Calculus for Middle Schoolers

Name: Calculus for Middle Schoolers
Brand: Sunhut Publishing

by Sunhut Publishing

MathGrades 7–12

About This Curriculum

Calculus for Middle Schoolers teaches basic concepts of pre-calculus and calculus in an easy-to-follow, enjoyable and light-hearted way for students curious about advanced math.

What makes it unique: Early introduction to calculus concepts for middle school students to build confidence and reduce intimidation when they encounter advanced math in high school

Calculus for Middle Schoolers: Introductory Math Concepts Primer

Calculus for Middle Schoolers is a 139-page supplementary resource that introduces selected precalculus and calculus concepts to curious middle and high school students. Rather than a complete curriculum, it serves as an accessible primer covering nine advanced math topics including logarithms, trigonometry, limits, derivatives, and integrals.

Best for

Mathematically curious middle school students with algebra background or high school students needing confidence-building in advanced math concepts

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 3 concerns · 2 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Worked ExamplesStrength

The curriculum includes worked examples and sample problems for students to follow. Students are expected to work through problems using calculators.

Review mentions 'clear explanations and examples' and states 'Students should try solving the sample problems, generally using a calculator'

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum provides no teacher training materials and is designed for student self-study. It lacks pedagogical guidance for instructors.

Review explicitly states students can work 'on their own without a teacher' and makes no mention of teacher materials

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum is designed for independent study rather than teacher-led instruction. Students are expected to read and work problems on their own.

Review states 'Students should be able to read it and work the problems on their own without a teacher'

Sequencing ApproachConcern

The curriculum uses a topic sampling approach rather than systematic sequencing. It covers selected concepts from precalculus and calculus without building mastery.

Covers 'nine concepts' divided into precalculus and calculus sections, described as 'quick primers' and a 'teaser' rather than comprehensive instruction

Word ProblemsNeutral

The curriculum emphasizes practical applications and problem-solving but lacks systematic word problem instruction. Focus is on showing utility of advanced concepts.

Review states it shows 'how practical and useful they are for problem-solving' but doesn't mention structured word problem strategies

Conceptual Procedural BalanceNeutral

The curriculum appears to emphasize conceptual understanding over procedural fluency. It focuses on making advanced concepts accessible and practical rather than developing computational skills.

Review states it shows 'how practical and useful they are for problem-solving' with 'clear explanations and examples' but emphasizes understanding over skill development

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence about systematic retrieval practice or spaced review components. The curriculum appears to be a one-time exposure to concepts.

No mention of review activities, cumulative practice, or repeated exposure to concepts in the available review

Assessment DiagnosticInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence about assessment tools or diagnostic capabilities. The curriculum appears to be an exploratory resource without formal evaluation components.

No mention of assessments, tests, or diagnostic tools in the available review

Visual RepresentationsInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence about visual models or manipulatives in the curriculum. The review focuses on textual explanations rather than visual learning aids.

Review mentions 'large and uncrowded' print but no specific mention of visual representations, diagrams, or models

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com