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Algebra 1

 
The fundamental purpose of Algebra 1 is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. The modules deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving and using quadratic functions. Students will also learn how to use descriptive statistics to analyze data. Lessons and assignments will be designed with a focus on helping students achieve HHS’s Schoolwide Learning Outcomes of making students into critical thinkers and effective communicators
 
Units of Study * from Springboard
Unit 1: Equations and Inequalities

Students will recognize and generalize patterns using words, tables, expressions, and graphs. Students will also generate rules for solving simple linear equations and inequalities, as well as absolute value equations and inequalities in one variable
Unit 2: Functions Students will study functions and function concepts, including domain, range, slope as rate of change, and intercepts. Students write linear functions given a point and a slope, two points, a table of values, an arithmetic sequence, or a graph. They collect and model data with linear, quadratic, or exponential functions.
Unit 3: Extensions of Linear Concepts Students will continue their study of linear concepts by learning about piecewise-defined linear functions, linear inequalities with one and two variables, and systems of linear equations and inequalities
Unit 4: Exponents, Radicals and Polynomials Students focus on exponent rules and functions, and extends into operations with radical and polynomial functions and operations. Rational expressions are also introduced.
Unit 5: Quadratic Functions Students will study a variety of ways to solve quadratic functions and apply that learning to analyzing real world problems.
Unit 6: Data Analysis and Surveys Students will study methods for selecting and analyzing unbiased samples. Students will then design and conduct surveys. 
 
Math Practice Standards
Like in all Hollywood High School math classes, in this class we will be making sure students work within the Common Core’s Math Practice Standards
  1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
  2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively
  3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
  4. Model with mathematics
  5. Use appropriate tools strategically
  6. Attend to precision
  7. Look for and make use of structure
  8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning
SpringBoard

 

This year all Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 mathematics classes at Hollywood High School are using the SpringBoard program developed by The College Board.  The College Board is also responsible for creating the SAT and the Advanced Placements Exams. The program is a research-based program that puts the learning in the students’ hands. Each lesson is designed to teach students content in the context of a problem, as opposed to content with no immediate relevance. This course is going to push you to think in ways that many have not done previously. There will be a lot of emphasis put on student input and collaboration in class. Things may start out a little frustrating and slow, but once the class has  the feel for the program the results will be well worth the effort.

 

Textbook:  SpringBoard: Algebra 1. CollegeBoard

 

This textbook is different from most others in that it is completely consumable by the student. This means that you will take notes and do classwork directly in the text. Since the books are consumable, they are not hardbound and can be messed up fairly easily. For this reason I suggest that you get a three ring binder to protect your book (see class materials). If a book is lost, the cost to have a new book will be $20. Ordering a replacement book will be mandatory.
 
KhanAcademy 
The website www.khanacademy.org is a world famous tool for learning math. It has videos for students to watch when they are absent or need extra examples as well as exercises to practice and achieve mastery. Students in Algebra 1 should seek to master all skills in the KhanAcademy Algebra 1 Mission. Springboard has published a document that correlates the activities in class to KhanAcademy videos that students should take advantage of when they are struggling or want to work ahead. That document with the video links is below.
 
Practice Exams
  • Fall Final Exam
  • Spring Final Exam