Mathematics

Mathematics instruction in grades six through eight focuses on the development of number sense, with emphasis on rational and real numbers. Rational numbers play a critical role in the development of proportional reasoning and advanced mathematical thinking. Students develop an understanding of integers and rational numbers using concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations. Flexible thinking about rational number representations is encouraged when students solve problems. Proportional reasoning is the key to making connections to many middle school mathematics topics. The content of the middle school mathematics standards is intended to support the following five process goals for students: becoming mathematical problem solvers, communicating mathematically, reasoning mathematically, making mathematical connections, and using mathematical representations to model and interpret practical situations.

Pre-Algebra 6

This course includes all of the Grade 6 Mathematics Standards of Learning and select content from the Grade 7 Mathematics Standards. This course focuses on the development of problem-solving skills and the acquisition of mathematical vocabulary and symbols that promote higher levels of critical thinking and analysis. Students perform single-step and multistep problems involving operations with rational numbers. Students determine equivalency, compare, and order decimals, fractions, and percents. Students solve problems involving area and perimeter and begin to graph in a coordinate plane. In addition, students use the data cycle by applying it to circle graphs and histograms as well as develop concepts regarding measures of center. Students solve linear equations in one variable, and represent proportional relationships using two variables. In addition, students solve problems involving experimental and theoretical probability, compare and contrast the properties of quadrilaterals, and evaluate algebraic expressions. Students enrolled in this course take the Grade 6 Mathematics Virginia Standards of Learning test.

Pre-Algebra 6 Intensified

Background: Selection for this course is based on a set of criteria including previous SOL tests, a NWEA MAP Growth assessment, and teacher recommendation.
This course includes all of the Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 Mathematics Standards of Learning. This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in performing operations with rational numbers and can learn material at an accelerated pace. This course focuses on the development of problem-solving skills and the acquisition of mathematical vocabulary and symbols that promote higher levels of critical thinking and analysis. Students perform operations with rational numbers, recognize decimals, fractions, and percents as ratios, and gain a foundation in the understanding of and operations with integers. Students use the data cycle by applying it to circle graphs, histograms, scatterplots, and boxplots as well as develop concepts regarding measures of center. Additionally, students develop an understanding of proportional reasoning, representing linear equations in a variety of ways, solving multi-step linear equations and inequalities, and the concept of slope as a rate of change. Students also solve problems involving volume and surface area of more complex three-dimensional figures, apply transformations to geometric shapes, as well as verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Students enrolled in this course take the Grade 8 Mathematics Virginia Standards of Learning test.

Pre-Algebra 7

This course includes the remaining Grade 7 Mathematics Standards not taught in Pre-Algebra 6 and all of the Grade 8 Mathematics Standards. This course focuses on the development of problem-solving skills and the acquisition of mathematical vocabulary and symbols that promote higher levels of critical thinking and analysis. Students continue to develop proficiency in operations with rational numbers and solving problems in context. Additionally, they represent and compare rational numbers using exponents, scientific notation, and square roots. Students develop an understanding of proportional reasoning, representing linear equations in a variety of ways, solving multi-step linear equations and inequalities, and the concept of slope as a rate of change. Students use the data cycle by applying it to histograms, scatterplots, and boxplots. In addition, students solve problems involving volume and surface area of more complex three- dimensional figures, apply transformations to geometric shapes, as well as verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Students enrolled in this course take the Grade 8 Mathematics Virginia Standards of Learning test.

Grade 8 Mathematics

This course continues to build on the concepts needed for success in high school level Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics. This course focuses on the development of problem-solving skills and the acquisition of mathematical vocabulary and symbols that promote higher levels of critical thinking and analysis. Students develop an understanding of proportional reasoning, making connections among representations of linear equations, and solving multi-step linear equations and inequalities. In addition, students solve problems involving volume and surface area of more complex three-dimensional figures, apply transformations to geometric shapes, and verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem creating a foundation for further study of triangular relationships in Geometry. Students represent data and apply the data cycle and extend the application to boxplots and scatterplots. Students enrolled in this course take the Grade 8 Mathematics Virginia Standards of Learning test.

Honors Algebra I

Background: Selection for this course is based on a set criteria including successful completion of Pre-Algebra 7 and a passing score on the Grade 8 Mathematics SOL test.
This advanced course requires students to use algebra as a tool for representing and solving a variety of contextual problems. Students use tables and graphs to interpret algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities and to analyze behaviors of functions. Additionally, students use a transformational approach to graphing functions and writing equations when given the graph of the equation in order to build a strong connection between algebraic and graphic representations of functions. Computers and graphing calculator technologies are incorporated into the curriculum:

to allow students opportunities to explore concepts
to provide visual models to support the learning of algebraic concepts, and
as powerful tools for solving and verifying solutions to equations and inequalities.

Mathematical communication and reasoning are emphasized throughout the course. Students enrolled in this course take the EOC Algebra I Virginia Standards of Learning test.

Honors Geometry

Background: Selection for this course is based on a set criteria including successful completion of Honors Algebra I and
a passing score on the Algebra I SOL test.
This advanced course is designed for students who have successfully completed the standards for Algebra I. It includes an emphasis on developing reasoning skills through the exploration of geometric relationships including properties of geometric figures, trigonometric relationships, and mathematical proofs. There is an emphasis on two-and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. Computers and graphing calculator technologies are incorporated into the curriculum to allow students opportunities to explore concepts, engage in inquiry-based learning, provide visual models to support the learning of geometric concepts, and to use as powerful tools for solving and verifying solutions to equations and inequalities. Mathematical communication and reasoning are emphasized throughout the course. Students enrolled in this course will take the EOC Geometry Virginia Standards of Learning test.

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