Algebra I8th Grade

Instructor: Brian Kent

Course overviewAlgebra I is designed to immerse students in the world of algebra and help them become more comfortable in dealing with unknown values of numbers. This class marks a definite transition from the pre-algebra world of arithmetic to the abstract realm of variables and performing mathematical operations on unknown values. This is our dive into the deep end of the pool. We will explore variable expressions and equations, linear functions, non-linear functions, radicals, rational numbers, and even some data analysis. Students will be intentionally taught and challenged to investigate, interpret, and evaluate many related mathematical concepts and ideas.

Primary textAlgebra I (Glencoe/McGraw Hill)

Scope and Sequence of ContentWhile the specifics of the direction of this course will often be adjusted to fit the progress of the students, our goal is to progressively cover each of the 14 chapters included within our primary textbook at a rate of one chapter every two weeks. Some sections will take longer; others may be covered in less time. It should also be noted that the book will not be our only resource. We will spend time investigating real-world applications and exploring different means of learning and assessment along the way.

AssessmentWhile it may seem cliché to score math students in a strictly mathematical sense, the following scale is nonetheless the basis for the grade computations of our class (and includes a fair bit of subjective “nudging” when effort is clearly disproportionate to actual performance):

90%-100% A 80%-89% B 70%-79% C 60%-69% D Below 60% F

Grades will be based on a weighting of the following components:20% Daily participation (including Daily Questions)20% Homework10% Independent projects40% Tests and quizzes10% Cumulative midterm (4%) and cumulative final (6%)

Late assignments incur an automatic 10% penalty for each school day they are late (NOT just each day we have class). Extra credit may be offered occasionally, and will be distributed among the different grading categories (e.g. extra credit test questions, extra credit homework assignments, etc.).

Learning GoalsMath may seem rigid and standard on the surface, but in many ways it is a deeply personal pursuit. The more important math is to an individual, the more personal investment that individual will be willing to make in his or her learning. As such, the chief goal of this course is to stimulate – or perhaps awaken – an appreciation of math in each student. Beyond that, a mastery of the major themes within the above-listed sections will be stressed, including an ongoing push to maintain the skills that will be necessary to continue on in Algebra II next year. Specifically, each student should complete this course with a comfortable grasp of the writing, analyzing, and graphing of linear functions; factoring; polynomial and non-linear functions; quadratic, radical, and rational expressions; systems of different equations; advanced mental math; and probability.More specifically, students will be able to:

Write mathematical and verbal expressions

Evaluate numerical and algebraic expressions using the order of operations

Solve equations and inequalities Recognize and apply properties of

identity and equality Evaluate expressions using the

Distributive, Commutative and Associative Properties

Understand conditional statements and counterexamples

Draw and interpret graphs of functions Analyze and interpret data given in

tables and graphs Graph rational numbers and absolute

values Perform arithmetic operations on

rational numbers and expressions Display, analyze, and interpret data in

terms of central tendencies Utilize stem-and-leaf plots and line

plots Find simple probabilities and odds Classify and order real numbers

(rational, irrational, natural, whole, etc.) Find squares and square roots Write and solve equations, proportions,

and percents Solve for variables Find weighted averages Recognize and interpret the different

parts of graphs on a coordinate plane

Graph linear equations and find slope Recognize and generate sequences Generate linear equations from data

points Find best-fit lines for sets of data Write, solve, and graph inequalities Solve and graph systems of equations

and inequalities using substitution and elimination methods

Perform arithmetic operations on monomial and polynomial expressions

Translate numbers to and from scientific notation

Factor expressions using prime factorization and the Distributive Property

Recognize and factor polynomials and perfect squares

Recognize, evaluate, graph, and solve quadratic functions

Simplify and perform arithmetic operations on radical expressions and equations

Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem and Distance Formula

Define the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios

Solve right triangles Recognize, simplify, evaluate, and

perform arithmetic operations on rational expressions and equations

Become familiar with simple statistical data collection and analysis methods

Course PoliciesThe rules are simple: Be in class ready to participate, do your homework, turn in assignments on time, put forth an honest effort, and respect yourself, your classmates, and your teacher. An inability to adhere to these basic expectations will result in forfeiture of privileges, assigned seats, removal from class, and other stuffy old punishments that no good teacher enjoys taking. Specific rules will be posted in the classroom for your viewing Algebra I 8th Grade

Instructor: Brian Kent

Algebra I8th Grade

Instructor: Brian Kent

pleasure and memorization. If at all possible, each student should come prepared every day with a text book, pencils, paper, and a calculator with graphing functionality. Above all, realize that each student’s success in this class rests most heavily on whether or not the student invests appropriate time and effort.