Algebra I Syllabus, 2011-2012
Instructor: Marilyn Stewart, Room 200
Email: [email protected]
School phone: 816-942-3282, ext 1155
Text: Algebra I – Larson, Boswell, Kanold, Stiff; 2007, McDougal-Littell
Online help/self qfuizzes: www.classzone.com (use Activation Code 2679993-10)
Algebra I Purpose and Objectives
This course provides the foundation upon which higher levels of math are based. It combines pure mathematics with applied mathematics in order to model and solve real-life problems.
The Algebra I student will be able to identify, graph, and solve different types of equations in various ways. This will involve, but not be limited to, linear, quadratic, absolute value, and literal equations. Various properties such as exponents, positive and negative numbers, order of operations, and radicals will be explored. The student must have the ability to apply these properties and analyze any given equation in order to solve problems accurately. Time will be spent in analyzing and writing real-life (story) problems in algebraic terms. Methods of applying all previous properties and equations will be used to properly solve these problems.
I. Course Content: (subject to change)
1st Semester
Chapter 1: Expressions, Equations, and Functions
Evaluate/write expressions and inequalities, order of operations, use a problem solving plan, functions as rules/tables/graphs
Chapter 2: Properties of Real Numbers
Integers and rational numbers, add/subtract/multiply/divide real numbers, apply the distributive property, find square roots
Chapter 3: Solving Linear Equations
Solve one-step/two-step/multi-step equations, solve equations with variables on both sides, write/solve ratios and proportions, solve percent problems
Chapter 4: Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
Graph linear equations using intercepts, slope-intercept form, slope and rate of change
Chapter 5: Writing Linear Equations
Write linear equations in slope-intercept form/point-slope form, write equations of parallel and perpendicular lines
2nd Semester
Chapter 6: Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities
Solve inequalities using addition/subtraction, solve inequalities using multiplication/division, solve multi-step/compound inequalities, solve absolute equations/inequalities, solve linear inequalities in two variables
Chapter 7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Solving linear systems by graphing/substitution/adding or subtracting/multiplying, solve special types of linear systems, solve systems of linear inequalities
Chapter 8: Exponents and Exponential Functions
Properties involving products/quotients, zero and negative exponents, scientific notation
Chapter 9: Polynomials and Factoring
Add/subtract/multiply polynomials, using “special products, solving/factoring trinomials
Chapter 10: Quadratic Equations and Functions
Solve quadratic equations by graphing/using square roots/completing the square/using quadratic formula, interpreting the discriminant
Chapter 11: Radicals and Geometry Connections
Simplify/solve radical equations
Chapter 12: Rational Equations and Functions
Simplify/multiply/divide rational expressions, solve rational equations
II. Classroom Procedures/Expectations
A. This course will be taught using lecture, discussion, group activities, assignments and assessments. In addition to the textbook and handouts, students will use Internet materials for additional practice and assignment/test schedule. Assessments generally occur mid-chapter and end-of-chapter and are designed to evaluate the student's ability to apply the material covered up to that point.
B. Students should come to class on-time and prepared: students should bring their textbook, Algebra binder, and their pencil bag/box to class every day (see Supplies List below).
C. All work is to be done in pencil on loose leaf paper. Homework is assigned and checked daily. Students should use a red pen when checking their homework. If a homework assignment is not immediately collected, it is expected that any incorrect homework problems be corrected and then that assignment be placed in the homework section of the binder – it may or may not be collected at a later time. Homework is collected randomly without prior notice and due when called for. A completed, corrected homework assignment is worth a maximum of 5 points; late assignments and work ripped from a spiral notebook receive no credit. To receive full credit, all work must be shown. Lists of answers are not permitted. Students should become accustomed to doing their homework without a calculator as calculators are NOT permitted on tests.
D. When a student has been absent, school guidelines regarding make-up work will be followed (see Student Handbook). Note, if a student is out the day before a previously announced test, the student is expected to take the test with the class when she returns on test day. If a student is in school the day work is due or the day of a test, even if she checked in late or left early, she is still responsible for the work/test (unless leaving due to illness).
E. If a student is to miss class due to a school activity, it is expected that the student hand in the assignment due that day, get that day's assignment, and come to class the next day prepared. If a test is scheduled on the day of the activity, the student must take the test prior to leaving for the school activity either before school or during study hall. It is the student's responsibility to pre-arrange the time of the make-up test.
F. All school rules will be followed (see Student Handbook). Pink slips will be given for lack of compliance. Cheating on a test or copying another student's homework will result in a grade of zero for that test or assignment and the incident will be reported to the Academic Dean and the Dean of Students with no opportunity to make up that test or assignment. Talking or creating any distraction while an assessment is being administered will result in a 20% deduction in the student's score on that assessment.
G. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be seen nor heard during the school day or they will be confiscated on site, per school policy and a pink slip issued. Students should have only their Algebra materials on their desk during class. Any non-Algebra materials brought to class must be stored under the student's desk so that the aisles remain clear.
H. Restroom trips need to be made during passing time; therefore, passes to the restroom will be issued on an emergency basis only.
I. After-school math help is generally available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:10-3:40 in Room 200. National Honor Society peer tutoring is also available by signing up on the NHS bulletin board. I may have some availability for help before school by appointment. Students are encouraged to get help before the situation gets out-of-hand. Because math builds on itself, getting help immediately when a problem arises is far more beneficial than waiting until the night before the test to seek help.
J. Supplies List: textbook; 3-ring binder with sections for notes, homework, returned tests, and paper (loose leaf and graph); pencil bag/box containing pencil (preferably mechanical), eraser; red checking pen; 6-inch ruler, package of color pencils, and a compact stapler.
II. Participation
Participation in Algebra class involves more than responding when called upon. It also involves being prepared with completed homework assignments on a daily basis. Sometimes a student has discovered an alternate method for deriving a solution and this allows her the opportunity to share this thought process with the class.
III. Recommended Study Habits & Tips
I have found that the students who do well in my class are those who take concise notes during class, work extra problems and take self-quizzes from the online textbook resource, and study for assessments by re-reading their notes and the text and then working a variety of problems. There is often a 10 - 15 minute period after new material has been presented for students to begin work on the new assignment. I encourage students to use this time to begin their Algebra homework so that, if questions arise, they can get help immediately.
IV. Assessment Breakdown
The math department utilizes a weighted grading scale: tests and quizzes are worth 75% of the grade, homework (including class work, notes and projects) is worth 25%
V. Grading Procedures
Grading will be based on the following scale:
A 95-100
A- 93-94
B+ 91-92
B 87-90
B- 85-86
C+ 83-84
C 76-82
C- 74-75
D+ 72-73
D 67-71
D- 65-66
F below 65
To obtain the semester grade, the two quarter grades are averaged together and represent 80% of the semester grade. The semester final accounts for the other 20% of the final grade.
Instructor: Marilyn Stewart, Room 200
Email: [email protected]
School phone: 816-942-3282, ext 1155
Text: Algebra I – Larson, Boswell, Kanold, Stiff; 2007, McDougal-Littell
Online help/self qfuizzes: www.classzone.com (use Activation Code 2679993-10)
Algebra I Purpose and Objectives
This course provides the foundation upon which higher levels of math are based. It combines pure mathematics with applied mathematics in order to model and solve real-life problems.
The Algebra I student will be able to identify, graph, and solve different types of equations in various ways. This will involve, but not be limited to, linear, quadratic, absolute value, and literal equations. Various properties such as exponents, positive and negative numbers, order of operations, and radicals will be explored. The student must have the ability to apply these properties and analyze any given equation in order to solve problems accurately. Time will be spent in analyzing and writing real-life (story) problems in algebraic terms. Methods of applying all previous properties and equations will be used to properly solve these problems.
I. Course Content: (subject to change)
1st Semester
Chapter 1: Expressions, Equations, and Functions
Evaluate/write expressions and inequalities, order of operations, use a problem solving plan, functions as rules/tables/graphs
Chapter 2: Properties of Real Numbers
Integers and rational numbers, add/subtract/multiply/divide real numbers, apply the distributive property, find square roots
Chapter 3: Solving Linear Equations
Solve one-step/two-step/multi-step equations, solve equations with variables on both sides, write/solve ratios and proportions, solve percent problems
Chapter 4: Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
Graph linear equations using intercepts, slope-intercept form, slope and rate of change
Chapter 5: Writing Linear Equations
Write linear equations in slope-intercept form/point-slope form, write equations of parallel and perpendicular lines
2nd Semester
Chapter 6: Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities
Solve inequalities using addition/subtraction, solve inequalities using multiplication/division, solve multi-step/compound inequalities, solve absolute equations/inequalities, solve linear inequalities in two variables
Chapter 7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Solving linear systems by graphing/substitution/adding or subtracting/multiplying, solve special types of linear systems, solve systems of linear inequalities
Chapter 8: Exponents and Exponential Functions
Properties involving products/quotients, zero and negative exponents, scientific notation
Chapter 9: Polynomials and Factoring
Add/subtract/multiply polynomials, using “special products, solving/factoring trinomials
Chapter 10: Quadratic Equations and Functions
Solve quadratic equations by graphing/using square roots/completing the square/using quadratic formula, interpreting the discriminant
Chapter 11: Radicals and Geometry Connections
Simplify/solve radical equations
Chapter 12: Rational Equations and Functions
Simplify/multiply/divide rational expressions, solve rational equations
II. Classroom Procedures/Expectations
A. This course will be taught using lecture, discussion, group activities, assignments and assessments. In addition to the textbook and handouts, students will use Internet materials for additional practice and assignment/test schedule. Assessments generally occur mid-chapter and end-of-chapter and are designed to evaluate the student's ability to apply the material covered up to that point.
