KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS Kamehameha Schools Hawaiÿi High School Course Title: Algebra 1 Instructor: Mr. G. Kainoa Sharpe SY 2012-2013 Overview: Algebra 1 is a year course designed with the intent of preparing our haumana with a strong foundation in the basic skills of theoretical mathematics necessary for success in proceeding high school courses such as Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Calculus. I believe if our haumana build a strong foundation now in Algebra 1 the skills will not only carry them through high school but through college and life! This class is vital if your keiki wants to enroll in college with the intent of studying physical or social sciences, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics and a variety of other disciplines. It provides the foundation for understanding the basic logic structure of each discipline. We begin by investigating graphs of different number systems and building them into expressions and equations and inequalities, and establishing a relationship with how these equations are built to model pictures or graphs of linear equations. Then we extend that idea to polynomial equations and other nonlinear equations and functions and their graphs. And finally we will end with an investigation of radical numbers and rational functions and their graphs. Course Essential Questions/Goals/Objectives: What are some of the basic fundamental concepts of algebra? Why are these algebraic concepts important to know? How can we use algebra to model real-life problems in everyday situations? Content Standards/Areas of Study: Kamehameha Schools Hawaii High School has selected the Indiana State Standards for Mathematics. Algebra 1 Standards Indiana /Algebra 1 Standards Indiana 2006.docx Some of the key standards covered in this class will include, but not be limited to the following: Standard 1- Operations with Real Numbers Standard 2- Linear Equations and Inequalities Standard 3- Relations and Functions Standard 4- Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities Standard 5- Pairs of Linear Equations and Inequalities Standard 6- Polynomials Standard 7- Algebraic Fractions Standard 8- Quadratic, Cubic, and Radical Equations Standard 9- Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving Communication Representation Connections Course Materials/Text/References: Textbook: Prentice Hall Mathematics: Algebra 1, Bellman, Bragg, Charles, Hall, Handlin, Kennedy; Prentice Hall 2007 Scientific Calculator: Texas Instruments Graphing Calculator TI-83 will be provided for classroom use only. Please bring (2) AAA batteries. It is strongly recommended you purchase one for home usage. Approximate cost is $125.00. Student Supplies: Textbook (pick up at Learning Center asap!) Composition Notebook 3-ring binder with lined paper #2 pencils Multi-disciplinary Projects: Our school as a whole focuses on interdisciplinary projects throughout the year. Mathematics in general lends itself to many connections with science, engineering, health, business, and the social sector, and we can look forward to projects within the respective academies whenever meaningful connections become apparent. Reading/Writing Component: Students will also be asked to do reading/writing assignments incorporating language arts into our mathematics curriculum. Assignments may include textbook design and structure, journal entries, article reviews, newspaper articles, periodicals, and in particular explanations of how various solutions are obtained. The reading/writing component will help prepare students for higher mathematics and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material being covered. Classroom Rules/Guidelines: Follow all rules of the Kamehameha Schools as outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook. Be prompt and ready with all needed supplies before the bell rings. A strong emphasis will be placed on tardiness this year. Three warnings and then a detention will be issued. Students need to be in compliance with the dress code at all times. Dress code will be strictly enforced. Participate in all activities including discussions and group work. Pay attention during lectures and other class activities. In particular, courtesy should be given to anyone speaking. Listen and follow directions given by the instructor. Take good notes. Seek help in a timely manner. Be responsible for your textbook. Keep it covered and in good shape. You are responsible for any loss or damage to the text. Be honest and respectful to yourself and others in the classroom. Use appropriate language in class. Profanity will not be tolerated. Respect all property of the Kamehameha Schools at all times. Take care of classroom supplies and clean up your area at the end of class. Homework Policy/Assignment Policy: student and parent handbook) (Please refer to Grading Scale and Weighted Grades: Your weighted grade will be comprised by using the following percentages for each category: 90% Assessments- tests, quizzes, projects, presentations, formative and summative. 10% Other Work- homework, class work, worksheets, vocabulary assignments, practice skills, warm-up problems, problem of the day, daily board presentations, journal writing, reflections, TI-83/Vernier labs, and in-class activities. Your weighted grade will be determined by the following conversion 4 point grade scale based on equal percentage rates of 20% for each grade represented. Grade A B C Percentage Range 80-100% 60-79% 40-59% D F 20-39% 0-19% Semester grades will be determined using a simple formula based on 40% for each quarter grade and 20% for the semester exam grade. For example: 40%(Qtr 1) + 40%(Qtr 2) + 20%(Sem. Exam) = 1st Semester Grade 40%(Qtr 3) + 40%(Qtr 4) + 20%(Final Exam) = 2st Semester Grade Mahalo and AlohaG. Kainoa Sharpe Kamehameha School Hawaii Mathematics Instructor 808.982.0645 kasharpe@ksbe.edu Aloha Parents and/or Guardians, I am very honored and excited to be working with your child this school year. The first three pages of this document give you an outline of what to expect this year. Please take the time to read them thoroughly. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me by leaving a message through the school and I will return your call as soon as possible. If you would like to email your concerns or thoughts to me throughout the year, my email address is kasharpe@ksbe.edu and my phone number is 808.982.0645. Parents play an important role in the success of any student and I look forward to working with you for the success of your child. Thank you for taking the time to read this document. Please sign this sheet and have your child do the same indicating that you have read and understand and agree to the information presented in this document. Please return the lower portion of this form as soon as possible. Mahalo and AlohaG. Kainoa Sharpe Kamehameha School Hawaii Mathematics Instructor 808.982.0645 kasharpe@ksbe.edu I have read and understand and agree to the above course expectations and policies for Mr. Sharpe’s Algebra 1 class. _________________________ _________________________ Signature of Student Here _________________________ _________________________ Signature of Father/Guardian Name Here _________________________ _________________________ Signature of Mother/Guardian Name Here Please Print Name Please Print Please Print