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Chapin’s mathematics program is based on the premise
that all students can and need to learn, master, and
apply mathematical concepts. It recognizes that
mathematics plays an important role in developing
the ability to organize and analyze information; to
think critically; to generalize and apply concepts;
and to solve problems. Chapin’s mathematics
program seeks to equip students with the skills
necessary to meet personal ambitions and career
goals in an ever-changing, information-based, and
technologically rich global society. To that end,
Chapin teaches both computation and concepts, by
emphasizing their application in problem solving
contexts.
The curriculum in grades 5-8 has been
designed to provide students with the skills
necessary to pursue mathematics study on the
secondary level. Students are afforded
opportunities to develop arithmetic, pre-algebraic
and algebraic skills as an appreciation and
understanding of the underlying mathematical
principles. In an effort to accommodate students
with different learning style and varying aptitudes
for math, two programs are offered in grades 5-8:
the arithmetic/pre-algebra/algebra course of studies
and the pre-algebra/algebra/geometry course of
studies. Both programs use a problem-solving
framework that incorporates mathematical concepts
into practical, real-life parameters. Opportunities
for both independent and cooperative investigation
of mathematical principles are provided.
Goals
for Grades 6 - 8
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Develop competent mathematicians
and
independent, problem solvers
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Introduce students to a variety
of algorithms
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Provide students with
opportunities to practice and master basic
computational skills
in real world
contexts
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Integrate mathematics into other
subject areas
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Encourage the development and
utilization of analytical skills
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Encourage the progression from
concrete concepts to an understanding of
underlying abstract principles and properties
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Expose students to the
integration and synthesis of divergent concepts
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Develop a conceptual
understanding that encourages generalizations
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Encourage a variety of approaches
and flexibility to problem solving
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Foster the ability to organize
thought processes and formulate solutions to
increasingly complex problems
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Foster metacognitive skills
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Foster the ability to communicate
both orally and in written form thought
processes and solutions
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Use subject specific vocabulary
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Integrate and use technology
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