Seventh Grade Math
Class Syllabus for 2015/2016 School Year
Teachers: Ms. Manning & Ms. Silvia
Website: http://msmath78.weebly.com
Emails: msmath78@panamericano.edu.co, lcrt_3@panamericano.edu.co
Math Department Philosophy:
The study of mathematics is important because it is the tool for understanding the world around us, by
developing the processes of logic arguments, abstract, and critical thinking. It is essential in instilling a sense of
reasonableness and transferrable skills of questioning, modeling, problem solving, analyzing, and
understanding.
We believe the learning of mathematics takes place when students struggle and persevere. This will lead to
growth, and we are here to guide and support students in their learning. We value their processes and
explanation of their thinking and reasoning.
Students will develop mathematical literacy (reading, writing, speaking using appropriate mathematical
language), participate in a variety of engaging activities, and demonstrate their thinking and skills in multiple
ways.
Course Description:
This course is directly aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Student learning will focus on four critical
areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of
operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems
involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional
shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about
populations based on samples.
Throughout the year, students will actively engage in the following 8 Mathematical Practices:
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Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Units of Study & Examples of Assessment Tasks:
1. Ratios and Proportionality: Create a scale drawing or map; Convert a recipe
2. Rational Number Operations: Write a comic strip about how to use math properties to
add/subtract/multiply/divide fractions.
3. Algebraic Expressions: Model an expression using algebra tiles
4. Algebraic Equations: Write a word problem that can be modeled by an equation and algebra tiles
5. Geometric Measurement: Construct a drawing using only a compass and ruler and justify your
constructions.
6. Data Distributions: Design a statistical question about an important issue; collect and analyze data
7. Probability: Investigate chance processes and develop, use and evaluate models
Course Materials:
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Binder (3 Ring)
2 Packets of Graph Paper (3 hole punched)
Pencils
Eraser (NO liquid paper)
Highlighters
Ruler
Protractor & Compass
iPad/Tablet only (No Cell phone)
Grading Policy:
Students will be graded on the 4-point grading scale as such:
4 - Advanced (Superior): Exceeds grade level expectations.
3 - Proficient (Alto): Meets grade level expectations.
2 - Basic (Basico): Approaching grade level expectations.
1 - Below Basic (Bajo): Not meeting grade level expectations.
The only assignments whose grades will enter PowerSchool are tests, quizzes, and projects, which
must be completed in school. I may provide grades on any task so that students can get feedback and grow.
Missing Work: If a student is absent for a test or quiz, they will have one week to stay after school and
complete the task. After that, the assignment will be given a grade of 0.
Late Work: Parents will be notified immediately if an assignment is not completed on time. The student
will be expected to stay after school to complete the assignment. If the assignment is not completed within
one week of the due date, it will be graded based on what has been completed at that time.
Resources:
Text Book: Math in Focus (Singapore Math)
Student Opportunity Time on Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:45-3:30
Classroom Policies:
The behavior management policy will be given to students in the first week of school. Please review it
closely it with your child, as you will both be asked to sign and return it. You can also find it on my website.