BJHS Course Descriptions - Mathematics

Mathematics

BLOOMINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Ø  A minimum of 3 credits of mathematics is required for graduation from Bloomington High School. Two of these credits must be in algebra and geometry.

Ø  Three years of mathematics defined as Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II are required for entrance into a state university in Illinois.

Ø   Because of the demand for technologically literate problem solvers in today’s job market, each student should take as much mathematics as possible with the completion of Algebra II as a minimum.

Ø  A recent report from ACT finds that a fourth year of math is associated positively with students’ college readiness. While only 16 percent of students taking three years of math met the readiness benchmarks on the ACT in math, 62 percent of students taking four years, and 75 percent of students taking four and a half years of math me that benchmark. (ACT, Inc. 2007, Rigor At Risk : Reaffirming Quality in the High School Core Curriculum)

Ø  By 2016, professional occupations are expected to add more new jobs – at least five million- more that any other sector and within that category computer and mathematical occupations will grow the fastest. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The following courses are offered at Bloomington Junior High School.

6TH GRADE MATHEMATICS CLASSES

Core Mathematics (Grade 6)

The 6th grade core mathematics class is based on the state standards. Skills from elementary will be utilized to strengthen a foundation of problem solving strategies and build mathematical communities.
This course will focus on problem-solving, connections, and written communication.Topics studied will include number theory, number sense and applications with fractions and decimals, coordinate geometry, two- and three-dimensional geometry, patterning, writing and evaluating numeric and algebraic expressions, solving equations, probability, and date analysis. Most of these students will take Pre-Algebra – Part I in 7th grade.

Advanced Mathematics (Grade 6)

The 6th grade advanced mathematics class is based on the state standards. Students with strong backgrounds in basic elementary skills have the opportunity to participate in this course. Skills from elementary years will be used to establish a foundation of problem solving strategies and build mathematics communities. Groups will be differentiated in the core mathematics classroom and lessons will be planned meeting the needs of the students.
This course will focus on the development of algebraic thinking. The topics studied will include number theory, number sense and applications with fractions and decimals, coordinate geometry, two- and three-dimensional geometry, patterning, writing and evaluating numeric and algebraic expressions, solving equations, probability, integers, and data analysis. This section is intended to prepare student to take Advanced Topics or Pre-Algebra in seventh grade. These students will take Advanced Pre-Algebra or Advanced Topics in 7th grade.

Pre-Algebra (Grade 6)

Prerequisite(s): Stanine performance of 9 or above on the district standardized test, Exceeds on the ISAT, and teacher recommendation.
Pre-Algebra is designed to move a student from general mathematics to Algebra and Geometry. The course will develop higher-level thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and technology skills. The course is aligned with Illinois State Standards. Course topics include: patterning, algebraic reasoning, writing and simplifying algebraic expressions, number sense, estimation strategies, problem-solving strategies, solving equations and inequalities, linear functions, graphing, special thinking, measurement formulas, data analysis and probability. Upon successful completion of this class, these students will take Algebra I in 7th grade.

7TH GRADE MATHEMATICS COURSES

PRE-ALGEBRA PART I (Grade 7)

Pre- Algebra Part I allows time for additional mathematical growth on the part of the junior high student. It is technology based, deals with the uses of mathematics as applied in the real world and is designed to move a student from general mathematics to problem solving, algebra and geometry while providing opportunities for student success. Measurement, displays of data and statistics, patterning, problem-solving, and utilizing measurements and formulas in geometry are the course topics. A scientific calculator (TI-30XS Multiview) with a fraction exchange key ( n/d ) is required for this course. This course, when combined with Concepts of Algebra, will prepare a student to take Algebra I and Geometry, both requirements of the State of Illinois and today’s work force. These students will take Pre-Algebra – Part II in the 8th grade.

Advanced Pre-Algebra (Grade 7)

Prerequisite(s): Stanine performance of 7 or above on the district standardized test, Meets on the ISAT, and teacher recommendation. The Advanced Pre-Algebra is a faster-paced course than the Pre-Algebra – Part I. It will require more independent thinking while exploring number sense with fractions, decimals, and Integers; number theory, equations, inequalities, ratios, percents, plane geometry concepts, measurement, data analysis, graphing, and probability. This course is aligned with 7th grade Illinois State Learning Standards. Students who successfully complete this class will take Concepts of Algebra in 8th grade.

Advanced Topics (Grade 7)

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Advanced Math (Grade 6) with teacher recommendation. Stanine performance of 8 or above on the district standardized test, Meets on the ISAT, and teacher recommendation. Advanced Topics is technology based, deals with the uses of mathematics as applied in the real world and is designed to move a student from advanced mathematics to problem solving, algebra and geometry while providing opportunities for student success. The course is aligned with the 7th grade Illinois Learning Standards. Understanding expressions, Geometry in 3-D, Exploring exponents, Signed Numbers, Linear Relationships and Equations, Graph Interpretation, Data, and Probability using real world applications are some topics to be studied. A scientific calculator (TI -30XS Multiview) with a fraction exchange key (n/d) is required for this course. This course will prepare a student to take Algebra I in 8th grade. Students who successfully complete this class will take Algebra I as an 8th grader.

Algebra I (Grade 7)

1 BHS credit
Prerequisite(s): Score at or above the 95th percentile on the Orleans-Hanna Algebra Aptitude test, stanine performance of 8 or 9 on the district standardized test, Exceeds on the ISAT, teacher recommendation, and successful completion of pre-algebra or its equivalent. Algebra I relates algebraic thinking and skills to applications of the real world. It is a rigorous preparation for advanced mathematics, stressing both structure and development of problem-solving skills. Students are expected to communicate mathematics by reading, writing, talking and thinking mathematics. Topics of study include: equations, linear functions, graphing, inequalities, polynomials, quadratic functions, factoring, radical expressions, and rational expressions and equations. A TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. Algebra I Honors is a college preparatory course. A minimum of 45 minutes of homework a day is expected.
Students who earn an A or B in this class will be ready to take Honors Geometry in the 8th grade.

8TH GRADE MATHEMATICS

Pre-Algebra – Part II (Grade 8)

Pre- Algebra Part II allows time for additional mathematical growth on the part of the junior high student. It deals with the uses of mathematics as applied in the real world and is designed to move a student from general mathematics to problem-solving, algebra and geometry while providing multiple opportunities for student success. Measurement, displays of data and statistics, patterning, problem-solving, and utilizing measurements and formulas in geometry are the course topics. A scientific calculator with a fraction exchange key (A b/c) is required for this course. A graphing calculator will be used in class to preview Algebra I topics. This course, when combined with Concepts of Algebra, will prepare a student to take Algebra I and Geometry, both requirements of the State of Illinois for high school graduation and for today’s work force. Successful completion of this class will prepare students to take Algebra I as a freshman in high school.

Concepts of Algebra (Grade 8)

Prerequisite(s): Stanine performance of 7 or above on the district standardized test, Meets on the ISAT, and teacher recommendation. Concepts of Algebra relates algebraic thinking and skills to applications of the real world. It integrates statistics and geometry with the algebra of linear equations and inequalities, and includes probability concepts in conjunction with algebraic fractions. This course is designed to reinforce pre-algebra concepts and skills while beginning to explore and develop early Algebra concepts. Topics include: data analysis, measurement, equations, inequalities, graphing, two- and three- dimensional geometry, functions, polynomials, and probability. Students should expect to spend at least 30 minutes per night on homework. Successful completion of this class will prepare students to take Algebra I as a freshman in high school.

Algebra I (Grade 8)

1 BHS credit
Prerequisite(s): Score at or above the 95th percentile on the Orleans-Hanna Algebra Aptitude test, stanine performance of 8 or 9 on the district standardized test, Exceeds on the ISAT, teacher recommendation, and successful completion of pre-algebra or its equivalent. Algebra I relates algebraic thinking and skills to applications of the real world. It is a rigorous preparation for advanced mathematics, stressing both structure and development of problem-solving skills. Students are expected to communicate mathematics by reading, writing, talking and thinking mathematics. Topics of study include: equations, linear functions, graphing, inequalities, polynomials, quadratic functions, factoring, radical expressions, and rational expressions and equations. A TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. Algebra I Honors is a college preparatory course. A minimum of 45 minutes of homework a day is expected. These students will take Geometry as a freshman if they successfully complete this class. An A or B will enable them to take Honors Geometry.

Honors Geometry (Grade 8)

1 BHS credit – grade-weighted
Prerequisite(s): Algebra I, teacher recommendation. This rigorous course includes plane, spatial, transformational, and coordinate geometries. It emphasizes logical thinking and applies algebraic concepts to geometric figures. Topics include: polygons, 3-D solids, congruent and similar figures, circles, area, and volume. Applications will be explored via required projects and geometric constructions. The pace is rapid and algebra skills will be strengthened while studying geometry. Homework will average 45 -75 minutes per night. Geometer’s Sketchpad and calculators are used throughout the course. These students will take Honors Algebra II/ Trigonometry as a freshman in high school.

CALCULATORS: Student fees provide a scientific calculator (TI-30XS MultiView) to students in their sixth and seventh grade mathematics classes for the 2009 – 2010 school year. For those students wanting to purchase their own graphing calculator, a TI-84 Plus is recommended. This is the calculator recommended at BHS for upper level mathematics classes.