MATH & LOGIC (GRADES PRE-K - 10)
At AlphaMinds Academy, we teach mathematics based on the same curriculum that is taught in Singapore, a tiny Asian nation that leads the world in assessment tests for math and whose students are routinely rated amongst the best in the world in math.
What sets Singapore Math curriculum apart is that it emphasizes core understanding of mathematical concepts and stresses problem-solving skills. Because of its focus on in-depth conceptual understanding, Singapore Math students become successful problem solvers, who gain a sense of confidence in their mathematical skills. This naturally prepares students to excel in more advanced math.
Top Reasons Singapore Math is the leading Math Curriculum in the World:
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Builds students’ mathematical fluency without the need for rote learning
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Teaches to think mathematically as opposed to reciting formulas they don’t understand
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Emphasizes in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts
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Works well for visual and audible learners - provides layered approach of teaching mathematical concepts built upon one another
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Introduces new concepts using Bruner’s Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach
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Teaches mental strategies to solve problems such as drawing a bar model
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Stresses problem solving skills
LOGIC PROGRAM (3-5 years old)
At AlphaMinds Academy, children begin their education in mathematics with the Logic program.
Logic is fundamental to mathematics, reasoning, cognitive thinking science and so much more. Traditionally, logic is not taught in a classroom setting, but at AlphaMinds Academy we have taken the ideas and concepts of logic and transformed them into an interactive educational program which engages children and gets them excited about learning.
Research has shown that children who are encouraged to understand the process of thinking (i.e. logic) tend to be inquisitive, creative, confident, compassionate, and communicative.
Our Logic Program aims to help young children develop their thought process, reasoning and critical thinking skills, which will guide them throughout their formative years.
Our 2 year program covers all the topics found in the OLSAT® test (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test®) and the NNAT-2® test (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) as well as in the ERB test.
Under our teacher’s guidance, children will learn the arithmetic facts, play interactive logic games, solve specially chosen riddles and puzzles and engage in activities designed to develop logical and critical thinking!
Logic PreK (3-4 yo)
For many children, this course will be their first introduction to the world of logic and arithmetic.
In our classes, children will learn:
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counting and addition/subtraction from 0 to 10
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ordinal numbers from 1 to 10
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basic geometric shapes
As well as concepts such as:
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matching, sorting and classifications
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patterns and sequences
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analogies
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orientation and positioning
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symmetry
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whole and its parts
Together we will be playing games and solving verbal and pictorial riddles and puzzles designed to promote logical and critical thinking.
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(A) curricula.
* This class is recommended for students 3-4 years old
Logic K (4-5 yo)
This is a course for children who are ready to begin their formal math education.
In our classes, children will learn:
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counting up to 100
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number patterns
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addition and subtraction within 20
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comparisons: greater/less/equal
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whole and its parts
During this course, children will develop logical thinking with the help of:
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puzzles with objects and shapes: classifications and analogies
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Venn diagrams
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logic puzzles with verbal clues and diagrams
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special games that develop memory and attention
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sudoku with pictures and numbers
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and many more specially selected activities
The math portion of this course is based on the Singapore Math K(B) curricula.
* This class is recommended for Kindergarten students who are new to AlphaMinds Academy or to PreK-4 students who have successfully completed our Logic PreK (Level I) class.
MATH I
This class is for students who have knowledge of basic counting up to 100, understand and recognize numbers up to 100 and have some skills of adding and subtracting numbers within 20.
We will continue with addition and subtraction of numbers up to 100 (first within 10, then 20, working our way to 100), focusing mainly on mental calculation. Students will learn the meaning of multiplication and division and basic multiplication and division facts within 40. They will be introduced to different units of measurements such as length, weight, time. We will also cover basic fractions, money, graphs and basic 2D and 3D shapes.
A great emphasis is placed on developing mathematical and logical problem solving skills. Instead of pushing through rote memorization, students learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained in previous lessons.
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Logic K class and for students in grade 1 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy . Students must be proficient readers at 1st grade level in order to participate in this class
MATH II
This class is for students who have thoroughly mastered addition and subtraction of numbers to 100, especially mentally; have knowledge of place value; understand, recognize and correlate repeating patterns of numbers, letters and objects.
We will continue with addition and subtraction of numbers to 1000, paying special attention to mental calculation. Students will learn multiplication table up to 12 and related division facts. They will learn about standard units of length, weight and capacity in the metric and customary systems and the relationships among units. We will also cover fractions including equivalent fractions and addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, money, time and time intervals, graphs as well as area and perimeter. Throughout the year we will be solving harder word problems involving multiplication, division and fractions.
