What's Going On In The Middle School Math Classroom
by Tracy Behrns
October 30, 2009
Math is everywhere and trying to get students to see the benefit
of understanding math can be difficult at times. Better yet, in
this day and age of technology, getting students to see a reason to
be able to do math by hand or mentally is like pulling teeth.
Encourage those around you to use the calculator they were born
with before reaching for the calculator on their desk.
The 7th and 8th grade math students are enjoying the reality of new
textbooks this year, while the algebra students are in their second
year of a new textbook. The new books really beat having to lug
around a book that may or may not last the full year without
falling apart at the seams. Let’s hope that they take care of these
books so they are still in good condition for those coming behind
them.
The seventh graders have completed two chapters already. Their
chapter 1 topics included: number types, place value, powers, order
of operations, scientific and exponential notation, and graphing on
a coordinate grid. Chapter 2 covered patterns, translating words
into algebraic expressions, evaluating algebraic expressions,
working with formulas to find perimeter and area, finding solutions
to open sentences, and reading and graphing solutions to
inequalities on a number line. We have just started chapter 3 where
we will be working a lot with decimals and fractions. Our lessons
will focus on finding decimals between numbers, equivalent
fractions, adding and subtracting fractions, rounding,
fraction/decimal/percent equivalencies, using percents in real-life
situations, square roots, and probability. Seventh graders have a
district assessment on the equivalencies of fractions, decimals,
and percents. We will be spending quite a large amount of time
preparing for this assessment. Students will make flash cards of
the common fraction and decimal equivalencies that they will take
home to study, as well as play some games with them and other games
involving the equivalencies. Not only will they want to memorize
the common equivalencies, but they will need to understand the
process of changing from one form to the other.
The eighth graders in Math 8 are almost ready to take their third
chapter test. Most of the material covered this year has been a
review of important material from 7th grade. Topics covered in
class so far include: order of operations, graphing on a coordinate
grid, translating words into algebra, evaluating algebraic
expressions, working with formulas, Pythagorean Theorem, finding
solutions to open sentences, equivalent fractions, adding and
subtracting fractions, fraction/decimal/percent equivalencies, and
probability. We are just finishing up chapter 4 which covered some
broader issues. We have talked about classifications of shapes and
numbers and with this information we have been trying to answer
always, sometimes but not always, and never statements. These can
be challenging at times. We also covered a few properties as well
as union and intersection of sets. In chapter 5 we will discuss
models of addition and subtraction, the addition of positive and
negative numbers, solving one-step equations and inequalities,
graphing equations on a coordinate grid, adding probabilities, and
the triangle inequality.
The eighth grade algebra students are feeling a little overwhelmed
at this point. Eighth graders taking algebra are responsible for
completing two sets of district standards. They must take the 8th
grade level assessments, but they also have to take any assessments
at the high school level that are part of the algebra curriculum.
Adding on to the assessment dilemma, these students are pushed to
learn a lot of new information in a short amount of time, while
still living the middle school life style. Study habits and
expectations may need to be reestablished. Algebra students will be
wrapping up their third chapter next week. Chapter 1 focused on
evaluating algebraic expressions with the use of order of
operations, describing patterns, equivalent expressions, absolute
value, and central tendency (mean, median, mode, and range).
Chapter 2 along with a few lessons from later chapters in the
books, covered multiplication counting principle, permutations,
square and cubic roots, Pythagorean Theorem, the distributive
property, number puzzles, properties, and
addition/subtraction/multiplication/division related facts. Chapter
3 finally got into working with algebraic equations. This chapter
worked on graphing linear patterns, solving one and two step
equations as well as one and two step inequalities, and ending with
clearing fractions from equations and inequalities. Chapter 4 will
introduce them to solving percent problems, horizontal and vertical
lines, using tables and graphs to solve problems, solving
multi-step algebraic equations and inequalities, equivalent
formulas, and lastly union and intersection of sets.
The thing with math is there is always plenty to review and much
more to learn. Encourage your student to do their best and ask
questions when they are having difficulty picking up on a new
topic. Math may look easy when you are watching someone else do it
and explain it as they go, but eventually you will have to perform
on your own. Notes are a great way to provide some guidance when
the teacher is no longer around to ask questions.
