About the Class

In seventh grade, we focus on the following topics: 1) increasing the ability to persevere in solving mathematical questions; 2) developing an understanding of proportional relationships; 3) deepening the ability to solve problems with ratios and rates; 4) developing a greater understanding of rational numbers, mathematical expressions, linear equations, and linear inequalities; 5) deepening the ability to work with exponents and roots; 6) solving questions of scale and geometric constructions; 7) working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to find perimeter, area, surface area, and volume; and 8) applying mathematical reasoning to solve real world questions taken from our physics main lesson block and selected current events.

Seventh grade is the year to open minds to the wonders of higher (deeper) mathematics. The vast and mysterious world of universal patterns will be explored through algebra and geometry. We will focus on a deeper understanding of proportions and rates, the four operations, rational numbers, linear equations, and plane geometry.

Students will work with scale drawings, geometric constructions, 2- and 3-dimensional shapes, angles, area and volume, scientific notation, measurements and conversions, map making and navigation. We will explore the Golden Mean, the Fibonacci Sequence, the riddles of zero and infinity, data, statistics and illusions, and computer visualizations.

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 will be posted. Each family will have a confidential link to their child’s report.

Grading

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

Textbooks

All seventh graders will be assigned a copy of Mathematics Course 2: Pre-Algebra, published by Holt.

Study Materials

Required study materials will be supplied by the school.

Summer Study

Students can prepare by reviewing multiplication up to 12 x 12, and practicing the four operations at the highest level they can work at 90% accuracy. 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 through email. To schedule an online meeting, send a message with a few proposed times.

• Contact