Algebra 2

 

I'm a little behind on setting up this page for the 2008-2009 school year, so most of the information contained is from the

Magnet Algebra 2 I taught last year at KMHS.  The courses are similar, so the "leftover" resources still apply.

 

Syllabus
Calendar
SharePoint
Textbook
Advanced Grapher
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The Syllabus offers a brief overview of course, including grading and classroom policies, for the Honors Algebra 2 course.  The current version is for the 2008-2009 school year and is the same one shared among all Honors Algebra 2 teachers at RHS.

 

The Calendar is my "semester plan" that I use as a pacing guideline for the current course I'm teaching.  While it will inevitably change as the semester goes on (and I try to update it here from time to time), it might be a useful reference for the student as well.  UPDATE:  This has finally been posted, but the plan only includes the first grading period (9 weeks)

 

SharePoint is the Williamson County Schools site used by its educators, and this link is the directory for the Ravenwood faculty.  It contains resources and a homework calendar for each teacher and class.  Much of the information there is also contained here, but some might prefer the setup in SharePoint.  UPDATE:  I now have a personal site (the new teachers' sites were a little delayed getting set up).  I will be posting daily assignments on the SharePoint calendar.

 

The Textbook link is a website created specifically for our textbook by the publisher Glencoe / McGraw Hill.  There are extra practice problems, self-check quizzes, and practice chapter tests... all of which can be useful in class.

 

Advanced Grapher is a graphing software application that allows students to graph relations of different types in one window, including scatter plots .  Students can click the Advanced Grapher link to download the software for use at home in the event they do not have access to a graphing calculator at home.  A product key is required after 30 days, but I'm working on getting a site license for the students.

 

 

Classroom Supplements and Enrichments.

 

By now you have probably noticed that I don't follow the book exactly.  I like to add, subtract, and rearrange chapters to better fit our needs.  The resources below are intended to supplement and/or enrich what is in our current textbook.

 

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Linear Modeling Activity - Here is the worksheet we played around with in class when learning about linear regression.

 

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Common Parent Functions - There are several "new" parent functions that are used in Algebra 2.  This document highlights the more common ones, including some of their properties.

 

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Function Transformations - This site from Hofstra University provides information and practice on function transformations. If you would like to try something a little more basic to start with, PurpleMath has this tutorial.

 

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Systems of Equations in Three Variables - These are the notes from the lesson on solving systems of linear equations in three variables.  It includes three examples - one each for a single solution, no solution, and the solution to a dependent system.  The homework worksheet is also included here.

 
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Elementary Row Operations - This is an introductory mini-lesson and worksheet on the three elementary row operations for matrices.

 
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Finding Inverse Matrices - For those interested in techniques for finding the inverse of any square matrix, this is the document for you.

 
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Finding Determinants - This document not only reviews the techniques for evaluating 2x2 and 3x3 determinants, it also outlines the expansion by minors technique that can be used for any determinant.

 
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Area of a Triangle - This document defines, proves, and gives some examples of using determinants to find the area of a triangle given three vertices.

 
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Solving Polynomial Equations - This is a brief review of a strategy for solving polynomial equations.  This does assume that the reader understands the Rational Root Theorem and synthetic division.

 
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Extreme Values - This is a brief exploration on using calculus concepts to locate the exact values for relative maximum and minimum values on the graph of a polynomial function.  Don't worry... no calculus experience required!

 
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Conics Introduction - This is a brief introduction to the four main conic sections.  It highlights the names, equations, and graphs of the circle, ellipse, hyperbola, and parabola.

 
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Conics Enrichment Activity - Yes... this is the extra credit activity promised in class!

 
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Logistic Growth Activity - Here is the extra credit enrichment for Chapter 6.  Remember to type your results just as you have done with all other projects in class.

 

 

Resources for Help and Review.

 

As the needs arise, I'll try to add resources here that might offer a little additional support.

 

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Calculator Basics - Unfortunately, not all Algebra 1 students have the opportunity to use graphing calculators in their studies... but you will certainly need them in Algebra 2!  This document is a first timer's step-by-step guide for a few of the functionalities that we use in class (it's also handy for anyone who has forgotten the steps).  In particular, this document illustrates how to enter lists of data, create a scatter plot, and find the line of best fit.

 
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Excel Basics - Some of the activities in class require the use of Excel for graphing and/or finding model equations.  This document walks those unfamiliar with the software through a linear example.

 

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Graphing Linear Equations - This is a brief review of a strategy for graphing linear equations.

 
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Writing Linear Equations - Here is a graphic organizer to help with writing linear equations.

 
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Solving Linear Equations - This document outlines a strategy for solving practically any linear equation in one variable.  It includes several examples along with a few tips at the end.

 
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Systems of Equations in Two Variables - Here is a review on solving systems of linear equations from Algebra 1.  It includes one example of each type of system solved three different ways.

 
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Factoring Review - This document offers a strategy for factoring basic polynomials using the major techniques from Algebra 1.

 
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Solving Inequalities - This is a link to a site that finds solutions to polynomial and rational inequalities.  I thought others might enjoy it.

 
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Exponential Growth and Decay - Here is a little presentation lesson I have used in Algebra 1.  It pretty much describes the growth and decay models as well as give some examples.

 
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Sequences and Notation - I realize that I teach and use sequences differently than our textbook, so I've put together this brief introduction on the notation and terminology for those that might want it for reference.

 

 

Activities and Projects.

 

Here are the major activities that we will do in class as time permits.

 

Teachers:  Most of these are adaptations from the activities and labs on my Algebra 1 and AP Calculus pages, so you might check those out to see if they are more appropriate for your needs.  Some of these activities need a little updating with screen shots and calculator keystrokes, but you can at least use them as a starting point (feel free to edit as you see fit).

 

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Flight Lab (linear modeling) - In this activity, students must research flight times from the Internet and then model and analyze the data.

 
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Falling Object Activity (quadratic modeling) - This activity has students take data from a free falling object experiment and then analyze the motion's position and velocity behavior.

 

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M&M Lab (exponential decay) - This activity has students perform an experiment with candy to simulate radioactive decay.

 

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Population Lab (exponential growth) - This activity has students research and analyze location population data.

 

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Direct Variation Lab (direct variation) - This activity has students measure several objects to model a direct variation.

 

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Boyle's Law Lab (inverse variation) - This activity has students use a gas pressure sensor in an experiment to model the relationship between volume and pressure.

 

 

Assessment Solutions.

 

This is where I will post solutions for all quizzes and tests in this course.  My hope is that students will use them for study guides for chapter tests and major exams.

 

Pre-Assessment      
       
       
       
       
       
       

 

 

Additional Resources. 

 

Here are a few additional links that students can use for finding extra help (study guides, practice worksheets, etc).  I haven't used them much myself, but other students have and seem to find them useful.

 

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Algebrahelp.com - This site contains lessons, worksheets, and calculators listed by topic.  The calculators will work out problems step-by-step so that students can get an idea of not only the answer, but the solution to that answer.

 

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Purplemath - This site acts as a portal to other help sites, but there is a lesson index at the right that offers help by topic (most of the topics in Algebra 1 can be found under Beginning Algebra Topics and Intermediate Algebra Topics).

 

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Algebra.com - This site advertises free help with algebra homework and has tutorials and problem solving calculators.

 

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SparkNotes - This site offers more than just math help and can be a little overwhelming with everything it offers, so this just links you directly to the math help index.