Frederick Law Olmsted School

Grade 7 Mathematics

Frederick Law Olmsted School

Course Syllabus

TEACHER: William Merriman

Phone: (716) 816-4330EMAIL:

COURSE TITLE: Connected Mathematics 2 - Grade 7

DESCRIPTION: The seventh grade mathematics program that Olmsted utilizes is Connected Mathematics. The Connected Mathematics Project, (CMP), was developed specifically for the middle school grades in order to aid students’ development and understanding of essential concepts, skills, procedures, and ability to think and reason in various areas such as: number, geometry, measurement, algebra, probability, and statistics. The Connected

Mathematics Project is designed to meet all of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards for Curriculum and Evaluation as well as the New York State Mathematics Standards.

COURSE GOALS:

Develop mathematical knowledge, understanding, and skill
Develop the capacity to define and solve problems with reason, insight, inventiveness, and technical proficiency
Build on and make connections among mathematical ideas and concepts
See the connections between mathematics, other disciplines, and real life applications

TEXT: In seventh grade Connected Mathematics-2, students work out of the following textbooks:

Variables and Patterns: Introducing Algebra

This is the first formal unit of the Connected Mathematics algebra strand. The primary focus in this unit is on ways to describe situations that change. Students explore three ways of representing a changing situation: with a description in words, with a data table and with a graph. In addition, students learn to write symbolic expressions as a way to represent the relationship between two variables.

Accentuate the Negative: Positive and Negative Numbers

In this unit students learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative numbers. Students will develop algorithms for computations and will use the order of operations, the Commutative Property, and the Distributive Property to solve problems.

Filling and Wrapping: Three-Dimensional Measurement

In this unit the focus is volume (filling) and surface area (wrapping) of objects, especially rectangular prisms, cylinders, cones, and spheres. The primary goal in this unit is to develop strategies for measuring the surface area and volume of rectangular prisms and cylinders.

What do you Expect?: Probability and Expected Value

In this unit the focus is on the concepts of probability-both through experimental and theoretical probabilities. As students work through this unit they will be using fractions, decimals, and percents to describe how likely events are.

Comparing and Scaling: Ratio, Proportion, and Percent

In this unit students look at problems involving many situations and learn to make comparisons using ratios, fractions, percents, and rates.

Moving Straight Ahead: Linear Relationships

In this unit, students are developing skills in the area of algebra. The primary goal of students is to develop an understanding of linear relationships and linear functions. Students learn to recognize linear functions by the constant rate of change between two variables in a verbal context, table, graph, and equation.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES: (1) 3 Subject Notebook; color BLUE, (1) 1 composition notebook, (1) two-pocket folder with prongs, (1) package of loose-leaf paper, pencils (all math work is completed in pencil NO PENS), scientific calculator

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS:

Students are required to maintain a math notebook. The math notebook will consist of class notes and essential vocabulary. Notes that are given in class are to be kept in your math notebook in your binder. Notebooks will be checked quarterly. Notebooks are checked for neatness, completeness, and content.
Students are expected to be actively engaged learners. You are expected to take an active role in your own learning of mathematics. Students should self assess, ask questions, practice, and study.

BREAKDOWN OF GRADES: In seventh grade mathematics your average is computed based on the following:

Projects/Tests/Quizzes / 40%
Classroom Assignments / 40%
Homework Assignments / 10%
Classroom Effort/Participation (Actively engaged learner) / 10%

HOMEWORK POLICY:

Homework is assigned everyday (possible exceptions-over long breaks and the occasional Friday) as a tool to reinforce the days learning. It should be used by you as an informal assessment to check your own understanding of the content covered in class. Homework is used by me to provide you with immediate feedback and to prepare lessons designed around student needs and readiness. Because of the importance of assigning and completing homework, homework will not be accepted more than a day late (unless there are unforeseen circumstances or you were absent). Homework will always be relevant and worthwhile.

Homework Grading Policy:

Homework is graded on a 5-point rubric:

0 homework not completed or not done in pencil, no heading

1-3 partial completion, all work not shown, incomplete heading

4-5 complete, work or effort shown, complete heading

For more information please visit the Buffalo Public Schools Mathematics Department website at:

Classroom Procedures and Expectations

Why do we have classroom procedures and expectations?

This classroom has specific procedures and expectations because we are all here for you! I wish for you to succeed and enjoy this class and school year. Because I care about each of you, I am here to help you. So I will not allow you to do anything that will interfere with your or any other student’s success in this class.

Procedures are a part of life. We follow procedures for using a telephone book, boarding an airplane, when approaching a traffic light and ordering a pizza. The reason that we have procedures in life is so that people can function in society knowing the acceptable, appropriate and efficient ways of doing things.

GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS

Buy into and adhere to the following guidelines and you will be successful in this class!

