MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Course Code: MAT1L
Course Name: Essentials Mathematics
Level: Grade 9
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Course Overview:
This course emphasizes further development of mathematical knowledge and skills to prepare students for success
in their everyday lives, in the workplace, in the Grade 10 LDCC course, and in the Grade 11 and Grade 12
Mathematics Workplace Preparation courses.
The course is organized by three strands related to money sense, measurement, and proportional reasoning. In all
strands, the focus is on developing and consolidating key foundational mathematical concepts and skills by solving
authentic, everyday problems.
Students have opportunities to further develop their mathematical literacy and problem-solving skills and to
continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical math
activities.
Connection to our Catholic Faith:
Students will apply Catholic values to pose and solve problems, to make logical decisions, and to become critical thinkers who
share their abilities for the benefit of all in their classroom and school community. A supportive mathematics classroom provides
a caring and sensitive environment where the dignity and value of all students is respected and affirmed as they grow in
confidence in their mathematical abilities. Mathematical investigations will promote a respect for God’s creation and an
understanding of the need to use resources wisely. A student will become self-directed, responsible and life-long learner in the
mathematics classroom.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
DEVELOPING AND CONSOLIDATING MONEY SENSE
1. Understanding and Using Decimals
2. Solving Problems Involving Money
3. Communicating Information about Money
DEVELOPING AND CONSOLIDATING CONCEPTS IN MEASUREMENT
1. Understanding and Using the Metric System
2. Understanding and Using the Imperial System
3. Understanding and Applying Perimeter, Area, and Volume
4. Communicating Information about Measurement
DEVELOPING CONCEPTS IN PROPORTIONAL REASONING
1. Constructing Understanding of Fractions, Percentages, Ratios, and Rates
2. Solving Problems
3. Communicating Information about Proportional Reasoning
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order
to ensure that these expectations are being met.
Course Breakdown
Resources: The course will use a variety of resources including
Unit 1: Money Matters (Place Value and Rounding)
Unit 2: Linear Measurement: Metric
Unit 3: Linear Measurement: Imperial
Unit 4: Cooking (Ratio/Fractions)
Unit 5: Sports and Leisure (Ratio/Imperial)
Unit 6: Dining Out (Estimating)
Unit 7: Home Improvement (Metric)
Unit 8: Healthy Choices (Ratio)
Unit 9: Boxed In (Volume)
Unit 10: The World of Work (Money)
SMARTBOARD technology, video, Internet Applications, math software, and a
variety of print sources. The student workbook, Math Essentials 9 will be
distributed to students during the first week of the course. The workbook
assigned to students is the responsibility of the student. Any damage incurred
will result in payment for replacement. ($20.00)
Evaluation Structure:
Knowledge/Understanding
30%
Application
30 %
Communication
20 %
Thinking/Inquiry
20 %
The above is reflected in the term work (worth 70% of the final mark) and the
summative work (worth 30% of the final mark).
Evaluation Policy: Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing
feedback will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning activities, simulations
and presentations. Peer & self-evaluations will also be utilized. Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product
according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see the chart below for specific skills and key words used to determine student
competency in the different categories.
Level
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Category
50-59%
60-69%
70-79%
80-100%
Knowledge/Understanding
-Limited
-Some success
-Considerable
-Thorough
display of
in displaying
display of
understanding of
 Knowledge of facts & terms
knowledge,
knowledge,
knowledge skills
concepts and ability
 Understanding of concepts & relationships
skills and
skills and
and ability to apply to communicate,
Thinking/Inquiry
ability to apply application of
concepts
think creatively and
 Critical thinking skills
concepts
concepts
apply concepts
 Creative thinking skills
 Inquiry Skills
Communication
 Communication of ideas and information
 Use of symbols & visuals
 Oral & written communication
Application
 Applications in familiar contexts
 Transfer of concepts to new contexts
 Making logical conclusions and predictions
 Use of technology
 Making connections
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills such as responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative and self
regulation are assessed independently student achievement and will be conducted through the use of a rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to
receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
Other Evaluation Issues
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LATE ASSIGNMENTS. Assignments submitted after the Primary Due Date established by the teacher will be accepted with a penalty of
5% off for the first day late and 2% for subsequent days to a maximum of 10%. This four day Penalty Zone is the maximum time
allowed for submissions. The fourth day after the assignment is due is considered the Closure Date upon which no further assignments
will be accepted. If the teacher returns the marked assignments within the four day penalty zone, the date of return is considered the
closure date. Repeated lateness in submissions indicates poor organization skills and will result in parental contact and will be
reflected in the learning skills section of the report card.
INCOMPLETE ASSSIGNMENTS Assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria established in the
rubric or evaluation structure.
MISSED TESTS Tests missed with a legitimate reason will be written within a few days of the student returning from the absence.
Student eligibility to write the test and the date of writing will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with the department
head.
CULMINATING ACTIVITIES These activities will be due toward the end of the course. They are valued between 5 and 15 per cent of the
final mark and will reflect course material and competencies not otherwise reflected on the final exam.
Plagiarism in any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question