B. Students should come to class on-time and prepared: students should bring their textbook, Algebra binder, and their pencil bag/box to class every day (see Supplies List below).
C. All work is to be done in pencil on loose leaf paper. Homework is assigned and checked daily. Students should use a red pen when checking their homework. If a homework assignment is not immediately collected, it is expected that any incorrect homework problems be corrected and then that assignment be placed in the homework section of the binder – it may or may not be collected at a later time. Homework is collected randomly without prior notice and due when called for. A completed, corrected homework assignment is worth a maximum of 5 points; late assignments and work ripped from a spiral notebook receive no credit. To receive full credit, all work must be shown. Lists of answers are not permitted. Students should become accustomed to doing their homework without a calculator as calculators are NOT permitted on tests.
D. When a student has been absent, school guidelines regarding make-up work will be followed (see Student Handbook). Note, if a student is out the day before a previously announced test, the student is expected to take the test with the class when she returns on test day. If a student is in school the day work is due or the day of a test, even if she checked in late or left early, she is still responsible for the work/test (unless leaving due to illness).
E. If a student is to miss class due to a school activity, it is expected that the student hand in the assignment due that day, get that day's assignment, and come to class the next day prepared. If a test is scheduled on the day of the activity, the student must take the test prior to leaving for the school activity either before school or during study hall. It is the student's responsibility to pre-arrange the time of the make-up test.
F. All school rules will be followed (see Student Handbook). Pink slips will be given for lack of compliance. Cheating on a test or copying another student's homework will result in a grade of zero for that test or assignment and the incident will be reported to the Academic Dean and the Dean of Students with no opportunity to make up that test or assignment. Talking or creating any distraction while an assessment is being administered will result in a 20% deduction in the student's score on that assessment.
G. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be seen nor heard during the school day or they will be confiscated on site, per school policy and a pink slip issued. Students should have only their Algebra materials on their desk during class. Any non-Algebra materials brought to class must be stored under the student's desk so that the aisles remain clear.
H. Restroom trips need to be made during passing time; therefore, passes to the restroom will be issued on an emergency basis only.
I. After-school math help is generally available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:10-3:40 in Room 200. National Honor Society peer tutoring is also available by signing up on the NHS bulletin board. I may have some availability for help before school by appointment. Students are encouraged to get help before the situation gets out-of-hand. Because math builds on itself, getting help immediately when a problem arises is far more beneficial than waiting until the night before the test to seek help.
J. Supplies List: textbook; 3-ring binder with sections for notes, homework, returned tests, and paper (loose leaf and graph); pencil bag/box containing pencil (preferably mechanical), eraser; red checking pen; 6-inch ruler, package of color pencils, and a compact stapler.
II. Participation
Participation in Algebra class involves more than responding when called upon. It also involves being prepared with completed homework assignments on a daily basis. Sometimes a student has discovered an alternate method for deriving a solution and this allows her the opportunity to share this thought process with the class.
III. Recommended Study Habits & Tips
I have found that the students who do well in my class are those who take concise notes during class, work extra problems and take self-quizzes from the online textbook resource, and study for assessments by re-reading their notes and the text and then working a variety of problems. There is often a 10 - 15 minute period after new material has been presented for students to begin work on the new assignment. I encourage students to use this time to begin their Algebra homework so that, if questions arise, they can get help immediately.
IV. Assessment Breakdown
The math department utilizes a weighted grading scale: tests and quizzes are worth 75% of the grade, homework (including class work, notes and projects) is worth 25%
V. Grading Procedures
Grading will be based on the following scale:
A 95-100
A- 93-94
B+ 91-92
B 87-90
B- 85-86
C+ 83-84
C 76-82
C- 74-75
D+ 72-73
D 67-71
D- 65-66
F below 65
To obtain the semester grade, the two quarter grades are averaged together and represent 80% of the semester grade. The semester final accounts for the other 20% of the final grade.