7th Grade Math Syllabus

7^th Grade Mathematics

Course Syllabus

Mr. Joseph S. Wang

Email: joseph.wang@mainstreet.edisonlearning.com 

Course Description:

The overall goal of the Mathematics Department is to help students develop sound mathematical habits.  Units have been developed according to the Georgia Performance Standards:  numbers & operations, geometry, measurement, probability, data analysis, and algebra.  It is desirable for the students to keep the “big picture” in mind as they deal with the specific goals in each unit.

By the end of grade seven, students will understand and use rational numbers, including signed numbers; solve linear equations in one variable; sketch and construct plane figures; demonstrate understanding of transformations; use and apply properties of similarity; examine properties of geometric shapes in space; describe and sketch solid figures, including their cross-sections; represent and describe relationships between variables in tables, graphs, and formulas; analyze the characteristics of linear relationships; and represent and analyze data using graphical displays, measures of central tendency, and measures of variation.

Instruction and assessment will include the appropriate use of manipulatives and technology. Topics will be represented in multiple ways, such as concrete/pictorial, verbal/written, numeric/data-based, graphical, and symbolic. Concepts will be introduced and used, where appropriate, in the context of realistic phenomena.

Please visit the Department of Education website (www.doe.k12.ga.us) and GeorgiaStandards.org for state standards. 

Rationale:

I believe we engage in mathematics not only for its application but also for its inherent beauty and interest.  Together, we will become skilled mathematicians as well as confident problem solvers. 

Our study of mathematics will be a wonderful and exciting journey.  As with any journey, it is a good idea to prepare.  The items you are expected to bring to class each day are listed below.

·A 1 ½ inch three-ring binder with plastic cover and 5-tab dividers (no spiral notebooks) with sections in the following order:

 Front Section     Pencil Pouch – hole-punched to fit your math binder. Includes No. 2 pencils, colored pencils,   

                             ruler, protractor, compass, and a four function calculator.

Paper – This section should always be filled with notebook paper and graph paper so you can

                    easily find it.

Dividers Various Units we will be studying. 

·         3-pronged folder with pockets for assessments

·         Folder for out of class assignments (homework)

Grading policy: 

The grading policy is consistent with The Main Street Academy student/parent handbook. Grades will be calculated using the following percentages:

-   Classwork                         %

-   Homework                         %

-   Quizzes                              %                                                                                                                                 

-   Tests/Projects                  %

A-     90 or above

B-      80-89

C-      70-79

F-    Below a 70                                                                                                                   

Homework Policy:

Homework serves an important purpose in your child’s education. It is a means of reviewing and reinforcing the lessons taught in school. Homework is also a way to help your child develop work and study habits, self-discipline, personal responsibility and independent thinking that will assist him or her throughout their school years. In the interest of variety and in order to give the students an opportunity to develop different kinds of skills, not all assignments will be written assignments. Some will be to read, to interview, to cut out, to collect, to study, to do research, to listen to a particular radio programs or watch a special TV program.

Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. The students will receive a calendar every week detailing the day’s lesson and the assigned homework for the night.  The teacher will check homework the day after it is assigned.

With respect to missed homework:

Absences: Students who have an excused absence will have one day for every day that is an excused absence. Example: Students absent for three consecutive days (3) will have three (3) days to make up all homework.

Homework Not Turned In On Time: Students who don’t turn in their work on time are still responsible for turning the assignment in for a grade. There will be a deduction of five (5) points every day it is late.

Time Outside of Class:

You cannot expect to accomplish what you should from this course without spending time doing math outside of class.  As well as completing daily homework assignments, you need to stay organized, spend time reviewing notes and assignments, carefully reflect on problems previously missed, etc. It is my expectation that you spend approximately 15 to 20 minutes each evening with homework and use the weekend to study, work on projects, review, get caught up, etc. Your notes are your lifeline and can be used while doing homework and other activities. Do not lose your notebook, bring your notebook to class every day, and keep your notes in a neat and orderly fashion. I will provide examples in class, and it is key that you take good notes so you will have something to refer back to when you need help. Please communicate with me as soon as possible if you are having trouble managing your time, staying organized, or understanding a concept. I truly want to help you get the most out of this class.

Reading Across the Curriculum

Beginning with the middle grades years, students begin to self-select reading materials based on personal interests established through classroom learning. Students become curious about science, mathematics, history, and literature as they form contexts for those subjects related to their personal and classroom experiences. As students explore academic areas through reading, they develop favorite subjects and become confident in their verbal discourse about those subjects.

Reading across curriculum content develops both academic and personal interests in students. As students read, they develop both content and contextual vocabulary. They also build good habits for reading, researching, and learning. The Reading Across the Curriculum standard focuses on the academic and personal skills students acquire as they read in all areas of learning.

Each student will be required to read a minimum of 25 grade-level appropriate books per year from a variety of subjects.

Classroom Expectations:

You are responsible for your actions. The Main Street Academy classroom rules have been established so that you may receive the best possible instruction without unnecessary disruptions. You are expected to behave in a manner that reflects dignity and self-respect. Students are expected to come to class prepared. Conduct grades will be determined by how well the student follows the school rules and classroom rules. Students are expected to display proper school behavior at all times. In the classroom, students are expected to treat all others with respect.

I look forward to working with your child. With your support, your child’s effort, and my dedication to education, this will be a successful year. Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress.