Ms. Novak’s Algebra 8 | Intermediate Algebra Course Syllabus
Justice PageMiddle School 2017-2018
Email (preferred): Web:
Course Description: Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships. Mathematicians notice, describe and generalize patterns. Students in Algebra 8/Intermediate Algebra will complete all of the eighth grade Algebra standards and half of the 9th grade Intermediate Algebra standards. Our focus will be mostly on mastering the linear portion of a typical algebra course, but we will also learn about the Pythagorean Theorem, Exponential Relationships, Functions and a bit on Quadratic Relationships. One major expectation for students as we study a variety of algebraic relationships will be for them to flexibly navigate all the ways to represent these functions including equations, tables, graphs, contexts and mathematical language. It is important that students not just be proficient with algebra skills, but that they can describe the larger mathematical concepts and how one concept connects to another.
Unit / Learning TargetsYearlong
Communication Goal / LT0:I can explain my thinking and respond to the mathematical thinking of others.
Semester 1 / 1.Equations & Advanced Solving – includes radicals and absolute value
Approximate dates:
August 28– October 6, 2017 / LT1.1 I can evaluate algebraic expressions and justify the algebraic properties used.
LT1.2 I can solve multi-step equations using algebraic methods and explain what the solution means.
LT1.3 I can solve and graph linear equations and inequalities and use them to represent relationships in various contexts.
LT1.4 I can solve and graph equations/inequalities involving absolute value and explain the meaning of the solution.
2. Linear Functions
Approximate dates:
Oct 9 – Nov 1, 2017 / LT2.1 I can explain what a function is, use function notation, and know the difference between linear and nonlinear functions.
LT2.2 I can represent arithmetic sequences as linear functions in tables, graphs, equations of the form
f(x)=mx + b, and verbal descriptions.
LT2.3 I can represent linear functions with tables, equations, graphs, context and language including identifying the slope and y-intercept and use each to draw & justify conclusions and make predictions.
3. Applied Linear Functions & Inequalities
Approximate dates:
Nov 6 – Dec 5, 2017 / LT3.1 I can write an equation of a line and convert between slope-intercept, point-slope, and standard forms.
LT3.2 I can use data to create and interpret scatter plots (including correlation coefficients) and use lines of best fit to draw conclusions.
LT3.3 I can obtain information, & solve problems involving linear inequalities using graphical methods.
4.Systems of Linear Equations– including matrices
Approximate dates:
Dec 6, 2017 – Jan 24, 2018 / LT4.1 I can solve a system of equations by using a graph, substitution, and elimination, and determine if the system has 0, 1, or infinite solutions.
LT4.2 I can model a context using a system of linear equations.
Semester 2 / 5. The Pythagorean Theorem
Approximate dates:
Jan 29 – Feb 26, 2018 / LT5.1I can read, write, compare, classify and represent real numbers.
LT5.2 I can use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems involving right triangles, and find the distance between any two points on a coordinate grid.
6. Statistics
Approximate dates:
Feb 27 – March 20, 2018 / LT6.1 I can create and analyze graphical displays of data sets.
LT6.2 Ican obtain information, make predictions, and justify conclusions using statistical thinking.
7.Exponential Models
Approximate dates:
March 21– April 10, 2018 & April 18 – May 9, 2018 / LT7.1 I can apply the properties of positive and negative integer exponents to simplify expressions, and express numbers using scientific notation.
LT7.2 I can obtain information, draw conclusions, and make predictions from exponential relationships using a table, a geometric sequence, situation, equation or graph.
LT7.3 I can obtain information and solve problems involving exponential relationships using algebraic methods.
MCAReview & Testing
Approximate dates:
April 11 – April 17, 2018 / LTReview I can review 7th grade math standards and connect them to current learning.
Note: We will take a short break to review 7th grade material so students are ready for their state assessments.
8.Quadratics
Approximate dates:
May 10 – June 6, 2018 / LT8.1 I can translate among multiple representations and forms of quadratic equations.
LT8.2I can identify the critical points of a quadratic function and use them to obtain information, make predictions, and justify conclusions.
9. Final
June 7–June 8, 2018 / LT9.1 I can show that I have mastered all 8 units in Algebra.
ALGEBRA 8 | INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA COURSE REQUIREMENTS
In order to continue on the double-accelerated path to Geometry as an 8th grade student, the following is required:
- Student must maintain a 3 (B in grade book) or above
- 95% homework completion (100% is desired)
- Attendance is critical
- MCA mathematics score is considered
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Notebook (red), Folder (red), Planner, Lots of pens or pencils (student choice), erasers. Student needs access to a scientific calculatorat home for help with Homework. I recommend a simple $8-15 calculator found at most stores or downloading a free calculator on a phone/tablet.
HOMEWORK
Students will be assigned homework every day. Students should expect to spend an average of 20 minutes per day on their homework, though the actual time may range from 5-35 minutes. Homework is due the day after it is assigned. No late homework will be accepted. Students who are absent will have an extra day to complete the assignment they missed. Making mistakes is a huge part of the learning process. Therefore, homework grades are not based on accuracy. Homework grades will be based on completion, work shown, and explanation of student’s thinking.
HELP WITH HOMEWORK
Students can get help with homework before or after school, andduring lunch in my room, 323, upon appointment. Digital copies of homework assignments will be posted to my JPS webpage weekly.
RE-DO’s, RETAKES, REVISING POLICY
Students who score below a 2.5 on learning target assessments must re-take the assessment in order to demonstrate increased learning. Before re-taking an assessment students will be asked to demonstrate additional practice on the learning target, and the assessment may occur in a different format than the original assessment. All re-do’s, retakes, and revisions are due by two weeks of the original assessment. Students must schedule a time with me to retake an assessment.
JUSTICE PAGE GRADING POLICY
The purpose of the Justice Page grading policy is to align grading with the mastery of state content standards as measured by consistent student achievement data and common criteria for grading. The primary goal of the grading policy is to better communicate what each student knows and is able to do, as well as to inform the teacher, student, and parent what may be next steps for areas for growth. At Justice Page Middle School, standards-based learning targets are assessed on a 4 point scale to indicate the proficiency level at which the student has mastered the learning target. This course will use three rubrics, one for learning targets and one for work habits.
Learning Target Rubric
4Exemplary / 3
Proficient / 2
Partially Proficient / 1
Not Proficient / 0
No Evidence
No errors
Fully supported
Above and beyond standards
“I understand it well and I could teach it to someone else.” / Complete understanding
Adequately supported
May contain a few minor errors
“I can do it by myself but I sometimes mess up or get stuck teaching a friend.” / Partial understanding
Not yet mastered
“I’m starting to get it but still need someone to help me.” / Little Progress
Not accurate
Does not meet criteria
Incomplete
“I’m just starting to learn this and I don’t really understand it yet.” / Did not attempt
Missing
“I didn’t do it at all.”
Work Habits Rubric * Homework
4Exemplary / 3
Proficient / 2
Partially Proficient / 1
Not Proficient / 0
No Evidence
All problems attempted.
Work shown on all problems. / Most problems complete.
Work shown on problems. / Approximately half of the problems attempted.
Work shown. / Approximately ¼ of homework complete and/or no work shown. / Did not attempt
Missing (at home or in locker)