AFNORTH International School                                                                             

 


COURSE OVERVIEW 2007-2008

 

 


Course Name:            Principles of Mathematics – Grade 9

Course Code:             MPM 1D                                                                                            

Course Type:             Academic                     Grade Level:  9                Credit Value:  1.0

Textbook(s):               Mathematics 9:  Nelson

Required Supplies:    Protractor, ruler, calculator, binder, lined paper, pens, pencils, eraser, graph paper       

 

 

Overall Expectations of the Course:

 

Strand                                                 By the end of this course, students will:

 

Number Sense and Algebra                  • demonstrate an understanding of the exponent rules for

multiplication and division and apply them to simplify expressions;

• manipulative numerical and polynomial expressions, and solve first degree equations;

 

Linear Relations                                    • apply data-management techniques to investigate relationships between two variables;

• demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of a linear relation;

• connect various representations of a linear relation;

 

Analytic Geometry                                • determine the relationship between the form of an equation and the shape of its graph with respect to linearity and non-linearity;

• determine, through investigation, the properties of the slope and y-intercept of a linear relation;

• solve problems involving linear relations;

 

Measurement and Geometry                 • determine, through investigation, the optimal values of various measurements

• solve problems involving the measurements of two-dimensional shapes and the surface areas and volumes of three-dimensional figures;

• verify, through investigation facilitated by dynamic geometry software, geometric properties and relationships involving two-dimensional shapes, and apply the results to solving problems;

 

Topics and Time Allocations:

 

                        Topic                                                                      Approximate Periods

1. Trends in Data                                                                                  8

2. Linear Relations                                                                                10

3  Linear Models                                                                                  14

4. Algebra and Solving Equations                                                          9

5. Modeling Using Equations                                                                 7

6. Investigating Geometric Relationships                                                8

7. Measurement                                                                                    13

8. Non-Linear Relationships                                                                  10

9.  Review and Final Summative Evalulation                                          11

 

 

Assessment and Evaluation Strategies:

 

The focus of this course is on inquiry, problem solving, communication, and acquisition of high levels of knowledge and skills and applications of mathematics.

 

Assessment strategies will address the variety of teaching and learning styles as well as the variety of expectations.

 

The assessment program will include tests, quizzes, observation of performance tasks, performance assessment, conferencing, journals and presentations.

 

Assessment tools to be used throughout the course will include the four level achievement chart, rubrics (both teacher-created and student generated), checklists, rating scales, anecdotal comments, and analytic marking schemes.

 

There will be several short assignments, quizzes and task opportunities in each unit of this course that do not “count” toward the final mark for the unit.  These tasks are opportunities for teacher feedback about what you are doing well and what you need to improve.  In some cases, you will be encouraged to work on the improvements, and hand the assignment in for further feedback.  These tasks will be related to the final summative assignment and test for the unit.  Therefore, despite the fact that you will not lose marks for not completing these tasks, you are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities for very useful teacher feedback.

 

 

Evaluation:  Weighting of Marks

 

The final grade for the course will be distributed based on the following:

 

            Knowledge                                                       35%

            Thinking, Inquiry and Problem Solving   15%    

            Communication                                     15%

            Applications                                                     35%    

 

A.        Unit/chapter tests will take place at the end of each unit of work. Students will be notified in advance of their occurrence.

 

B.         Quizzes will be unannounced and will usually cover the previous day's work.

 

C.        Students will be required to complete journal entries as part of their regular assignment. They may also have to present to class their findings from various assignments.

 

D.        The 6+1 Trait is the model selected to improve school-wide writing in all subject areas.  The 6+1 Trait writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as establish a common vision of what “strong” writing looks like.  Teachers and students will use the 6+1 Trait model to identify areas of strength and weakness as they continue to strive towards continued writing improvement.  Success of all students requires that the 6+1 Trait become a consistent and integral component of each course taught at AFNORTH High School.

 

E.         A culminating assignment will be part of the final evaluation which also includes the final examination. During this assignment students will be required to demonstrate that they have met the overall expectations of the course. This assignment will make up 10% of the students’ final mark.

 

F.         The final examination will cover the full year's work and will take place at the conclusion of the course. All students will be required to write this examination. The final examination will make up 20% of the students’ final mark.

 

G.        Work habits/homework, organization, initiative, teamwork, and independent work are learning skills which will be evaluated separately from academic achievement.  These are very important skills for you to learn at school and at home, and they are crucial in determining how successful you will be in your future employment or post-secondary schooling. 

 

H.        Much of the students’ work, particularly for complex tasks and assignments, will be marked using a rubric and the final mark will be given as a level (1 to 4).  For this work, the rubric will be provided to students ahead of time so it is very clear what criteria must be met in order to get a particular level.  In other cases, numerical marks will be given.  In both cases, the mark assigned will reflect very specific standards and criteria that are outlined in the curriculum documents for the course.