Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School
Mathematics Department
MFM 1P: Foundations of Mathematics, Applied
2013-2014
Teacher
Rita Major
Prerequisite Course
None
Description
This course enables students to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts related to
introductory algebra, proportional reasoning, and measurement and geometry through
investigation, the effective use of technology, and hands-on activities. Students will investigate
real-life examples to develop various representations of linear relations, and will determine the
connections between the representations. They will also explore certain relationships that emerge
from the measurement of three-dimensional figures and two-dimensional shapes. Students will
consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.
Throughout the course, students will engage in the following processes: Problem Solving,
Reasoning and Proving, Reflecting, Selecting Tools and Computational Strategies, Connecting,
Representing, Communicating.
Overall Course Expectations or Topics
Number Sense and Algebra
• In this unit, students will review the major concepts that are necessary for success in the
rest of the course. Fundamental training includes developing a strong number sense,
reviewing order of operations, and understanding the concepts surrounding decimals,
fractions, ratios and proportions.
Analyzing Relationships with Data
• Data – numbers and figures that are used to describe and make sense of the world
around us – are only useful if they can be organized, analysed and presented in ways that
make sense to ourselves and each other. This unit is about using mathematical and
graphical tools to understand data. Understanding of statistics and proportionality will be
developed. Learning to recognize and manipulate linear relationships, and to extrapolate
and interpolate data based upon preexisting data, are hallmarks of this unit. Simple
algebra to describe graphs will be introduced.
1
Linear Equations and Word Problems
• Building upon the algebra developed in Unit 2, students will learn to solve simple linear
equations. Adding and subtracting polynomials, and the distributive law will be
introduced and practiced. Multi-step equations will be examined. By the end of the unit,
students will have experience translating written words into mathematical equations, and
vice-versa.
Slopes and the Equation of a Line
• Based upon the understandings of linear equations developed in Unit 3, the concepts of
slope, rates of change, and how these ideas relate to practical relations such as distancetime relationships. The techniques and uses of finding the point of intersection of two
lines on a graph will be studied.
Measurement and Geometry
• The physical and mathematical properties of a variety of two- and three-dimensional
shapes will be considered. Building on ideas of proportionality developed earlier, the
relationships between distance, area and volume will be examined. Techniques for
optimization design will be discussed. Essential knowledge in many trades, Pythagorean
Theorem and Parallel Line Theorem will be studied in detail.
Course Resources
TIPS Workbook
Textbook:
Replacement Cost:
TIPS binders
$5 / book
Required Materials to meet with success in this course
• Agenda
• A 3-ring binder with lined paper
• Utensils: pens (blue and red), pencils, eraser, and a ruler
• Scientific Calculator
Learning Skills
Assessment of the learning skills will be done on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year
by observations of students at work, checklists and interviews. This will include:
• Class work/homework (Work habits, homework and organization)
• Completed work and seeking assistance (Organization and initiative)
• Persistence and independence at tasks (Working independently and initiative)
• Extension of task (Organization and initiative)
• Achievement of group goals (Team work)
2
Report Card Grade
The Report Card grade is based on evidence collected through observations, conversations, and
student products (tests/exams, assignments for evaluation). Some evidence will carry greater
weight than other evidence. Determining a report card grade will involve professional judgement
and interpretation of evidence that reflects the student’s most consistent level of achievement,
with special consideration given to more recent evidence.
Mark Breakdown
Term Work - 70 %
Term work is based on a variety of performance tasks over the course of the term that
demonstrates: knowledge, thinking, communication, and application.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Application:
Thinking and Inquiry:
Communication:
20%
20%
20%
10%
Summative - 30%
The summative evaluation must take place completely in class and may take the form of a final
exam, or a variety of summative performance tasks and/or student portfolios that demonstrate the
comprehensive achievement of the overall course expectations and the four areas of the
achievement chart (knowledge, thinking, communication, and application). For this course, the
final 30% is assessed as follows:
Culminating Performance Task (EQAO):
Rich Summative Task:
10%
20%
Communication
Parents may contact the teacher at (613) 741-4525 during regular school hours. Parents
will be contacted as needed to improve the educational opportunities of the student.
Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s progress by looking at tests and
assignments. Please refer to the student agenda for reporting dates and other important
event dates at Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School.
3
(Please return this page)
Student and Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement
We have read the above course outline and are aware of the student responsibilities to attend
class on a regular basis and to provide evidence of learning within the established timelines.
Student's Name (print):
_________________________________
Student's Signature
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (print):
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:
_________________________________
Parent or Student Comments or Expectations for this course (optional):
4