Algebra 1
Overarching Standards
The following standards should be emphasized throughout all units of instruction. These standards should NOT be taught in isolation.
What will my child learn?
Students will:
Reason quantitatively and use units to solve problems.
N.Q.A.1
Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.
N.Q.A.2
Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.
N.Q.A.3
Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.
Interpreting Expressions
Interpret the structure of expressions.
A.SSE.A.1
Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context. (Note: Limit to linear expressions and to exponential expressions with integer exponents.) (SAT® Content - HOA.04).
a. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
b. Interpret complicated expressions by viewing one or more of their parts as a single entity.
Relationships in One-Variable
Create equations that describe numbers or relationships.
A.CED.A.1
Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. (Note: Limit to linear equations and inequalities.) (SAT® Content - HOA.01).
Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning.
A.REI.A.1
Explain each step in solving a linear equation as following from the equity of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
Students will:
Reason quantitatively and use units to solve problems.
N.Q.A.1
Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.
- Check for Understanding: Units and Scale of Graphs | Working with Units Algebraically
- Enrichment Tasks: Runner's World | Fuel Efficiency
N.Q.A.2
Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.
- Background Info.
- Check for Understanding: Defining Appropriate Units
- Enrichment Tasks: Giving Raises | Weed Killer
N.Q.A.3
Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.
- Check for Understanding: Measurement Precision
- Enrichment Tasks: Dinosaur Bones | Bus and Car
Interpreting Expressions
Interpret the structure of expressions.
A.SSE.A.1
Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context. (Note: Limit to linear expressions and to exponential expressions with integer exponents.) (SAT® Content - HOA.04).
a. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
b. Interpret complicated expressions by viewing one or more of their parts as a single entity.
- Background Info.: Expression Terms, Factors and Coefficients*
- Check for Understanding: Interpreting the Structure of Expressions | Structure in Expressions 1
- Enrichment Tasks: Seeing Dots | Delivery Trucks
Relationships in One-Variable
Create equations that describe numbers or relationships.
A.CED.A.1
Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. (Note: Limit to linear equations and inequalities.) (SAT® Content - HOA.01).
- Background Info.
- Check for Understanding: Modeling with One-Variable Equations and Inequalities
- Enrichment Tasks: Bernardo and Sylvia Play a Game | Sum of Angles in a Polygon
Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning.
A.REI.A.1
Explain each step in solving a linear equation as following from the equity of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
- Background Info.
- Check for Understanding: Understanding the Process for Solving Linear Equations
- Enrichment Tasks: Products and Reciprocals
What are some signs of student mastery?
Linear and Exponential Expressions
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Tools and Technology
The Algebra Balance Scale tool (National Library of Virtual Manipulatives) helps reinforce a "sense of balance" when reasoning about equations. This online tool allows you to solve simple linear equations through the use of a balance beam. Unit blocks (representing 1s) and X-boxes (for the unknown, X), are placed on the pans of a balance beam. Once the beam balances to represent the given linear equation, you can choose to perform any arithmetic operation with whole numbers and multiples of the variable 'x', as long as you DO THE SAME THING TO BOTH SIDES, thus keeping the beam balanced. The goal, of course, is to get a single X-box on one side, with however many unit blocks needed for balance, thus giving the value of X. Note: This tool requires Java. |
Source: The Teaching Channel
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