Math in the seventh grade is offered in three distinct levels: Pre-Algebra, Advanced Pre-Algebra, and Honors Pre-Algebra. Students are enrolled in the class that will allow them to sharpen their mathematical skills and proceed comfortably onto the next level of mathematics, with a degree of challenge that is suitable to the level.
PRE-ALGEBRA
The central objectives of Pre-Algebra are to build upon the student's comprehension of basic mathematical concepts, introduce fundamental concepts of algebra, and deliver the curriculum at a pace that allows each student the time to comprehend and process the material. Building each student's foundation of knowledge is a major point of emphasis, as is increasing each student's confidence in his/her mathematical abilities. While the bulk of the curriculum centers around topics that students have seen previously, new topics are also introduced.
ADVANCED PRE-ALGEBRA
The central objectives of Advanced Pre-Algebra are to continue the study of arithmetic in a theoretical framework, to develop more sophisticated techniques in problem solving, and to introduce the fundamental concepts of algebra. Throughout the course of the year, students build upon their mathematical foundation and develop their algebraic skills so that they are prepared to move into Algebra I in eighth grade. Students also are expected to demonstrate academic independence and require limited teacher support.
HONORS PRE-ALGEBRA
The central objective of the Honors Pre-Algebra course is to learn techniques for solving various types of problems that encourage students to discover solutions to problems. The students in the Honors program will move more quickly through the material and will be responsible for understanding by using basic algebraic concepts and skills rather than with the help of a tutor. By the end of the year, Honors students should master problems based on arithmetic, and algebra, with considerable emphasis on word problems.
In all of the classes, seventh-grade students are expected to demonstrate reasonable mastery of the following concepts:
- word problems involving algebra, percents, and geometry
- operations with integers and real numbers
- simplification and evaluation of algebraic expressions
- solutions and graphing of linear equations
- operations with monomials and polynomials
- basic forms of factoring with algebraic expressions
- perimeter, area, volume, and surface area