Intro to High School Math

Not trying to create little mathematicians, it is the hope of The Grauer School that students discover that satisfying their intellectual curiosity is the easiest path towards learning. Math is just another way at looking at the beauty of the world and trying to understand it a little better. And, believe it or not, we can have fun while doing it! In an effort to develop skills in patient problem solving, responsibility, and the will to face any challenge, Into to High School Math focuses on broadening conceptual understanding, applying of knowledge, and refining previous skills while learning new material in preparation for Algebra and beyond. The year is built upon the following essential concepts, all with their own assignments, projects, and assessments: 

• Number Skills
  
  

  • Integers (Add, subtract, multiply, and divide)

  • Decimals (Add, subtract, multiply, and divide)

  • Fractions (Add, subtract, multiply, and divide)

  • Convert between fractions, decimals and percents

  • Use whole number exponents properly for numerical bases

  • GFC and LCM – and use them to compare/combine fractions

  • Order of Operations
    
    

• Graphing and Equations
  
  

  • Students graph and interpret linear functions

  • Represent quantitative relationships graphically and understand the meaning of a graph

  • Slope = rise/run = vertical change/horizontal change = constant

  • Students solve 1 or 2 step linear equations and inequalities using rational numbers and only one variable
    
    

• Statistics
  
  

  • Students collect, organize, and represent data sets that have one or more variables

  • Data Analysis (mean, median, mode)
    
    

• Properties of Numbers and Variables
  
  

  • Exponents when the base is a variable

  • Add, subtract, multiply, divide: monomials

  • Add, subtract, multiply: polynomials (specifically FOIL)

  • Multi-step single variable equations – solve for an unknown

  • Factoring out common factors
    
    

• Proportions
  
  

  • Opposites vs Reciprocals

  • Ratios – solving for x
    
    

• Functions
  
  

  • Definition / notation

  • Domain and range

  • Identification / graphing / vertical line test

  • Input/output relation
    
    

• Linear Equations
  
  

  • Solving two-variable equations for a single variable

  • Graphing (techniques for graphing easily – T-table, intercept-slope, intercept-intercept)

  • Inequalities (solving and graphing)

  • Intercepts

  • Verify points on a line
    
    

• Quadratic Functions
  
  

  • Concept of a parabola and the graph for y = x^2

  • Solving quadratic equations
    
    

• Advanced Equations Introduction
  
  

  • Solving absolute value equations

  • Solving square root equations

  • Midpoint and distance formula
    
    

Teachers are here to ask the questions that get students to learn and discover, not just assess progress along a timeline. We all shine a light into the dark, the job of a good teacher is to encourage students to find the will to go further, to ask the bigger questions. (Sometimes we all could use a little nudge out the door.)

You can read about the class's Grading Policies HERE.