Kelly Ziegenbein
Middle School Mathematics
IN THE CLASSROOM
Sixth-grade students focus on fundamentals, including fractions and decimals, introduction to pre-algebra concepts of integers, variables and equations, understanding percentages and geometry concepts of lines and angles, area and volume.
Seventh-grade students study pre-algebra concepts of integers, solving expressions and equations, graphing linear equations, percent concepts—including taxes, tips, simple and compound interest—and geometry concepts, including lines, angles, triangles, volume and surface area.
Eighth-grade students discover Algebra 1 concepts, including integers, multi-step equations and inequalities, graphing linear and non-linear equations, systems of equations and polynomials and geometry concepts, including the Pythagorean Theorem. They also explore trigonometry ratios and angle/triangle sum theorems.
LINKS & RESOURCES
https://www.khanacademy.org/math
A great resource for online tutorials on math concepts from elementary to college
K-12 math and English practice
Online math games to reinforce basic math skills
Online resource for practicing math facts including times tables and integers
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING POLICY
Homework is assigned daily, Monday thru Thursday and is due at the beginning of class the next day.
Quizzes and tests are assigned in accordance with each chapter’s lesson plan.
Class preparation: students are required to come to class with their text book, class notes spiral, pencil and notebook. If students don’t come to class with required materials, 5 participation points will be deducted from their daily 10 point grade.
ASSIGNMENT WEIGHTING
Quizzes – 25%
Tests – 30%
Homework – 35%
Class Participation – 10%
Homework Grading: Assignments are graded on a daily basis. When homework is returned, incorrect answers may be corrected and returned the next school day. Each corrected answer will be given half credit and the homework grade for the day will be increased.
Late work: Daily homework assignments are a critical part of the instructional strategy. These daily assignments must be completed on time so that the student may participate effectively in the learning process. Late assignments will receive reduced credit at the discretion of the teacher.
Absences: Because homework is assigned on a daily basis, several absences in a row result in a lot of missed information and assignments.
Absences due to illness: If a student has many absences due to illness, the student should try to learn the missed lesson and complete missed assignments. If the student needs assistance, the teacher will schedule time to go over the material for the student.
Absences due to family vacation: If a student has absences due to family vacation the student should try to learn the missed lessons and complete missed assignments. If the students need assistance, the teacher will schedule time to go over the material for the student, but it is the students responsibility to make sure assignments are turned in to the teacher and that any missed tests or quizzes are made up within a reasonable amount of time.