Algebra 1 Course Profile
CMP3, an inquiry-based mathematics program, is being introduced for the first time into the eighth grade mathematics curriculum. For students who were at CMS last year, the style of teaching and how students learn new concepts will be similar to what they experienced for the first time last year. Students will learn new concepts by completing activities and solving problems in groups and discover ways in which mathematics applies to the real world.
Instead of Chapters, each book contains multiple "Investigations" that we will work through together. Each Investigation consists of multiple lessons, each of which has three components that will be covered on a daily basis. The three components are:
1. Launch - At the start of each new lesson, we will read a brief introduction as a class that gives us a sneak peek of what will be learned in the lesson.
2. Explore - This is the part of the class where the students get to complete the activity or solve the problems within their groups. Students will work together and discuss their answers to each question, all while discovering the new mathematical concept!
3. Summary - This is the most crucial part of CMP3 to ensure that a student has retained the material from each lesson. Near the end of each lesson, we will reconvene again as a class to answer a couple questions related to the topic from that day. Every student must make sure that they have the answers written down as this "summary" becomes their notes for that lesson.
Algebra 1 classes will complete 8 books:
1. Thinking with Mathematics Models; Linear and Inverse Variation
2. Looking for Pythagoras; The Pythagorean Theorem
3. Growing, Growing, Growing; Exponential Functions
4. Butterflies, Pinwheels, and Wallpaper; Symmetry ad Transformations
5. Say it with Symbols; Making Sense of Symbols
6. It's in the System; Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
7. Frogs, Fleas, and Painted Cubes; Quadratic Functions
8. Function Junction; The Families of Functions
Course Requirements and Grading Process
All marking period grades are based on the total amount of points available in that marking period. The grade will be determined by dividing the number of points
achieved by the total number of points available.
* Tests (100 pts. each)
-Tests are given at the end of each chapter or unit of study and will be cumulative.
-Tests will be announced at least three days in advance.
* Quizzes (can range up to 50 pts. each)
-Quizzes usually occur after a section in the book.
-Quizzes are given to check students understanding and to identify any areas
of weakness -they can be individual quizzes, partner quizzes, or evaluation of binder organization and completion of assignments. Therefore, students are strongly advised to keep complete and organized notes and to make all homework corrections.
* Homework (2 pts. each)
-Homework is given after each section and is an important requirement of this class.
-An honest effort is expected and all work must be shown. If you cannot do a
particular problem, you should write the problem out and leave space to
complete it in class.
-Homework is due the following day the class meets and will be checked for
completion. Students will receive partial credit for incomplete
assignments, but no credit will be given after the due date. If absent, students
will have two days of make-up time for each day they are out.
* Classroom Rules:
1. Follow all the rules the first time they are given.
2. Raise your hand.
3. Be on time.
4. Be prepared.
5. Pay attention.
6. Be respectful.
How can Mrs. Novick be reached?
-By email: