ALGEBRA I
First Day Handout - ideas for expectations and encouragement for algebra students
Providing workpaper for your students will encourage them to show work and shorten your checking time dramatically. No need for notebook paper - students receive the workpaper that best suits the assignment.
18 Workboxes on each side (no work needs to be shown) 12 Workboxes on each side (some work needed) 6 Workboxes on each side (extensive work needed) 6 Graphing spots on each side (no work space on paper) 3 Graphing spots and work areas beside each graph 3 Number lines on each side What topics should be taught in algebra I?
It is easy to do too much in algebra I and then not work on deeper understanding of the concepts. The syllabi I used are below. They show the lessons I considered essential to the course. Also, many students really appreciated knowing what is in the upcoming unit. Unit 1 Syllabus Unit 2 Syllabus Unit 3 Syllabus Unit 4 Syllabus Unit 5 Syllabus Unit 6 Syllabus Unit 7 Syllabus Unit 8 Syllabus Translating Words to Symbols Game
Directions for the Game Scripts for the front and back of the index cards. Ways to incorporate Statistics into Algebra Class
Data science is important but can be tough to incorporate into the curriculum. My solution was to use the students test scores to introduce and reinforce tables, graphs, and data analysis. If you want to consider doing this, the link below explains more. Instructions and Test Analysis Worksheets Teaching Sequences or Just Want Something Intriquing? Try this activity! (Interesting for grades 7-12)
Exploring the Collatz Conjecture Contest Winners when I did the activity Looking for Engineering Activities for your Class?
Early in my teaching career, I started a focus on engineering careers. (Which was my first career choice before I got the teaching bug!) The files I created are below. They are old and in pdf form, but if you need ideas for career awareness, this could be a place to start. I did these activities with 7-9 graders. Student Handouts, Activities, and Teacher Materials Separate Activity - Civil Engineering using Proportions |
Exponent Activity
Students love this activity. It reviews simplifying with exponents, fractions, decimals, and negative numbers! Directions for Preparation and to Conduct the Activity Student Handout Base Cards How can I help my students achieve deeper understanding of Slope and Y-Intercept?
Card Sort Activity Handout with Key Cards for the Activity Recognizing Linear vs. Exponential Situations
This activity has students reading situations on cards and sorting them based upon whether you can model them with a linear and exponential equation. Then they further sort for other patterns, create the model equation, and graph the functions by sketching it from their graphing calculator (or using the one of Desmos.com) Click to download the entire activity. Are you using the IXL program in algebra?
We created grading rubrics to accompany the objectives in IXL with the goal of differentiation for our students. Rubrics created for IXL Algebra I Units IXL Program "Functions can be so confusing!"
This 11 minute video from Math Antics is very helpful for students who need to completely review functions: Introduction to Functions Videos So Corny Students Will Never Forget!
Adventures of Slope Dude (2.5 min.) Quadratic Formula Video - "Over 2A!" (4 min.) |
Helpful Algebra Websites for Students who need/want to learn more...
MathBits Notebook: Algebra I
(This site contains lessons and practice pages and links everything to the Common Core State Standards)
Math Mashup
(This site has excellent videos and worksheets with keys.)
PatrickJMT
(This site features hundreds of short algebra videos with explanations and examples.)
Flipped Math
(This site has complete set of math courses with materials for online students.)
MathBits Notebook: Algebra I
(This site contains lessons and practice pages and links everything to the Common Core State Standards)
Math Mashup
(This site has excellent videos and worksheets with keys.)
PatrickJMT
(This site features hundreds of short algebra videos with explanations and examples.)
Flipped Math
(This site has complete set of math courses with materials for online students.)