UNIT PLAN TEMPLATE
Grade Level: 9th Grade Algebra I for 8th graders
Unit Name: Foundations of Algebra
Unit Description: Topic 1: Working with Expressions; Topic 2: Solving Equations
Students understand that complex expressions are built of the basic operations; sums of terms and
products of factors. Students understand that solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable is
a process of reasoning, using steps that are reversible. Students will give precise attention to units when
applying these skills to real world situations.
Length: 5-6 weeks
Enduring
Understandings
Scaffolding
Essential
Questions
Common Core
Standards
Primary
Secondary
Cognitive Skills
MP1- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
MP4 – Model with mathematics
MP6 – Attend to precision
MP7 – Look for and make use of structure
How are equations and inequalities used to solve real world problems?
When is it advantageous to represent relationships between quantities symbolically?
numerically? graphically?
Why are procedures and properties necessary when manipulating numeric or algebraic
expressions?
How can the structure of expressions/equations/inequalities help determine a solution
strategy?
Primary Standards:
A-SSE.1 Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
A-SSE.1a Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients
A-APR.1 Understand that polynomials form a system analogous to the integers, namely, they
are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication of polynomials.
A-REI.1 Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of
numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation
has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
A-CED.4 Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in
solving equations.
A-REI.3 Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with
coefficients represented by letters.
Secondary Standards:
7.EE.1 Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor and expand linear
expressions with rational coefficients.
7.EE.2 Understand that rewriting an expression in different forms in a problem context can
shed light on the problem and how the quantities in it are related.
1. Why are variables useful?
2. What are some ways to solve an equation?
3. How can you solve an equation for which backtracking does not work?
4. How can you visualize an equation using the number line?
5. How can you use the guess-check-generalize method to solve a word problem?
6. How do you solve for y in a two-variable equation?
7. How do the solutions of inequalities relate to the solutions of equations?
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UNIT PLAN TEMPLATE
Content
Assessments
(D) Diagnostic
(F) Formative
(S) Summative
CME Project Algebra I textbook
CPS Knowledge Center (pre-assessment)
EDC Ramp-up pages
Mathops.com
Pre-assessment: Prepdog.org 8th Grade Math Basic 1Test (D) and CME: Algebra I Chapter 1
Test (D)
Performance Task: How Old Are They? (F)
CME Lesson Quizzes (F)
CME Mid-unit and Unit tests (S)
Texts/
Resources
CME: Algebra I – Chapter 2: Expressions and Equations;
Chapter 4D: Application of Lines
EDC Ramp-up Practice pages 48-176;and pages 413-445
Learning
Activities
Why are variables useful? (Week 1-2)
Day 1-3: Inventory of Calculations Skills w/o calculator – CME: Algebra I (Online or pp. 8486 or pp. 184-185) test of Chapter 1; Prepdog.org 8th Grade Math Basic Test 1
CME: Algebra I – Investigation 2A
Day 4: Chapter 2.1-2.2 “Modeling Situations, pp. 90-97
Day 5: Chapter 2.3 “Evaluate Expressions pp. 98-102
Week 2 Day 1: Chapter 2.4 “Simplify Expressions pp. 103-109
Day 2: Chapter 2.5 “Apply Basic Rules to Expressions pp. 110-114
Day 3: Review for Investigation 2A Test p. 115
Day 4: Take Investigation 2A Test
What are some ways to solve an equation? (Week 2-3)
CME: Algebra I – Investigation 2B
Week 2 Day 5: Chapter 2.6-2.7 Solving by Reversing Operations pp. 116-125
Week 3 Day 1: Chapter 2.8 Solving by Backtracking pp. 128-131
Day 2-3: Review and take Mid-chapter assessment Test p. 133
How can you visualize an equation using the number line? (Week 3)
Week 3 Day 4-5: Chapter 2.9-2.10 pp. 134-142
How can you solve an equation for which backtracking does not work? (Week 4)
Day 1-3: CME: Algebra I – Chapter 2.11-2.13 pp. 143-156
Day 4-5: Review and take Investigation 2C Test p. 157
How can you use the guess-check-generalize method to solve a word problem? (Week 5)
Day 1-2: CME: Algebra I – Chapter 2.14-2.16 pp. 158-171
How do you solve for y in a two-variable equation? (Week 5)
Day 3: CME: Algebra I – Chapter 2.17 pp. 172-178
Day 4-5: Review and take Chapter 2 Test pp. 180-183
How do the solutions of inequalities relate to the solutions of equations?(Week 6)
Day 1-3: CME: Algebra I – Investigation 4D pp. 380-400
Day 4: Review and take Chapter 4D Test p. 400
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UNIT PLAN TEMPLATE
Differentiation
ELL
Depending on which cognitive skill a student is having difficulty, the following may occur:
1. Student may confer with teacher
2. A short diagnostic test is given to the student.
3. A diagnostic test is re-evaluated by student and teacher.
4. Based on the test results, the student may be assigned a resource, such as Ramp-up
pages, or mathops.com, or CME online practice to reteach and reinforce the difficult
skill.
According to WIDA Standards, English language learners benefit from:
Explicit instruction with regard to parts of expressions, equations and inequalities.
Explicit articulation of the quantities represented by variables in expressions,
equations and inequalities.
Guided discussion of the connections between graphic and symbolic representations.
DLS
Technology
For Math Anxiety: Five minutes before an assessment, have students to write down all of their
thoughts about taking a math quiz or test. This journaling remains with the student
Use Khan Academy app on Ipads for tutorial
Use Khan Academy website w/ Safari for practice problems
Use Mathops.com for tutorial and practice
Use WileD- Math app on Ipads to practice solving one-step and two-step equations
Use CME online resource for vocabulary, lesson practice, or unit tests.
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