Bridge to Algebra A
Course Syllabus
1st Quarter of 2012-2013 School Year
Teacher: Mrs. Lamaj
Subject Area: Mathematics
Course Title: Bridge to Algebra A
Credit:
.5 elective credit per quarter
Course Description
Bridge to Algebra will be taught using the Carnegie Mathematics program. This curriculum
emphasizes collaboration between students, and integrates the use of Cognitive Tutor
(a computer program) to enhance instruction. The computer portion of the class is
approximately 40% of the total instructional time. Students will work independently, and at
their own pace on the computer cognitive tutorial portion of the curriculum. However, there
are benchmarks set for each marking period.
The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of topics that are prerequisite
to an Algebra I course. Students will work with multiple representations such as models
and number lines to develop a strong conceptual understanding of fractions, decimals,
and percents. Students will use that conceptual knowledge to develop an understanding of
algorithms used to operate on and convert between various numbers. Students will also be
introduced to ratios and proportions, signed numbers, exponents, roots, and absolute value.
Course Objectives
Topics of study include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Number Sense
Fractions
Operations with Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Decimals
Ratios and Proportions
Percents
Integers
Upon succesful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Perform operations with whole numbers
Perform operations with fractions and mixed numbers
Perform operations with decimals
Perform fraction and decimal conversions
Write and compare ratios
Write and solve proportions
Write percents as decimals and fractions and vice versa
Calculate percent change
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers
Bridge to Algebra A
Course Syllabus
1st Quarter of 2012-2013 School Year
SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE
Grades will be determined according to the following:
●
●
●
●
30% - Tests and Quizzes
30% - Classwork and Participation
10% - Writing assignment + Arts Integration Project
30% - Computer Lab (includes both successful completion of required number of units
and behavior in the lab)
Extra credit will be available through the following:
●
●
●
Exceptional class participation
Zero unexcused absences (awarded biweekly)
The completion of additional units in the computer lab
Grading Scale
A = 94-100%
B = 86-93%
C = 77-85%
F = 76% and below
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Class Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students are expected to respect the teachers and each other at all times.
Apply yourself. Always try your best and don’t give up.
Ask questions when you are confused.
Cell phones are never allowed in class.
No food / drink allowed in class.
Computer Lab Expectations:
● Students are expected to report to the lab when directed in an orderly and timely
fashion. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary consequences.
● There is absolutely no food or drink, opened or unopened, allowed in the lab. All
food and drink will be confiscated and thrown away. Repeated violations will result in
warning, parental contact, referral, and/or loss of computer privileges.
● There is absolutely no tampering with the computers. Behavior such as changing the
background, screensaver or toolbars, destroying the mouse, mouse pad or any other
mischievous behavior will result in a referral and/or a reduction in lab grade.
● Computer stations will be assigned and it will be your responsibility to report any
damage or changes to your workstation upon entering the lab. This will ensure that
you are not held accountable for something you did not do to the computer. If you
do not report something and the next class comes in and reports damage to your
computer, you will be held accountable for that damage.
Bridge to Algebra A
Course Syllabus
1st Quarter of 2012-2013 School Year
Late Work Policy
Late work will only be accepted up to one week after the date on which it was assigned,
except in cases of excused absences. In cases of unexcused absences, make-up work will
be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Supplies
Students are responsbile for bringing paper and a pen or pencil to every class.
INTELLIGENT CREATIVE EXPRESSION
There will be an arts integration project in this course. The purpose of this project will be for
students to creatively express themselves in a way that is connected with the material taught.
Students are always encouraged to communicate with each other and with the teachers
about the material taught, and must always be respectful to one another while doing so.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Students are always encouraged to work together on assigned classwork and to help each
other. Students must always be respectful to one another while doing so.
Course Schedule/Timeline
.
Week 1: Number Sense
Week 2: Fractions
Week 3: Fractions (continued), Decimals
Week 4: Decimals (continued), Ratios and Proportions and Percents
Week 5: Ratios and Proportions and Percents
Week 6: Math Essay
Week 7: Integers
Week 8: Integers (continued)
Week 9: Arts Integration Project
Week 10: Review and Final Test