Course Syllabus

Syllabus  Algebra 1A

Mizzou Academy

 Welcome

We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou Academy's global student body.

 Course Overview

Algebra I is the the first step into mathematics after essential arithmetic. This course will help you build your skills to describe a situation with words, symbols such as x², pictures, and data tables. The course will also provide you with the perspectives and tools to analyze a situation in order to understand patterns and relationships, to turn the unknown into the known, and to make predictions.

You have done this already. In grade-school math, a lot of problems were of the form "2 + 3 = what"? In algebra, the unknown thing will be tangled in more complicated relations such as "2 times something plus 4 = 10."

Another important theme of this course is dealing with situations with a constant rate of change, such as a car that goes down the road at a constant speed. The graph of distance traveled is a straight line. The graph, a table, or the linear equations can tell us where the car is at a given time or what time it is when the car has traveled a given distance. Fuel costs, payments on the car, and other concerns also have linear relations.

The skills to describe and analyze such mathematical situations are handy for more than these common practical applications. These skills are fundamental for subsequent mathematics courses and understanding situations where relationships are not described by straight lines.

Is Algebra Useful?

A former student, who years earlier had completed Algebra I, told me, "Ha, I never used any of that algebra stuff about slope. I never built a roof or used a wheel chair ramp."

I replied, "Great! How's it going for you generally?"

"Not bad," he said. "I've got a good job as a manager. I got a good raise the last two years, but the kids' expenses go up even faster."

"Well," I grinned, "You just compared rates of change. That is the same thing as comparing slopes. I'm glad math class prepared you for the real world. You'll do fine."

Catalog Description: This course reviews the essential skills of arithmetic, as they relate to the study of algebra. Lesson topics include solving expressions, equations, and functions; exploring real numbers and their properties, solving linear equations; graphing linear equations and functions; and writing linear equations.

Lead Teacher Introduction

  Brennan Ransdell

  Teacher

  RansdellB@mail.missouri.edu

  Mathematics Division Chair

 Pacing

This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment. (Typically, students take the entire 6 months, or at least closer to that amount of time.)

 Required Materials

Textbook

Larson R. & Boswell, L. Algebra 1. Erie, PA: Big Ideas Learning, LLC, 2022. [ISBN: 978-1-64432-864-4]

Digital Textbook

The digital version of the textbook is integrated into the course online. Select the Big Ideas Math textbook link from the course navigation menu. You do not have to purchase a hard-copy of the textbook unless you so desire. Please review the   Big Math Ideas System Requirements page to confirm that your device, browser, and browser settings meet the textbook system requirements.

MATERIALS

• Students should maintain an Algebra 1 Notebook to organize notes, practice exercises, and other work. A three-ring binder is best because it allows insertion of printouts and other loose materials. Is your notebook graded? Not directly. But from years of observing students, we know that students who practice these habits get good grades, and students who don't practice these habits get poor grades. The commentary will explain how to use a notebook to save brain cells and succeed in this course. After this initial advice you are on your own in keeping up your notebook.
• Students should have Microsoft Word to render MathType. (This is not necessary, but is highly recommended.)
• Students will need to use 2, 5, or 10 mm, or similar, graph paper. Graph paper can be purchased in many stores or printed from   online sources. The following PDF files can be printed to make graph paper. Any of these sizes are suitable for this course, but most students will prefer the 5 mm grid. Lines may appear uneven when viewed on the screen, but they should print satisfactorily. 
  •   2 mm grid
  •   5 mm grid
  •   10 mm grid

• Students should have access to a graphing calculator when studying. We urge that you use the Texas Instruments TI-84 graphing calculator (or newer). For this course, you will be viewing examples from the TI-84. The TI-83 and TI-84 graphing calculators are preferred for Mizzou Academy mathematics and science courses. These are widely used in U.S. schools, demonstrated by this course's textbook and lesson commentary, and available in retail stores. These types are permitted on many standardized tests that allow calculators. Though not all the features will be used in beginning courses, subsequent courses (through college graduation) will exploit more and more features of these calculators. These calculators are sturdy, so you should be able to find acceptable used ones. NOTE: A graphing calculator is not necessary, but is highly recommended. Graphing calculator activities lead to a deeper understanding of the concepts, but are NOT ALLOWED on exams.
  • "Scientific calculators" are adequate for most parts of this course. Computer tools have advantages, but might not always have access. Again, however, scientific calculators are NOT ALLOWED on the exams.
  • A "four-function" calculator is recommended for both the midterm and final exams. While not necessary, it will help in speeding up basic calculations to reach final solutions.

^† Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection.

 Exams

You are required to take two proctored exams for this course.

See the "About Exams" in the policies section for additional information on exams at Mizzou Academy.

 Technical Requirements

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

•   Computer Requirements
•   Browser Requirements
•   Proctoring Requirements
• Microphone (external or internal)
• Webcam

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

• audio and video recording capabilities (e.g. smartphone, camera)

 Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let   Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please   contact Mizzou Academy.

 Grades

 Canvas and Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.

• Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal   https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
• For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide:   How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
• For questions about enrollment, access to courses, exam proctoring, or billing, contact our Support Services Team at (855) 256-4975 or   mizzouacademy@missouri.edu.