Overview of Curriculum Strands in Junior Divison

Number Sense and Numeration

Students in the Junior Division are building on their calculation strategies developed in the Primary Division, and are now working with numbers that have a greater numbers of digits, and learning how to multiply and divide using a variety of methods, including student generated and traditional algorithms. They are also learning how to work non-whole numbers including decimal numbers, fractions. It is important that students develop a solid foundation within the Number Sense and Numeration strand as the concepts in the other strands build these skills. Students should be working toward having their basic multiplication and division skills committed to memory during Grade 4.

Measurement

The focus in the Junior Division for the Measurement Strand is on using more detailed units of measure, and on understanding which units are the most appropriate to used based on what you are measuring. Measurement included length, area, volume, capacity, mass, and temperature. The primary set of units that are taught is metric (Litres, Metres, Celcuis); however, some teachers also mention the emperical units because students see them frequently in their daily lives (e.g. baking - measurements are usually in cups). Students also being to investigate the area of objects, and are encouraged to use a variety of strategies to calculate area and perimeter, such as student generated and traditional algorithms. As students are approaching the Intermediate Division, students are working more with 3-Dimensional shapes, and the concept of surface area is introduced.

Geometry and Spatial Sense

As students develop cognitively they are able to visualize more abstract concepts; however, this is still an area of difficultly for many junior students who still are concrete operational learners. During the study of geometry and spatial sense, the use of manipulatives is particularly critical for those learners who cannot visualize the concepts in their head. Students will be exploring similar and congruent figures, looking at symmetry, and performing transformations (translation, rotation, reflections) of 2-Dimensional. 3-Dimensional objects will be examined with a focus on faces, vertices, and edges. There are many concepts within this strand that allow for natural connections to other strands, as well as to the real world. Teachers should be encouaged to develop lessons, and activities that assist students in developing a greater appreciation for these relationships.

Patterning and Algebra

The use of patterning and algebra during the Junior Division assists students with developing a conceptual understanding of the relationships between multiplication and division concepts. These skills are critical for students to be able to effectively problem solve and make connections between mathematical concepts. In the Junior Division, students are building on their patterning skills to be able to analyze more complex patterns and identify increasing, decreasing, and repeating patterns. As students progress, they become more competent and analyzing patterns and they are able to conceptualize the change between terms as the "variable". This is an extremely important concept for students heading in to the Intermediate Division.

Data Management and Probability

Within the Junior Division, the study of Data Management and Probability is often a student favourite. The ability to collect, analyze, and represent data is a real world skill that students take ownership over learning about because they are often able to make the learning personally meaningful. Teachers should strive to make learning all math concepts as motivating as Data Management and Probability can be. The focus in the Junior Division is on utilizing a greater variety of methods to represent data, and on extending probability concepts to be more theoretically based. This strand can be a great way to introduce students to the use of technology for representing data through the use of spreadsheet softward such as Excel or AppleWorks. Many textbooks provide mini-lessons on utilizing this software for these purposes. As a teacher, if you are not familiar with these programs and applications you should find a collegue who would be able to assist you, because it is an important skill to teach students.