Algebra+II+Wk+1

OK, so each week I’m planning on 3 days of teaching, 2 days of quizzes (in addition to teaching), 1 day of testing, and then Friday will be left open for fun stuff or additional lessons as necessary. So, Monday – Wednesday are planned teaching days with quizzes on Tuesday and Wednesday, a test that takes the whole period on Thursday, and then Friday will be left open each week.

I am teaching two classes: Geometry and Algebra II. Here’s how I see the schedule right now:


 * Geometry:**

Week 1: Geometry basics Week 2: More Geometry basics Week 3: Graphing Week 4: Applications Week 5: Geometry and Probability


 * Algebra II:**

Week 1: Algebra II basics Week 2: More Algebra II basics Week 3: Algebra II and graphing Week 4: Applications (primarily physics) Week 5: Geometry and Probability

Therefore, I must prepare 4 days of material for each week and 5 days of “filler” material. I recognize that 5 days of filler probably will not be necessary, but this material will not expire. Right now, the filler material I have in mind is:

1: Puzzles and Riddles 2: Puzzles and Riddles Part 2 3: Pop Psychology 4: Newcomb’s Paradox + Prisoner’s Dilemma 5: Algebra II and Geometry video games (on a CD, left over from last year)
 * Algebra II:**

Week 2: Graphing two variable equations. Week 3: Binomial Theorem, Pascal’s Triangle, Squares, and Roots Week 4: Applications Week 5: Probability and Physics
 * Week 1: Algebra II basics: Two variable equations and physical examples thereof.**


 * Algebra II Basics:**

__Monday__: Hi and introductions! Alright, most of you know me already, and so let’s get going! Alright, play an introduction game … name and one interesting fact about you.

Begin with paper bag examples of # of chocolates in a paper bag is “x,” and the # of chocolates in the chocolate bag is y. y = //n// – x.

Use situations involving multiple paper bags, solve for y if you know x, solve for x if you know y. Substitute #s in for variables.

//Practice finding y given x or x given y//.

//Homework//: Make a short worksheet and quiz tomorrow on substitution. Must know how to find x given y and y given x. __Tuesday__: Check HW (credit) and ask if anyone has any questions, quick substitution review. 10 minute Quiz. Should take about 20 minutes total.

Begin with more substitution practice but coefficients in front of both variables. Practice this, and then learn to solve for y and x without substitution – just leave as is. In particular, solve for y. Teach that the coefficient of x is the “slope” and that the leftover number is the “y-intercept”.

//Practice solving for x or y, and drill slope and y-intercept as vocabulary//.

//Homework//: Make a short worksheet and quiz tomorrow on solving for y and vocabulary terms. __Wednesday__: Check HW (credit) and ask if anyone has any questions, quick solve for y review. 10 minute Quiz. Should take about 20 minutes total.

Review! Practice using the __some sort of made up game and generate review questions__ to solve for y. Students must know the few vocabulary terms, how to solve for a variable, and how to substitute in values. __Thursday__: Test! 15 minutes questions and review. 45 minutes test.

No homework. __Friday__: Fun stuff: math riddles with candy rewards for correct answers:


 * 1: What comes next? 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, …


 * 2: In the song, “12 days of Christmas,” how many gifts did my true love give to me?


 * 3: Place six X's on a Tic Tac Toe board without making three-in-a-row in any direction.


 * 4: Arrange 10 trees into 5 rows of 4 trees each.