Pilot Algebra Foundations
The primary purpose of the Algebra Foundations course is to promote opportunities for deep understanding of core algebraic concepts to develop algebraic thinkers. The course is composed of 5 topics: Operating with Rational Numbers, Expressions and Equations, Developing Function Foundations, Modeling Linear Equations, and Quadratics. Throughout these topics, students have the opportunity to develop foundational understandings and draw connections to key concepts.
This course is intended to strengthen foundational conceptual understandings from middle school math through Algebra I and is designed to be flexible in meeting the needs of students. Your individual course is created based solely on data that suggests which topics will best develop your students as algebraic thinkers. Each learning session is designed to further develop a skill, and together, these sessions connect skills and concepts to key algebraic understandings. The student learning experience of the Algebra Foundations course promotes conceptual understanding through a focus on active learning and making sense of the mathematics.
Using Theoretical and Experimental Probability to Make Predictions
Given an event to simulate, the student will use theoretical probabilities and experimental results to make predictions and decisions.
Determining Parent Functions (Verbal/Graph)
Given a graph or verbal description of a function, the student will determine the parent function.
Determining Reasonable Domains and Ranges (Verbal/Graph)
Given a graph and/or verbal description of a situation (both continuous and discrete), the student will identify mathematical domains and ranges and determine reasonable domain and range values for the given situations.
Interpreting Graphs
Given a graph, the student will analyze, interpret, and communcate the mathematical relationship represented and its characteristics.
Using Multiplication by a Constant Factor
Given problems involving proportional relationships, the student will use multiplication by a constant factor to solve the problems.
Predicting, Finding, and Justifying Data from a Table
Given data in table form, the student will use the data table to interpret solutions to problems.
Interpreting Scatterplots
Given scatterplots that represent problem situations, the student will determine if the data has strong vs weak correlation as well as positive, negative, or no correlation.
Making Predictions and Critical Judgments (Table/Verbal)
Given verbal descriptions and tables that represent problem situations, the student will make predictions for real-world problems.
Collecting Data and Making Predictions
Given an experimental situation, the student will write linear functions that provide a reasonable fit to data to estimate the solutions and make predictions.
Writing Expressions to Model Patterns (Table/Pictorial → Symbolic)
Given a pictorial or tabular representation of a pattern and the value of several of their terms, the student will write a formula for the nth term of a sequences.
Finding Specific Function Values (Verbal/Symbolic)
Given a verbal and symbolic representations of a function, the student will find specific function values.
Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
Given verbal and symbolic representations of polynomial expressions, the student will simplify the expression.
Solving Equations and Inequalities
Given verbal and symbolic representations in the form of equations or inequalities, the student will transform and solve the equations or inequalities.
Analyzing the Effects of the Changes in m and b on the Graph of y = mx + b
Given algebraic, graphical, or verbal representations of linear functions, the student will determine the effects on the graph of the parent function f(x) = x.
Writing Equations of Lines
Given two points, the slope and a point, or the slope and the y-intercept, the student will write linear equations in two variables.
Predicting, Finding, and Justifying Data from an Equation
Given data in the form of an equation, the student will use the equation to interpret solutions to problems.
Writing Equations to Describe Functional Relationships (Table → Equation)
Given a problem situation represented in verbal or symbolic form, the student will identify functions.
Writing Verbal Descriptions of Functional Relationships
Given a problem situation containing a functional relationship, the student will verbally describe the functional relationship that exists.
Writing Inequalities to Describe Relationships (Graph → Symbolic)
Given the graph of an inequality, students will write the symbolic representation of the inequality.