Mathematics/Computer Science

This course includes all the basic topics of arithmetic and provides good computational practice in the development of these skills. Emphasis is also placed on problem-solving, reasoning, connections, number sense, estimation, mental math, and data collection. Activities center round the use of manipulatives, communication skills via journals, cooperative learning groups, and the appropriate use of calculators and computers.

This course includes all the basic topics of arithmetic and provides good computational practice in the development of these skills. Emphasis is also placed on problem-solving, reasoning, connections, number sense, estimation, mental math, and data collection. Activities center round the use of manipulatives, communication skills via journals, cooperative learning groups, and the appropriate use of calculators and computers. Accelerated students will complete the entire Grade 6 curriculum & the first half of the Grade 7 curriculum.

The concepts included in this course are the fundamental operations of arithmetic and the topics that are key to success in future math classes, such as integers and equations. Emphasis again is placed on problem-solving, reasoning, connections, number sense, estimation, mental math, and data collection. Activities center around the use of manipulatives, communication skills via journals, cooperative learning groups, and the appropriate use of calculators and computers.

The concepts included in this course are the fundamental operations of arithmetic and the topics that are key to success in future math classes, such as integers and equations. Emphasis again is placed on problem-solving, reasoning, connections, number sense, estimation, mental math, and data collection. Activities center around the use of manipulatives, communication skills via journals, cooperative learning groups, and the appropriate use of calculators and computers. Accelerated students will complete the second half of Grade 7 and the Grade 8 curriculum.

This course is designed to be the transition needed to move successfully from basic math to algebra. The course focuses on signed numbers and variables and stresses arithmetic operations in algebraic contexts.  Students continue to develop their critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies through the use of manipulatives, projects, journals, cooperative learning groups, and the appropriate use of calculators and computers.

This rigorous course is for students who have a particularly strong mathematics background. This course delivers a full year honors curriculum in Algebra 1 and prepares students for Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2. Students are expected to study the topics of Algebra 1 at a faster pace and in greater depth and to complete more challenging problem sets and explorations. Emphasis will be placed on explaining their findings in writing, that is, emphasis will be placed on defending their findings graphically, algebraically, numerically and verbally. This course incorporates the use of the e-text and on-line resources throughout the year. Though students will be taught how to use their Nspire calculator to solve problems and explore concepts, students will still be expected to solve problems with and without a calculator.

The Grade 6 curriculum includes a variety of technology topics that will help all students transition to middle school as well as computer science topics. It includes an in depth look at Google Apps and Lego Mindstorm robotics. All grade six students take this class.

*(1) semester course in the fall

This course is based on the current FIRST Lego League challenge. Students will work hands-on, both individually and with partners to design, build, and program autonomous robots while documenting their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, sensors, timing, program loops, decision-making, and timing sequences. Student designed robots will be programmed to compete in various challenges as developed by First Lego League.
 
*An after school robotics team will be offered for those students who wish to participate. Meetings after school, independent work and group research/project involvement is essential. The team will consist of no more than 10 students.
 

The course curriculum is based on Code.org's Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) and is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. Using both unplugged and computer projects, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. All students take this class in either seventh or eighth grade.