Pre-Algebra for Mathematicians: Problem Solving for Understanding Math (Fall)

Pre-Algebra Problem Solving Integrated Math Course is an Advanced Pre-Algebra class where students should have taken Pre-Algebra or have Pre-Algebra skills and be preparing to take Algebra next year.  This is an introduction to Problem Solving Workroom courses offered.  Mathematicians in this integrated workroom will be able to use math skills to solve a variety of problems related to Pre-Algebra topics that also introduce Algebra 1 concepts, which includes real numbers, properties of real numbers, the order of operations, simplifying expressions, and solving equations.  The focus of this class will remain on solving word problems in context rather than from drill and practice to build Algebraic thinking skills.  Content spirals through topics so each week offers a variety of work so there is no specific weekly topic.  As this is a Pre-Algebra course designed to prepare students for Algebra 1.  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, graphing, proportions, modeling, and transformations will be included in all levels of Problem Solving for Mathematicians.

Course Format:
Integrated Pre-Algebra will be 16-week ongoing course offered in trimesters starting every September, January, and May.  Students are welcome to join use for one or every class.  Due to the nature of this course, learners will be supplied with a handout with 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 Pre-Algebra curriculum.  Time in class and about an hour at home is plenty to develop a deeper understanding of Pre-Algebra to prepare for Algebra. 

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.