Last, but not least, we will be solving exciting problems and puzzles from different areas of logic and mathematics.
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Math I class and to students in grade 2 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy.
New students: please complete this assessment test and email us the completed test to register@alphamindsacademy.com
MATH III
This class is for students who have thoroughly mastered addition and subtraction of numbers to 1000 using vertical algorithm as well as using mental calculation strategies; have deep knowledge of place value; know multiplication table up to 10 and related division facts, (up to 5 is a must); have basic understanding of fractions; can solve simple multi-step word problems including problems which involve multiplication and division.
We will continue with addition, subtraction, multiplication and long division by a one-digit number, paying special attention to mental calculation, standard units of length, weight and capacity in the metric and customary systems, the relationships among units, addition and subtraction of compound units. We will also cover fractions including equivalent fractions, addition and subtraction of fractions with like and unlike denominators, money, time and time intervals and other units of time. Geometry moves from the basic shapes to the different parts of geometric objects - points, lines and angles. Throughout the year we will be solving more complex word problems involving multiplication, division, fractions, area and perimeter.
Finally, we will be solving many non-routine word problems and puzzles from different areas of mathematics.
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Math I class and to students in grades 3-4 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy.
New students: please complete this assessment test and email us the completed test to register@alphamindsacademy.com
MATH IV
This class is for students who have thoroughly mastered the basics of fractions and decimals, including addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators and beginning multiplication and division of decimals.
We will continue with multiplication of mixed numbers, multiplication and division of decimals, order of operations, percentage and the connection of percent-fraction-decimals, harder word problems involving especially fractions and percents, triangle and quadrilateral geometry, more complex area and perimeter problems. Some special topics like Pascal's triangle and probability will be introduced also.
Finally, we will be solving many non-routine word problems and puzzles from different areas of mathematics.
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Math III class and to students in grades 4-5 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy. New students: please complete this assessment test and email us the completed test to register@alphamindsacademy.com
MATH V
This class is for students who have thoroughly mastered the basics of fractions and decimals, including addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators and multiplication and division of decimals by a whole number.
We will continue with multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers, multiplication and division of decimals, order of operations, percentage and the connection of percent-fraction-decimals. Students will be solving harder word problems involving fractions and percents, ratio and rate, triangle and quadrilateral geometry, more complex area, perimeter and volume problems.
Finally, we will be solving many non-routine word problems and puzzles from different areas of mathematics.
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Math IV class and to students in grades 5-6 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy. New students: please complete this assessment test and email us the completed test to register@alphamindsacademy.com
MATH MS I (Pre-Algebra)
This class is for students who have deep understanding of the very foundations of our number system, and can work comfortably with whole numbers, thoroughly mastered the basics of fractions and decimals, percentage and the connection of percent-fraction-decimals.
This class is designed to introduce more realistic word problems, to teach the major strategies of problem solving, and to foster recognition of mathematical patterns. In addition to the concepts that each student learns in school, we will be cultivating understanding of word problems and real-world situations where one would apply the basic concepts already studied. Students will be challenged in a fun and creative atmosphere with new types of problems that will set them apart in their usual classroom setting. Students will begin preparation for the Math portion of the PSAT and ISEE tests.
Finally, we will be solving many non-routine word problems and puzzles from different areas of mathematics.
Topics covered in this course:
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Prime factorization
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LCM and GCD
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Fraction, Decimals, Approximation
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Rate, Ratio and Percentage
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Negative numbers. Addition, subtraction, comparison. Absolute values. Multiplication and division of negative numbers.
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Algebraic laws. Commutative, Associative, Distributive Laws
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Algebraic expressions. Solving equations. Translation of word problems into algebraic equations. Solving Word problems.
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Rate, ratio, speed
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Introduction to geometry (area and circumference of a circle, triangle and quadrilateral geometry, more complex area, perimeter and volume problems)
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Math V class and for students in grades 6-7 students who are new to AlphaMinds Academy and have not taken a pre-algebra course before. New students: please complete this assessment test and email us the completed test to register@alphamindsacademy.com
MATH MS II (Introduction to Algebra I)
At this level, math students need to know and really understand basic laws and rules of Algebra. This class will continue an in-depth study of topics of algebra I and beginning geometry with proofs: quadratic equations and parabolic graphs, fractional equations, absolute value equations and inequalities, fractional inequalities, the study of functions, sequences and series, equations of circles, forming equations using coordinates, parallel lines and angles, congruence and similarity, triangle geometry. The program includes many types of word problems and shows how they can be solved. Besides Algebra, the program includes several advanced topics, such as Mathematical Induction, Combinatorics, Logical games, Fibonacci sequence.. Students learn to use logical reasoning, systematic approach to problem solving, calculations and algebraic transformations. This class also prepares students for the admission tests to the selective High Schools
Topics covered in this course:
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Indices (Exponents)
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Radicals
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Algebraic manipulations
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Literal and Quadratic Equations (Quadratic formula + completing the perfect square method)
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Rate, Ratio, Percentage. Problems involving financial transactions
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Simultaneous linear equations
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Inequalities
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Compound inequalities
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Math MS I course and for students in grades 7 and 8 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy, and have previously completed a pre-algebra course. To determine which class your child should enroll into, we recommend taking our assessment test (please email us to request it sent to you)
MATH MS III (Algebra I)
In this course students continue with the study of Algebra I. This course fully prepares students for advanced Algebra or Algebra II course in high school.
