circles, coordinate geometry, transformations and patterns found in Platonic solids.
The course emphasizes the connection between geometry and the physical world and works to maintain and extend the student's algebra skills as these
skills are integrated in the explorations of the geometric concepts. Students explore and discover geometric principles through the use of a variety of
computer programs.
For those students who have begun the two-year Algebra program in grade eight, they continue their study in grade nine. The two-year course provides
additional time for practice, assimilation and mastery of the critical algebraic skills, which form the foundation for future mathematical studies.
Academically qualified ninth graders will enroll in an Honors Algebra Two course. These students will use a standard honors curriculum for the course
that is topically equivalent to a rigorous high school Honors Algebra Two program. Students who have successfully mastered this course will be ready to
take the SAT II level 1C Achievement Test at the end of the spring term.