Algebra 1 - Second Semester (Full Year Course)

This course provides in-depth instruction of Algebra topics to prepare students for higher level math: Geometry, Algebra 2 and beyond.  The class was previously offered as a 2-semester course and is now available in the on-going format to offer more flexibility for parents.  The on-going format allows students to enroll for sessions as needed without committing to a full year.  Students may enroll to learn a specific topic, for additional support and practice with an existing class, or for the complete Algebra curriculum.  Students enrolling in this class should have be able to apply basic mathematical operations such as: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.

Throughout this course, students will focus on the “why” of equations, formulas, and properties, as well as spend time “proving” them.  Algebra is about changing the way students “think” about math.  I’ve found that once students understand conceptually, algebra is no longer a bunch of random numbers and signs; students are now able to identify what a specific problem is asking and solve for the correct answer.  My teaching style combines lecture with examples and exercises completed both independently and with other students in the course.  Word problems are integrated throughout the sessions to teach logic, reasoning, and critical thinking.  Word problems also demonstrate a student’s ability to apply what they’ve learned to everyday, real life situations.  The class meets for two 45-minute sessions each week through the fall and spring semesters.  

Week beginning:
Sept 9     Math Operations and foundational skills review
Sept 13    Basic Algebra Review and Solving Word Problems
Sept 26   Commutative and Associative Properties, Order of Operations, Absolute Value
Sept 30   Algebraic Equations, Distributive Property, Solve for Unknown
Oct 7       Number Line, Cartesian Coordinates, Graphing a Line
Oct 14     Linear Equations and Slope-Intercept Form
Oct 21     Graphing Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Oct 28     Point-Slope Form and Standard Form of a Line
Nov 4      Finding the Slope Intercept Formula
Nov 11     Systems of Equations by Graphing and Substitution
Nov 18    Systems of Equations by Addition and Elimination
Dec 2      Word Problems - Money, Coin, and Motion
Dec 9      Practical Application with Word Problems
Dec 16    Key Concepts Review

Jan 6       Polynomials – Classifying, Adding, and Subtracting
Jan 13      Multiplying Monomials and Binomials – FOIL Method
Jan 20     Factoring Trinomials with Positive and Negative numbers
Jan 27      Dividing Polynomials, Factoring Trinomials with Coefficients
Feb 3       Graphing Quadratic Equations
Feb 10     Solving Quadratic Equations with Factoring
Feb 17      Quadratic Formula
Feb 24     Multiplication and Division of Exponents, Negative Exponents, Power to a Power
Mar 3       Practical Application - Complex Word Problems, equal distance
Mar 17      Complex Word Problems - Multiple Unknowns, Break-even Point
Mar 24     Unit and Square Unit Multipliers, Metric Conversions
Mar 31      Rational Expressions - Simplifying and Multiplying, Dividing 
Apr 7        Rational Expressions - Adding and Subtracting with Different Denominators
Apr 14      Fractional Exponents
Apr 21       Significant Digits, Scientific Notation 
Apr 28      Scientific Notation, Bases Other than 10
May 5       Bases Other than 10: Introduction to Geometry
May 12      Intro to Geometry: Graphing a Circle, Ellipse, and Hyperbola