Listed below is a brief description of the course and the objectives each student should be able to complete by the end of the course.

Brief Course Description:

This is a course designed for student understanding of the concepts and skills needed for Algebra. Basic Math will focus on number sense, statistics, geometry, algebra, measurement, logic, probability, patterns, and functions.

Course Content/Objectives:

•Students use the four basic arithmetic operations (+, -, x, /) with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers.

•Students understand the relationship between decimals, fractions, and percents. They solve simple proportion problems with unknown values.

•Students identify and graph ordered pairs in the four quadrants of the coordinate plane.

•Students collect, organize, and represent data sets that have one or more variables and interpret information from graphical displays.

•Students apply basic statistics (mean, median, mode, and range) and the meaning of probability.

•Students choose appropriate units of measure and use ratios to convert within and between measurement systems to solve problems.

•Students compute the perimeter, area, and volume of common geometric objects. They know how perimeter, area, and volume are affected by changes in scale.

•Students measure, identify, and draw angles, perpendicular and parallel lines, rectangles, and triangles by using appropriate tools.

•Students use a letter to represent an unknown number; write and evaluate simple algebraic expressions by substitution.

•Students determine when and how to break a problem into simpler parts.

•Students use estimation to verify the reasonableness of calculated results.

•Students express the solution clearly and logically by using the appropriate mathematical notation and terms and clear language

Methods used in mastering concepts:

Mathematics is a discipline that lends itself to pencil and paper computation. But, there are a variety of alternative methods, in addition to traditional textbook practice problems, such as websites that have students interact with the problems, through graphics and manipulatives. In addition to a variety of websites a student and parent may work on hands-on projects to show mastery of a concept.

For example: Two key concepts in Basic Mathematics are to add and subtract whole numbers. A practical life application of this skill is to create and keep a monthly expense account. The student would list and add incomes and from that subtract any expenses to find out how much was left over at the end of the month. From that extensions could be followed to create a monthly budget; set up bank accounts; and learn good spending practices.

The student has experienced first hand how mathematical concepts can be used in daily life and has used a method of teaching that does not rely on the textbook.

Materials used:

•A variety of resources can be used in order to master the objectives listed above. Here is a list of a few different resources that may be used:

Textbooks:

Globe Fearon; Basic Mathematics – Pacemaker Series, 2000