Prerequisite
Course Overview:
- Covers the core elements of algebra
- Linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs.
- use graphing calculators to investigate and model applications of ideas
- Introduced using patterns, actual physical experiments collecting and entering data into a calculator and use the calculator to “best-fit” functions to model the data.
- Symbolic manipulations of algebraic expressions, formulas and equations.
- How middle school curriculum investigations lead naturally to the higher levels of algebra.
- Colorado’s Model Content Standard for Algebra provides the skeleton of the syllabus:
- Four perspectives of a function; story, table, formula and graph.
- Signed number arithmetic, algebraic fractions, the distributive (and other) properties
- How these concepts are applied in the teaching of algebra.
- Learn how to model with linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions, and experience real world applications of each.
- Able to graph “parent” functions and then transform their graphs by altering their equations
- Infusion of technology via the Texas Instrument graphing calculator. All participants will receive a graphing calculator (TI-84) and will be instructed in its use and how it can be used as an effective tool in the teaching of abstract algebraic concepts.
- At the conclusion of this course, middle school teachers will have a good handle on how the mathematics gets used and extended in algebra classes at the high school and college level.
Included Topics:
Introduction to Rectangular Coordinates and Graphing Equations
Linear Functions and Models
Functions and Their Graphs
Geometric Transformations
Quadratic Functions and Models
Polynomial Functions
Inverse Functions
Exponential Functions and an Introduction to Logarithms
Systems of Equations and Matrices
