8TH GRADE Honors Algebra

Teacher: Mike Evans

Time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,and Friday

Phone number: 323-2931, 240-5763(cell)

E-mail:

Course Description:

This is a first year Algebra course for fairly advanced or capable math students. It is designed to cover all the topics of the Algebra I course with a deeper understanding. Topics include: the structure of the real number system, the use of algebra to analyze and solve practical problems, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities on a number line and on a coordinate plane, algebraic operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials, using factoring to solve quadratic equations, the simplification of radicals, the quadratic formula, the Pythagorean theorem, the laws of exponents, functions, systems of equations, and an introduction to probability and statistics. In addition, rational expressions, permutations, and combinations are studied. Students are encouraged to formulate some mathematical ideas on their own.

Algebra 1, Honors follows the standards set for the course.

Standard: Number and Operations

Students build an understanding of real numbers by using symbolic, graphic, and numeric representations as they solve equations and inequalities. Students work with rational and radical expression, equations, functions and beginning matrices.

Standard: Data Analysis and Probability

Students work with scatter plots and functions to model two-variable data. They complete probabilities for simple and compound events. The fundamental counting principle, computations, and permutations are studied.

Standard: Algebra

Students use tables, graphs, verbal rules, and symbolic rules to describe linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Rate of change is studied in the context of direct variation, linear equations, and arithmetic and geometric sequences. Students learn how to write equivalent forms of polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.

Standard: Geometry

Students use geometric models with proportions, percent, and probability. They explore ways to describe translations of familiar functions in both words and symbols.

Standard: Measurement

Students make decisions about appropriate scales with graphical representations of data. They use formulas for the perimeters and areas of figures to find missing measures. Students use dimensional analysis to set up proportions.

Standard: Problem Solving

Students mature in their problem solving ability. They use a variety of appropriate methods to solve problems.

Standard: Reasoning the Proof

Students solve equations using the properties of real numbers and of equality to justify their steps. These justifications are extended to simple algebraic proofs.

Standard: Communication

Students are expected to write, speak, and think math. Students use the language and notation of mathematics to explain problems to the class. Communications of mathematics develops deep understanding for students.

GRADING

Homework is worth 20 points, quizzes are worth 25 points, participationand/or project are worth 15 points and tests are worth 40 points. No credit will be given for late assignments.

Assignments are considered late if they are not turned in during the class period. In the case of a student missing just the class, the assignment must be turned into my box or classroom by 3:30 PM.

If a student is absent for the day, they have one full day from the time that they return to school to submit the assignment. If a student is absent for two days, they will be given two days to submit, and so on.