Math

Mathematics in the Upper School focuses on the Why and How of math. Students are actively involved in the learning process and emphasis is placed on building positive attitudes and a sense of competence, as well as on specific academic goals. All students are encouraged to express themselves in mathematical language, and strategies for learning math are developed. Attention is also given to accuracy, study habits, organization, and test-taking skills. Our mathematics program strives to develop the basic concepts and skills that are used by students in their daily lives. The curriculum, aligned to NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards, requires students to refine problem-solving skills through accurate conceptual and procedural knowledge and their application to real situations.

The core set of curricular materials for the majority of fifth and sixth grade students continues to be Everyday Mathematics. Some sixth grade students and all seventh and eighth grade students use the middle school continuation of this sequence which includes Transition Mathematics, Algebra and Discovering Geometry. The program is specifically designed to provide a spiral curriculum that revisits topics at ever increasing levels of depth. Enrichment, enhancement, and competitive opportunities are provided within the core materials. Students completing the program are either at grade level, one year ahead, or even two years ahead of most of their public school peers.

Grade 5

Students in fifth grade begin to address more complex mathematical concepts by reviewing and building on previously gained knowledge. As students take a closer look at specific concepts they will apply a deeper level of thinking (comparison, analysis, and synthesis) to understand how problems are approached and solved. Many students participate in the state-wide Math Masters competition.

Units of study include:

  • Numbers and Numeration
  • Operations and Computation
  • Measurement and Reference Frame
  • Data and Chance
  • Algebra, Patterns, and Functions
  • Geometry

Grade 6

“Studying math sparked my love for design and its role in Judaism. A video project in Mr. Portnoe’s math class about geometry and symmetry helped me see how a building requires a strong frame, sturdy walls and a well-built foundation, just like Judaism.” – HMJDS Student

In sixth grade, mastery of concepts coupled with the requisite skills is the primary focus of the year. Advanced students begin Transition Mathematics to enable them to begin algebra in seventh grade. At the end of sixth grade, students at all levels will be prepared to begin or continue their studies in higher level mathematics. Students looking for extra challenge again participate in Math Masters or even begin competition in the Junior High Math League.

Units of study include:

  • Numbers and Numeration
  • Operations and Computation
  • Measurement and Reference Frames
  • Graphing and Data Collection
  • Probability and Chance
  • Algebra, Patterns, and Functions
  • Geometry

Grade 7

The seventh grade year marks a stronger differentiation in the curriculum with students taking separate courses in pre-algebra and algebra. The algebra curriculum is found in the Grade 8 section. Students continue to compete in the Junior High Math League. The seventh Grade Transition Math Curriculum consists of the following areas of study and essential questions:

  • Using Variables
  • Representing Numbers
  • Sets of Numbers and Shapes
  • Geometry Ideas
  • Multiplication in Geometry
  • Multiplication in Algebra
  • Patterns Leading to Division
  • Linear Equations and Inequalities
  • Statistics and Variability
  • Projects

Grade 8-Algebra

The curriculum includes an ongoing review of arithmetic. The majority of time is spent studying elementary algebra both informally and formally. Real-life applications of algebra are stressed and, whenever possible, manipulative materials are used to make abstract ideas concrete. Emphasis is placed on understanding underlying concepts rather than memorizing procedures. Students who follow the regular public school curriculum refine skills and begin a study of algebra concepts. Students who complete algebra in seventh grade take Geometry. Students still compete in the Junior High Math League and exceptional students participate in the national mathematics competition, MathCounts.

Units of study include in the algebra curriculum are:

  • Variable/Properties/Formulas/Expressions
  • Linear Systems
  • Linear Equations and Inequalities
  • Slopes and Lines
  • Powers and Roots
  • Quadratics
  • Quadratic Equations and Functions
  • Polynomials

Grade 8-Geometry

The course represents a high school level course and students are expected to achieve high levels of competency and understanding. In addition, the text includes a review of algebraic principles and allows students to solve problems from a variety of mathematical disciplines to show the connections between geometry and other branches of mathematics.

Units of study include:

  • Geometric Art
  • Introduction to Geometry
  • Reasoning in Geometry including formal proofs
  • Tools of Geometry
  • Proving Triangle Properties
  • Polygon Properties
  • Circle Properties
  • Transformations & Tessellations
  • Area and Volume formulas and problems
  • Right triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem, and basic Trigonometry