Textbooks:
Algebra I Cognitive Tutor Text; Carnegie Learning, Inc.; 2006.
Specialized Shop Equipment:
Algebra I Cognitive Tutor software integrated with the text.
Graphing calculators
ALGEBRA I
Carol Roman
croman@wactc.net
(724) 746-2890 ext. 155
Course Objective: Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in this Algebra I course. Through the study of algebra, a student develops an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.
Course Description:From the beginning of the course, students will work with tabular, symbolic, graphical and verbal representations to analyze and solve real world problems. This real world context allows students to better understand and retain algebraic concepts. This course concentrates on linear and quadratic mathematics, building an extremely vigorous conceptual understanding, both informally and formally. They relate their knowledge of expressions of linear relationships to those of quadratic ones as they form connections using parabolas, vertices, and intercepts. Skills in cooperative and collaborative learning, mathematical modeling, use of scientific and graphing calculators, use of computer tutors, writing to learn mathematics, student projects and presentations are integrated into the course. In addition, mathematical concepts are often applied using examples in the career and technical areas.
Course Topics:
Simplifying linear expressions
Finding linear equations for graphs
Solving linear equations and inequalities
Mathematical modeling with linear expressions
Solving systems of linear equations algebraically
Solving algebraic equations, inequalities and systems in slope-intercept form
Solving and graphing equations involving absolute value
Problem solving using proportional reasoning
Analyzing data and making predictions
Mathematical modeling using quadratic expressions
Powers and exponents