Department/Grade:  Math/Grades 7-12              Course:  Pre-Algebra                 Revision Date:  April, 2008

                                               

Required/Elective:  Required*                           Course Length:  1 year             Prerequisite:  Grade 6 Math

 

* This course is not required for sixth-grade students who pass an arithmetic and basic problem solving competency exam.

 

Course Description:  This course strengthens and stretches previously established work with decimals, fractions, probability, statistics, geometry, percents, and problem solving.  Simple algebraic skills and concepts are stressed and made more formal through study and exploration of patterns, leading the students to more abstract thought. 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

CONTENT OUTLINE

Understand number systems and their relationships to each other

·          Represent and use numbers in equivalent forms (e.g., integers, fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, scientific notation, square roots)

·          Use a number line model to demonstrate integers and their applications

·          Compare and order numbers

·          Convert decimals to fractions to percents (and vice versa)

·          Identify equivalent fractions

·          Write fractions in simplest form

·          Use rules of exponents and scientific notation

Compute and estimate

·          Add, subtract, multiply and divide integers

·          Add, subtract, multiply and divide positive and negative decimals

·          Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers

·          Add, subtract, multiply and divide different kinds and forms of rational numbers including integers, decimals, fractions, and percents

·          Estimate using ratios, proportions, and percents

·          Determine the appropriateness of overestimating or underestimating in computation

·          Identify the difference between exact value and approximation and determine which is appropriate for a given situation

Work comfortably with variables

·          Write and evaluate simple variable expressions

·          Write and solve simple one and two-step equations using the inverse relationships between addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, and root extraction

·          Write and solve simple inequalities

Support reasoning with mathematics

·          Use measurements and statistics to quantify issues using bar graphs, line graphs, and circle graphs

·          Write and compare rates

·          Use proportions to solve rate problems

·          Use proportions to solve percent problems

·          Use fractions and percents to represent probabilities

·          Solve problems involving area, perimeter, and volume

Analyze Data

·          Calculate mean, median, mode, quartiles and range

·          Make and interpret data displays (e.g., tables, charts, graphs)

·          Conduct surveys and analyze survey results

·          Calculate probabilities of events

Recognize and Represent Patterns

·          Apply simple algebraic patterns to basic number theory and to spatial relations

·          Discover, describe, and generalize basic linear patterns

·          Represent relationships with tables or graphs in the coordinate plane and verbal or symbolic rules

·          Continue a pattern of numbers or objects that could be extended infinitely

 

RESOURCE MATERIALS

ASSESSMENT OPTIONS

·          Major Text – Pre-Algebra (McDougall Littell)

·          Chapter Resource Books

·          Chapter Transparency Books

·          Notetaking Guide

·          Power Presentations:  The Electronic Classroom CD-ROM

·          Activity Generator CD-ROM

·          Easy Planner  CD-ROM

·          www.classzone.com

·          Animated Algebra CD-ROM

·          @HomeTutor CD-ROM

·          Test Generator CD-ROM

·          www.studyisland.com

·          Unit Tests

·          Cumulative Tests

·          Midterm Exam

·          Final Exam

·          Standardized Tests

·          Open-Ended Assessments

·          Quizzes

·          Projects

·          Math Journal

·          Oral Presentations

·          Observation

·          Evaluate written work

·          Performance assessments

·          Tests, quizzes

·          Problem solving journal/activity

·          Evaluate oral response

·          Anecdotal records

·          Performance tasks