| Description: |
The course covers the standard topics
of Algebra I. Algebra is mathematics, which is used everyday. The
course will cover the topics of equations and variables, properties
of real numbers, linear equations and functions, systems of linear
equalities and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions,
quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and factoring, rational
equations and functions, radical, Pythagorean Theorem, and Trigonometric
ratios. Developing problem solving skills is included in the course. |
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| Objectives: |
1. Develop an appreciation for the orderliness
of God’s creation through the concepts and skills of algebra.
2. Understanding algebraic structures, equations, and problems.
3. Increase understanding of algebraic symbols, vocabulary, the
number system, and concepts of algebra.
4. Encourage the ability to think mathematically, reasonably, and
logically.
5. Apply the concepts and skills to other disciplines and to the
real world.
6. Implant the realization for the importance of the study of algebra
and higher mathematics.
7. Encourage the use of technological resources to solve problems. |
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| Materials: |
These need to be brought to class
each day.
Textbook: McDougal Littell Algebra 1. 3-ring binder
(1 ½ -2 inch), 6 dividers for the binder, loose-leaf paper,
spiral notebook, graph paper (¼"), pencils, scientific
calculator, red pen, planner
Be sure to put your name on your calculator and record the serial
number.
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| Attendance: |
You are needed in class. Learning is done by you,
not to you. The official school attendance policy as outlined in the
student handbook applies. |
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| Homework: |
Homework is extremely important to learning Algebra.
In order to be successful on the daily quizzes, tests, projects,
and exams, and with Algebra in general, you MUST do and understand
the problems you are assigned for homework. Homework, however, is
where you practice the new math skills you are learning. Treat homework
like any other practice: practice hard, practice often, and learn
from you successes and your failures. It is okay to have some failures
in practice as long as you learn from your mistakes. This is the
reason homework does not make up a large percentage of your overall
grade, and is also the reason why I grade by inspection to grade
homework rather than a strict percentage of the number you get correct.
Assigned homework is for your benefit. To make the most of it, you
should include all work and personal notes so when it comes time
to study, you will be reminded of what you did right or wrong, and
how to correct.
Homework assignments for each week will be posted
on Mr. Becker's faculty page on ilhs.org.
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| Homework Rubric: |
| 4 |
Homework completed with all appropriate
work shown. Homework done neatly. Few or moderate number of
mistakes. |
| 3 |
Homework complete with all appropriate
work shown. Homework done neatly. Many mistakes.
-or-
Homework mostly completed with all appropriate work shown. Homework
done legibly, but not neatly. Few to moderate number of mistakes
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| 2 |
Little homework completed or does
not have all appropriate work shown. Homework done legibly,
but not neatly. Few to moderate number of mistakes |
| 1 |
Little homework completed with
no appropriate work shown. Homework done legibly, but not neatly.
Many mistakes. |
| 0 |
Homework not done or unacceptable. |
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| Quizzes: |
On the day a homework assignment is
due, you will have a quiz covering the content of that assignment.
The quiz will have several questions similar to those found in the
homework assignment. The quiz will be given the last 5 minutes of
the class period, and must be turned in as you leave the class. Vocabulary
quizzes may be given on a chapter review day. |
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| Tests: |
Tests will be given at the end of each unit of study
and will include material covered in class notes and activities, homework
and quizzes. Partial credit will be given for work/procedures showing
an understanding of the concept on the tests and regular quizzes.
First semester and final exams will be given and will be cumulative. |
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| Journal: |
In order to provide an avenue of communicating mathematically,
students will respond to teacher given prompts about mathematics concepts.
The journals will be collected on a rotating basis. A rubric will
be provided to and used to determine a grade for this activity. The
student will need a spiral notebook to be used only for this activity |
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| Projects: |
Individual or group projects will be assigned which
will have you apply concepts you have learned. A rubric for grading
each project will be supplied when the project is assigned.
If a project is an individual project, you are to complete the project
on your own; collaboration with any other student will be considered
cheating. With group projects, you are to work only with the students
in your group to complete the project; collaboration with any student
outside your group will be considered cheating. You may only get help
from a teacher. |
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| Extra Help: |
I will generally be available for
extra help at the following times in room 103:
Before school from 7:30-8:10 a.m.
After school by appointment
During school by appointment- 1st and 3rd Hours
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| Grading: |
Your grade will be determined by the total number
of points earned during the marking period divided by the total
possible points. The percent of total points will determine your
grade.
| Tests/Quizzes |
45% |
| Projects |
15% |
| Notebook/Homework |
20% |
| Journal Rubric Scores |
10% |
| Open-Ended Questions |
10% |
| Tests |
100 points |
| Quizzes |
20-50 points |
| Notebooks/Homework |
20 points |
| Projects |
50-100 points |
| A+ 97.5+ |
B+ 90 |
C+ 82.5 |
D+ 75 |
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| A 95 |
B 87.5 |
C 80 |
D 72.5 |
F 69 |
| A- 92.5 |
B- 85 |
C- 77.5 |
D- 70 |
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| Expectations and Rules: |
Students are expected to take responsibility
for their own actions and learning. Be on time, be prepared, and
do the assignments. Participate and be involved in class activities
and discussions, take good notes, ask questions, and be engaged
in cooperative learning activities. Study to learn, understand and
apply the material—don’t just memorize it. Be a team
player and respect the rights of other students to learn.
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| Success: |
Math is not a spectator sport. You need to be
an active participant. An important part of learning mathematics
is the notes taken during the class period. The examples included
in your notes will help with your homework. The homework allows
you to practice what is done in class. You can’t skip the
problems and expect to learn the math. If you have difficulty understanding
a concept or procedure, clear up the problem immediately by asking
questions of your classmates or teacher. In order to be successful
you need to make the effort to learn, but we are here to help. Please
ask for help when necessary.
A. Be prepared- Class materials should not be in your locker.
B. Pay attention- Take notes and keep them in your binder. Notes
are a valuable aid for homework
and studying for assessments.
C. Get involved- Participate regularly. Do not shout out answers!
D. Cooperate- Help your group members to become successful also!
E. Check your answers- It is your responsibility to CHECK your homework
each night. Answers will be provided to all assigned problems.
F. Get help immediately.
| You learn and retain
10% of what you hear
15% of what you see
20% of what you both see and hear
40% of what you discuss with others
80% of what you experience directly through practice
90% of what you attempt to teach others! |
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