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.
Developing the Concept of Slope
Given multiple representations of linear functions, the student will develop the concept of slope as a rate of change.
Generating Different Representations of Relationships
Given problems that include data, the student will generate different representations, such as a table, graph, equation, or verbal description.
Predicting, Finding, and Justifying Data from a Graph
Given data in the form of a graph, the student will use the graph to interpret solutions to problems.
Approximating the Value of Irrational Numbers
Given problem situations that include pictorial representations of irrational numbers, the student will find the approximate value of the irrational numbers.
Expressing Numbers in Scientific Notation
Given problem situations, the student will express numbers in scientific notation.
Comparing and Ordering Rational Numbers
Given a problem situation, the student will compare and order integers, percents, positive and negative fractions and decimals with or without a calculator.
Determining if a Relationship is a Functional Relationship
The student is expected to gather and record data & use data sets to determine functional relationships between quantities.
Graphing Dilations, Reflections, and Translations
Given a coordinate plane, the student will graph dilations, reflections, and translations, and use those graphs to solve problems.
Graphing and Applying Coordinate Dilations
Given a coordinate plane or coordinate representations of a dilation, the student will graph dilations and use those graphs to solve problems.
Periodic Table Families
Given descriptions or specific element groups, students will use a Periodic Table to relate properties of chemical families to position on the table.
Determining Slopes from Equations, Graphs, and Tables
Given algebraic, tabular, and graphical representations of linear functions, the student will determine the slope of the relationship from each of the representations.
Demonstrating the Pythagorean Theorem
Given pictures or models that represent the Pythagorean Theorem, the student will demonstrate an understanding of the theorem.
Comparing and Contrasting Proportional and Non-Proportional Linear Relationships
Given problem solving situations, the student will solve the problems by comparing and contrasting proportional and non-proportional linear relationships.
Atomic Theory: Dalton, Thomson and Rutherford
Given scenarios or summaries of historical events leading to modern-day atomic theory, students will identify the author and experimental design of each and the conclusion drawn from these experiments.
Covalent Bonding: Electron Dot Diagrams
Given descriptions, diagrams, scenarios, or chemical symbols, students will model covalent bonds using electron dot formula (Lewis structures).
Nomenclature of Ionic Compounds
Given descriptors, diagrams. or scenarios, students will write and name the chemical formulas of common polyatomic ions and ionic compounds containing main group or transition metals and bases.
Mole Conversions
Given descriptions or chemical formula of a substance, students will convert between mass, moles, and particles for a sample of material.
Quantifying Changes in Chemical Reactions: Balancing Equations
Given descriptions or chemical formulas of the reactants and the products of chemical reactions, students will apply the law of conservation of mass and manipulate coefficients to balance chemical equations.
Quantifying Changes in Chemical Reactions: Empirical Formula
Given the descriptions or chemical formulas, students will use relative masses of elements in substance to calculate and determine the ratio of atoms of each element in a compound so as to determine percent composition or empirical formula.