Real World Algebra
This class introduces kids to algebra in an intuitive and practical way. Instead of just solving problems and looking for “x” we will explore why algebra was invented, how it is a tool that makes life easier, and use real world examples.
Yakov Levin
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(73)
What's included
12 live meetings
18 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Short assignments in Khan Academy will be given out at the end of each week. These will not be time consuming and mostly be to keep what we’ve learned fresh in their minds as well as a way for students to let me know if something we learned needs a little more attention.Assessment
I will provide a short summary of how students did in the class and areas they might want to focus on going forward.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
I find that the best way to start studying algebra is by focusing on practical applications and the purposes for why algebra was invented. Many students are taught to memorize steps they need to follow when doing specific algebra problems, which overtime ends up confusing students and contributes to them disliking math. My aim is to show them how math is a useful tool and not just something they’re forced to do. Just like kids have an intuition about when they might use everyday tools such as a hammer, screwdriver, or shovel. The goal here is to motivate kids to build their mathematical toolbox so they can think and use math. Each algebraic concept will be introduced with an example of why it was invented. Students will have plenty of practice with each concept before we build to the next one. We will have ample time for questions and discussion. This course also includes up to two tutoring sessions in between scheduled group meetings in case they’d like extra one-on-one help with a topic we’re covering.
Learning Goals
The reasons algebra was invented and how people use it as a tool for making life easier.How algebra can be used to describe common situations.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum12 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
How Basic Math Works
Review of arithmetic concepts. I’ve noticed many of my math students don’t fully understand why arithmetic works the way it does, so a quick overview of these concepts sets them up for success going forward. This is helpful even with advanced students as they can often be shown a novel perspective on how math works. It is important to make sure everyone is comfortable with how addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division work and can be used to solve word problems. 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Why Might We Want To Replace Numbers With Letters
We will then move on to discussing how in some situations we may want to replace some numbers with variables. These situations are the natural origin of the invention of algebra, with examples such as: basic trade for different goods, unit conversions like days into weeks, and ingredients in food recipes. We will practice basic problems and introduce translating these situations into equations. 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Situations We Might Use Algebra
Building on last week, we introduce more examples of situations one may want to use variables and introduce the idea of inequalities. For this we’ll use speed, distance, and time. So as not to go too quickly, we will also practice everything from our previous lessons and include more word problems. 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Math and Money
Next we’ll practice using variables for spending and budgets. For example ordering at restaurants: calculating total, tax, and tip based on percentages. We’ll also talk about how people create budgets using algebra and percentages. We’ll make tables/spreadsheets where kids can predict how much someone can spend and save, based on percentage of income and expenses. 90 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Students need to have learned about arithmetic, decimals, fractions, and percents.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
We will use Khan Academy for homework (no account required) and for the 5th and 6th weeks of class students will need a free Scratch.MIT.Edu account ready before the start of class.
Joined May, 2019
4.8
73reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been a teacher/tutor for 17 years, focusing on math and physics. Aside from private tutoring, I have worked with several extra-curricular schools and programs, in-person and online. I have a passion for showing kids that what they learn in these subjects is useful so that they are motivated to explore these concepts further. Outside of the classroom I use physics and math to help me build video games, small robots, and a variety of art and home improvement projects.Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
weekly or $360 for 12 classes2x per week, 6 weeks
90 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-4 learners per class
