If God really loves us, why does he make us learn math? God’s world is very complex, and truthfully, sometimes it seems too complex. Fortunately, God DOES love us and he gives us the tools to understand His creation, including math. Math helps us to see the order and relationships between things. We can make the complex things less complex when we are able to see patterns and pick out the relationships. All of these tools help us to be able to solve problems. Sometimes the problems are math related and sometimes not, but God, in his perfect creation provides what we need. And yes, we need math!!

 

So, welcome to Math 9! Your success in this class will determine what level of Math you get to take in Grade 10 (Pure, Applied or Math 14). It is important to note that each of these high school math classes will open or close doors for what you plan to do after high school. Be aware: High Schools will look at your term 1 and 2 marks to determine where to place you in grade 10.

COURSE OVERVIEW AND EXPECTATIONS  

Homework

 

At the start of each class a hockey card will be selected randomly by a student. Depending on the which card is selected the following may occur:

  • No homework check
  • Homework check
  • Mark homework in class
  • Hand-in homework
  • Quiz next class

Collected assignments will be marked out of 10. One mark will be deducted for each and every question that is skipped, contains an error, or is missing steps.Two marks will also be deducted for each school day that an assignment is late. You can earn 10/10 if you check and correct your homework before you hand it in!

 

 

 

Test and Quizzes

 

If you legitimately miss a test or quiz, you must write it as soon as possible upon your return. A mark of zero will be given for tests and assignments missed because of an un-excused absence.

Short quizzes will frequently be given at the start of class. Quiz questions will be taken directly from the homework assignments (although not from the previous night’s work). Students who are late without an excuse will automatically lose marks for the day’s quiz.

 

 

 

Evaluation

 

Each term, your grade will be calculated as follows:

  • HW / Assignments: 30%
  • Tests & Quizzes: 70%

Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

  • Course work: 75% (25% for each term)
  • Final exam: 25%

 

 

 

Course Content

(approximate lengths)

 

The following is a guideline for the topics in Math 9

  • Review of Math 8 (2 weeks)
  • Statistics and Probability (2 weeks)
  • Solving Equations (4 weeks)
  • Powers and Roots (4 weeks)
  • Polynomials (4.5 weeks)
  • Factoring (4.5 weeks)
  • Congruence and Similarity (2 weeks)
  • Trigonometry (3 weeks)
  • 2D and 3D Shapes (3 weeks)
  • Transformations (2 weeks)
  • Final Review (2 weeks)

 

 

 

Getting Support

 

No matter what their final grade is, the students who feel most successful after Math 9 are the ones who asked for help as soon as they needed it. There are several places to get the support you need:

  • Mr. Sijpheer: Inside or outside of math class, I love to help! You can drop into my room at lunch or after school, or arrange a time to meet with me.
  • Family and Friends: Please do not expect your parents to help you with your math homework! It’s probably been a long time since they took Math 9 (if they did at all) and it’s cruel to make them remember it. Older siblings and friends, however, are a great source of support for homework and studying.
  • Tutors: You may need regular one-on-one support if you are having trouble with course concepts (not just a few questions) or if you are falling behind because of missed courses. You may also want to work with a tutor to boost your ‘B’ grade to an ‘A’.

Wha t Some of Great Thinkers Think about Math?

“I don't believe in mathematics.”
Albert Einstein

“Do not worry about your problems with mathematics; I assure you mine are far greater.”
Albert Einstein

“A mathematician is a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat which isn't there.”
Charles R. Darwin

“What science can there be more noble, more excellent, more useful for men, more admirably high and demonstrative, than this of the mathematics?”

Benjamin Franklin

 

“Instead of having "answers" on a math test, they should just call them "impressions," and if you got a different "impression," so what, can't we all be brothers?”

Jack Handy

Lisa, “I'm studying for the math fair. If I win, I'll get a brand new protractor.”
Homer, “Too bad we don't live on a farm.”