Audubon Gifted/High Achieving Magnet Center
Math 7, Fall 2010
Mr. Boden, Teacher
james.boden@lausd.net
School Phone Number: 323-290-6300
School website: www.audubonms.org
Welcome Students! The following is a brief overview of what we will learn this school year. While reading, please keep in
mind: Math plays a critical role in fine tuning our life-long logic and reasoning skills. All rules and procedures are in place to
ensure you are provided the maximum amount of quality instructional time.
Math 7 is based upon the California State Framework in preparation for the California Standards Test. The California State
Framework for Mathematics requires seventh grade students to become adept at manipulating numbers and equations while
understanding the underlying principles at work. Students will gain a deeper understanding of rational numbers, will know and
use the different representations of rational numbers (fractions, decimals, percents), will be able to convert from one
representation to another proficiently, and will compute interest and percents of increase and decrease readily. They will
increase their knowledge of ratio and proportions and apply this knowledge to both real and purely mathematical concepts. In
addition, students will know the Pythagorean Theorem and use it to solve problems involving a missing side.
Course Goal:

To prepare the students for higher level mathematics

To encourage critical thinking

To increase their interest in mathematics

To build their skills in group and community involvement
It is my goal to provide a comfortable learning environment for your student. Though the students are expected to participate in
their own learning experience, I know that with proper instruction in the content area and mutual respect to and from all
students will make their participation in mathematics a positive and unforgettable experience.
Since the 7th grade standards constitute the core content for the CAHSEE, it is essential that all students become
proficient in the 7th grade key standards.
UNIT I – September 13, 2010 – November 12, 2010 Number Sets
In this unit, students will learn and demonstrate understanding of integers and integer operations. They will understand
absolute value as distance from the point 0. They will perform arithmetic operations on rational numbers and exponents. They
will be able to find the square root of a perfect square and estimate the square root of non-perfect square integers. They will
understand the relationship between rational numbers and decimals. The California State Standards addressed in this unit are:
NS1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, and AF1.2, 1.3, and 2.1.
UNIT II – November 15, 2010 – February 4, 2011 Percentages, Linear Equations, and Linear Inequalities
In this unit, students will apply the properties of rational numbers to simplify numerical and variable expressions; they will
solve problems involving discounts, mark-ups, commission, and profit. Students will learn and demonstrate proficiency at
writing and solving 2-step linear equations and inequalities. They will apply these skills to solve problems involving rate,
average speed, distance, and time. The California State Standards addressed in this unit are: NS 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, and AF 1.1, 1.4,
4.1, and 4.2.
UNIT III – February 7, 2011 – April 8, 2011 Linear Relationships, Exponents, and Special Geometric Relationships
In this unit, students will learn about linear equations and their graphs. They will be able to graph an equation, and to describe
slope as the constant rate of change in a linear function. Students will learn and demonstrate understanding of the rules of
exponents, and use them to perform operations on monomials. In part 2 of this unit, students will learn the Pythagorean
Theorem and use it to determine right triangles. The students will compare and use different measurement systems, and will
construct and read scale drawings. The California State Standards addressed in this unit are: NS2.3, AF2.2, 3.3, 3.4, AND
MG1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.3, 3.4
UNIT IV – April 11, 2011 – June 24, 2011 (CST 5/9 – 5/27) Data, Geometry, and Non-Linear Functions
Prior to the CST, students will develop a clear understanding of the minimum, the lower quartile, the median, the upper
quartile, and the maximum of a data set. The California State Standards addressed in this part of the unit are: SDAP1.1, 1.2,
and 1.3
After the CST, students will explore the features of plane and solid geometry. They will apply their understanding of graphing
functions to represent quantitative relationships. The California State Standards addressed in this part of the unit are: MG2.1,
2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 3.6, and AF1.5, 3.1, 3.2
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Textbook and other resources:
California Math Course 2, McDougal Littell, 2008
Online tutoring for this text: classzone.com
CD-ROM version of text and home tutor are available for check-out.
Required Supplies:
1
3-ring binder
1
Spiral Notebook or Notebook Paper
3
No. 2 pencils
1
white (Faber-Castel or Magic Rub) eraser
1
personal pencil sharpener in a plastic baggie
3-hole punched loose-leaf quad rule (grid) paper
Grading and Attendance:
Homework will be assigned everyday. Practice of the content we learn in class is essential to the success of each student in this
class. All students will be responsible to keep an up-to-date assignment sheet in their notebook. This should contain their
homework and fair notice of upcoming assessments (quiz, chapter test, and periodic test) and projects.
Attendance is critical to success in any math class. Tardies are not acceptable. Make-up work for full credit may be turned in
for excused absences only. Students will have one full day to get caught up after an excused absence. Remember, if the student
is not in class to participate, I cannot give the student participation credit for that day.
I will accept late work (missing assignments) to be turned in. Students will receive a maximum of 50% credit for late work.
This doesn’t mean don’t do it. Late or not, I still need to see the work to make sure the student is keeping up with the class
content.
Grade scale:

65%

10%

15%

10%
Quizzes and Assessments
Attendance and Participation
Block Project
Class work and Homework
Grade
90% - 100%
80% - 89%
63% - 79%
45% - 62%
0% - 44%
Score
A
B
C
D
F
CST Ranking
Advanced
Proficient
Basic
Below Basic
Far Below Basic
Score
83% - 100%
63% - 82%
45% - 62%
31% - 44%
0% - 30%
Accommodations:
Parent’s, please see or email Mr. Boden if your child requires special accommodations due to learning disabilities, religious
practices, physical requirements, medical needs, or any other reasons.
Academic Honesty Policy:
There is a zero tolerance for students who are caught cheating in this class. If a student is caught cheating, he/she will receive
no credit for that assignment and a parent conference will be scheduled.
Class Rules and Expectations
Classroom Rules
We are…
1. Respectful
2. Responsible
3. Committed
4. Honest
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Behavior Standards
Respectful
 We follow the Entry Routine.
 We “act like a STAR” (Sit up straight, Track the speaker, Ask and answer questions, Raise your hand to speak)
throughout the entire period.
 We are polite to each other, using words such as “please”, “excuse me”, “sorry”, “thank you”, “you’re welcome”
 We do not eat, chew gum, or use any personal electronic devices (cell phone, mp3 player, etc.).
Responsible
 We bring all necessary materials to class each period. This includes pencils, erasers, paper, your folder, your
homework, your textbook, and your practice book.
 We take ownership of our attitude and behavior.
 We have self-control.
Committed
 We take careful notes and ask pertinent questions regarding the day’s lesson.
 We thoughtfully complete all homework and turn it in on time.
Honest
 We are truthful in all circumstances because lies only hurt our relationships with others.
 We will not cheat on classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, or projects.
Consequences
1st time: Warning
2nd time: Copy writing as assigned by the teacher
3rd time: Owe time after class and parent is called
4th time: Parent conference
Work Standards
 All work must be completed in pencil.
 All work is to be completed in neat careful cursive or printing using U.S. standard letters and numerals. (0, 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
 All loose work must be neatly headed according to school standard.
 All collected work must be turned in on flat, neat paper that gives no evidence of having been torn from a notebook,
crumpled, folded, or ripped
**Sub-standard work will be returned ungraded.** It is the student’s responsibility to return it in standard form. It will be
scored as late work.
Why re-do? Do your best work the first time!
Please tear off this bottom portion of the course syllabus, sign, date, and return with student.
___________________________________________________________
Student, Parent/Guardian and Teacher Contract
I have read the syllabus and understand the rules that my son/daughter must follow at school and during math class. I
also understand the grading policy and have received the teachers contact information.
___________________________
Student Name (Printed)
___________________________
Student Signature
_______________
Date
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_______________
Date
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Email
Comments:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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