2013/2014 School Math 7 Course Outline

Year

Instructor: Miss Smordin Room: 169

Email: smordinf@wrps.ab.ca

Overview
Mathematics 7 builds on key mathematical concepts from grades 4-6. Learning through
problem solving is the focus. Students are expected to develop and refine their own way
for solving problems. Their ways of recording their work will not look like traditional
methods.   Students need to be able to explain how they solve problems using
mathematical language.
Group work and communicating with peers are important learning tools. Students who
come to math class believing they can learn and willing to take risks and persevere in
solving problems are likely to succeed.
Please note the topics included in the program are not discrete. Instead key ideas are
integrated through the strands: Number, Patterns and Relations, Shape and Space,
and Statistics and Probability.
The topics included in the grade 7 program include:

 Number:   Decimals, Fractions, Percents, Integers

 Patterns: table of values, linear relations, patterns
 Variables and Equations:  algebraic expressions, one-step linear equations, equality
 Measurement:  circles, area
 3-D Objects and 2-D shapes:  geometric constructions 
 Transformations:  transformations on the Cartesian plane
 Data Analysis:  central tendency, circle graphs
 Chance and Uncertainty:  theoretical and experimental probability

Beyond these topics the mathematical processes of Communication, Connections,

Mental Mathematics and Estimation, Problem Solving, Reasoning, and Visualization are
critical skills for success in mathematics. Students will use technology as a learning tool.

Required Materials
 Math Links 7 Textbook
 Scientific Calculator - to be supplied by the student
 2013/2014 School Math 7 Course Outline
Year

Other Available Resources

 “The Key” is available at bookstores if you wish to purchase it
 http://alberta.exambank.com/grade7.html#ma7 – login: wrps.bm, password: turning

The following is a list of some good web site resources for Mathematics. Many of these
allow you to search by topic.
 http://forum.swarthmore.edu/dr.math/drmath.high.html
 http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html
 http://m_w.com/dictionary.htm
 http://www.britannica.com/

General Objectives and Timeline

Units Weight in Estimated Time

Class

Unit 1 Number 30% 70 classes

Unit 2 Patterns and Relations 20% 40 classes

Unit 3 Shape and Space 20% 40 classes

Unit 4 Statistics and Probability 10% 30 classes

Midterm 10%

Final 10%
Exam

Evaluation
The final course grade will be determined as follows.  Within units 1-4 (weighted in class
as listed above), you will find the following weightings:

Chapter Test 30%

Assignments/Quizzes 70%
 2013/2014 School Math 7 Course Outline
Year

Class Expectations
Every student has the right and ability to learn. Therefore, an effective classroom is a
positive learning environment where all students and teachers are treated with respect.
In order to maintain this type of classroom atmosphere, we all must adhere to the
following expectations:

Respect
All people and things will be treated with RESPECT.

Homework
Homework practice is expected to be completed daily, and students will be given NO
NOTICE AT ALL for HOMEWORK PRACTICE CHECKS. Homework practice checks
may occur at any time during the semester.

Food, Drinks, And Washroom Breaks

Healthy food and drinks (no pop) are permitted as long as no mess is left behind. Brief
washroom breaks are allowed at the teachers’ discretion. These privileges will be
withdrawn if abused.

Be Prepared For Class!

Students are responsible for bringing materials such as pencils, pens, paper, textbooks,
and calculators to class daily.

Missed Classes
The cumulative nature of mathematics requires that knowledge and skills acquired
previously be applied in other topics or courses at a later date.  It is for this reason that
time missed may seriously affect your overall success.  Therefore, each student is
required to take responsibility for any work missed.  Consistently completed homework
and class work are the foundation of success in Mathematics.  Mathematics is not a
spectator sport; get involved!

If absent, YOU are responsible for finding out about, obtaining and completing any
missed assignments, quizzes, projects, and exams.

Unit exams, Quizzes, and assignments missed due to an excused absence (have
notified the teacher beforehand or have brought in a note) will be written in class the
day you return unless other arrangements are made with me.

Exams missed due to an excused absence (have notified the teacher beforehand or
have brought in a note) will be written in accordance to BMC’s missed exam policy.

If you know you will be absent, contact me as far ahead as possible to obtain work you
will miss. If you skip a class (no notice given) and you have an assignment, test, and
quiz that day, a zero may be given.
 2013/2014 School Math 7 Course Outline
Year

If you are absent for any reason, it is expected that you will be prepared for the next
class. (i.e., assignments done and prepared for quizzes). Ask another student in the
class (a reliable one!), phone the school, email, or see your teacher first thing in the
morning on your return to school (last resort!)

Students are expected to be in class on time and prepared to work. Late students will
be considered disrespectful of other students’ learning. Continued tardiness may result
in making up lost class time, parental notification and/or referral to an administrator for
disciplinary action.

Zeros are not an accurate measure of a student’s learning. However, a zero will be
given if: an assignment has not been handed in by two weeks prior to the reporting
period, a student has been caught cheating, a student skipped a test or quiz without
notice (unexcused absence), a student has committed plagiarism, or the assignment
has already been handed back to other students who have completed it.

Extra Help
Extra help will be made available to all students who show initiative and who cooperate
and work well in class. Although time will be offered in class to receive help,
appointments in advance may be made for additional tutorials. Please see me as soon
as you start to have difficulty. Extra help is available 8am every morning, lunch hour and
after school.

Students are expected to ask their teacher for clarification or help as needed. Students
must take responsibility for their own learning.

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or ideas please talk to me about them.
I am here to make this the best learning experience I can. To do this I need your input!