Mathematics

The mission of the Dawson Math Department is to cultivate learning environments and experiences in which all students, from every cultural and mathematical background, see themselves and each other as accepted and valued contributors to their collective development as mathematical thinkers.

With high expectations of their students, our team of educators strives to facilitate collaborative classrooms where learners feel supported to take risks and work together in deepening their appreciation of diverse perspectives, expanding their creative problem-solving abilities, and gaining the confidence that they are capable of learning mathematics at a high level.

Algebra 1A

The Dawson Mathematics Department believes in the importance of laying a deep foundation of Algebra 1 in the middle school. In order to achieve this goal, a two-year approach to Algebra 1 is the typical math path for our middle school students. Algebra 1A is the first of the two courses in this path and focuses on the completion and reinforcement of essential pre-algebraic concepts before introducing the first third of an Algebra 1 course. Through rich classroom discourse and intentional instruction, students’ written and oral expression of mathematical ideas becomes more precise; the process of solving equations and communicating appropriate steps is just as important as finding the correct solution. Students learn to grapple with mathematical ideas and construct personal understanding such that their learning resonates. This year is the time for students to build their foundation of algebraic learning for future mathematical application. Topics include: probability & statistics, integer and rational operations, proportional thinking, number theory, simplifying expressions, equation solving, linear relationships, slope, and inequalities.
Algebra 1B

Algebra 1B is the second course in the two-year Algebra 1 approach. This course reviews the algebra concepts of Algebra 1A (number theory, expressions and equations, linear relationships and slope) before exploring the more complex concepts of algebra. Both conceptual and procedural mastery of skills are expected as is the continued development of consistent study habits, organized written work, proper use of mathematical language and clarity in verbal articulation of thought processes. Students will tackle ambiguous problems using mathematical strategies that make sense to them, discuss and compare their reasoning with peers, and then construct generalizations that lead to more formalized algorithms and mathematical connections. Following this process, students will then apply their understanding to conduct error analysis on various approaches and solutions presented in class as a means to deepen their mastery. Topics include: function notation, linear functions and slope, inequalities, exponent properties, polynomial operations, factoring, quadratic functions, and an introduction to radical and rational expressions.
Algebra I MS

The Algebra I course is a one-year approach to a full Algebra 1 curriculum. It is designed for students to engage in deep and meaningful learning of the algebraic concepts essential to their success in upper level mathematics Both conceptual and procedural mastery of skills are expected as is the continued development of consistent study habits, organized written work, proper use of mathematical language and clarity in verbal articulation of thought processes. Students will tackle ambiguous problems using mathematical strategies that make sense to them, discuss and compare their reasoning with peers, and then construct generalizations that lead to more formalized algorithms and mathematical connections. Following this process, students will then apply their understanding to conduct error analysis on various approaches and solutions presented in class as a means to deepen their mastery. Topics include: number theory, expressions and equations, function notation, linear functions and slope, inequalities, exponent properties, polynomial operations, factoring, quadratic functions, and an introduction to radical and rational expressions.

This advanced course will go into greater depth and include more challenging versions of problems than the Algebra 1A and 1B courses. Additional enrichment topics will be covered throughout the year including: algebraic proofs, solving absolute value inequalities, completing the square as a method for solving quadratic equations, and solving radical equations.
Geometry MS

This course is designed for students to become increasingly fluent with the language and ideas on which Calculus and college mathematics are built. However, an equally-as-important emphasis will be placed upon the appreciation of mathematics as an art form and an opportunity for practice in asking elegant questions, crafting satisfying and beautiful explanations, developing critical taste, and being creative, flexible, and open-minded thinkers.

The main objective of Geometry is to engage students in the process of having ideas, struggling to have ideas, discovering patterns, generalizing those patterns, making conjectures, constructing examples and counterexamples, devising arguments, and critiquing their own and each other’s work, all within the framework of the notation, technique, and development of a Geometry knowledge base. At the middle school level, students will engage with both regular and honors level material.
Math Skills and Exploration

In Math Skills & Exploration, students will construct understanding of mathematical concepts by engaging in productive struggle. Students will build conceptual understanding through working collaboratively on carefully chosen high level math tasks that ignite curiosity, encourage student sense making, and are accessible to all ability levels. Students will tackle ambiguous problems using mathematical strategies that make sense to them, communicate and compare their reasoning with their peers, and will then construct generalizations that lead to a deep understanding of algorithms and mathematical connections. Students will use visual representations and hands-on materials to build number sense and develop deep understanding of mathematical concepts. In addition to building procedural fluency and practicing new mathematical skills, students will learn how to make sense of problems and persevere when solving them.

Curriculum Detail

Mathematics

Algebra 1A

Algebra 1B

Algebra I MS

Geometry MS

Math Skills and Exploration

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