Text: Middle School Math: Tools for Success, Course 2, Prentice Hall, c. 1999
The curriculum is in line with the standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics as found in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, 2000. It also meets the criteria of the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) of the state of Washington. This syllabus is not in the order of the 10 NCTM standards or the 5 EALRs, but in the order in which the topics are presented during the year.
1. Interpreting Data and Statistics
recording frequency in tables, histograms
making single and double bar and line graphs
using spreadsheets to display data
calculating mean, median, and mode to describe central tendency of a set of data
displaying data in a stem-and-leaf plot
surveying a random sample of a population with unbiased, biased questions
using data displays to persuade
investigating scatter plots to see a trend in a set of data
solving a problem using logical reasoning
2. Applications of Decimals
comparing, rounding, and estimating with decimals
adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals
changing units of measurement within the metric system
changing fractions into terminating or repeating decimals
applying the order of operations to expressions with parentheses (distributive property.
solving a problem giving too little or too much information
3. Algebra: Integers and Equations
evaluating and writing expressions containing variables
comparing and ordering integers
adding and subtracting integers using a model or rule (involving absolute value)
developing a rule for multiplying and dividing integers by investigating a pattern
solving 1- and 2-step equations involving integers using inverse operations
solving a problem by making a table
4. Fractions and Number Theory
using factors and multiple to find equivalent fractions
comparing and ordering fractions by using LCD or decimal equivalents
evaluating numerical expressions with exponents and PEMDAS
using GCF or prime factorizations to simplify (reduce) fractions
changing between improper fractions and mixed numbers
converting fractions to decimals, decimals (terminating and simple repeating) to fractions
solving a problem by finding a pattern
5. Applications of Fractions
adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers with, without common denominators
changing units within the U.S. Customary System
solving 1-step equations involving rational numbers using inverse operations
solving a problem by working backwards
6. Using Proportions and Percents
exploring ratios, proportions, unit rates using data
applying proportions to similar geometric figures, maps, scale drawings
modeling percents with fractions and decimals, changing among the forms
finding a percent of a number, percent of change, increase or decrease
using proportions with percent
solving a problem using multiple strategies
7. Investigating Geometry
measuring and classifying angles
classifying polygons, triangles, rectangles
constructing circle graphs using accurate central angles and percents
constructing perpendicular bisector of a segment, angle bisectors
solving a problem by drawing a diagram
8. Geometry and Measurement
finding the area of rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, trapezoids
finding the circumference and area of a circle using pi, 3.14, 22/7
applying the Pythagorean Theorem, understanding squaring, square roots
finding surface area, volume of prisms, cylinders,
solving a problem by guessing and testing
9. Using Probability
using theoretical, experimental probability to describe events
defining sample spaces with tables, tree diagrams, lists
calculating the probability for simple independent, dependent events
counting permutations, combinations lists, tree diagrams
solving a problem by simulation
10. Algebra: Patterns and Functions
expressing very large numbers in standard form and in Scientific Notation
calculating simple and compound interest by hand for 3 or 4 years
using tables, rules, and graphs to describe number patterns, functions
solving a problem by investigating a simpler version
11. Graphing in the Coordinate Plane
being able to use to vocabulary of coordinate graphing
graphing points, simple linear function
finding slope of a line, writing a linear equation from slope and intercept
investigating geometric transformations with translations, reflections, rotations
identifying the center and angle of rotation in rotational symmetry
solving a problem by writing an equation
