Common Core Mathematics Lesson Sequence
Algebra 2
Disclaimer:
The following sample unit is intended to provide an example of a possible flow of instruction. Consider this a
work in progress. As a sample instructional plan, it should invite discussion and development. It is not
intended to be prescriptive, only suggestive. It may provide ideas and guidance in the development of
conceptual understanding through a sample sequence of lessons. This UNIT can be adapted, modified,
expanded, delivered as-is, or not used at all. Lessons are not time bound and may extend beyond a day. It
simply provides an example unit of instruction which incorporates:
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Integration of the 8 Mathematical Practices
Investigative tasks
Formative assessment and performance assessments
In this unit, you will find that specific standards are NOT listed within each lesson, as lessons integrate
multiple standards to better address conceptual understanding.
Previous Lesson
Students should have
completed Algebra 1 and
Geometry prior to this course.
Therefore, this next UNIT
builds on those prior
standards of exponents,
functions, and equations.
Grade Level Standard(s)
Central to Lesson
Upcoming Concept
Extend the properties of exponents
to rational exponents
N‐ RN 1,2
Extend the domain of the
trigonometric functions using the unit
circle F‐ TF 1, 2, 2.1(CA)
Write expressions in equivalent
forms to solve problems
(exponential and logarithmic)
A‐ SSE 3c, 4
Model periodic phenomena
5, 8
Represent and solve equations and
Inequalities graphically(exponential
and logarithmic) A‐ REI11
Interpret functions that arise in
context (linear and exponential)
F‐ IF 4,5
Understand the concept of a function
and use function notation F‐ IF 3
Analyze function using different
representations F‐ IF 7e, 8b, 9
Build a function that models a
relationship between two quantities
F-BF 2
Build new functions from existing
functions F‐ BF 4a
Construct and compare linear,
quadratic and exponential models
(focus on exponential and logarithmic)
F‐ LE 1,2, 3, 4, 5
Rearrange formulas to highlight
quantities of interest A‐ CED 4
Analyze functions using different
representations (trig functions) F‐ IF
7e
Common Core Mathematics Lesson Sequence
Algebra 2
ALGEBRA 2 UNIT 1: Suggested Lesson Plans
Weeks 1-5: approximately 25 days
Topic
Topic Title & Description
Number
Properties & Expressions: Student
Team Building Activities to establish classroom expectations,
1
collaborative environment, pre-assessing, student
presentations and to frontload for upcoming content.
2
Equations and Relationships: Students
3
Different Representations & Modeling Exponential Functions:
Students will discover the exponential decay and growth models
by expressing data relationship in tables, graphs and function
notation.
Materials & Resources
*This activities segue to the unit content, but feel free to use your own
resources.
Handout:
Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics-Algebra II Chapter 8. *did not
have access to text to assist for section assignment, but teachers can use
their best judgment to choose sections of text.
Handout:
Too Hot to Handle (exponential decay) Website: Too Hot to Handle :
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?id=L852
Exponential Growth and Credit Cards Activity website:
http://function-of-time.blogspot.com/2009/11/exponential-growth-andcredit-cards.html
National Debt Wars (exponential growth) website:
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?id=L670
Incredible Shrinking Dollar (exponential growth and decay)
website: http://mrmeyer.com/threeacts/shrinkingdollar/
4
Different Representations & Modeling Logarithmic Functions:
Students will discover the purpose of logaritmic
Handout:
Logarithmic Demystified website:
lluminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?id=L817
Common Core Mathematics Lesson Sequence
Algebra 2
5
Inverse Functions: Students
6
Recap, Reflection, Presentations, Assessment, etc… Teachers
can choose from the four enclosed performance tasks/projects
or create your own.
Handout:
Algebra II Unit 1 Supplemental Resources:
Week 1:
Unit/Problems
Content Standards
(CCSS)
Days
Too Hot to Handle (NCTM Illuminations)
Week 2, 3, 4, 5:
UNIT: Exponential Functions
N-RN.1,2,3, ASSE.3,4*, FIF.3,7e,8b, F-BF.2,4a,
F-LE.1a,1b,1c,2,3,4,5
Wolfram Alpha Real Numbers Investigation (Fred)
N-RN.1,2,3
Lost in Recursion (Paul)
F-IF.3
25
Common Core Mathematics Lesson Sequence
Algebra 2
National Debt and Wars (NCTM Illuminations)
F-IF.8c
Exponential Growth and Credit Cards (Kate)
F-IF.8c
Aaron’s Rent-to-buy (Dan)
F-IF.8c
The Amazing Shrinking Dollar (Dan)
F-LE.2
Falling Glowsticks
(Dan)https://echo.newtechnetwork.org/?q=ntlp/groups/collections/resources/view/1322010/2
A-CED.1, BF.1, F-LE.3
16666286
Falling Rocks
(Dan)https://echo.newtechnetwork.org/?q=ntlp/resource/library/view/207794931/16201
A-CED.1, BF.1, F-LE.3
Modeling: Having Kittens (MARS)
F-LE.1,1a,2
Comparing Investments (MARS)
A-SSE.1,1b,F-IF.7e,8b
Logarithms Demystified (NCTM Illuminations)
A-7e
Logarithms and Reddit (Science Blogs)
A-7e
Extension/Differentiation/ Assessment
Teacher Notes:
1. Keep in mind the Essential Questions, ten content standards, eight mathematical practice standards when planning lesson
outcomes for this unit. See Scope and Sequence and Overview.
2. Use your warm-ups to frontload what is not taught explicitly in the lessons.
Common Core Mathematics Lesson Sequence
Algebra 2