“Winners make their own luck. They achieve. It takes PRIDE”

PreparationResponsibilityIntegrityDedicationEffort

RESPECT YOURSELF

Put forth your best effort

Exhibit a positive attitude

Carry and conduct yourself in a mature and professional manner that you can be proud of

RESPECT THOSE AROUND YOU

Listen and be courteous to others

Respect differences and opinions of others

Be courteous of personal space and belongings of your peers, your teacher, our classroom and our school

RESPECT THE WORK WE DO

Arrive to class on time and ready to learn

Come prepared with appropriate and necessary materials

Expect to learn and contribute positively to the learning process

Therefore…

Students are expected to enter the classroom appropriately. That includes coming to class on time, entering the room in an appropriate and respectful manner, locating their assigned seat and begin working on the bell-work/warm-up activity.
Students are expected to hand in completed homework in the homework bin next to the door upon entering the classroom. At this time students should also check to see if there are materials and/or handouts at the table next to the door. Please take one of each handout/item at the table at this time and place on the corner of your desk. Most likely these items will be used during class. Do not begin working on these activities.
Students are expected to work on the bellwork activity quietly at their seat until directed to stop. At this time students should self-assess to make sure they are ready to begin class. Pencil sharpening should be happening at this time.
Students should only keep appropriate materials for social studies on their desk. This means, I wouldn’t expect or allow teachers to allow you to do my homework in their classroom, you shouldn’t be doing another class assignment in my class.
Students will request permission from the teacher if it is an emergency to use the restroom by quietly raising their hand and politely asking permission. In addition, it is absolutely necessary that you sign out and carry the hall pass with you at all times.
Students will remain seated at their desk/work area until the end of the activity/period or until the teacher dismisses them or directs them to do something else. Unnecessary movement around the room without permission is not permitted. I end the class and dismiss students…NOT the bell.
Students will raise their hand and wait to be called on before speaking out in class.
Students are expected to follow directions the first time.
Students are expected to complete assignments neatly and on time.
Students are expected to have appropriate interactions with adults and peers. At no time will shouting, name calling, ridiculing, or otherwise aggressive and inappropriate behavior be tolerated.
Students are expected to always use appropriate language.
Lastly, students are expected to come to class prepared everyday!

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

Other procedures that we will practice and learn:

What to do when you are tardy:

If you are in the classroom before the bell rings, then you are on time. If you enter after the bell rings without a pass (you will be swept), then you are tardy and will lose 3 points on your final average for the semester. In addition, all tardies are reported to the attendance office according to school policy. The beginning of class is important, respect the work we do! If you are late you must have a pass. NO EXCEPTIONS

Leaving the classroom:

When we leave the room as a class for any reason such as an assembly, you are expected to line up quickly and quietly.
If you leave independently for any reason, you are expected to conduct yourself appropriately in the hallways and to report to those destinations immediately and to return to class directly after the business is finished. Do not take it upon yourself to decide to take care of other business when you leave the room. If you do and you are caught you will lose the privilege of walking to these destinations independently. Do NOT disrupt the learning of other classrooms!

Asking a question

While generally speaking there is never a “stupid” question, there are appropriate and inappropriate times to ask them—use your best judgment.
To ask a question, please follow the age old rule of raising your hand quietly and waiting to be called on. It just makes it easier for all of us and gives everyone an opportunity to ask a question or say what is on their mind.
Please ask questions that are related to the topic and or activity at hand.

When you need materials

You are expected to come to class prepared every day.
In the event that you do not come to class prepared please don’t make your unpreparedness everyone’s problem! you may borrow a pencil/pen/paper from the supply shelf next to the homework bin. If you borrow a pencil or pen, please make sure that it is returned. If you borrow paper, please replace when you come to class prepared the following day.

Sharpening your pencil

Please try to take care of this before instruction begins. NEVER get up and sharpen a pencil during instruction.
Use your judgment—sharpen with minimal distraction to others when appropriate

When you are absent

You are required to make up all class work, homework and tests/quizzes when you are absent from school. We will discuss this policy further at a later date. A handout will be given.
It is your responsibility to find out what you missed. I suggest finding a class buddy who is trustworthy to assist you when you are absent.
PLEASE utilize the Absent Partner Procedure which will be discussed at further date. You will be given a handout of instructions.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to…

Be prepared for class
Be respectful and encouraging of others
Be honest
Use appropriate language
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Be active and engaged learners. Expect to learn everyday!

CONSEQUENCES

If you choose not to follow an expectation you may anticipate:

A warning
A private discussion with me to troubleshoot the problem. If this occurs you must complete an ALTERNATIVE ACTION form and have it signed by a parent and returned to school immediately the next day.
Time during your lunch with me and you will phone your portents
Parent-teacher-student conference
A referral to the school principal and conference.

*Depending upon the severity of the incident/office referrals may be the first alternative*

Reward/Privileges

Participation points Interaction with peers
Praise (daily) Drop the lowest grade
Positive notes home (random)
Raise a grade certificate
Free homework pass

MUTUAL RESPECT

You, as a student must allow me as your teacher the opportunity to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for social studies and the incredible educational experiences that we are embarking on. You must allow me to be able to do my job effectively and to the best of my ability. You must allow other students the opportunity to learn and participate in their education. I, as you teacher, must give you the best education possible.

*If a student disrupts the classroom severely they will be immediately removed from the classroom and sent to the office for disciplinary action

*Any behavior that is considered violent or endangers others in our learning environment is subject to immediate suspension and or expulsion.

*Expectations and procedures are subject to change according to teacher discretion. You will be informed of any changes prior to implementation.

* ALL Frederick Law Olmsted Middle/High School and Buffalo Public School policies and procedures are also enforced and adhered to in this classroom!

As always, please remember… EXPECTATION and PROCEDURES are put into place in order to help us make positive, rational, safe, and appropriate decisions. When expectations are understood and followed it allows for a safe, comfortable and fun learning environment for all!