Mr. Strauss' Course Syllabus
Mathematics
Text: Harcourt Math
Description: In this course students will explore a broad range of topics including number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, statistics, data analysis and probability, and mathematical reasoning. Students will work individually and in groups using the textbook along with the Accelerated Math program.
Goals: The goals of this class are that every student should be able to:
Solve meaningful, challenging problems
Demonstrate both a depth and breadth of mathematical understanding.
Perform computations and mathematical procedures quickly and accurately.
Accelerated Math: This is a computer software tool for managing and monitoring students' mathematics. It provides daily math work for students, corrects their work, and reports the results immediately. It automatically keeps records of student work and gives diagnostic information each day. Students do their work on paper, and use the computer to score their work and print a report and new practice assignment. Students are given a test every Wednesday.
Standards Portfolio Assignment: Every student will complete two writing assignments during the school year. These assignments shall be 1-2 pages long.
Grading: Classwork - 30%, Tests & Quizzes - 50%, Accelerated Math - 20%
Social Studies
Text: Ancient World-Adventures In Time And Place, Message Of Ancient Days, Teachers' Curriculum Institute
Description: The students will examine the civilizations developed in Mesopotamia, Egypt, The Indus River Valley, China, Greece, and Rome. They will understand major development in those civilizations, including the economic influences on the political organizations and cultural and religious contributions of early humans from the beginnings throughout the development of the Roman Empire. Students will appreciate the significance of geography in the development of civilizations, the major figures who helped establish early societies, and the lasting influences of ideas, teachings, and belief systems that have endured until the present.
Goals: Students will develop and exercise a core of history and social studies thinking skills. These include:
1. Historical Comprehension
2. Geographical and Economic Literacy
3. Historical Research, Analysis, and Interpretation
4. Historical Issues including Analysis and Decision Making
5. Civics and Government
Grading: Notebook- 25%, Tests - 25%, Quizzes - 25%, Projects - 25%