Grade 5
The fifth grade year in mathematics transitions the students from the standards-based program Bridges in Mathematics to a skill-based program, Holt Mathematics: Course 1. Main concepts are broken into small increments, allowing students to build and strengthen their conceptual understanding of mathematics while improving their efficiency as mathematicians. The twelve units of study are whole numbers and patterns, introduction to algebra, decimals, number theory and fractions, collecting and displaying data, proportional relationships, geometric relationships, measurement and geometry, area and volume, integers, graphs and functions, and probability.
Students spend class time practicing the explored content, and they complete independent practice on a daily basis. Formative assessments are conducted throughout each chapter to determine levels of understanding. Students are encouraged to develop plans to solidify the math content explored. Final chapter tests are administered to determine levels of mastery.
Grade 6
Holt Mathematics: Course 2, the sixth grade math course, expands the students’ knowledge and comprehension of a wide variety of mathematical concepts.
Classes explore new concepts through review of known information, introduction to new skills, guided practice, independent exploration, and review. Isolated skills will be linked to conceptual understanding throughout the year. A review of numbers and patterns, exponents, measurement, and the order of operations comprise the opening section of the course. Units in integers and rational numbers, patterns and functions, proportional relationships, and percents follow this first unit. Analyzing data and an introduction to geometry will take up the majority of the winter term. The year will be complete with a study of probability as well as a close look at inequalities and multi-step variable equations. Students will become skilled at graphing equations and functions, and they will be regularly challenged with meaningful problem solving situations using the skills and concepts presented in class.
Grade 7
Using Holt Mathematics: Course 3, the seventh grade class deepens their understanding of math concepts. The students improve their mastery through exposure to new skills and concepts, guided practice, and independent exploration. The year begins with a review of expressions and integers as well as equations and inequalities. Content units explored throughout the year include rational numbers, graphs, functions and sequences, exponents and roots, ratios, proportions and similarity, percents, geometry, perimeter, area and volume, data and statistics, probability, multi-step equations and inequalities, graphing lines, sequences and functions, and polynomials. The students will be regularly challenged with meaningful problem solving situations using the skills and concepts presented in class.
Seventh grade students demonstrating a strong understanding of math and an ability to think abstractly will take Pre-Algebra during their seventh grade year. Course content will be explored through whole-class and small-group work sessions. Students will begin the year exploring integers, equations, and inequalities. The year unfolds to rational numbers and proportions, functions, geometry, and measurement, and concludes with data analysis, polynomials, and transformation. The skills and concepts presented through Pre-Algebra (McDougal Littell, 2008) will be supported through meaningful problem solving situations.
Grade 8
Students begin the year exploring integers, equations, and inequalities. The year unfolds to rational numbers and proportions, functions, geometry, and measurement, and concludes with data analysis, polynomials, and transformation. Course content is explored through whole-class dialogue, small-group work sessions, and independent exploration. The students' understanding is strengthened through practical application of skills and concepts within meaningful problem solving situations.
Eighth grade students demonstrating a strong understanding of math and an ability to think abstractly take Algebra 1 during their eighth grade year. Course content is explored through whole-class and small-group work sessions. Students begin the year engaging in the language of algebra while reviewing the order of operations and simplifying expressions with an introduction to functions. The year unfolds to equations, inequalities, functions, exponents, polynomials, quadratic functions and equations, data analysis and probability, and radical and rational functions. The skills and concepts presented through Holt Mathematics: Algebra 1 will be supported through meaningful problem solving situations.
