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Foundations of Mathematics

Course Description

This course enables students to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts related to introductory algebra, proportional reasoning, and measurement and geometry through investigation, the effective use of technology, and hands-on activities. Students will investigate real-life examples to develop various representations of linear relations, and will determine the connections between the representations. They will also explore certain relationships that emerge from the measurement of three-dimensional figures and two-dimensional shapes. Students will consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.

Assessment and Evaluation - How the grades will be determined


work throughout the semester accounts for 70% of the final grade:

teacher will collect and track evidence of the learning through observations of work; conversations with the student; and by evaluating the work students produce.

teacher will provide feedback to help student with further study and improvement

25% Knowledge & Understanding: student’s knowledge of content and the understanding of mathematical concepts

15% Application: the application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts; transfer of knowledge and skills to new contexts; your ability to make connections within and between various contexts

20% Thinking: the use of planning and processing skills, and critical and creative thinking processes, to solve problems

10% Communication: the oral, visual and written expression and organization of ideas and mathematical thinking, communication for different audiences/purposes, and use of mathematics conventions, vocabulary and terminology

The Final Evaluations account for 30% of the final grade:

- A portion of the Final Evaluation will take place in class at or near the end of the course.

- Another portion will take place during the Evaluation Block of time after classes end.

15% In-class Final Evaluation:

For this course, the in-class evaluation is the EQAO Assessment of Mathematics (Applied)

15% Evaluation Block Final Evaluation:

For this course, the evaluation block portion will consist of a mathematical investigation or contextual, open-ended problematic situation suited to a variety of approaches including use of technology where appropriate.

Final grade will be calculated by combining Term (70%) grade and Final Evaluations (30%).

Program Planning Considerations:

Teachers who are planning a program in this subject will make an effort to take into account considerations for program planning that align with the Ontario Ministry of Education policy and initiatives in a number of important areas.

In this course student will use the mathematical processes of problem solving, reasoning and proving, reflecting, connecting, representing, selecting tools and computational strategies and communicating to learn about:

Number Sense and Algebra

  • Solving problems involving proportional reasoning

  • Simplifying expressions and solving equations

Linear Relations

  • Using data management to investigate relationships

  • Understanding characteristics of linear relations

  • Investigating constant rate of change

  • Connecting various representations of linear relations and solving problems using the representations

Measurement and Geometry

  • Investigating the optimal values of measurements of rectangles

  • Solving problems involving perimeter, area, and volume

  • Investigating and applying geometric relationships

Learning Skills & Work Habits

  • Responsibility

  • Organization

  • Self-Regulation

  • Independent Work

  • Collaboration

  • Initiative      

Learning skills and work habits are an important part of student’s growth. Learning Skills and Work Habits will be taught, assessed, evaluated, and shared on the report card. This gives the student and student’s parents/guardians valuable information about student’s learning.

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