7th Grade Course Overview Welcome to a new year of math! In this course, you will learn to use new models and methods to think about problems as well as solve them. You will be developing powerful mathematical tools and learning new ways of thinking about and investigating situations. You will be making connections, discovering relationships, figuring out what strategies can be used to solve problems, and explaining your thinking. Learning to think in these ways and communicate about your thinking is useful in mathematical contexts, other subjects in school, and situations outside the classroom. The mathematics you have learned in the past will be valuable for learning in this course. That work, and what you learn in this course, will prepare you for future courses.
In meeting the challenges of this course, you will not be learning alone. You will cooperate with other students as a member of a study team. Being a part of a team means speaking up and interacting with other people. You will explain your ideas, listen to what others have to say, and ask questions if there is something you do not understand. In this course, a single problem can often be solved several ways. You will see problems in different ways than your teammates do. Each of you has something to contribute while you work on the lessons in this course.
Together, your team will complete problems and activities that will help you discover mathematical ideas and develop solution methods. I will support you as you work, but will not take away your opportunity to think and investigate for yourself. Each topic will be revisited many times and will connect to other topics. If something is not clear to you the first time you work on it, you will have more chances to build your understanding as the course continues.
Learning math this way has an advantage: as long as you actively participate, make sure everyone in your study team is involved, and ask good questions, you will find yourself understanding mathematics at a deeper level than ever before. By the end of this course, you will have a powerful set of mathematical tools to use to solve new problems. With your teammates you will meet mathematical challenges you would not have known how to approach before.
In addition to the support provided by your teacher and your study team, you will have access to online resources to help you, including help with homework, and a parent guide with extra practice. You will find these resources and more at www.cpm.org. I wish you well and I’m confident that you will enjoy this next year of learning!
Sincerely, Norman
Course Overview
Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers
Unit 2: Ratios, Rates, Percents, Proportions
Unit 3: Expressions & Equations
Unit 4: Geometry
Unit 5: Statistics & Probability
Unit 6: State Test Review
Unit 7: Pre-Algebra
Supplies Needed
Textbook: Students will be provided the necessary textbook for class use.
Binder: 2-inch or 3- inch binder or Flexi-binders/Book Sleeves
5 Binder dividers/tabs
Pencils: Students are expected to do math work in pencil only.
2 marble graphing notebooks (please do not buy the spiral notebooks or graphing pads. Please make sure the pages have grids, not lines like a marble composition notebook. Staples carries these notebooks, but they sell out quickly)
TI-34 II Scientific Calculator or a similar brand (Please do not buy Casio or any other brand)…you can find this at Target, Staples, and even Walmart
A 2-pocket folder
A Ruler
Loose graph paper (put some in your folder)
A pencil sharpener (non-electronic)
Correcting Pens: Red is suggested, no black or metallic please
A box of Tissue
Hand Sanitizer
Our Goal
Get a better understanding of Math
Be able to apply math in real-life situations
Become familiar and understand mathematical terminologies/vocabulary
Use mathematics to communicate in a precise and effective manner
Think deeply about the concepts of mathematics, no memorizing
Be prepared for the state exam…yay!!!
State Test TBD
Parent/Caregiver Information Please do not hesitate to get actively involved in your daughter’s mathematical journey!
In addition, announcements and information of class requirements will be posted on the class website http://normansclassroom.weebly.com.
Contact Information If any parent/caregiver needs to contact me, you can call TYWLS and leave a message. I can also be reached through the contact section of my webpage and I will reply promptly. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Your daughter’s success and happiness is of utmost importance to me and of course, the TYWLS Team!!!