About the Class

In sixth grade, we focus on the following topics: 1) developing greater fluency in arithmetic skills learned in prior grades—in particular fractions, decimals and percents; 2) developing the ability to solve increasingly complex mathematical challenges; 3) working with ratios and rates; 4) developing a deeper understanding of rational numbers and integers; 5) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and monovariate equations; 6) converting between different units of measurement; 7) determining the shapes and sizes of basic geometric shapes; and 8) applying mathematical reasoning to solve real world questions taken from our physics main lesson block and selected current events.

A primary goal will be to consolidate and deepen student understanding of all previously learned mathematics. We will do this through our study of business math and money, exchange rates, percentages, interest and inflation, profit and loss, alternate number systems and place value, fractions, ratios, proportions, simple linear equations, graphing data, and plane geometry.

Weekly Schedule

Assignments

Assignments are posted on the class website.

Assessments

There will be frequent short quizzes and occasional cumulative quizzes. Students who pay attention, ask questions, and keep up with the work should not fear quizzes. They might even enjoy them.

Progress Reports

Progress reports are posted here. Each family has a confidential link to their report. If unable to access, contact me.

• http://class.ronliskey.com/progress

Grading

This is a graded class. Participation, effort, quality, completion, and evidence of understanding are important. Extra effort and significant progress is recognized.

Textbooks

We will use the textbook, Mathematics Course 1.

Study Materials

Required study materials will be supplied by the school. If you need any of these materials, contact me.

Summer Study

Students can prepare by reviewing multiplication up to $12 \times 12$, and practicing the four operations at the highest level they can work at 90% accuracy or better. The goal is not to struggle through new material, but to refresh the memory of prior learning.

I maintain some online practice sheets for reviewing basic skills. Each time you refresh the browser, a new set of problems is randomly created. Answers are printed on the second page.

• http://class.ronliskey.com/practice

Contacting the Teacher

The fastest way to reach me is email. To schedule a meeting, send a message with a few proposed times.

• http://class.ronliskey.com/contact/