The math curriculum, based on guidelines developed for schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg, is designed to prepare our students to be competent in mathematical computations for daily life and to provide a firm basis for the study of higher mathematics. In addition to Diocesan guidelines, the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for each grade level are considered in curriculum planning and development.
Kindergarten
The first study of math begins with identifying shapes and numbers. Kindergarten students work on calendar skills, such as days of the week and months of the year, and concepts such as more and less, first and last, before and after. They progress to addition and subtraction and telling time to the hour.
Grade 1
Basic addition and subtraction facts to 18 are taught and mastered. Charts and tables are used to gather information, and word problem solving skills are introduced. Telling time to the half hour, counting pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, and measuring in inches and centimeters are all skills acquired in first grade.
Grade 2
In second grade students learn to regroup when adding and subtracting. They learn to tell time at 15-minute intervals, and continue working with money and measurement. Students practice interpreting word problems and learn to choose the appropriate operation to solve them. The children collect, display, and interpret data in charts, graphs and tables. Addition and subtraction facts are practiced for fluency.
Grade 3
The processes of multiplication and division are the focus of third grade math. Multiplication and division facts are introduced and practiced in third grade, and addition and subtraction facts are reviewed. Concepts covered in third grade math include money, time, place value and graphing. Problem solving skills are developed.
Grade 4
Long division and multi-digit multiplication problems are a large part of fourth grade math. Math facts are reviewed and mastered. Students also work on place value from hundredths through millions; measure to the nearest quarter inch or millimeter, and learn to determine elapsed time. Geometry, data analysis and probability round out the fourth grade curriculum.
Grade 5
Fractions are a major topic for fifth grade. Students learn to model, identify, and order fractions; find equivalent fractions, and perform all fraction operations. They also work on rounding and estimation; convert within systems of measurement, and measure to the nearest 1/8th inch. Other topics include geometry and graphing.
Grade 6
In sixth grade, students work with decimals. All decimal operations are learned, and the relationship between decimals, fractions and percents is explored. Sixth graders work with the coordinate grid, creating and interpreting line and bar graphs. They describe data sets using mean, median, mode and range. They also study plane geometry.
Grade 7
Ratio and percent are two major topics for 7th grade math. Seventh grade students calculate perimeter and area of quadrilaterals, triangles and combined figures. They create and interpret expressions and equations that model problem situations and interpret relationships between data tables and corresponding graphs or functions.
Grade 8
Negative and positive integers are the new concept in the pre-algebra course. Students also learn to analyze, extend and develop patterns; simplify expressions, solve equations and inequalities, analyze effects of changing a variable in an equation, and graph linear functions.
Advanced Math
Students who excel in math have the opportunity to work at a faster pace with challenging material. Qualifying students will be able to take algebra I in the eighth grade.