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 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.
Predicting, Finding, and Justifying Data from Verbal Descriptions
Given data in a verbal description, the student will use equations and tables to solve and interpret solutions to problems.
Graphing Proportional Relationships
Given a proportional relationship, students will be able to graph a set of data from the relationship and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the line.
Analyzing Scatterplots
Given a set of data, the student will be able to generate a scatterplot, determine whether the data are linear or non-linear, describe an association between the two variables, and use a trend line to make predictions for data with a linear association.
Writing Geometric Relationships
Given information in a geometric context, students will be able to use informal arguments to establish facts about the angle sum and exterior angle of triangles, the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal, and the angle-angle criterion for similarity of triangles.
Solutions of Simultaneous Equations
Given a graph of two simultaneous equations, students will be able to interpret the intersection of the graphs as the solution to the two equations.
Comparing and Explaining Transformations
Given rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations, students will be able to develop algebraic representations for rotations, and generalize and then compare and contrast the properties of congruence transformations and non-congruence transformations.
Mean Absolute Deviation
Given a set of data with no more than 10 data points, students will be able to determine and use the mean absolute deviation to describe the spread of the data.
Estimating and Finding Solutions to Problems Involving Similarity and Rates
Given application problems involving similarity and rates, the student will estimate and determine the solutions to the problems.
Generating Similar Figures Using Dilations
Given a figure, the student will identify the scale factor used for a dilation, and use a dilation by a scale factor, including enlargements and reductions, to generate similar figures.
Using Geometric Concepts and Properties to Solve Problems
Given pictorial representations, the student will use geometric concepts and properties to solve problems from art and architecture.
Using Proportional Relations to Find Missing Measurements of Two-Dimensional Figures
Given pictorial representations and problem situations of 2-dimensional figures or 3-dimensional figures, the student will use proportional reasoning to find a missing measurement.
Using Rational Numbers to Solve Problems
Given a problem situation in verbal form, students will select and use an operation involving rational numbers in order to solve the problem.
Selecting and Using Appropriate Forms of Rational Numbers
Given real-life problems, the student will select an appropriate method and solve problems involving proportional relationships.
Exploring Probability with Dependent Events
The student will investigate and develop the concept of dependent probability, including formalizing procedures related to dependent probability and applications of dependent probability.
Finding Lateral and Total Surface Area
Given concrete models and nets (2-dimensional models) of prisms, pyramids, and cylinders, the student will find and determine the lateral and total surface area.
Evaluating Solutions for Reasonableness
Given problem situations, the student will determine if the solutions are reasonable.
Predicting, Finding, and Justifying Solutions to Problems
Given application problems, the student will use appropriate tables, graphs, and algebraic equations to find and justify solutions to problems.