Algebra 1 is a first-year algebra course and is designed to introduce students to a variety of algebraic topics aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
In this course, students will focus on four critical areas:
(1) Deepen understanding of linear and exponential relationships
(2) Contrast linear, exponential, and quadratic relationships through a variety of methods
(3) Extend laws of exponents to square and cube roots
(4) Apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend
Students will investigate topics such as quantities and modeling, understanding functions, linear functions, equations, and inequalities, statistical models, linear systems and piecewise-defined functions, exponential relationships, polynomial operations, quadratic functions, quadratic equations and modeling, and inverse relationships.
This course incorporates a variety of textbook and multimedia resources including an adaptive problem set platform that provides various feedback on student assessments. Students will connect concepts in algebra to real-world applications, in order to develop a deeper understanding of algebra in the world.
About the Self-Paced Course Model
Self-Paced courses are comprehensive, self-paced courses designed for students who need or desire more flexibility in their academic schedule. VHS Learning teachers will regularly interact with students in asynchronous discussions, will host weekly office hours, and will invite students to monthly 1-on-1 progress meetings. Teachers will support students, answer questions, and provide feedback on work. Students will work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.
Students may start this course on any Monday from September (after the American Labor Day holiday) through the first Monday in February. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 20 weeks and have until mid-June to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 200 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.
Course Essential Questions:
- How can we distinguish linear and exponential relationships?
- How can we identify quadratic relationships?
- How can we expand the application of the laws of exponents?
- How can we apply linear models to data?
Course Objectives:
- Identify relationships between quantities within the real number system.
- Interpret the structure of numerical and algebraic expressions.
- Perform operations on expressions and write equivalent forms to solve problems.
- Create equations to describe relationships.
- Reason with equations and inequalities.
- Interpret and build functions using proper function notation.
- Construct, compare, and interpret linear, exponential, and quadratic models.
- Interpret categorical and quantitative data.