∞∞∞ Daniel Pass - Course Syllabus ∞∞∞

Pacific Palisades Charter High School

Algebra 1A

Mr. Pass

Welcome to Mr. Pass's Algebra classroom at Pacific Palisades Charter High School. Algebra is about finding an “unknown” value and about putting real life problems into equations to solve them.  It is intended to build a foundation for all higher math classes.  This course will review algebraic expressions, integers, and mathematical properties that will lead into working with variables and linear equations.  I am committed to working with students to help them understand Algebra and discover its balance and even its beauty.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As your child’s teacher, I want to do everything possible to ensure that your son/daughter enjoys a successful experience in 8^th grade Algebra. Many parents ask me how they may assist their children in this endeavor. The following information should prove helpful to both parents and students.

→  Please help your children to finish their homework assignments every day.  Since this course is extremely short, there will be homework on the weekends.

→  If there are any questions, write them down so they are ready for me in the morning!  Please be specific.  Which steps are confusing?  Does the answer not seem right?  Is there trouble getting started?

→  Note that, if all else fails, looking up problems on the internet can be extremely helpful.  This not to copy the answers of course, but to learn how to complete the problems.

A. Content and goals:

The student enrolled in this course should demonstrate a mastery of a thorough understanding of the following California State Standards:

Algebra 1.0 Students identify and use the arithmetic properties of subsets of integers and rational, irrational, and real numbers, including closure properties for the four basic arithmetic operations where applicable:

Algebra 1.1 Students use properties of numbers to demonstrate whether assertions are true or false. 

Algebra 2.0 Students understand and use such operations as taking the opposite, finding the reciprocal, taking a root, and raising to a fractional power. They understand and use the rules of exponents. 

Algebra 3.0 Students solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values. 

Algebra 4.0 Students simplify expressions before solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, such as 3(2x-5) + 4(x-2) = 12. 

Algebra 5.0 Students solve multistep problems, including word problems, involving linear equations and linear inequalities in one variable and provide justification for each step. 

Algebra 6.0 Students graph a linear equation and compute the x- and y-intercepts (e.g., graph 2x + 6y = 4). They are also able to sketch the region defined by linear inequality (e.g., they sketch the region defined by 2x + 6y < 4). 

Algebra 7.0 Students verify that a point lies on a line, given an equation of the line. Students are able to derive linear equations by using the point-slope formula. 

Algebra 8.0 Students understand the concepts of parallel lines and perpendicular lines and how those slopes are related. Students are able to find the equation of a line perpendicular to a given line that passes through a given point. 

Algebra 9.0 Students solve a system of two linear equations in two variables algebraically and are able to interpret the answer graphically. Students are able to solve a system of two linear inequalities in two variables and to sketch the solution sets. 

Algebra 10.0 Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide monomials and polynomials. Students solve multistep problems, including word problems, by using these techniques. 

Algebra 11.0 Students apply basic factoring techniques to second- and simple third-degree polynomials. These techniques include finding a common factor for all terms in a polynomial, recognizing the difference of two squares, and recognizing perfect squares of binomials. 

Algebra 12.0 Students simplify fractions with polynomials in the numerator and denominator by factoring both and reducing them to the lowest terms. 

Algebra 13.0 Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions and functions. Students solve both computationally and conceptually challenging problems by using these techniques. 

Algebra 14.0 Students solve a quadratic equation by factoring or completing the square. 

Algebra 15.0 Students apply algebraic techniques to solve rate problems, work problems, and percent mixture problems. 

Algebra 16.0 Students understand the concepts of a relation and a function, determine whether a given relation defines a function, and give pertinent information about given relations and functions. 

Algebra 17.0 Students determine the domain of independent variables and the range of dependent variables defined by a graph, a set of ordered pairs, or a symbolic expression. 

Algebra 18.0 Students determine whether a relation defined by a graph, a set of ordered pairs, or a symbolic expression is a function and justify the conclusion. 

Algebra 19.0 Students know the quadratic formula and are familiar with its proof by completing the square. 

Algebra 20.0 Students use the quadratic formula to find the roots of a second-degree polynomial and to solve quadratic equations. 

Algebra 21.0 Students graph quadratic functions and know that their roots are the x-intercepts. 

Algebra 22.0 Students use the quadratic formula or factoring techniques or both to determine whether the graph of a quadratic function will intersect the x-axis in zero, one, or two points. 

Algebra 23.0 Students apply quadratic equations to physical problems, such as the motion of an object under the force of gravity. 

