The major emphases of the Pre-Algebra course are rational numbers, proportionality, measurement, data collection and analysis, probability, and beginning algebra concepts that serve as a transition into formal algebra and geometry. Students will develop a deep understanding of rational number concepts, become proficient in rational number computation, and learn to think flexibly about relationships among fractions, decimals, and percents. Concepts involving rational numbers will be developed through experience with problems involving a range of topics. Knowledge of proportionality concepts is developed through extensive applications of ratio and proportion, percent, similarity, scaling, and slope of linear equations. Students will learn to recognize and generate equivalent expressions as well as solve one- or two-step single-variable equations and inequalities. Students will investigate geometric relationships by drawing, measuring, visualizing, comparing, transforming, and classifying geometric objects. Important aspects of measurement will include selecting and using appropriate units andscales. Students will formulate questions; design studies; and collect, organize, and interpret data. Students will develop simple probabilities by using experimentation and analysis of possible outcomes.

While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, thus enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences. Students should see mathematics as an exciting, useful, and creative field of study.

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