mathematics
Mathematics at The Laurel Hill School emphasizes problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and real-world applications. All New York State standards are incorporated into our daily lessons and both tutorials and advanced study are available to our students.
Students enhance their problem solving skills by adding to their “Problem of the Day” book. Students use a variety of methods to approach each problem. Mathematical skills are introduced and enhanced. Classes are very interactive and involve constant participation. Individuals are given the guidance and attention needed to succeed. Lessons are designed to promote success and to increase self-confidence.
Math Lab is incorporated into the Mathematics Lessons. These “hands-on” activities enhance the students’ learning experiences. Students have opportunities to work individually, and in groups for cooperative learning experiences. Students practice their communication skills by reading to interpret directions, discussing possible solutions with their group, and in writing results and reasons explaining how they arrived at their solutions. Real life applications are incorporated into the projects. Technology is also used to investigate and explore possibilities. Creativity is always encouraged in ways to solve problems and in presentation of the final project.
Benchmark practice is used to reinforce learned skills. Spiral review is implemented for skill retention. The “Scholastic Math Magazine” is one source used for promoting real-life experiences involving mathematics problems while reviewing and enriching skills. Students use their emerging self-confidence to gain a deeper understanding of the mathematical concepts that have been previously introduced. They are able to appreciate and explore more complex concepts by using their developing critical thinking skills.
Overview of Concepts, Skills and Objectives
Number Systems and Operations:
- Define and identify the properties of addition and multiplication
- Understand the concept of rate, ratio, and proportion
- Solve proportions and percent problems
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions with unlike denominators
- Evaluate numerical expressions using order of operations, including exponents
Algebra:
- Translate verbal expressions into algebraic expressions/equations
- Solve algebraic equations using inverse operations
- Use substitution to evaluate algebraic expressions and equations
Geometry:
- Identify and plot points in all four quadrants
- Plot points to form basic geometric shapes and calculate perimeter
- Determine the area of triangles and quadrilaterals (squares, rectangles, rhombi, and trapezoids) and develop formulas
- Calculate the length of corresponding sides of similar triangles, using proportional reasoning
- Determine the area of triangles and quadrilaterals (squares, rectangles, rhombi, and trapezoids), and irregular polygons
- Measure capacity and calculate volume of a rectangular prism
- Identify radius, diameter, chords and central angles of a circle and their relationships
- Determine the area and circumference of a circle, using the appropriate formula
Measurement:
- Identify U.S. and metric customary units of capacity
- Identify equivalent customary units by measurement conversion
Statistics and Probability:
- List the possible outcomes and determine the probability for a single and compound events
- Determine the number of possible outcomes for a compound event by using the fundamental counting principle and use this to determine the probabilities of events when the outcomes have equal probability
- Determine the range, mean, mode and median for a given set of data
- Read and interpret graphs (pictograph, bar graph, line graph, histogram, and circle graph)
- Construct Venn diagrams to sort data
Column Content Areas
Number Theory
- Order of Operations
- Properties
- Powers/Exponents
Fractions/Decimals
- Addition/Subtraction
- Multiplication/Division
Proportion and Percent
- Ratio
- Rates
- Proportions
- Percents
- Conversion: fraction/decimal/percent
Algebra
- Expression/Equations
- Substitution
- Solving one step/two step
- Related Word Problems
Geometry
- Closed plane figures
- Perimeter/Area
- Coordinate Plane
Measurement
- U.S./Metric Conversion
Statistics
- Interpreting Graphs
- Data/Central Tendency
Probability
-Single/Compound Events