In the lower school, students are expected to master most arithmetic skills. While developing these skills, they are introduced to topics in algebra, geometry, probability and statistics.
For some strange reason, however, as students enter high school those subjects have traditionally been separated into classes like Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. Unfortunately, during the year that students study geometry they spend only a limited time with algebra. This ultimately necessitates a great deal of review and re-teaching.
At St. Thomas' we view math as one subject with many interdependent parts. Geometric formulae help us develop the concept of variables for algebra, graphing equations in algebra helps us learn to predict the behavior of a given function and predicting future behavior is possibly the most important reason we study statistics. Because we believe that it is impossible to separate the various branches of mathematics without destroying the whole, we now retain in the middle and high schools the integrated approach to math started in the lower school.
Department Members
Mrs. Sara Miller
Mrs. Jan Richter
6th Grade
Students continue to explore arithmetic operations and their applications,
ratios and proportions and their applications, percents and probabilities
for simple experiments. They study arithmetic and geometric sequences, perimeters
and areas of triangles and quadrilaterals, surface areas and volumes of prisms
and cones, and graphing and reflecting points in a plane. They also study
properties of triangles and quadrilaterals.
7th Grade
The application of arithmetic operations, ratios, and proportions continues.
Percents are applied to business problems and probabilities for two-level
experiments. Students find formulae for the nth term of arithmetic
and geometric sequences and they relate formulae for arithmetic sequences
to linear equations, which they also learn to graph. Perimeter, area, and
volume problems deal with composite shapes (e.g., part triangle, part semicircle).
They also study properties dealing with intersecting and parallel lines.
8th Grade - Algebra, Geometry 1A &
1B
Students are introduced to functions as relationships. They study how
to perform operations with monomials, binomials, and polynomials. Students
work with systems of linear equations and quadratic equations and they find
their solutions numerically, algebraically, and graphically. They continue
to review solid geometry topics and begin to explore the plain geometry topics
involving congruent polygons. They also explore more complicated experiments
in probability and statistics.
8th Grade - Algebra, Geometry 1A & 1B Accelerated
Students on the regular track who distinguish themselves
can be promoted to this track. At this level, the accelerated track covers
the same topics as the regular class, but performs a more detailed study of
the different forms of quadratic equations, their vertices, and lines of symmetry.
Prerequisites: This accelerated course is reserved for individuals who maintain an A average throughout the seventh grade. Furthermore, students must maintain a B average to remain on the accelerated track.