Visually Impaired Resource Guide Mathematics Grade Seven

At this level students develop their abilities to think about relationships between numbers and ideas. They learn about ratio, proportion and percent, and expand their abilities to use charts and graphs. They learn how mathematical information can be misrepresented (bias in statistics). They begin to use algebraic equations to describe problem situations.

Students who use braille continue to be introduced to new Nemeth* symbols as they add to their repertoire of math concepts. If math skills targeted in previous levels are not attained, then time should be spent on mastery or on alternative methods. At this stage technology should be utilized for time saving activities in the classroom. The focus is on independence, accessing information, problem solving and the mastery of the Nemeth Code.

While the brailler continues to be an essential tool, competencies are also necessary in the use of electronic calculators. It is helpful to begin working with a talking scientific calculator at grade 8 as it will be required for the continued study of mathematics. Other alternatives include tactile and speech output using the Braille 'n Speak*, Braille Lite * and built-in computer calculators.

Students may continue to need concrete, functional manipulatives to understand mathematical concepts. The necessity of teacher/teacher assistant prepared materials and pre-teaching is required on an ongoing basis.

As the complexity of tasks increases, as well as the amount of technical devices used, the student who uses braille will require time to learn how to manipulate, record and analyze data.

Please refer to the Math Overview page for additional, helpful information.

Learning About Numbers

• add and subtract fractions at a more advanced level and begin to learn to multiply fractions
• begin to learn about ratio, proportion and percent
• begin to work with integers (e.g.,-3 + 2 = -1)
• learn about greatest common factors
• begin to learn about exponents (e.g., 2^3 = 8)

Use available technology, when appropriate, to assist in meeting this learning outcome.

Data Analysis

• learn about sampling, bias and averages
• display information in rank order and other formats
• begin to learn about the use and misuse of statistical information

Use available technology, when appropriate, to assist in meeting this learning outcome.

Geometry

• learn about circles, triangles and angles
• learn more about similar figures and begin to learn about scale drawings
• begin to graph ordered pairs that include positive and negative numbers (e.g., place the number [-2,3] on the graph) s

Use available technology, when appropriate, to assist in meeting this learning outcome.

Learning About Measurements

• find the perimeter and area of composite figures
• solve problems, using ideas developed at this and previous levels
• begin to learn about surface area

Use available technology, when appropriate, to assist in meeting this learning outcome.

Algebra

• begin to evaluate and solve basic algebraic expressions (e.g., x + 7, when x = 5)
• begin to solve algebraic equations (e.g., x + 32 = 73; what is x)
• begin to use algebraic equations to describe basic problem situations

Use available technology, when appropriate, to assist in meeting the learning outcome.

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