Mathematics

Mathematics Department

Our goal is that each boy develops the self-confidence and growth mindset to persevere through problem-solving, reason with and about abstract concepts, and construct and critique arguments. Boys learn to use technology when appropriate but also learn to reason with number and operation sense. Students have ample opportunities to study higher level concepts with our advanced math courses offered in each grade. All courses set the stage for success at the Upper School and post secondary mathematics experiences.

Mr. Lipford '98, Middle School Teacher

US believes in the tremendous potential of young people and provides the space for young men to develop the skills and habits to be exceptional scholars and gentlemen.

Fifth Grade

Two courses are offered: MS Math Course 1 and MS Math Accelerated: Course 1 & 2. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigation, analyzing critically gathered evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. Students develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. They estimate and solve equations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; develop strategies to extend their understanding of each operation, and work with various geometry concepts. A key focus is a deep understanding of the how and why of mathematics. In MS Math Accelerated: Course 1 & 2, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous and students explore more complex activities related to the topics, have additional challenges in class and in homework, and extend learning to proportions, integers, and rates.

Sixth Grade

Two courses are offered in 6th grade: MS Math: Course 2 and MS Math: Accelerated Course 2. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. The courses help students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. Students explore the topics of area and perimeter, representation, portions, integers, and operations with integers, variables, ratios, fractions, and operations with rational numbers, expressions, rates, the order of operations, inverse operations, statistics, volume, percentages, and probability. In Accelerated Math Foundations 1, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous, and students explore more complex activities related to the topics and have additional challenges in class and in homework.

Seventh Grade

Two courses are offered in 7th grade: MS Math: Course 3 and MS Math: Accelerated Course 3. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. The courses help students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. Students explore the topics of expressions with variables, solving and graphing equations and equalities, systems of equations, proportions and percentages, statistics, angles, area, volume, transformations, slope, exponents, exponential functions, and the Pythagorean Theorem. In Accelerated Math Foundations 2, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous, and students explore more complex activities related to the topics and have additional challenges in class and in homework.

Eighth Grade

Four courses are offered. Each course integrates algebra, statistics, geometry, and measurement. In Integrated Math 1, boys explore geometric relationships of segments and angles, linear equations and functions, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, deductive and inductive reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, and data analysis. In Accelerated Integrated Math 1, boys explore the Math 1 topics at a higher level and investigate exponential functions, transformations, and congruent triangles. In Accelerated Integrated Math 2, boys who have already completed Accelerated Math 1 examine probability and data and continue the study of functions to include quadratics, absolute value, and more on exponential functions. They explore geometric relationships of sides and angles and special segments. Similarity, trigonometry, and other geometric measurements of volume and surface area are investigated. In Honors Integrated Math 2, the Accelerated Math 2 topics are extended to include families of functions, generate knowledge through proof, and integrate topics with a focus on complex problem-solving.