Algebra 1 for Mathematicians: Problem Solving for Understanding Math (Fall)
Ages 12-17
Live Group Class
Mathematicians will work together in an ongoing student-led, teacher-facilitated workroom to problem solve through Algebra I. May be taken as a complete Algebra I class or may supplement a more traditional class. Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
Mathematicians in the Algebra I Problem Solving Integrated Math Course will be able to use math skills to solve a variety of problems related to Algebra I topics, which includes expressions and equations, linear functions, inequalities, linear systems, quadratic functions, and exponential functions. The focus of this class will remain on solving application problems in context rather than from drill and practice to build Algebra I skills. The student led, teacher guided format provides students an opportunity to work together to develop problem solving skills and learn to present findings effectively to peers.
What is problem solving?
Problem Solving will be defined throughout this course as the process of investigating, conjecturing, predicting, analyzing, and verifying. In addition, mathematicians will have opportunities to present well-reasoned results to peers. This course is an opportunity for students to understand and appreciate the mathematics they are studying. Mathematicians will be able to read it, write it, explore it, and communicate it with confidence. In addition to traditional topics, Theme-Based Curriculum Strands including optimization, symmetry, rates of change, graphing, vectors and parameterization, modeling, and transformations will be included in all levels of Problem Solving for Mathematicians.
Course Format:
Integrated Algebra I will be an ongoing course run in three 16-week trimesters (starting in September, January, and May each year). Students are welcome to join us for one or every class. Due to the nature of this course, learners will be supplied with a handout to read prior to the first class explaining the class format as well as problems to consider prior to each class meeting. The only Prerequisite for this is that students have Pre-Algebra skills. This class is an excellent supplemental course for students currently taking any traditional Algebra I curriculum. For these students, time in class and about an hour at home is plenty to develop a deeper understanding of Algebra I. Problem Solving can also serve as a stand alone Algebra I class although I recommend this for everyone! For these students, time in class and about 3 hours of independent work should allow mathematicians to complete all of Algebra I over the fall and spring semesters.
What to Expect:
Each week students will be given problems to read through and try independently before we meet together as a class (Please do not worry if you are using this class as enrichment and just want to join in live each week for some robust mathematical discussions). In class, students will have the opportunity to present their best ideas, see alternate approaches from peers or the instructor, and be shown specific skills as needed. The problems provided will help students investigate how the mathematical concepts work. Occasionally in fall and spring, and often in the summer trimester, labs will be assigned to go into greater depth on certain topics than typical problem sets allow for.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to explore new Algebra I concepts through inquiry methods.
Students will be able to present solutions and conclusions to peers.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Pre-Algebra
Supply List
Handouts will be available to students upon enrolling in the form of a printable Trimester Problem Set (a new set of problems is provided every Fall, Spring, and Summer). Problem Sets come from the Phillips Exeter Academy Curriculum.
Technology can have a positive effect on mathematics classrooms and curricula. While the use of different forms of technology is encouraged, it is not required that students purchase a handheld calculator. If students wish to purchase a calculator to support their work, it is advised that they read through the list of allowed devices on the various standardized testing websites and college mathematics placement requirements before choosing which to purchase.
I am currently recommending the Texas Instruments TI-84 Graphing Calculator (some students may prefer the upgraded TI-Nspire CAS version but it is not universally allowed by colleges still but has many more capabilities as well as supporting Python).
I am currently also recommending that every student take the time to set up a free online account through https://www.desmos.com
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Are you planning to use state funding, such as an Education Savings Account (ESA), Micro-grant or scholarship to help pay for your learner’s education?