Math
Curriculum
The math curriculum provided at Del Mar is problem-based for 21st century learners. It is designed to address content, and practice standards to foster learning for all. We are preparing students to solve problems, reason, communicate, and think critically in the classroom and beyond the walls of Del Mar. Math 6, 7 and 8 have adopted a curriculum from Illustrative Mathematics. Our Algebra students use the Big Ideas curriculum, which is the same curriculum provided at our local high schools for their Algebra courses.
ILLUSTRIATIVE MATHEMATICS (Math 6, 7, & 8)BIG IDEAS (Algebra)
Trimester “Course” Descriptions by Grade Level
Math 6
Trimester 1- In trimester one, students in Math 6 work in the domains of geometry, number systems, and ratios & proportional relationships. They explore finding the surface area of polygons and polyhedra, unit rates, ratios, calculating percentages, and learning operations with fractions and decimals. These topics are found in units one, two and three of the Illustrative mathematics curriculum.
Trimester 2- In trimester two, Math 6 students explore writing and solving equations, working with rational numbers,including but not limited to operations with negative numbers and graphing in the entire coordinate plane. They also will learn how to analyze and create data sets and distributions, as well as probability of simple events. These topics are found in units four, seven, and eight of our Illustrative Math curriculum.
Trimester 3- During the final trimester of the school year, Math 6 students are immersed in the continued study of proportional relationships, including circles, as well as explore the practical applications of percentages. All of these concepts come from units five and six in our Illustrative Math curriculum. Of course, students also apply these skills and concepts in real-world situations and continue to employ the eight mathematical practices throughout all three trimesters.
Math 7C
Trimester 1- In Trimester one, Math 7C students work on the following topics in our Illustrative Math curriculum: Rigid Transformations & Congruence, Scale Factor, Similarity & Slope, and Writing & Solving Equations. These topics are found in units one, two and three of the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum.
Trimester 2- In Trimester two, 7C students extend their understanding of expressions and equations, applying their knowledge of proportional relationships to inequalities and linear relationships. Additionally, Math 7C explores functions and finding the volume of cylinders, spheres and cones, as well as surface area of pyramids. These concepts are covered in units four, five and six of our Illustrative Mathematics curriculum.
Trimester 3- In Trimester two, 7C students extend their understanding of expressions and equations, applying their knowledge of proportional relationships to inequalities and linear relationships. Additionally, Math 7C explores functions and finding the volume of cylinders, spheres and cones, as well as surface area of pyramids. These concepts are covered in units four, five and six of our Illustrative Mathematics curriculum.
Math 8 and Algebra
Trimester 1- In trimester one, students in Math 8 work in the domains of geometry and expressions & equations, specifically transformations, congruence, similarity, and proportional relationships. Units one and two in our Illustrative Math curriculum is where these units of study can be found. During the first trimester, Math 8A students graph, write, and solve linear equations and inequalities.
Trimester 2- In trimester two, students in Math 8 explore linear relationships, including slopes, linear equations, and systems of equations. We also dive into functions, emphasizing volume, as well as data associations. These topics can be found in Units three through six of our Illustrative Math curriculum. Algebra students solve systems of linear equations, linear functions, as well as exponential functions and equations.
Trimester 3- During our final trimester of Del Mar Middle School, Math 8 students explore the content of units 7, 8, (and 9 by way of projects and review) in our Illustrative Math Curriculum. This finds us learning about rational numbers, roots, scientific notation, and the Pythagorean Theorem. Students in Algebra study polynomial equations and factoring, graphing and solving quadratic functions and equations, square root functions and geometry, and rational equations and functions during this final trimester. All 8th-grade students continue to strategically employ the eight mathematical practices throughout all three trimesters.
Standards Covered by Grade Level/Trimester
Homework
Homework assignments are learning opportunities that encourage students to take initiative and responsibility for completing a task, and are integral to the success of our middle-school math program. Homework is assigned two to three times per week. Completion of homework (as well as some of our class work) is factored into the Habits of Learning grade as it is critical in developing good habits of learning. It is the expectation of the math department that students will be checking their homework with the answer key provided. It is incumbent upon the student to seek assistance for any problems that are still unresolved after checking them. Possible avenues for assistance are the summaries at the end of each lesson, Study Guides, family guides on the IM website, class notes, parental and peer help, Khan Academy, IXL, Wednesday office hours, class time, and of course, the teacher!
Retaking End-of-Unit Assessments
Mid-Unit exams are formative in nature and will not count towards the student's final standing. Because they are formative in nature, retakes are not offered on quizzes or mid-unit assessments. End-of-Unit Exams are summative in nature and will be used to assess students’ progress toward meeting standards. Students who receive an AP or BG may retake exam questions covering that standard. Before retaking an end-of-unit assessment, a student must complete several tasks including, but not limited to, the following:
* complete all the homework assignments (including IXL's)
* fill out a correction form
* meet with teacher during office hours to complete additional assigned practice problems or problems from other resources, if required
The student's retake grade will replace their original end-of-unit assessment grade if it is higher. The highest score a student can receive on a retake is Proficient.