The provincial grade nine math course is changing for the first time in 16 years.

One of the biggest alterations will be the elimination of the choice between applied and academic, there now being just one math course for all grade nine students across Ontario.

The course will be the same for French and English language schools, while respecting cultural and language differences.

Assistant Deputy Minister of Education Yael Ginsler says the new course will be more of an follow up to grade one through eight math, and that significant consultation occurred in crafting the course.

“We built this curriculum as an extension of learning that’s introduced with the new grades one through eight math curriculum.” said Ginsler, “Using that work as our foundation we drafted the course content, with internal educators who work with the ministry. We had expert reviewers from more than 80 organizations and industry leaders who work for the ministry.”

Minister Ginsler says the new grade nine math course will have a stronger focus on the everyday applications of mathematics for students.

“Mathematical modelling is now included in mandatory learning to enable student to enable student to solve real life problems and make real world decision using mathematics. Throughout the course we have emphasized relevant and real life applications of STEM to real life.”

Concepts such as interest, debt, savings, personal budgeting, and price comparisons will be examined to help understand math and the everyday connection it has to finances.

Another one of the significant changes will see students required to learn coding for the first time.

The course is broken up into seven separate “strands,” some familiar with altercations while others are brand new.

 

Strands

Strand A: Mathematical Thinking and Making Connections

• use math strategies such as problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representation as they continue to develop their mathematical thinking
• connect the mathematics they are learning with their lived experiences,
various knowledge systems, and real-life applications, including careers10 New Grade 9 Math

Strand B: Number

• work with different sets of numbers
• understanding different ways numbers can be written including powers with positive and negative exponents
• solve problems involving positive and negative fractions, decimal numbers, and integers
• increase skills with percentages, ratios, rates and proportions and make connections to real-life11 New Grade 9 Math

Strand C: Algebra

• work with algebraic expressions and equations
• apply coding skills to understand complex mathematics and to make predictions
• learn about linear and non-linear relations
• make connections between growing and shrinking patterns
• solve problems with various rates of change to make sense of real-life situations12 New Grade 9 Math

Strand D: Data

• examine the collection, storage, and use of data
• examine how data is represented and used to inform decisions
• solve problems with data for real-life situations
• use mathematical modelling to answer questions of interest and make predictions13 New Grade 9 Math

Strand E: Geometry and Measurement

• examine geometric properties and their real-life application
• solve real-life problems involving right angle triangles
• learn about the development and use of units of measure and measurement tools by various cultures
• examine the relationships between the volume of cones, cylinders, pyramids and prisms
• solve real-life problems that involve the application of perimeter, area, surface area

Strand F: Financial Literacy

• analyze a variety of financial situations to explain how mathematics can be applied
• examine how interest rates and other factors can impact purchases
• solve financial problems

 

The Ontario Ministry of Education has said the course “represents a major update that reflects emerging job market needs.”

This is one of the most significant shifts in education the province has seen in some time, and will be implemented across every Ontario schoolboard September, 2021.