This course is an excellent high school Algebra 1 course! It is a slower pace than Pre-Algebra because the student in this course already has a solid math foundation.
This is a nine month course designed for the student to work math five days a week. There are three weeks of sick days or holidays built into the course. With proper planning, this ensures that your student will complete the course on time and will have fun days with the family.
From the very first week of class, your student will be using a calculator. I recommend the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition. This is an important tool to learn how to use as it is allowed on the SAT and ACT. With proper understanding, this calculator can assist in achieving higher scores. Please consider buying a used calculator from eBay, as you can save significant money. Also, be sure to buy a calculator that uses batteries as the rechargeable ones have a habit of dying during exams in college.
There is an exam over each chapter as well as a mid-term after chapter 5 and a comprehensive final exam.
A typical week consists of watching two or three videos where Melissa teaches a new topic. The student will do some practice problems after the video to help re-enforce the lesson. The next day, the student will do more complex homework problems practicing the concept learned the day before, as well as other concepts taught in the course. Halfway through each chapter, there is a mid-chapter review. At the end of each chapter, there is an end of chapter review followed by an exam.
Chapter exams may be taken three times each; the mid-term may be taken twice; the final exam may be taken once.
Algebra 1
Students will do homework daily online. Instant feedback is provided so the student knows if he has the answer correct. The student has unlimited attempts on each homework problem, so he can achieve 100% on each assignment if desired.
If a student gets stuck solving a homework problem after watching the lesson video, there are several resources to help clarify the topic. There is the e-textbook that they can read; an animated solution; a help button, which shows the step by step solution; additional short publisher videos; as well as the option to send Melissa a personal e-mail asking for help.
Topics taught in Algebra 1:
Chapter 1: Review of Real Numbers
Chapter 2: Solving Equations & Problem Solving
Chapter 3: Graphs and Functions
Chapter 4: Inequalities and Absolute Value
Chapter 5: Linear Equations and Equalities
Chapter 6: Exponents and Polynomials
Chapter 7: Factoring Polynomials
Chapter 8: Rational Expressions
Chapter 9: Roots, Radicals & Trigonometric
Ratios
Chapter 10: Quadratic Equations
At the end of the course, there are six additional topics that are offered which are completely optional. There is no additional charge and there are no exams. The topics are excellent preparation for Elements of Statistic which is a college course required by many majors.
Optional Topics:
Appendix A: Venn Diagrams
Appendix B: Survey Problems
Appendix C: Fundamental Counting Principle
Appendix D: Permutations
Appendix E: Combinations
Appendix F: Arithmetic & Geometric Sequences