Secondary Course Expectations

Math Matters 1 & 2

Third Draft - Updated 10/20/00

Prerequisite: 7th Grade Math

This is the first of a three-year course that covers the traditional topics of first year Algebra and Geometry while developing problem solving skills. Students explore math concepts and generalizations by weaving together number sense, algebra, geometry, statistics, and logic through verbalizing, writing, and reading about math and its connections to other disciplines, problems in society and the environment. The course is organized around themes such as Sports, Astronomy, Architecture, rather than subjects. Year One focuses on mastering all of the basic skills of arithmetic and introduces statistical data, measurement, geometry, equations, inequalities, ration, proportion, percents, area, volume, polynomials, and probability.

Students entering this course are making a 3-year commitment. Math Matters 3-4 and Math Matters 5-6 are the continuation of the series.

1. The student understands and applies the concepts and procedures of mathematics.

• 1.1 reviews and understands basic properties of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• 1.2 evaluates numerical and algebraic expressions using order of operations
• 1.3 graphs inequalities
• 1.4 solves proportions
• 1.5 uses basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and absolute value) with integers and rational numbers
• 1.6 converts within and between metric and customary measuring systems
• 1.7 applies properties to find missing angle measures in triangles and parallel lines
• 1.8 creates similar figures using transformations (refection, translations, rotations, and slide)
• 1.9 finds area of circles, rectangles, triangles, and trapezoids
• 1.10 finds perimeter of polygons and circumference of circles
• 1.11 finds volume and surface area of rectangular solids
• 1.12 locates ordered pairs on a coordinate plane
• 1.13 graphs linear equations on a coordinate plane by creating a table of values
• 1.14 solves single-operation equations containing whole numbers,integers, and rational numbers

2. The student uses mathematics to define and solve problems.

• 2.1 identifies and applies a variety of problem solving strategies
• 2.2 determines what is known and what needs to be found in a problem
• 2.3 solves story problems using single-operations equations
• 2.4 applies appropriate methods, operations, and processes to construct a solution
• 2.5 shows all steps in problem solving

3. The student uses mathematical reasoning

• 3.1 supports arguments and justifies results
• 3.2 uses probability to predict and test outcomes
• 3.3 makes and tests predictions using estimation
• 3.4 checks for reasonableness of results
• 3.5 reflects on and evaluates procedures and results and makes necessary revisions

4. The student communicates knowledge and understanding in both everyday and mathematical language.

• 4.1 collects, organizes, clarifies, and refines mathematical information by reflecting, verbalizing, discussing, or writing
• 4.2 describes and applies the basic properties of similar and congruent figures
• 4.3 identifies and classifies basic polygons and angles
• 4.4 clearly explains the process used to solve a problem involving several steps
• 4.5 describes transformations using both everyday and mathematical language
• 4.6 expresses ideas, situations, and word expressions using mathematical language and symbols in appropriate form

5. The student understands how mathematical ideas connect within mathematics, to other subject areas, and to real-life situations.

• 5.1 applies the relationship between addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in real-life situations.
• 5.2 integrates the use of a variety of available technologies
• 5.3 applies mathematical thinking and modeling in other disciplines
• 5.4 applies mathematical concepts to solve problems from work and life situations
• 5.5 uses formulas to solve problems from work and life situations