Algebra Unit 3 (Graphing Linear Equations)

What are we learning?

• Identifying linear and nonlinear functions

• Graphing and analyzing linear equations in standard form

• Graphing and analyzing linear equations in slope-intercept form

• Graphing and analyzing absolute value equations

What to expect in this unit?

• This unit will build on what students learned in Math 8 and will extend their understanding of linear equations as they apply their ability to graph linear equations to absolute value equations. The unit will consist of formative and summative assessments.

Why does this unit matter?

• This unit is foundational to all future units this school year, in particular the first half of the year as we focus on linear functions.

Algebra Unit 4 (Writing Linear Equations)

• What are we learning?

• Students will be writing equations for linear functions in slope-intercept form, standard form, and point-slope form. Students will also be analyzing lines of best fit and learning how to use a graphing calculator to better analyze data. 

• What to expect in this unit?

• The unit will consist of formative and summative assessments including a performance task which will allow them to choose a problem and create a video explaining how to solve the inequality. This year we have IXL as a resource to support student learning. Moving forward, students will be provided with IXL topics that align with what they are learning in each unit. Some topics will be assigned as homework and others are for students to complete if they need extra practice on a particular topic. 

• Why does this unit matter?

• This unit will expose students' to the graphing calculator and how they can use technology to analyze data. While this will provide an introduction to the graphing calculator, we will continue building upon their ability to use it in future units. 

Algebra Unit 5 (Solving Systems of Linear Equations & Inequalities)

• What are we learning?

• Students will be solving systems of linear equations using various methods (graphing, substitution, elimination, and graphing calculator). Students will also explore solutions to special systems of equations. We will then move on to graphing linear inequalities and solving systems of linear inequalities.

• What to expect in this unit?

• The unit will consist of formative and summative assessments including a performance task which will allow them to choose a problem and create a video explaining how to solve the inequality. This year we have IXL as a resource to support student learning. Moving forward, students will be provided with IXL topics that align with what they are learning in each unit. Some topics will be assigned as homework and others are for students to complete if they need extra practice on a particular topic. 

• Why does this unit matter?

• This unit will expose students' to the graphing calculator and how they can use technology to work with linear equations. 

Algebra Unit 6 (Exponential Functions)

What are we learning?

Students will be focused on simplifying exponential expressions using various properties of exponents. Students will also be writing and graphing exponential functions. They will extend their knowledge of exponential functions to write and use exponential growth and decay and compound interest. functions

What to expect in this unit?

The unit will consist of formative and summative assessments including a performance task which will involve using exponential functions in real-world scenarios. Students will be provided with IXL topics that align with what they are learning in each unit. Some topics will be assigned as homework and others are for students to complete if they need extra practice on a particular topic. 

Why does this unit matter?

Exponential functions can be used to model real-life situations. For example, they can be used to represent the growth of viruses over time.

Algebra Unit 7 (Polynomial Equations & Factoring)

What are we learning?

Students will be focused on factoring polynomial expressions and solving polynomial equations in factored form.

What to expect in this unit?

The unit will consist of formative and summative assessments including a performance task which will involve using in real-world scenarios. Students will be provided with IXL topics that align with what they are learning in each unit. Some topics will be assigned as homework and others are for students to complete if they need extra practice on a particular topic. 

Why does this unit matter?

We will continue to explore quadratic equations for the next couple of units as we focus on graphing and solving.

Algebra Unit 8 - Graphing Quadratic Functions

What are we learning?

Students will be focused on graphing quadratic functions in standard form, vertex form, and intercept form. Students will also be using their graphing calculator to graph quadratic functions and find key features of the graph. We will wrap up the unit by comparing linear, exponential, and quadratic functions.

What to expect in this unit?

The unit will consist of formative and summative assessments including a performance task which will involve students taking a picture of a parabola in real life and creating a quadratic equation to model the object. Students will be provided with IXL topics that align with what they are learning in each unit. Some topics will be assigned as homework and others are for students to complete if they need extra practice on a particular topic. 

Why does this unit matter?

Quadratic functions can be used to model real-life situations.  Students will be working with the vertical motion model.