Room 52
Course Description
Algebra is the study of different number sets. In it, we use basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with sets of integers, rational numbers, and real numbers. Variables exponents and linear equations are utilized in the context of basic mathematical problems and in word problems.
Class time will be devoted to doing one or two lessons per day. New Skills will be discussed and students will be asked to use old skills to formulate the basis for new skills. Homework will be done on a daily basis and students will be given time in class to ask questions regarding the assignment. Quizzes will cover all material through the previous class.
Old skills and new skills will be utilized constantly and students are expected to look for connections between old and new concepts. In class problems at the board will build confidence and improve problem-solving skills.
Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry together cover all material needed as pre-requirements by the IB Math courses.
Course Requirements and Required Materials
TEXT:
Intermediate Algebra, 5th Ed., K. Elayn Martin-Gay, Copyright 2009, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
MATERIALS:
Every student is required to have the textbook at all times, a 3-ring binder, sheet graph paper, (or a notebook designated specifically for Algebra I), a pen (black or blue), a sharpened pencil with an eraser, a Graphing Display Calculator.
Goals and Objectives
The main purpose of this course is to provide a solid foundation in Algebra for students who might have had no previous experience in Algebra and to prepare them for Algebra II.
The class will be devoted to covering material in a combination of the lecture format and cooperative learning. Students should have vast experience with basic arithmetic skills, show understanding of real numbers and variables, be able to solve first and second degree equations and inequalities, be familiar with manipulating exponents, radicals, and polynomials, and demonstrate proficiency in graphing lines and solving systems of equations. At the end of the course, students will be familiar with their Graphing Display Calculator.
Assessment and Grading Procedures
Quarter grades will be calculated as follows:
• Homework: 25%
• Classwork: 15%
• Tests: 60%
Semester grades will be calculated as follows:
• Each quarter: 40%
• Final Exam: 20%
Classroom management procedures
• Students are required to be in class on time everyday.
• Tardy students are expected to pick up a late slip before coming to class. Students must be in class before the bell rings.
• Repetition is an essential component in learning and retaining math skills. Homework assignments must be completed everyday to succeed in this class. Students coming to class without the Homework of the day done, will receive 0 for it.
• Homework must be done in pencil in order to receive credit for the assignment. Homework will be corrected in class in pen.
• If a student misses class, the homework assignment is due at the start of class the day the student returns.
• Students will not be penalized for an incorrect answer on their homework if they have tried to work out the problem and can show their work. Students will not be given credit for any homework assignment without showing their work.
• Tests will be announced 3 to 4 days prior to the test. If a student is absent on the day of a test s/he must make it up the day s/he returns to school. Exceptions will be made for students with serious illness or lengthy absences at the teacher’s discretion.
• Cheating is not tolerated at Newman. Zeros will be given for any work that is suspect.
• No extra-credit is offered in my class.
• Students missing one class should bring to class the HW of the missed class and the one for the day. For an absence of few days, students are expected to see me at the end of the day in which they’re back; for longer periods, students are expected to keep in touch with me via E-mail.