A Modeling Approach to Algebra
CONTENT:
The content of this curriculum targets specific high school standards from the section, Traditional Pathway: High School Algebra I, in the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics while also emphasizing the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice, which are at the foundation of the mathematics standards. The standards addressed by the lessons in A Modeling Approach to Algebra are those that provide students with opportunities to use modeling in solving problems. The investigations are motivated by practical questions from application contexts and other interesting questions based on pure mathematics. Students use aspects of modeling to interpret problem situations; understand the goals of a problem; represent, test, and revise various approaches to solving the problem; and report on results.
CURRICULUM MATERIALS COMPONENTS:
Teacher Notes
The Teacher Notes support lesson planning by providing information that addresses content, pedagogy, and pedagogical content knowledge. Sections of the Teacher Notes contain a summary of the content and objectives for the investigation, highlight opportunities to model with mathematics, and anticipate student thinking and possible responses—including common misunderstandings.
Annotated Student Pages
The Annotated Student Pages comprise the material in the student book, notes for managing the investigation, and discussion questions. The questions, highlighted by shading, do not have to be asked verbatim but indicate what mathematics topics and ideas should be considered deeply by teacher and students. As students get used to the instructional approach, they will raise these issues themselves or pose the questions spontaneously.
Digital Version
The entire A Modeling Approach to Algebra (AMAA) curriculum is provided in a digital format using the TI-Nspire Teacher Software Publish View feature. The AMAA digital version contains all the Student Pages, Teacher Notes, and Annotated Student Pages as well as interactive TI-Nspire documents to use with the whole class or, if available, the TI-Nspire handhelds. The files found in the digital version of AMAA are an important component of the AMAA curriculum. The Digital Version contains TI-Nspire documents and web links that are integral to developing student understanding of algebraic concepts found in a number of the AMAA lessons and projects.
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