Algebra 24.0 Students use and know simple aspects of a logical argument: 

Algebra 24.1 Students explain the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning and identify and provide examples of each. 

Algebra 24.2 Students identify the hypothesis and conclusion in logical deduction. 

Algebra 24.3 Students use counterexamples to show that an assertion is false and recognize that a single counterexample is sufficient to refute an assertion. 

Algebra 25.0 Students use properties of the number system to judge the validity of results, to justify each step of a procedure, and to prove or disprove statements: 

Algebra 25.1 Students use properties of numbers to construct simple, valid arguments (direct and indirect) for, or formulate counterexamples to, claimed assertions.

Algebra 25.2 Students judge the validity of an argument according to whether the properties of the real number system and the order of operations have been applied correctly at each step. 

Algebra 25.3 Given a specific algebraic statement involving linear, quadratic, or absolute value expressions or equations or inequalities, students determine whether the statement is true sometimes, always, or never. 

B. Supplies needed in class every day:

1.     Two (2) pencils (required)

2.     Composition Notebook (required)

3.     Lined paper for 5-minute warm-up and homework (required)

4.     Graph Paper (required)

5.     Eraser (optional) 

C. Marking Policy: Tests and Quizzes will be based on percentages. It is also the basis of the overall grades.

100 – 90% = A

89 – 80%  = B

79 – 70%  = C

69 – 60%  = D

59 – 0%    = F

Homework = 20%

Quizzes/Tests = 55% 

Homework Quizzes = 20%

Notebook (Notes/Warm-ups/Classroom Assignments) = 5%

D. Work Habits Policies 

1. Class work will be assigned daily.
2. Homework will be assigned four (4) times per week, mostly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
3. Incomplete work will not be accepted.
4. Full First and Last Name (no abbreviations), date, and period must be written in the upper right hand corner of all assignments.
5. All necessary work must be neatly shown in and assignment title must be written on the top of the page.
6. Work must be turned in on time. Parents will be contacted at every incidence of late or incomplete work and chronic issues will be dealt with on an individual basis.
7. When absent, the student is responsible for picking up make-up classwork on the day s/he returns.
8. Students must be in their seat when the bell begins to ring to avoid tardiness.
9. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her desk and the area around it clean.
10. Students must bring required supplies to class every day.

Please note that students who do not pass a test, earning a score of 69% or below, will have the opportunity to retake the test and improve their score up to a 70%. The test retakes will take place before school, at lunch, or after school. This policy does not apply to Quizzes or Homework Quizzes.

Homework

Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday to allow students to explore and practice what they are learning. Unless otherwise specified, homework will be due at the beginning of the period the following school day.

Students must:

·  Complete all problems on the assignment.  Incomplete work will not be accepted and will receive no credit until it is completed.  Students must solve problems as far as they can if they get stuck on a problem. I am not looking for perfection on their homework, I am looking for effort.  I always encourage students to try!  “You might be right!”  Using notes and possibly the textbook to try to make sense of the material when having any difficulty is very important.  “Do your best, and come to class with questions.”

·  Show all calculations and work, even if they do it in their heads or on a calculator. They will also need to include this work on their Homework Quizzes.

·  Review the textbook discussion of new topics and class notes prior to beginning their homework assignment.

·  Be proactive about creating study groups, using outside resources such as dictionaries and websites, and discussing problems with each other (not copying answers, but discussing solution methods) and with me.  Any and all of these strategies can help students understand more thoroughly the concepts we will be studying.

Homework Check Policy

ü Students should check all odd homework questions in the back of the book before coming to class.

ü Homework will be checked in class.  Students might be asked to explain their process, so must be prepared with their worked-out solutions!

ü Students should ask for clarification on any problems that were incorrect or did not understand.  During the homework review they should correct any wrong answers and include the correct method for solving the problem.

Personal Effort

It is very important that students review their notes and homework frequently! This is especially true when homework has a purpose. Most homework has one or more of the following aims:

    → Practice reinforces the learning of material already presented in class and helps them to master specific skills.

    → Extension or elaboration involves the transfer of previously learned skills to new situations.

    → Integration asks students to apply skills and concepts to produce a single product

I ask that students please keep the following points in mind:

ü When I worry “I can’t do it,” I will tell myself, “I can do it, and I just need to figure it out.”

ü I can always ask for help.

ü I will bring a positive attitude and a smile to class.

Extra Assistance:   If students are struggling with a section or concept, they are encouraged to stay after school and get additional help.  They should me as soon as they are aware of a problem and talk to me about arranging a time for help.  I am always available for questions right before and right after school in the Math room.

Mr. Pass’s “Pet Peeves”