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Summer Time Math Camp: Review for Pre Algebra

Class
BIlly Edward Bush B.A, M.Ed.
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(457)
Students will be able to compute such things as fractions,decimals, and percents.

Class experience

US Grade 7 - 9
This class is taught in English.
Week 1:       Whole Numbers Part 1
                              Adding, Subtracting Positive and Negative Rational Numbers.
Week 2:       Whole Numbers Part 2
                             Multiplying, and Dividing Positive and Negative Rational Numbers.
Week 3:       Expressions and Equations
                             Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and 
                             inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.  


**Note: Since this is a review course, I have pulled out the foundational skills for a student to be successful in th grade and beyond in Algebra. There are two units that we will not be covering: Geometry and Data and Statistics. These are very important skills, but the length of time for this review class does not allow us to cover everything.
I am a California certified teacher with multiple degrees and certifications  (B.A., M.Ed, Ed.D in Educational leadership, ESOL, GLAD, and AVID) who has taught Middle school and Upper Elementary school for 18 years and I have been teaching mathematics and science to homeschoolers from grades k-12, both in-person and online for over 10 years.  I always wanted to be a teacher, and I am living the dream!  Also, I cater to students who struggle with or do not care for math and science. I say this because Algebra is critically important because it is often viewed as a gatekeeper to higher-level mathematics and it's a required course for virtually every postsecondary school program.  I have 6 basic reasons why I think offering this class is so important.  

1) Algebra is Faster And Better Than “Basic” Math
Just as multiplying two by twelve is faster than counting to 24 or adding 2 twelve times, algebra helps us solve problems more quickly and easily than we could otherwise. Algebra also opens up whole new areas of life problems, such as graphing curves that cannot be solved with only foundational math skills.

2) Algebra is Necessary to Master Statistics and Calculus

While learning one kind of math to learn more kinds of math may not be an immediately satisfying concept, statistics and calculus are used by many people in their jobs. For example, on my other side job as a research person for a local non-profit organization, I use statistics every day. I help departments identify ways to measure their success. In general, statistics are used in certain jobs within businesses, the media, health and wellness, politics, social sciences, and many other fields. Understanding statistics makes us wiser consumers of information and better employees and citizens.

Calculus helps us describe many complex processes, such as how the speed of an object changes over time. Scientists and engineers use calculus in research and in designing new technology, medical treatments, and consumer products. Learning calculus is a must for anyone interested in pursuing a career in science, medicine, computer modeling, or engineering.

3) Algebra May Be a Job Skill Later

A student may be confident they are not going into any career needing statistics or calculus, but many people change jobs and entire careers multiple times in their working life. Possessing a firm knowledge and understanding of algebra will make career-related changes smoother.

4) Algebra Can Be Useful in Life Outside of the Workplace

I have found algebra helpful in making financial decisions. For example, I use algebra every year to pick a health care plan for my family using two-variable equations to find the break-even point for each option. I have used it in choosing cell phone plans. I even used it when custom-ordering bookshelves for our home. 

5) Algebra Reinforces Logical Thinking

I would not use algebra as the only means of teaching logic. There are more direct and effective means of doing so, but it is a nice side-benefit that the two subject areas reinforce one another.

6) Algebra is Beautiful

The beauty of algebra is an optional benefit because one has to truly choose to enjoy it, but algebra provides us with a basic language to describe so many types of real-world phenomena from gravity to the population growth of rabbits. That five letters can be used to describe how an entire category of matter, namely ideal gases, behaves is amazing and beautiful in its simplicity.

There is also a beauty when we start with a complex-looking problem and combine and simplify over and over until we have one value for each variable. The process can be enjoyable and the result immensely satisfying.

Algebra is an important life skill worth understanding well. It moves us beyond basic math and prepares us for statistics and calculus. It is useful for many jobs some of which a student may enter as a second career. Algebra is useful around the house and in analyzing information in the news. It also reinforces logical thinking and is beautiful.

So, keep an open mind about why we learn algebra and look for ways to share its applications with students. Dispel the stigma that it is a boring list of rules and procedures to memorize. Instead, consider algebra as a gateway to exploring the world around us. Those are our top reasons why we learn algebra, and there are plenty more. 
Homework Offered
Each class period, students will be given approximately 20-30 minutes of daily practice that follows the lessons taught. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that students complete this homework between sessions.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
If your learner is planning to take more online math classes like this one, I recommend getting a pen and tablet device. 

Devices such as iPads and tablets have these built-in. However, external pen and tablet devices, also known as drawing tablets or graphics tablets, can be purchased on Amazon for as little as $25. The ability to write on the whiteboard using a pen device rather than a mouse is invaluable for participation in mathematics learning. Some of my students love working exclusively on the whiteboard during class to increase their learning and our collaboration!
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Since we use Google Slides, a Google Account is required but is free to obtain. Students can be guided to get their own but a parent or guardian can use their Google Account if it is preferred. 
We use Google Slides and Edulastic.com in order to assign work and live collaborate during class. A Google account is required and is free. Students can use any Google account either of their own or of a parent or guardian. Through Outschool, I will send a Google Slides document that contains all their work, notes, and homework.

We also use the Zoom Whiteboard extensively for lessons. The only device that does not allow students to annotate on the Zoom Whiteboard is a Chromebook. I recommend that your student not use a Chromebook if possible. I also recommend avoiding cell phones to log in as they are very difficult to navigate the Whiteboard and Google Classroom (though not impossible! especially for tech-savvy kids).
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(457)
Profile
I am currently a 7th and 8th grade Math and Science Middle School Teacher and truly love what I am doing. When it comes to teaching, I believe it is about developing strong relationships that tap into students' passions and provide relevancy to... 
Group Class

$102

weekly or $305 for 9 classes
3x per week, 3 weeks
60 min

Completed by 26 learners
Live video meetings
Ages 11-14
1-18 learners per class

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