Center for Distance and Independent Study
6th Grade Math, Part One

Welcome

Course Introduction

This course is designed to instruct you in the skills of basic mathematics at the 6th grade level. Each section of the course builds on previously covered material to lead to complete understanding of topics. These topics include recognition and use of number patterns; graphing and statistics; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with decimals; relating decimals and fractions; and mathematical operations involving fractions.

Catalog Description: This course focuses on building number concepts, recognizing and using number patterns and simple algebra, exploring statistics, and performing basic operations using decimals and fractions.

Time Limit for Course Completion: 9 months. All assessments must be submitted and graded within this time.

Course Keycode: 8217

Textbooks/Materials

Required Textbook and Other Materials

How to Study for This Course

The new material presented in each section of this course is designed to build on material covered in previous sections. Thus, it is a good idea to take the time to review material from previous sections as you progress through the lessons. The following study hints will help you review and learn new material more easily:

• Set a work time and stick to it. Decide what time of day you work best, and then work at that time as often as possible; don’t allow other interests or activities to interfere with your work time.

• Set a work pace. Decide with your parent or instructor the pace at which you will complete the sections. A recommended pace is to complete one section per day. However, you may find that you need more time or can work more quickly.

• Reward yourself. Set goals for the amount of work you need to complete to stay on your schedule. Then reward yourself after you have completed your goal for the day. You might have a snack, take time to read a favorite book, etc. Don’t forget to take short breaks while you are working as well.

• Skim the reading assignment. When you begin a new lesson, briefly look over the entire reading assignment in the textbook for that lesson. The correct chapter and pages for the lesson will be listed under the Reading Assignment banner for each lesson. This will give you an idea of the material you will be studying throughout the lesson.

• Check your skills. You may want to work the Getting Started exercises at the beginning of each chapter in your textbook. This will help you know whether there are skills you need to review before beginning the new lesson. You can access the answers to Getting Started exercises by clicking on the link in your given lesson's overview, which appears right after you are prompted to do the exercises.

• Read textbook pages first. As you begin a new section of a lesson, carefully read the textbook pages listed next to the section title in the commentary. You should read these pages before reading the commentary, which will refer back to textbook examples and material.

• Look for textbook notes and boxes. When you read the textbook pages, pay careful attention to the notes in the margins. These notes will tell you things like “What You’ll Learn,” “New Vocabulary” for the section, “Real-Life Math” situations, and “Study Tips.” Also look for “Key Concept” and “Concept Summary” boxes throughout the sections. These will highlight important information you need to know.

• Keep note cards with important concepts and tricky vocabulary. As you learn new concepts or challenging words, write them on note cards and keep them in a folder or file box. Then you can quickly refer back to the note cards as needed. Important vocabulary words are shown in bold in the lesson commentaries.

• Work your assignments in a notebook. If you keep your work together in the same place, you can more quickly refer back to it to refresh your memory as you progress.

• Use Internet resources. Throughout the course, Web sites will be listed in the commentaries and elsewhere. If you have Internet access, be sure to check them out for helpful hints, interactive practice, or further explanation of material. Also be sure to make use of your textbook publisher’s Online Study Tools. The site has lots of extra examples, self-checking quizzes, study guides, and vocabulary review activities. Information is provided for each section in the textbook.

• Take advantage of the additional Practice Exercises provided in the Parent-Teacher Manual. You probably won’t need to work all of these, but you will want to work many of them. They are there to help you review, expand ideas, and have fun. Don’t miss out on the chance to challenge yourself!

Additional Study Hints

1. Submit your first progress evaluation early. However, don't rush the course. The minimum completion time for all credit courses at this level is four weeks, and you have up to nine months to complete the course.
2. Know how you will be assessed. Look at the grading scale and read all the information on each progress evaluation.
3. Be able to do all lesson objectives. Learning is active, and courses at any level are often designed with objectives or actions that can be done as evidence that you have learned something. One advantage of independent study is that learning objectives are clearly written for each lesson.
4. Review the hints for independent study. This is an independent study course and is likely different from other courses you have taken. Begin by reviewing these hints, which will help you adjust your computing and study habits so you will have the best chance of earning the grade you want.
5. Download an "Independent Study Planning Sheet" (pdf) to track your progress. The number of lessons, progress evaluations, and exams will directly affect how long it takes to complete any given CDIS course. As you work through this course, check your schedule often to make sure you're on track. Keep in mind that all progress evaluations must be submitted and graded within the course time limit.

About the Course Developer

Welcome to Sixth Grade Mathematics, Part One! I am excited to have the opportunity to help you explore new math concepts and develop new skills this semester. My name is Emily Hall, and I live with my family in St. Charles, Missouri. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Missouri in 1998. I am certified to teach grades 1–6. Before leaving to stay home with my daughter, I taught for several years in the Fort Zumwalt School District, in O’Fallon, Missouri. While there, I served as curriculum and grade-level coordinator. I now enjoy writing and tutoring students, especially in all levels of math!

Technical Specifications

Additional Technical Specifications

In order to view the interactive exercises in this course, your computer must have the most recent version of Flash player, which you can download for free from the Adobe Flash Player Web site by clicking on the link below.

Begin Coursework

Starting with the first lesson, study the lesson's purpose, objectives, and commentary. Then complete the reading assignment and any recommended study activities. Take notes and make sure you understand all the material presented in the readings. Follow this procedure for each lesson. Complete progress evaluations in the order they are presented in this course.