This is the sixth course in a series of small group classes for middle school math. These classes are a hybrid of individualized learning and traditional classes. Each section has no more than five learners which provides a foundation for strong relationships, social-emotional learning, and truly individualized instruction. 
This series is based on an accelerated math curriculum that covers three years of content, aligned to Common Core Math Standards, over the course of two school years. It is perfect for students beginning middle school and students who need to catch up. The curriculum is problem-based this means instead of lectures or videos students work together as a small group to solve problems to discover principles and strategies with teacher guidance, as necessary. Therefore, we will spend approximately 90% of each class period working on problems and discussing them as a group. The use of discussion and problem-solving leads to generalized mathematics or proofs. This process prepares students well who may seek advanced mathematics in high-school or beyond. Students will complete a math notebook In the style of a to help with recall and long-term retention.
In this unit, students work with signed numbers, positive and negative, in context including temperature, elevation, banking, positioning, speed, and percent change through all four key operations. They will expand their mathematical vocabulary to include concepts like rational numbers and inverse. They will work with the number line, tables, and diagrams to represent this work and become more fluent in writing equations and reasoning with equivalency. They will also develop fluency with the coordinate plane and pairs of points as well as the distance between two points. 
Week 1: We will begin with a unit readiness check which reviews and refreshes requisite skills from previous units. We will then learn positive and negative numbers, how to compare positive and negative numbers, and order positive and negative numbers, and absolute value. 
Week 2: We will focus on comparing numbers and distance from zero using these ideas and then begin to apply our knowledge and signed number skills to real life scenarios including temperatures, elevation, and debts. We will work on representing subtraction to understand what happens when we subtract a negative number. 
In week 3: We will discuss rational numbers and how to subtract rational numbers before beginning our introduction to the coordinate plane. We will construct the plane, interpret points on the plane, understand distance on the plane, and draw shapes. 
In week 4: We will begin multiplying and dividing with rational numbers including negative numbers and negative fractions in the context of expressions, rates, speed, and direction. 
In week 5: We will work on equations with all rational numbers and representing them visually. We will also apply our new math skills to an art project drawing animals on the co-ordinate plane and an enrichment activity involving the stock market. Then, we will take our final assessment.