Welcome to SpringBoard Math for Algebra I. In this course, students will learn the fundamental concepts needed for success in algebra. Students will learn mathematics through a blend of different types of activities. Some activities provide direct instruction, while others ask students to study real-world settings to learn math concepts and how they are used in daily life.
In Unit 1, two essential questions are asked to focus students’ attention. Students answer these questions through the activities in the unit and reinforce / review them again at the end of the unit. How can you represent patterns from everyday life by using tables, expressions, and graphs? How can you write and solve equations and inequalities? Real-world applications Throughout this course, students consider questions to help them make connections between math concepts and how to apply those concepts in real-world examples. At the beginning of Unit 1, students will explore various ways to investigate patterns. Using Mizing’s cross-country road trip, students will use expressions and variables to understand that exploring patterns may lead to multiple ways to arrive at an answer to a question. A variable is a letter or symbol used to represent one or more numbers. Building on prior experiences, students will explore different ways to represent numbers and the relationships between sets of numbers.
Students will also investigate patterns as they play the game “What’s My Number” and use it to compare several methods for solving equations, or mathematical statements showing two expressions are equal. A solution to an equation is a value for the variable that makes the equation true. Students will apply methods for solving equations by planning a fundraiser for a class field trip. By the end of the unit, they will be able to represent, interpret, solve, and graph compound inequalities. A compound inequality, such as , is actually two inequalities joined by the word and or the word or. Students will also apply absolute value equations and inequalities, such as , in problem-solving situations.
Students learn academic vocabulary by using new words in the unit activities. They also revisit each new word at the end of the unit to describe how their knowledge of the word has grown. To support your child in learning new vocabulary, you may want to set aside time to discuss new terms and your child’s understanding of those terms.
You can help your child during Unit 1 by talking to them about the concepts in this letter. You might ask questions about what they are learning about solving equations and inequalities. You might also ask your child to describe examples of variables, equalities, and inequalities.
Throughout this unit, students will use critical thinking skills and reading and writing learning strategies to draw conclusions and to explain their processes as they develop an understanding of the procedures for solving equations and inequalities. As they solve real-world problems in the unit, students will build the solid algebraic foundation necessary for more complex problem solving in future mathematics classes.