Mathematics Curriculum Roadmap

What Materials Will Be Used to Support Student Learning?

Grade 8 Math Resource: EngageNYSupplemental resources are used to address: • Fraction Skills and Concepts• Additional Areas of Need

EngageNY is broken into six modules: Exponents/Scientific Notation, Congruence, Similarity, Linear Equations, Geom Functions, Linear Functions, and Irrational Numbers. The goals of this program are to:• help all students develop their abilities to reason logically • apply mathematical skills to real-life situations• communicate and justify their mathematical ideas

(strategies and solutions) and arguments in a variety of ways using appropriate vocabulary, equations, and visual models

 

• Apply and extend understanding of unit rates and proportional relationships and use that knowledge to build connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations.

• Use linear equations to graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph.

• Know and apply the properties of integer exponents (positive numbers, negative numbers, or 0) to write equivalent expressions.

• Expand their understanding of numbers beyond rational numbers to include numbers that are irrational.

• Solve a variety of real world problems and explain and justify solution strategy.

Key skills and concepts developed include, but are not limited to:

How will the mathematics be taught/delivered

Learning opportunities that:

• Connect conceptual understanding with real world applications to build powerful mathematical thinking and expand mathematical proficiency.

• Develop critical thinking through high-level questioning.

• Utilize concrete and visual models and mathematical diagrams (appropriate to each grade) to bring meaning to abstract mathematical concepts, procedures, and properties.

While Working With Your Student at Home…

• Ask your student to explain how they got their answer or to explain their thinking. Restate back to them what you heard them say so they can self-check for accuracy and clarity.

• Ask your student to use a representation, such as a mathematical diagram or visual model, when they are explaining their thinking.

What’s this about Common Core?

We are continually working in the Mequon-Thiensville School District to improve teaching and learning to ensure that all children will graduate high school with the college and career readiness skills they need to be successful.

In mathematics, adopting the common core standards means three major changes in our approach to delivering the curriculum.

1. Focus – Teachers will concentrate on teaching a more focused set of major math concepts and skills.

2. Coherence – Students will master important ideas and skills in a more organized way throughout the year and from one grade to the next.

3. Rigor – A focus will be put on involving students in rich and challenging math content and authentic problem solving to foster perseverance and greater interest/curiosity in mathematics.