Download Math Course Descriptions (Gr. 6-8)

BJAMS Math Courses for the 2016-2017 School Year
Here is a brief description of the upper-level math courses we will be offering this fall.
Saxon Math Course 2 is typically used for 6th graders. It helps prepare students for the concepts of Pre-Algebra. Topics
include: fractions, percents, decimals, exponents, scientific notation, ratios, proportions, basic geometry, graphing
coordinates, graphing functions, graphing inequalities, and basic probability and statistics.
Saxon Math Course 3 is typically used for 7th graders, or any students who may be ready to study Pre-Algebra. Topics
include: fractions, percents, decimals, exponents, roots, scientific notation, ratios, proportions, geometry, Pythagorean
Theorem, graphing functions, graphing inequalities, graphing equations, solving variation problems, transforming
formulas, probability and statistics.
Saxon Algebra 1 is typically used for 8th graders. Topics include: geometry, sets, evaluating algebraic expressions, rules
of exponents, negative exponents, solving equations, solving simultaneous equations, graphing equations, polynomials,
complex fractions, radical expressions, factoring trinomials, rational equations, and word problems.
Saxon Algebra 2 is typically used for 9th graders. Topics include: geometry, word problems, polynomials, simplification of
radicals, fractional equations, factoring formulas, complex fractions, trigonometric functions, quadratic equations,
imaginary numbers, geometric proofs, polar coordinates, and vectors.
No matter which math course your child will be taking, to help keep them “brushed up” on their math skills, I highly
suggest they take advantage of Khan Academy. If they do not have an account already, it is easy to create one (follow
the simple instructions at khanacademy.org). The topics listed above are a great way to search for problems that they
would have covered in their previous math course. For Courses 2 and 3, working with fractions is a great place to start.
For Algebra 1 and 2, beginning with a review of the distributive property is very helpful.
Enjoy this long-awaited summer!
Gary Carlson