Topics covered in this course:
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Mensuration
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Congruent and similar triangles
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Pythagorean Theorem and Trigonometry
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Motion Geometry
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Statistics
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Advanced Algebraic Manipulations
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Graphic Functions. Range and Domain
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Linear function. Using slope and Y-intercept, types of slopes, writing an equation giving 2 points
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Math MS II class and for students in grades 8 and 9 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy and who have some prior knowledge of Algebra I.
New students: Assessment is required prior to confirming student's registration. Please email us to request one sent to you.
MATH MS IV (Algebra I Advanced)
This course is completes our Algebra I program, and also includes many concepts covered in Algebra II.
Topics covered in the course:
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Review and challenge problems on linear equations
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Ratios
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Quadratic equations
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Special factorization
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Graphing linear and quadratic equations
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Linear inequalities
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Functions
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Polynomials
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Exponents and logarithms
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Absolute value
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Sequences and series
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Complex numbers
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Quadratic inequalities
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and much more!
* This class is recommended for students in grades 8 -10 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy, and to any students who have successfully completed our Math MS III class. New students: Assessment is required prior to confirming student's registration. Please email us to request one sent to you.
MATH MS V (Algebra II)
This course introduces topics in Algebra II.
Topics covered in the course:
Equations and inequalities
Functions and linear equations
Matrices
Polynomials and radical expressions
Quadratic functions and inequalities
Conic Sections
Polynomial functions
Rational expressions
Exponential and logarithmic functions
Sequences and series
Discrete mathematics and probability
Trigonometry
This class is recommended for students in grades 9 -11 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy, and to any students who have successfully completed our Math MS IV class. New students: Assessment is required prior to confirming student's registration. Please email us to request one sent to you.
GEOMETRY I
This is an introduction to geometry course.
This course is designed to emphasize the study of the properties and applications of common geometric figures in two and three dimensions. It includes the study of transformations and right triangle trigonometry. Inductive and deductive thinking skills are used in problem solving situations, and applications to the real world are stressed. It also emphasizes writing proofs to solve (prove) properties of geometric figures.
Topics covered in this course:
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Points, lines, planes and angles. Definitions and Postulates
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Deductive reasonings, If-then statements, converses, proving theorems
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Angles. Parallel lines and planes
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Congruent triangles (Corresponding parts in a congruence, SSS,SAS,ASA, AAS congruence)
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Perimeter and area
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Similar polygons. Ratio, proportion, and similarity. Similar triangles
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Right triangles. The Pythagorean theorem
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Special parts of a triangle. Bisectors, medians, altitudes
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Quadrilaterals, Parallelograms, Special quadrilaterals
* This class is recommended for students in grades 7-9 who are new to AlphaMinds Academy, and to any students who have successfully completed our Math MS I classes or higher. To determine which class your child should enroll into, we recommend taking our assessment test (please email us to request it sent to you)
GEOMETRY II
This is the second part of our Geometry course.
Topics covered in this course:
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Polygons. Angles in a polygon. Area. Regular polygon
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Geometric Inequalities. Sides and angles of a triangle. The triangle inequality
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Circles. Arc measure, Arc length, and circumference
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Circles and angles. Tangent, Arcs and Chords. Inscribed angles, other angles.
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Power of a point
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Areas and volumes of solids. Prisms, Pyramids, Cylinders and Cones. Spheres. Areas and volumes of similar solids
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Coordinate geometry
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Introduction to trigonometry. The tangent ratio. The Sine and Cosine ratios. Application of right triangle trigonometry
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Transformations. Reflection, Translation and Glide reflections, Rotations, Dilations
* This class is recommended for students who have successfully completed our Geometry I course in the previous school year or students in grades 8-11 with an extensive knowledge of Geometry topics outlined in Geometry I.