6th Grade Math
(Connected Mathematics, Dale Seymour Publications)
Prime Time
Prime Time addresses the basics of number theory: factors,
primes,
multiples, prime and composite numbers, even and odd numbers, square numbers,
greatest common factors, and least common multiples. The concepts of factor
and multiple are interdependent. If A is a factor of B, then B is a multiple
of A. This means that we can find a number C such that the product of A and
C equals B, that is, A x B= C. From this we see that factors always come in
pairs.
Through these investigations, students will also discover the
Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic. This theorem states that, except for order,
every whole number can be written as the product of primes in exactly one
way. For example,the number 120 can be written as 2 X 2 X 2 X 3 X 5 or 2 X
2 X 3 X 5 X 2 - every prime factor string for 120 will have three 2s, one
3, and one 5.
Data About Us
This unit introduces key concepts in statistics and analyzing
data using standard methods for representing data. Students will use the process
of data investigation: posing questions, collecting data, and making interpretations
to answer questions; use line plots, bar graphs, and coordinate graphs; explore
what's typical in data, measures of center (mean, median, mode), and range;
learn to compare data.
Bits and Pieces I
The focus is on making sense of fractions, decimals, and percents
while concentration on fractions as parts of a whole, fractions as measures
or quantities, fractions as indicated division, fractions as decimals, fractions
as percents. This unit helps students understand and use equivalent fractions;
compare and order fractions unsing benchmarks (0, 1/2, 1, and 1 1/2); move
easily between fraction, decimal, and percent (50% is the same as 1/2 and
0.5); look for patterns and pattern extensions; and use estimation and content
to reason through a situation.
Covering and Surrounding
The goal of this unit is to help students begin to understand
what it means to measure while studying area and perimeter of rectangular
and nonrectanglar shapes. Student will discover relationships between perimeter
and area while solving real-world problems and use models to demonstrate their
learning. There is a strong connection to factors, multiples, and daa gathering/organization
in this unit.
Bits and Pieces II
The focus of this unit is to develop MEANING for computations
with rational numbers. The expectationsby the end of the unit is that studetns
will understand and easily use the algorithms for computation of frations
and decimals. Students will again use benchmarks of 0, 1/2, 1, 1 1/2, and
2; learn adding and subtracting of fractions and decimals; changing a fration
to a decimal; products od two fractions; and use of percents to estimate or
compute taxes, tips, and discounts.