Mr. A. Dyck

S1 Transition Math

 

Why Transition Math?

The majority of students who enter the transition math course do not like math, have not been successful in math and really could care less about it.  Often, they do not even want to try a question for fear of getting it wrong and really don’t want to participate in a regular classroom for fear of looking and/or feeling less than their peers.   The S1 Transition Math Course provides a learning environment better suited for students who may have gaps in their learning or a high degree of difficulty keeping up in the regular math course.

 

Smaller Class Sizes

The transition course provides a smaller classroom size (16 students maximum) with each and every student having had a similar experience in mathematics.  Since each student has had a similar experience in math, every student feels equal to his or her peers and an atmosphere of trust is created where students can begin to take chances with their learning.

 

Successful Students

It has been my experience that the majority of students who take the transition course have been highly successful in becoming more confident math students, who are not afraid to attempt questions, who feel better about themselves as students and learners and who earn a solid grade in S1 Math.  The smaller class size is less intimidating and all the students are at the same level, encouraging all students to participate every day.  The more that students participate, the more success they experience, which in turn, makes them want to participate more.  This positive cycle usually results in a high success rate for the program.

 

Units Tailored to the Students

The transition math program is successful because more time is allotted to each unit and only the units required for continuing on to the Consumer Math stream are covered.  As well, the pace is set by the ability of the students.  We only move as fast as the students are learning.  As such, students who enter the S1 transition course will receive and “adapted” designation on their report card.  An adapted designation simply means that adaptations were required for the student to be successful in the class.  All students who take the S1 transition course are expected to enter S2 Consumer Math. 

 

Math 10F Transition – Course Outline

Mr. Dyck – Room 116

 

Overview

The overall long-term goal of the S1 Core Mathematics course is to help students to become mathematically literate.  Mathematical literacy means that students will be able to use mathematics in their work lives, personal lives and consumer lives.

 

The overall short-term goal of the S1 Core Mathematics course is to prepare students with the fundamental mathematical skills to be successful in the consumer math stream. 

 

General Goals

Some of the general goals of this course are as follows:

 

 

Mathematical Themes

The Consumer Mathematics course is built around nine themes that are part of everything we do in math.  These themes include:

·         Communication of mathematical ideas

·         Connections of mathematical ideas to other concepts in mathematics and to real-world situations and contexts.

·         Number Sense to give a sense of the size of numbers and measurements and whether answers are reasonable.

·         Organization and Structure to apply mathematical structure to situation or to imply mathematical structure from a situation.

·         Patterns will be recognized and developed.

·         Problem Solving – analyze problems and solve them by applying mathematical knowledge.

·         Reasoning logically and justifying thinking.

·         Technology used to solve problems.

·         Visualization to assist in processing information, making connections and solving problems.

 

Grading Scheme

 

Coursework and Assignments

40%

Tests

25%

Exam

25%

Mental Math/Learning Log

10%

 

 

Course Structure and Description

 

Unit

Outcomes

Time Allotment

Date Completed

Fundamental Skills Review

Integers - Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

Calculating Percent

Calculations using Order of Operations

Fractions - Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

Decimals - Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

 

Within program

 

 

 

Statistics and Probability

 

Comparison graphing (using graphs to compare data)

Circle graphs, bar graphs

Basic coordinate planes

Scatter plots, line of best fit

Assessing strengths, weaknesses and bias in samples and data collection

Critiquing conclusions and statistical information in the media

Recognize that probability is based on theoretical calculations and experimental calculations

Demonstrate an understanding of the role of probability in society

Solve problems involving the probability of independent events

 

15 hours

(13 classes)

 

Right Angle Calculations

Pythagorean theorem and calculating an unknown side of a right triangle when given two sides.

Ratios

Basic right angle trigonometry using sine, cosine and tangent ratios.

Similar triangles

 

15 hours

(13 classes)

 

Measurement and Geometry

Working with formulas including area, perimeter and volume of circles, rectangles, triangles, cylinders etc.

Draw the plan and elevation sketches from a 3-D object.

Draw or build a 3-D object given its plan and elevation views.

 

10 hours

(10 classes)

 

Linear Relations

Solve and verify simple equations.

15 hours

(13 classes)

 

Problem Solving

Using logic to solve problems.

spaced throughout the course

 

** Note: The above timelines and units are estimated and will be adjusted based on student need.

 

ŕ For this course, you are required to have the following:

 

ŕ In this course you must ALWAYS USE PENCIL!!!  and you must ALWAYS SHOW YOU WORK!!!  You will be graded accordingly.

 

The goal in this class is for you to be successful and to achieve this goal you must ask questions, do your work and be in class on time.