Grades: 8-10
Length: 10/15 Minute
Rights: Perpetuity with Duplication and Distribution

Fosters the development of algebraic thinking and support the NCTM Principals and Standards for School Mathematics.  Supports the current paradigm shift in algebra instruction methods that promotes visualization of concepts, multiple methods to solve problems and methods other than emphasizing abstract symbolic manipulation.

Block Feeds

Wednesday 9/10/08  3:30 - 4:00 a.m. #1-2
Thursday 9/11/08 2:00 - 4:00 a.m. #3-10

1.  ARRIVAL: Problem Solving. Students will solve non-routine problems using multiple methods including guess-and-test, tables, diagrams and equations.

2.  DENIAL: Expressions. Students will use Algebra Tiles TM to create equivalent algebraic expressions. Students also generalize the characteristics of simplifying algebraic expressions.

3.  ABDUCTION: Equations. Students solve linear equations using equivalent equations, diagrams and working backwards.

4.  GRIDLOCK: Functions. Students use a non-routine situation to identify characteristics of functions. The functions are represented by graphs and tables.

5.  A SECRET CODE: Patterns. Students identify patterns in multiple contexts including visual representation, graphs, tables and symbols.

6.  BATTLE PLAN: Systems of Equations. Students solve systems of equations using substitution, addition method, and graphing.

7.  A DOORWAY THROUGH: Factors. Students explore factors of real numbers through geometric representation. They use patterns found in those representations to create similar ones with Algebra Tiles TM for polynomials.

8.  RIVER OF TIME: Polynomials and Quadratics. Students use graphs, tables, symbolic and geometric representations to explore quadric equations. The quadratic formula is introduced.

9.  REALITY PLANES: Radicals. Students represent irrational numbers in geometric settings using the Pythagorean Theorem.

10.  VANISHING POINT: Rational Expressions. Students use the catch-recatch method to explore solutions for proportion in multiple settings. They also explore the effects of raising rational numbers to a power.