       
  
   mrsdooleydnhs@yahoo.com School Phone Number 883-7222 ext 210 |
Algebra Readiness is an elective credit course. Students who opt to take Algebra Readiness can earn elective credit towards graduation, but not mathematics credit. This course does not meet the rigorous standards established by the state for a high school level mathematics class. We suggest that students who are not ready for Algebra enroll in this course so they can develop a better foundation and a higher degree of confidence in mathematics. There are five units studied in Algebra Readiness. Although a unit focuses on one major concept, it also introduces or reviews other topics as well. The five units are: Looking Behind the Numbers - This unit focus on understanding data from real world sitations. Students collect and analyze data to make predictions. The mathematics topics included in this unit are calculating the mean, median, mode and range; creating a scatterplot by using its ordered pairs and then using its line of best fit to make predictions; analyzing data using a stem-and-leaf plot; measuring using metric rulers; and listing combinations.
Mathematics of Motion - This unit focuses on developing student understanding of graphing and the relationship between time, distance, and speed. Student measure time using a stopwatch and distance using both common and metric scales. Additional topics include rates of change and conversion between metric and common measures.
Shapes and Space - During this unit, students develop formulas for finding the area and perimeter of basic 2-dimensional figures. Afterward, they develop formulas for finding the surface area and volume of 3-dimensional shapes. Throughout the unit, students investigate real world situations to establish the need for understanding these basic geometry concepts.
Solving Equations - The final unit of the year has students work on solving equations. The unit begins slowly with simple equations that can easily be solved using mental math and gradually increases in difficulty so that students gain confidence in the foundation of Algebra. Thoughout the unit, students face decimals and fractions without the benefit of a calculator to increase their number sense and strategies for mental math. Again, the primary goal is to prepare students so that they have the foundation to be successful in Algebra next year. I have the luxury to focus on 5 major ideas in mathematics, but to cover them in depth and to review and reinforce student weaknesses in other topics as they arise throughout the year. |
