Principles of Mathematics from Master Books is a comprehensive, two-year, junior high math course that covers the basics of arithmetic and pre-algebra with a Christian worldview. This course will thoroughly prepare your student for algebra.
The middle school Principles of Mathematics curriculum is intended to be used for two years for 7th and 8th grades, although advanced 6th graders could also complete it. It is designed to be used before the student starts Algebra. This curriculum would also work well for high schoolers who need a review of basic concepts and beginning algebra. The table of contents topical format allows you to use it as a reference or extra practice for someone who might be struggling.
There are two books for each level of the program: a Student Book and a Teacher Guide. The teacher guide also holds student worksheets. Book 1 reviews basic arithmetic and teaches problem-solving skills and mental math through a Biblical lens. Book 2 is considered the pre-algebra portion of the program, so students need to be competent in basic functions of fractions, decimals, percent, and basic geometry. Book 2 assumes the knowledge of content presented in Book 1.
The Student Book (textbook) is the instruction, divided into chapters, then into lessons. Important notes about the curriculum and its use are found in the front of the book. Students will read the lesson in the Student Book and complete the activity page found in the Teacher Guide. That's how easy it is to use this curriculum. Don't confuse easy-to-use with over-simplified content. It covers all pertinent topics for algebra preparation. While there is quite a bit of reading, the language is fairly easy to read and comprehend thanks to its conversational nature. Calculator instruction is included, beginning with lesson 4.5, but the parent or teacher can discern the amount of calculator use allowed. Lessons that have recommended calculator use are marked with a calculator symbol.
The Teacher Guide is a very important part of this program. In it, you will find a course schedule, student worksheets for each lesson, answer keys, quizzes, and tests. Also included in the worksheets are math problems from historical textbooks. These problems help students understand the role of math throughout history. There are two versions of the schedule: two-year and one-year. The two-year schedule is basically one lesson per day using both books to equal two years of junior high math. If you have a student who is really motivated and wants to finish both books in one year, there is a schedule for that. In this option, students complete about 2 to 3 lessons per day depending on the length. The student worksheets are consumable (not reproducible); pages are perforated with plenty of space for students to show their work and answer questions.
The Principles of Mathematics Sets include a Student Book and a Teacher Guide.
Suggested materials for this course include the Principles of Mathematics Student Book and Teacher Guide, binder with notebook paper, abacus, blank index cards, calculator, graph paper, compass, measuring tape with Metric and US measure, ruler with Metric and US measure, and a protractor.