Algebra 1 Syllabus
Course: Algebra I
Purpose: Learning the problem solving process with variables and unknown quantities
Course Outline
1st Quarter
Connections to Algebra
Properties of Real Numbers
Solving Linear Equations
2nd Quarter
Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
Writing Linear Equations
Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities
3rd Quarter
Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
Exponents and Exponential Functions
Quadratic Equations and Functions
4th Quarter
Polynomials
Factoring
Rational Equations and Functions
This course will use both methods of explanation and discovery. I will encourage active interaction with the class. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and the class will often utilize an open forum discussion for discovery purposes. In other words, students will be encouraged to develop a thought process that involves investigation and discovery in keeping with the problem solving process. It is my intention that students will begin to reason their way to an answer rather than memorizing concepts and definitions. Some memorization will be required but it will not be the priority. It has been my experience in industry and consulting that it is better to understand how to solve problems and find the formula in a reference book rather than memorize definitions and formulas.
Materials required:
A programmable calculator with graphing capability is recommended but not
required.
Engineering pencil (i.e. one with a retractable lead such as a Pentel)
A high quality eraser (many mistakes are made in the learning process)
Pens are optional for note taking purposes
A notebook for note taking
A binder with tabs or multi pocket folder for organizing homework, quizzes, and
tests
Classroom etiquette:
In order for the open forum and discovery process to work, it is expected that
all students will behave as young adults. That is how you will be treated. This
means being responsible for yourself, your materials, and your assignments.
Textbooks
Textbooks are expected to be used but not abused. No writing is permitted in the
text. In addition reading assignments will be given orally in class but it my
expectation that students will review the material to be covered both before and
after class. This is critical for success in this class.
Homework: (Approximately 25%)
Homework will be assigned daily. I will assign 10 to 20 problems daily and it
will typically be collected at the next class period. The purpose for homework
that is assigned is to practice in order to reinforce concepts covered earlier
in the day. As in athletics, practice is necessary for peak physical
performance, homework is necessary for peak mental conditioning. Homework
assignments consisting of multiple pages must be fastened with a paperclip or
staple. Also dangling paper shreds from tear-out spiral notebooks is not
permitted. I expect students to display pride in the work turned in. Homework is
to be done in pencil only. Late work will be deducted 10% per day late. After 5
class days (a class day is any day that LCC is in session) a zero will be
assigned for the assignment.
Quizzes (Approximately 25%)
Quizzes will be a reflection of how well students are doing before test day.
There may be “pop” quizzes. Hint – if the homework is completed, the “pop”
quizzes should be easy.
Exams (Approximately 50%)
This requires little explanation. If everything else above is being to the best
of a student’s ability the exam should go well.
Absences
In the event of an absence, homework will be due the day the student returns to
school and the assignment given on the day of the absence will also be given a
one day grace period. For two days absence, the grace period will be two days
from the day of return. Absences of more than two consecutive days will be
handled in a manner that allows the students to make up work in an appropriate
manner without undue strain.
If a quiz is missed because of an illness, three school days will be allowed to make up the quiz. For an exam a maximum of five days will be allowed. Quizzes and exams must be taken during seminar periods or immediately after school. Arrangements must be made for the makeup on the day the student returns to school.
I will not remind students that they are missing any work – they should be responsible for keeping track of what they missed. If there are any questions about missing work I’m happy to address them outside of class time.
A few additional notes:
As we will be using the chemistry lab for our classroom and at times chemicals
may be present. Gum, candy and any other food substances are prohibited in
class. Violations will result in a $1.00 fine (classroom fines will contribute
to a classroom fund to be used for classroom materials or charitable donations).
Repeated violations will result in a detention.
The use of any electronic device other than a calculator is prohibited. See the school policy in the student handbook regarding penalties for such offenses.
Students are also responsible for brining their own books and calculators to class. Books and calculators may be borrowed for a deposit of $5.00, and $4.00 will be returned at the end of class when the item is returned. The $1.00 fee should encourage the responsibility aspect. Again the fee will contribute to the classroom fund. If for some reason the item is not returned , the deposit will be forfeited and the student will be charged a replacement fee for the item borrowed.
I am looking forward to working with the my students and bringing my experience as a manufacturing engineer and consultant to provide a classroom experience that will be both challenging and rewarding for the students. I am also looking forward to the students challenging me to be the best I can at providing that experience. I realize that I have an aggressive plan to cover a lot of material. It is my intention to translate this aggressive nature to the students so that they will make the most of their classroom experience.
Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand this syllabus.
In addition, I request at least one e-mail address for a parent for
communication purposes. Students may also submit their own e-mail addresses if
they have one. There will be times that I may find interesting documents or
websites to pass along, in an effort to provide a better understanding to the
students as to how Math serves a purpose in the “real world” and in their daily
lives.
______________________________
(Parent Signature)
______________________________
(Student Signature)
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(Parent e-mail)
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(Student e-mail)
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