Pre-Algebra and Algebra Curriculum

There is a great deal of discussion about math concepts and uses, historical development, famous mathematicians, problem solving, and personal significance. There is also a good amount of written work, some games, and some projects. There is about 20 minutes of concentrated math homework every night.  There are two (or more) different levels of math, since the class comprises both seventh and eighth grade students. 

Necessary Materials: 

1.  (1) 3-ring binder with 5 dividers
2.  College rule paper (Don’t put it all in your binder at once! Keep a reasonable constant supply in your binder.)
3.  Two good quality mechanical pencils (0.5mm preferred)
4.  One (or more) engineering computation pad (graph paper, green tint)
5.  One big eraser
6.  One Texas Instruments 83 or 84 calculator

The expectations for this class are high. Participation is an integral part of the learning process. Respect for the ideas of others, and comments relevant to the topic at hand are crucial. Occasional appropriate humor is appreciated. Written work must have name, date, and assignment, and be neat, organized, and complete. All steps must be shown and answers labeled when necessary.

Students are required to keep their math work in a 1.5” 3-ring binder with dividers  and will be developing their own portfolio for the class. The difference between the Notebook and Portfolio is simple. The Notebook is the Portfolio in progress. The Notebook serves as an organizational and study tool. The Portfolio is a collection and a showcase of what the student has accomplished throughout the year.

Study for exams and quizzes is accomplished through the use of a very special and quite effective method developed by the teacher.  This specific study method requires the use of the portfolio and a lot of scratch paper.  Students are allowed to use a 3”x5” index card with handwritten notes or formulas (both sides) on each exam. 

Grading: 30%   Exams; 70%   Homework, Quizzes, Projects, etc. 

The 7th/8th graders will be divided into two math levels according to prior math skills, moving through the topics at a flexible pace in order to master them.  Topics will likely include some (but not all) of the following: 
• Variables
• Functions
• Graphs
• Rational numbers
• Real numbers
• Lines and slopes
• Ratios and proportions
• Powers and roots
• Quadratic Equations
• Polynomials
• Factoring
• Geometry topics

There is no limit to the math a student may learn in this course.  If a student progresses more quickly through the material, and would like to move ahead, the teacher has the ability to mentor an individual student through trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, linear algebra, multi-variable or vector calculus, or differential equations. 

In addition to these objectives, the class has the flexibility to pursue topics of interest at appropriate times. All students also have the option to participate in the Santa Cruz County Math Contest.