For the current edition of Saxon 87 Math.

Make sure the DIVE CD you order is the same edition as the book you will be using.

Math 8/7 3rd edition is typically used in seventh grade. The DIVE Math 8/7 CD-ROM teaches all 120 Lessons and 10 Investigations step-by-step. Because Saxon uses an incremental teaching approach, each lecture is only about 10-15 minutes long. Dr. Shormann builds lesson upon lesson, slowly developing complex concepts from bite-sized lessons that are easy to grasp. Students watch the lecture and take notes, working the practice problems Dr. Shormann presents, and pausing and rewinding as necessary until a concept is understood. If students want additional practice, they can complete the Example problems and Practice Set in the Saxon textbook. After the lesson, students complete the 30-question Problem Set in the Saxon text. While a few problems in the Problem Set come from the new concept, most problems come from previous lessons. Each problem is cross-referenced back to the lesson where it was taught, allowing students to quickly review any concept.

This unique method of spiral review improves critical thinking skills, increases long term retention, and raises standardized test scores. However, this method can be difficult to teach because of the seemingly random presentation of topics. That is why Saxon's founder John Saxon recommended teacher training for all his courses. DIVE CDs provide that teacher, as Dr. Shormann explains how new topics connect to previously learned material, helping students see the "big picture". Also, when a student gets stuck or forgets how to work a problem, they simply click on the DIVE lesson where the concept was originally taught and watch that lesson again. The same can be done when correcting tests. This makes it very easy to fill in any gaps as they show up.

There are 30 problems in each Problem Set but Dr. Shormann recommends, as long as students maintain an 80+ average on timed tests, that students only complete the even problems on even lessons and odd problems on odd lessons. If test scores begin to fall, then the student needs more practice and should complete all problems in the lesson until test scores improve.

Math 8/7 is a pre-algebra program for students who have completed Math 76. While the Math 87 1st edition was generally skipped, the updated and expanded 2nd or 3rd editions are now recommended for all students because they provide extensive practice with fraction/decimal/percent conversion, geometry, unit multipliers, and other foundational concepts which are essential skills for Algebra I and other upper level high school science and math courses. If your child consistently scores 85% or better on Math 87 2nd or 3rd Edition timed tests, Dr. Shormann recommends skipping Algebra ½ and moving to Algebra 1. Math 87 includes a range of upper-level skills and concepts such as scientific notation, complex statistics, arcs, sectors, and the Pythagorean Theorem. Success in math requires that students spend time memorizing basic facts, and Saxon 8/7 Facts Practice Worksheets provide plenty of facts practice.

All DIVE courses are taught from a Christian foundation. Dr. Shormann believes that God gave us mathematics primarily as a tool to study His creation, which is why mathematics is considered the language of science. Mathematics is also useful in interacting with each other and in developing reasoning and problem solving skills. Dr. Shormann uses Scripture and history to remind students that God is the author of all knowledge. Dr. Shormann also gives friendly reminders to students to honor their parents by doing excellent schoolwork.

A Saxon Math 8/7 3rd Edition Homeschool Kit with Student Textbook, Tests and Worksheets Booklet, and Solutions Manual are required. This DIVE CD plays on Mac and Windows 98 and higher operating systems, including Vista. Please be sure the edition of your textbook matches the edition of the DIVE CD.