Algebra 1: Making Sense of It All! Part 2

In Algebra 1, the student will be introduced to all of the prerequisite topics for Algebra 2 a/o Geometry 1. As the student moves through each topic, (s)he will be building a strong mathematical foundation, setting him/her up for success in his/her mathematical studies. Each week the student will review the previous topic, do a quick warm-up, be presented a new topic, and then, participate in the application of the topic. In order to build a reference library, one in which the student can use when working on homework, (s)he will be required to take notes. This will greater ensure success when the student is working independently. It is an interactive class, one in which the student will be able to freely ask and answer questions. Therefore, to this end, students will need to have a working camera and microphone. 
 
This class meets three times a week. Each session is 45 minutes in length. It is important to note that this is part one of a two-part course; it is broken into a semester format. *Students are welcome to take one or all three of the trimesters. The topics for each trimester are noted below. 
 
Section 1: Functions

Functions
Evaluating and Graphing Functions
Finding Domain and Range of Functions
Maximum and Minimum Points
Positive and Negative Intervals
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Section 2: Systems Of Linear Equations

Introduction to Systems of Equations
Solving Systems of Linear Equations Using Elimination
Solving Systems of Linear Equations Using Substitution
Systems of Inequalities
Word Problems
Section 3: Exponents, Radicals and Exponential Functions

Properties of Exponents
Introduction and Properties of Radicals
Rational Exponents
Introduction to Exponential Functions
Interpreting Exponential Function Formulas and Graphs
Scientific Notation
Section 4: Polynomials and Factorization

Introduction to Polynomials
Operations With Polynomials
Special Products of Binomials
Introduction to Polynomial Factorization
Factoring Monomials and Binomials
Factor by Grouping
Factoring Quadratics
Section 5: Quadratic Equations and Functions

Introduction to Quadratic Functions
Solving Quadratics by Taking the Square Root
Solving Quadratics by Factoring
Solving Quadratics by Completing the Square
The Quadratic Formula
Graphing Quadratic Functions

*Students who opt to take the second semester will have to take a proficiency test at the start of the semester. The test will indicate if there are topics that need to be reviewed. 

Evaluation
Participation
A: Comes ready to learn, has everything ready at class time (notebook, completed homework, pencil, paper, calculator, eraser, etc.), asks/answers questions, strives for comprehension 
B: Comes ready to learn, has almost everything ready at class time (notebook, nearly all of the completed homework, pencil, paper, calculator, eraser, etc.), asks/answers questions, strives for comprehension
C: Comes ready to learn, usually has everything ready at class time (notebook, most of the completed homework, pencil, paper, calculator, eraser, etc.), asks/answers questions, strives for comprehension
Notebook: 
A: Notes are legible, organized and can be used by someone else as a reference tool.
B: Notes are legible, mostly organized, and can be used by someone else as a reference tool.
C: Notes are mostly legible, somewhat organized and can be used, with a little difficulty, by someone else as a reference tool.
Mastery
A: Demonstrates great proficiency in each topic
B: Demonstrates great proficiency in nearly every topic
C: Demonstrates proficiency in most every topic

Materials:
Students will need a notebook, pencil, scratch paper, and a basic calculator to check the accuracy of their work.

Parents are asked to sign off on student’s homework. This means: a signature indicates that the problem sets were worked, and the student used a calculator to check for accuracy. And, if needed, when the student did not fully comprehend a topic, the student wrote down questions to ask the teacher. Note: the parent is not required to teach, or reteach. The parent’s signature is strictly checking to ensure that the student did his/her work as directed.