Pre-Algebra 1

Connected Math Program (CMP4)

Connected Mathematics Project (CMP4) is a full math curriculum for middle-school grades 6-8. It is problem-centered, designed for classroom use, and based on NCTM standards.

The program seeks to make connections within mathematics, between mathematics and other subject areas, and to the real world. Each unit of the curriculum contains investigations or explorations to be done in class, often using games and engaging problems to offer opportunities to discover mathematical concepts on their own. Then, extensive problem sets are included for each investigation to help students practice, apply, connect, and extend these understandings.

Unit 1: Variables & Patterns

Variables & Patterns addresses graphing and solving equations with unknowns.

Patterns: Patterns are EVERYWHERE, and our focus will be determining both the rules for patterns and how to continue them.

Variables: Variables stand in for unknown or differing numbers within expressions and equations.

Remember that finding the right answers is only one part of the work you do in math. You must also be able to make sense of and describe your strategies for finding these answers.

Unit 2: Number Connections (Prime Time)

Prime Time addresses the basics of number theory: factors, multiples, prime and composite numbers, even and odd numbers, square numbers, greatest common factors, and least common multiples.

Factors and Multiples: Understand relationships among factors, multiples, divisors, and products

Equivalent Expressions: Understand why two expressions are equivalent

Unit 3: Comparing Quantities

Rational numbers are at the heart of the middle-grades experience with number concepts. The goal of Comparing Quantities is to help students deepen their understanding of equivalent fractions and build on this understanding as they explore ratios. They will become skillful at interpreting the different forms of a rational number, at knowing which form is most appropriate for the solution of a given problem, and at writing and interpreting ratios.

Fractions as Numbers: Understand fractions and decimals as numbers that can be located on the number line, compared, counted, partitioned, and decomposed

Ratios as Comparisons: Understand ratios as comparisons of two numbers

Equivalence: Understand equivalence of fractions and ratios, and use equivalence to solve problems

Unit 4: Bits of Rational

The goal of Bits of Rational is to develop meaning for and skill with computations involving fractions. Students will have had some experiences during upper elementary grades with developing fraction operations. Typically, however, students will not have developed a sense of which operation to use in a particular problem situation.

Numeric Estimation: Understand that estimation is a tool used in a variety of situations including checking answers and making decisions, and develop strategies for estimating results of arithmetic operations

Fraction Operations: Revisit and continue to develop meanings for the four arithmetic operations and skill at using algorithms for each

Variables and Equations: Use variables to represent unknown values and equations to represent relationships

Homework

The main purpose of the homework is to practice recently learned and previous skills. Homework will not be assigned every night. Students should complete their homework independently. If your child is having trouble with any problems on the homework, it is okay to allow them to leave those questions blank, but we encourage them to at least try it out! This way, we can see what they struggled with and remediate the skill at school. Students can then complete the homework once they understand the skill.

Assessments

Students will be assessed through tests and quizzes. Study guides will be provided before each test. Students are expected to study at home each night leading up to a test. There will also be opportunities in class to review for a test.

Calculator

This year we will be using the TI-15 calculator! Students will be able to take their calculator home, but they will be responsible for bringing it back to school!

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