Course Description:
Algebra
2 Connections, the third course in the College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM),
curriculum focuses students on creating multiple representations (tables,
graphs, contexts, and rules/equations) of functions and relations and on finding
connections among the ideas they are studying.
Students will use problem solving strategies, questioning, investigating
and explaining in conjunction with their previous knowledge to analyze problems
and formulate solutions for linear and non-linear functions, and their
inverses. This course will move at a
college-prep pace and it is imperative that students keep up with all class
work and homework assignments in order to be successful.
Textbook:
College Preparatory Math
Algebra 2 Connections, edited by Judy Kysh and Evra Baldinger
*Students
will receive homework from this textbook.
Course Outline:
Unit 1a: Why
do we study math?
Unit 1: Investigations and Functions
Essential Question (EQ): What is a function and how
are they represented? How do I
investigate functions?
Content: Graphing calculator skills, effective group
work, functions notation.
Unit 2: Sequences and Equivalence
EQ: What is a sequence and how does it relate to a
function?
Content: Generalizing arithmetic and geometric
sequences.
Unit 3: Exponential Functions
EQ: What is
exponential growth and decay? What types of real-world situations show
exponential growth and decay?
Content: Representing exponential growth and decay
algebraically. Applications of exponential growth and exponential decay.
Unit 4: Quadratic Functions
EQ: What effect do coefficients have on the
graphs of quadratic functions? How does the solution to a
quadratic equation relate to a quadratic function?
Content:
Dilation, translation and reflection of non-linear parent functions; focusing on quadratic functions. Solving quadratic equations. Addition, subtraction, and multiplication of
rational expressions.
Unit 5: Complex Numbers and Polynomials
EQ: What is
an imaginary number? How are they
related to quadratic functions? How are
operations with algebraic fractions performed?
Content: Introduction to imaginary numbers and
complex roots. Division of rational
expressions.
Unit 6: Inverses and Logarithms
EQ: What is an inverse function? How are the graphs and equations of inverses related? What is a
logarithm?
Content: Relationship between a function and its
inverse, properties of logarithm functions, transformations of logarithms.
Unit 7: Probability and Counting
EQ: How can
probability be used to make predictions?
Content: Fundamental Counting Principle,
permutations, combinations, calculating probability.
Unit 8:
Envision School Graduation Portfolio Project
Students will demonstrate their Algebra II
understandings in an Envision Schools Graduation Portfolio project.
Assessment:
For
every unit, students will take an individual end of unit test. Students will also have weekly or biweekly Concept
quizzes that are in direct aligned with the CA State Standards. Students may retake a Concept quiz as
many times as desired to get a higher grade within each quarter. Students will be assigned homework twice
a week, which will be collected and graded.
In
the Spring students will choose from a selection of Envision Schools Graduation
Portfolio (ESGP) Projects options, on a variety of topics that we have studied
throughout the year. Students may use
their ESGP project as their Inquiry Artifact in their Graduation Portfolio.
Grading:
* Application of Knowledge (45%):
o
Notebook checks – select classwork assignments and Do Nows.
o
Student presentations, Effective and
Persuasive Communication.
o
Student participation in class discussions, Effective
and Persuasive Communication.
o
Group work assignments, Productive
Collaboration.
o
Individual student reflections. Metacognition.
o
Some homework assignments.
o
Graduation Portfolio Project (fourth quarter).
* Mastery of Knowledge (40%):
o Concept quizzes will be
given on a weekly or biweekly and basis on the CA State Standards. Students may retake a Concept quiz as many
times as desired to get a higher grade, during office hours or quiz time.
o End
of Unit individual tests.
o
Periodic group quizzes.
o
Graduation Portfolio Project (fourth quarter).
* College Work Habits (15%):
o Homework will be assigned
twice a week and due on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Alignment with CA
State Content Standards
By
the end of the year, students should master the following content:
· Interpret and graph
functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic) (Algebra II 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 12.0)
· Solve equations (linear,
quadratic, exponential, logarithmic) and inequalities (linear, quadratic) (Alg. II 1.0, 2.0, 8.0)
· Arithmetic and geometric
sequences (Alg. II 22.0, 23.0)
· Operations on polynomials (Alg. II 3.0, 4.0, 8.0)
· Imaginary/Complex Numbers (Alg. II 5.0, 6.0)
· Definition and properties of
Logarithms (Alg. II 11.0, 13.0, 14.0)
· Operation with rational
expressions (Alg. II 7.0, 15.0)
· Fundamental Counting
Principle (Alg. II 18.0)
· Probability, Combinations
and Permutations (Alg. 19.0, 20.0)
Materials needed:
*Binder with at least 300
pages of loose-leaf paper and 4 dividers (for Classwork, Do Nows, Homework, and
Miscellaneous). You may use a Spiral
Notebook with at least 250 pages of paper, if you prefer.
*Calculator:
TI-84 or TI-83 Graphing Calculator (recommended) or Scientific calculator (minimum).
Students are expected to bring a calculator to and from school everyday!
*Graph
paper - for classwork and homework.
*Planner
*Pencils
AND Pens
Absences:
Late
work will not be accepted. If a student
is absent they may submit the work that was due when they were absent the day
they return or the following day. If
there are extenuating circumstances for the absence the student should speak to
me immediately, in person or via email.
Bathroom Passes:
Upper
Division students will only be permitted to use the bathroom during class 8
times per semester. Students will only
be allowed to go to the bathroom if they have their planner with one of their 8
bathroom passes available. UD Students
are advised to take care of the bathroom needs during breaks or during lunch.
Classroom
Expectations:
Students
are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared. During class students are expected to be on
task and in their assigned seat while respecting the classroom learning
community. Students need to be
responsible for themselves. When these
expectations are not met the following consequences will occur.
Step 1: Teacher Intervention (Proximity,
Mini-conversation, Redirection, Step Outside, etc.)
Step 2: Documented
Warning
Step 3: Detention
after school
Step 4: Behavior
Referral
Students
are expected to come to class fully prepared; to put in 100% effort everyday;
to behave appropriately and uphold our Community Agreements (especially regarding
behavior appropriate to an 11th grade, college-prep classroom); and
to ask for help [inside or outside of class] when they begin to feel confused.
Office Hours:
Thursday
after school from 3:30-4:30. I highly urge students to utilize my
office hours as this course will move at a college-prep pace and the content
will be challenging.
Ms. Becht’s Blog: http://algebra2becht.blogspot.com
I
will post the daily objectives, homework assignments, and important dates for the
class on this website such that students and families can check the assignments
from home. I will also post the table of
contents for the Algebra II binder and links to helpful math websites related
to the concepts we are studying.
Contact Information:
Kristina Becht
kristina@es-impact.org
http://algebra2becht.blogspot.com/
Students:
Please email me or talk to me in person if you have a question about an
assignment, before it is due.
Parents:
Please email me or call me at Impact Academy’s main number: (510) 300-1560 with
any questions.
