Grade 2:

Students start the year using the computer program Math and More 1. The initial unit is on collecting, sorting, storing, and organizing data. This leads to their making observations and predictions about their data. The next unit provides students with opportunities to explore repeating patterns. They learn to classify and organize information which are important skills for understanding mathematics. The next module focuses on maps and movement which foster the development of spatial understanding. This leads into the study of the programming language Logo which enables students to create their own maps with movement.

Grade3:

Students are introduced to probability as they use the computer program Math & More 2 to organize and classify data pertaining to animals. The second unit allows students to explore complex geometric designs as they look for symmetrical patterns in quilts and as they create their own patterns that grow and shrink. Patterns of this nature are found in many areas of science and lay a foundation for the understanding of functional relationships. Students are also given the opportunity to investigate number systems and the relation of symbols to value. After using the Mayan and binary systems to understand methods of counting and place value they create their own number system.

Grade 4:

Students start the year investigating motion and movement using the Personal Science Laboratory. With motion probes hooked up to the computer they collect data in real time, discuss concepts relating to force, speed, and friction, use the computer to display their data as bar and line graphs, and analyze their data by interpreting graphs and identifying patterns. This year the fourth grade students participated in Kit & Kaboodle, a pilot program of the National Science Foundation. This online program focusing on the usage, conservation, and purification of water, provides opportunities for students to build their research and collaboration skills. As time permits, students use Web Workshop to create their own personal and school web pages, integrating photos taken with a digital camera.

Grade 5:

Students begin the year exploring some of the basic concepts of robotics. Using plans they build motorized cars with Lego bricks. They connect their cars to the computer and then use the Logo language to control them. During the second part of the year they participate in "The Stock Market Game," a state wide Internet contest. They use the Internet to investigate and track their stock portfolios as they compete with students across the country. After using the Internet to research ideas relating to solar energy, they build and test their own solar ovens, using a computer to collect temperature data. The final unit involves research pertaining to kites and the building and analysis of design of their own kites.

The goal of the middle school ATP is to challenge and motivate students to move beyond what they already know to exploring, analyzing, and investigating new areas of study. Problem solving is the thread that weaves the curriculum together. At each grade level students are encouraged to build their problem solving skills by:

• Defending their solutions to problems in oral and written form
• Participating in various problem solving contests:
  • Continental Math League
  • Florida Math League
  • Palm Beach County Math Tournament
  • American Junior High Mathematics Examination
  • MATHCOUNTS
• Responding to problems posed on the Internet
• • Casio contests
  • MATHCOUNTS Go Figure

Grade 6:

Students continue their investigations in robotics by designing and building warning lights, a car, and a washing machine. Using the programming language Logo, they write programs to control the lights and the operation of their motorized machines. Some students extend their study to working with VIP SQUIRT – a self-contained, computer controlled fountain. Using Logo they control electrical pumps to vary the flow of water in a fountain. They match the height and flow of water to musical scores, interpreting the mood of the music.

The Personal Science Laboratory is used to assist students as they study Bodies in Balance. Using a temperature probe connected to a computer, students collect data about their skin temperature, their breathing rate, and reaction time. They are introduced to elementary statistical concepts as they collect, organize, compare, and analyze their data.

As time permits, students use Intel’s hands-on program "The Journey Inside: The Computer." They extend their understanding of the binary system and its use in storing information. They explore information processing by constructing electronic circuits and investigating the workings of a microprocessor.

Grade 7: Pre-Algebra

At this level, along with a strong emphasis on problem solving, students explore in depth several topics that link together Algebra and Geometry.

• Area and circumference of a circle
• Pythagorean Theorem
• Area of triangles
• Fractals

Research by the VanHieles supports the fact that if students are presented with a wide variety of geometric activities in the early years, they are more likely to experience success in high school geometry. In addition to many hands-on activities, the computer program, Geometer’s Sketchpad is used throughout the year to explore many of the topics.

Grade 8: Honors Algebra

This is an honors algebra course, comparable to what is normally taught in high school. In addition to the regular algebraic topics, the course includes a problem solving and a technology component.

Problem Solving – students attend an early morning class in which they solve non-routine problems and investigate and use different problem solving strategies, working as individuals and as a team.

Technology – several computer programs are used to supplement the course. The IBM Algebra program provides graded activities that reinforce various topics and includes a symbol manipulator and a graphing tool. The Geometers Sketchpad is used to explore algebraic topics that have a tie in to geometry. A spread sheet is also used to investigate various relationships.