Circle 4 Syllabus

Circle 4 is an engaging math course that encourages young learners to think algebraically and deepen their arithmetic skills. Aligned with Common Core Standards for Grades 4 and 5, this course covers setting up and solving equations from word problems, long multiplication and division, and an introduction to distributing and factoring. Ideal for students ages 7 to 10 with skills in three-digit addition/subtraction, basic multiplication/division, and fraction comparison, Circle 4 includes problem-solving exercises, logic puzzles, and friendly competition-style challenges to keep students motivated and inspired.

Concepts, skills, and learning tools students see in this course include, but are not limited to:

• Mastering multiplication and division of any whole numbers
• Developing a strong understanding of fractions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication by whole numbers, and recognizing equivalent fractions
• Setting up and solving simple equations, translating word problems into mathematical expressions
• Problem-solving skills, logic puzzles, algebraic and geometric thinking, competition-style problems

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• Advanced Arithmetic: Rounding, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with large numbers up to 100,000,000, using various calculation strategies.
• Fractions and Equations: Master fraction operations, create equivalent fractions, and solve equations with balance scales and inverse operations.
• Data and Measurement: Interpret graphs, use coordinates, and understand measurements in length, weight, money, time, and volume.
• Geometry Basics: Calculate areas of shapes, work with composite shapes, and explore concepts of symmetry.

Students registering for this course should be comfortable with the following Math:‍

• Identifying numbers up to 1,000
• Comfortable with arithmetic operations: addition and subtraction (3-digits), multiplication and division (using times tables up to 10)
• Identifying fractions visually from 1⁄2 to 9/10, adding fractions with the same denominator

• Place Value and Operations (4 weeks): Learn rounding, estimation, and number patterns to reinforce understanding of large numbers and efficient calculation strategies.
• Order of Operations and Multiplication/Division (6 weeks): Master order of operations with parentheses, multi-digit multiplication, and division techniques, including long division.
• Fractions and Decimals (7 weeks): Understand fractions as parts of wholes, convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers, add/subtract fractions, multiply fractions by whole numbers, and introduce decimals in relation to money.
• Algebraic Thinking (6 weeks): Explore the distributive property, simplifying expressions, solving for variables, and creating equations from word problems.
• Data, Measurement, and Geometry (9 weeks): Practice measurement in length, weight, volume, and time; work with statistics (mean, graphing); study polygons, angles, perimeter, and area, including compound shapes and surface area of 3D figures.