Middle School Mathematics Program

1. Middle School Mathematics Program Grades 6-8 Math Branchburg Schools

2. What does “Standards-based” mean? • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) published Principles and Standards for School Mathematics in 2000. (original in 1989) • New Jersey Department of Education Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS) are closely aligned with the NCTM standards.

3. Why Do We Need a New Middle Math Program? • Third International Math & Science Study • Studies by NCTM, Congress, Project 2061, NSF and NJ • Weaknesses in our current programs as reflected on the NJASK • NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards • Our Children Deserve the Best

4. Why Do many NJ Districts use the Connected Math Program? • It directly Maps to New Jersey Standards • It is complete • It is research based • It is effective • It is Rated #1

5. Connected Math in the Classroom • Launch-Explore-Summarize • Problem-Centered • Practice • Materials

6. Classes 6th grade Math 6 Pre-Algebra 6 (Connected Math 6) (CMP 6/7) 7th Grade Math 7 Pre-Algebra 7 Algebra (Connected Math 7) (CMP 7/8) (CME-Algebra) 8th Grade Pre-Algebra 8 Algebra Geometry (Connected Math 8) (CME-Algebra) (Same Text)

7. Big Picture - CMP Grade 6 • Prime Time • Use properties of factors and multiples, divisors and products,prime and composite numbers, even and odd numbers, and square numbers • Find least common multiples, greatest common factors, and prime factorization • Bits and Pieces • Build an understanding of fractions, decimals, and percents and the relationships between and among these concepts and their representations

8. Big Picture - CMP Grade 6 • Shapes and Designs • Understand properties of polygons, symmetry, parallel lines, angles, and triangles • Bits and Pieces 2 • Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions • Solve problems using operations on fractions

9. Big Picture - CMP Grade 6 • Covering Surrounding • Find area and perimeter • Relationships between perimeter and area • Bits and Pieces 3 • Develop operations with decimals and solve decimal problems • Understand operations involving percents and solve percent problems • How Likely Is It? • Explore probability • Data About Us • Represent data in graphs and find mean/mode/median/range

10. Big Picture - CMP Grade 7 • Variables and Patterns • Describe and use variables in words, tables and graphs • Use algebraic symbols to write equations relating variables • Stretching and Shrinking • Use scale factors and ratios to describe relationships among similar figures • Stretch and shrink figures to explore lengths, angle measures, perimeters, and areas • Comparing and Scaling • Explore rate and ratio

11. Big Picture - CMP Grade 7 Accentuate the Negative • Perform operations with integers Moving Straight Ahead • Solve linear equations and solve problems about linear relationships Filling and Wrapping • Explore volume/surface area and relationship between the two Data Distributions • Analyze Data What Do You Expect? • Further work with probability

12. Big Picture - CMP Grade 8 • Thinking With Math Models • Write and solve linear equations • Looking for Pythagoras • Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem • Growing, Growing, Growing • Explore exponential functions and solve problems about exponential growth and decay • Frogs, Fleas, and Painted Cubes • Explore quadratic relationships and equations • Compare properties of quadratic, linear, and exponential relationships

13. Big Picture - CMP Grade 8 • Kaleidoscopes, Hubcaps, and Mirrors • Explore symmetric transformations • Say It With Symbols • Manipulate algebraic equations (equivalent expressions and factoring) • Shapes of Algebra • Find solutions to inequalities and solve systems of linear equations by graphing, combining equations, and by substitution • Samples and Populations • More data analysis

14. CME Algebra Goals • Innovative, research-based instruction • Problem-based, student-centered curriculum • Engaging lessons that focus on developing students' Habits of Mind • Accessible approach to capture and engage students of all ability levels

15. CME Algebra Methodology • Developing Habits of the Mind, or ways students approach and solve mathematical challenges. • Deepening mathematical understanding by moving students from applying concepts to adapting them in logical, organized ways. • Advancing basic skills to evolve from concrete problems to abstractions and general theories. • Meeting the dual goals of mathematical rigor and accessibility for a broad range of students.

16. NJASK8 Open-Ended Problem The Packing Company wants to lower the cost of its boxes by reducing the surface area while keeping the volume the same. One of the boxes is shown here.

17. A 12 inch x 8 inch x 3 inch Box • Find the volume of this box. Show how you found your answer. • Find the surface area of this box. Show how you found your answer. • Find the dimensions of a box that has the same volume but less surface area.Show how you found your answer.

18. CMP and the SAT

19. How Can Parents Understand the Changes in the Middle School Math Program? • Family Letters • Parent Brochure • Parent Workshop • Web links

20. How Can Parents Help? • Encourage your child to do his or her homework on a regular basis. • Provide a regular place and time to do homework. • Have your child show you her or his mathematics notebook and explain to you what she or he has been doing in class. • Help him or her to be more organized. Look for sections in the notebook that contain class notes, vocabulary, homework, and assessment pieces. • Have your child explain the words in the vocabulary list or the solution to a problem. • Encourage your child by explaining that you believe that she or he can succeed through trying and working hard at the assignments.

21. How Does this Fit into the K-12 District Math Program? • Standards-based Math Programs • Algebra for More Students • New HS math requirements • SATs

22. Websites • http://www.mathforum.org/parents.citizens.html • http://connectedmath.msu.edu/parents/ • http://www.phschool.com/cmp2/parent_guide/