MA 97 - Pre-Algebra

1. Identify and use mathematical language to simplify expressions and solve equations.
2. Calculate and Interpret quantitative results in context of problems involving percentages, rates, proportions or equations.
3. Describe and construct multiple representations of fractions, decimals, percent
4. Perform measurement conversions, including both metric and English units.
5. Identify and categorize shapes, derive and use formulas for perimeter, area and volume
6. Interpret, illustrate and summarize data and graphs
7. Evaluate information presented in tabular, symbolic, or graphical form to calculate, identify, and interpret: points, graphs, equations and intercepts of a linear equation in two variables.
8. Assess personal progress in learning how to learn math.
9. Communicate mathematics effectively in oral and/or written form by effectively organizing communications, ensuring there is a clear introduction and conclusion, the content is well-sequenced and there are appropriate transitions. 
10. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail. 

A. Communicate mathematics verbally (orally and in writing) and symbolically (example: samples of homework/quiz questions throughout the term submitted as part of the portfolio)

B. Develop a mathematics homework and study plan, assess and revise as necessary (ex: use calendar to schedule, use journal reflection to assess and revise)

C. Compare and classify how academic resources, course materials and activities are used to facilitate learning (ex: journal prompts such as ‘how did using your notes to study for the test work out?’, ‘what resources have you used to study math? Which is most helpful, and why?’)

D. Assess personal progress in learning how to learn math (ex: in final portfolio, summarize change over the semester using notes, quizzes, tests to justify the conclusion)

Academic course content: assessed through quizzes, tests and other classroom assessment techniques

I. Measurement: 

A. Demonstrate the process of converting units using unit analysis

B. Experiment with metric and US measure using lab equipment, communicate lab results in written lab reports

II. Geometry:

A. Categorize geometric shapes using attributes

B. Derive area and volume formulas to identify relationship between formulas

C. Use formulas to calculate area, perimeter, circumference and volume

D. Understand and discern the difference between perimeter (circumference), area and volume

III. Language of mathematics:

A. Identify difference between equality, inequality, not equal and use each correctly

B. Identify properties of real numbers, use examples and counterexamples

C. Differentiate between equations, expressions, inequalities and the difference between solve and simplify

D. Translate expressions and equations from words to symbols and vice versa

E. Describe process of solving equations and how to verify solutions (integer context)

F. Describe process of simplifying and evaluating integer expressions

G. Use the properties of real numbers to simplify expressions and solve equations (integer context)

IV. Partitioning and Proportional Reasoning:

A. Explain relationship between fraction, decimal and percent

B. Demonstrate difference between combining ratios in part/whole vs part/part contexts

C. Explore ratios and rates in various contexts including activities with written lab reports, (ex: use tables and graphs to represent changes in rate such as cost of cellphone vs use of data)

D. Use proportional reasoning to solve applications (examples: cooking, medical fields, construction trade, etc.)

E. Solve applied percent problems using multiple representations (ex: discount and original price with equation, use of graphic like 100 grid or double number line)

V. Tables and graphs

A. Organize data into frequency tables and bar graphs

B. Calculate, define and use measures of central tendency

C. From graphs of lines, translate meaning of rate, intercepts of two variable equations (integers context)

D. Use a table of values to create a graph and interpret the intercepts in context of the problem

E. Use table of data to create a pie chart; connect to solving percent equations

Lecture: 0-40%

Facilitated Discussion: 10-60%

Mediated and/or Computer Instruction: 0-75%

Collaborative Work includes Hands-on Labs:10-30%

A Portfolio is 10-20% of the grade – required components of the portfolio are common to all sections taught.

Basics skills tests may be retaken, must be passed with 85% to pass the class.

Grading scale is the standard college grade scale once all components are passed.