Mrs. Nakamoto
Room # 700
Phone: 580-0851
 

This year, students will be studying from the Glencoe Mathematics Pre-Algebra book, as well as other resources.  The curriculum is Benchmark based.  We are excited about this curriculum and its potential for helping students develop strong mathematical knowledge and skills as well as become proficient on Benchmark exams.  Through essential questions, and assessment, the students will learn different strategies on how to solve math problems as well as apply them in the real world.

Supplies Needed

· Textbook:  Course 2: Glencoe Pre-Algebra (www.pre-alg.com)
  (Students will be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged books).
· Binder used by Forest Heights Middle School $10.00

Course Description and Objectives

The following is an overview of the curriculum for this year.

Focus #1:  20 August – 21 September 2009
Data/Statistical Representations
Visual representation of data
· Line Plots
· Stem & Leaf Plots
· Bar/Double Bar Graphs
· Line/Double Line Graphs
· Box & Whisker Plot
· Scatter Plots
· Frequency Tables
Misleading Statistics
Outcome & Conjectures
 

Focus #2:  24 September – 20 November 2009
The Tools of Algebra
Expressions & Equations
· Simplify Like Terms
· Order of Operations; Inverse Relationships
· Properties of Equality
· Solve One/Two Step Equations
· Graph Equations
 Inequalities
· Four-Function Solving with Multiple Steps
· Graph Inequalities
 Linear Equations & Functions
· Standard Form:  y = mx + b
· Represent as Tables, Graphs, and Equations
· Create Function Tables
· Graphs of Change

Focus #3:  26 November 2009 – 17 January 2010
Algebra:  Linear Relationships
 Linear Equations & Functions
· Standard Form revisited
· Rate of Change (Slope)
· Representation revisited
· Linear Relationships
· Coordinate Geometry Link (slope/intercept)
 

Focus #4:  22 January – 22 February 2010
Geometry:  Properties of Geometric Shapes
 Geometric Shapes
· 2-Dimensional
· 3-Dimensional
· Irregular 2-D Shapes
Measurements
· Perimeter/Area
· Surface Area
· Volume
Transformation
· Line of Symmetry
· Translations/Reflections in Relation to the Axes
· Rotations in Relation to the Origin
· Building Views (dot paper)
 

Focus #5:  25 February – 20 March 2010
Applying Geometric Ideas
 

Focus #6:  31 March – 18 April 2010
Probabilities:  Theoretical and Experimental
 

Focus #7:  28 April – 3 June 2010
Quadratic Functions & Scientific Notation
 

Grading Summary
 

Students will be allowed to demonstrate how well they are making sense of the mathematics in many ways.  Below is a grading summary.

Participation (Points vary)
Because participating in class discussions and activities is so important in helping the students make sense of mathematics, this is an essential part of the student’s grade.

Do Now (5 points)
It is very important that students learn to take initiative in the classroom.  Do Now (Warm-ups) will allow the students to come in and immediately get started on what is expected during class.  Students can earn up to 45 points each nine weeks for Do Nows.  Hint: These can make or break your grade!

Homework (5 points)
Homework assignments offer students the opportunity to practice skills on their own.  Students will be allowed to revise answers if difficulties occur with any math problems.

Cornell Notes (Points vary)
Taking notes is necessary for learning and developing mathematical concepts.  Students  will learn Cornell Note taking  to assist them in understanding and preparing for assessments throughout the year, as well as in the future.  Notes will be checked weekly.

Assessments and Vocabulary Quizzes (Points vary)
Points will be assigned based on the individual questions.

Tests/Projects (Points vary)
At the end of each unit an individual test is given.  This serves as an opportunity for students to show what they, as individuals, have learned from the whole unit.  Points will be assigned based on the individual questions.  Projects will be graded based on the amount of work asked for each project.

Grades
Grades will be based on total points earned out of total points possible.
 
 A = 100 – 90
 B =   89 – 80
 C =   79 – 70
 D =   69 – 60
 F =    59 – below

Math Notebook Guidelines

Math Notebook:

Front of binder (before dividers) keep:
a) Course Syllabus
b) Discipline Plan
c) Index

Dividers should be used to label the following sections:

1) Do Now – All Do Now’s should be kept in a composition notebook.

2) Cornell Notes /Vocabulary – This section will contain Cornell notes and math vocabulary
    terms learned throughout the year.

3) Homework – All assignments that are graded should be kept in this section.

4) Worksheets

Notebook tests will be given every other week.  At the end of each of each nine weeks notebooks will be graded for organization and neatness.  Students will be given a homework grade for keeping their notebook organized.  After each nine weeks, students may remove work from sections of their notebook except Section (3).  These papers will be stapled together and filed in the classroom for further reference.

Please read and discuss the above with your child.  By signing below, he/she is making a commitment to keep their notebook organized.  Students should have their math notebook organized and ready to use by August 27.

_______________________________________   _____________________________________
            Parent/Guardian Name (Print)                                   Student Name (Print)

_______________________________________   _____________________________________
               Parent/Guardian Signature                                         Student Signature
 

E-mail address:  ___________________________  Phone #:  (          )______________________

Thank you for your cooperation.