Welcome to Curriculum Night (Jan-2020) Algebra 2 & Algebra 2 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Welcome to Curriculum Night (Jan-2020) Algebra 2 & Algebra 2 Honors Matt Thorsen mbthorsen@fcps.edu

Goals Compare and contrast Algebra 2 vs. Algebra 2 Honors:  Prerequisite knowledge  Scope of Course Content & Lesson Structure  Skills needed for success  Tests, Quizzes, Homework, & Projects  Teacher expectations  Typical next course

Prerequisite Knowledge Algebra 2 Honors Algebra 2  Geometry grade of C or  Grade of B or better in better Honors Geometry, or…  Solid foundation of basic  Grade of A in Geometry… Algebra skills  Well-developed • May need to refresh understanding of algebra algebra skills if “rusty” concepts & skills  ( A in Algebra 1)  Advanced, precise math vocabulary

Course Content & Lesson Structure Algebra 2 Honors Algebra 2  Cover Virginia SoL and FCPS  More challenging problems, more content rqmts. depth of content, and extensions  Broad range of topics  Explore multiple ways to solve a problem (See next page)  Frequent “discovery” learning &  Lesson often lecture-based peer discussion with guided notes  Fast-paced instruction/classwork  All material presented in class (external research or reading  Student responsible for note- typically not required) taking, and supplementing class  Some memorization required instruction with textbook reading & external research (internet…)  Problems in lessons map  Encounter “new” problems in directly to problems in homework and tests that require homework and assessments novel application of knowledge  Same textbook as Honors

Algebra 2 Covers a very broad range of concepts/topics: Graphing Absolute Value Linear Programming Polynomial Functions (equations with x 3 , x 4 , x 5 , …) Square Roots, Cube Roots, 4 th Roots, … Logarithms & Exponents Complex (Imaginary) Numbers Rational Functions Probability with Sequence & Series Matrix Algebra Algebra 2 Honors adds several extensions Matrix Algebra Conics Families of Lines Piecewise Functions …

Skills for Success Algebra 2 Honors Algebra 2  Organized notes / materials  Well-organized notes / materials  Completes homework on time  Completes homework and further researches topics of interest  Confident in math abilities  Prepares for tests/quizzes  Proactively seeks help when  Gets help when needed needed; uses peer study groups  Seeks challenging problems and  Willing to work through enjoys overcoming obstacles difficult problems  Wants to understand concepts  Willing to learn procedures to behind math rules & procedures solve problems  Seeks best way to solve a problem  Enjoys talking about math  Actively participates in class  Finds math FUN! [like a game]

Homework & Assessments Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Honors  30-45 minutes for homework per  45-60 minutes for homework per block class block class  Homework problems match  Most homework and test problems covered in class problems match lesson examples, but some problems require  Additional examples & practice students to apply what they have available in textbook learned to a unique context  Basic homework problems  Challenging homework problems assigned assigned  Some tests are cumulative  Most tests are cumulative  Test questions mirror classwork  Test problems may require and homework creative approach applying skills  Flexible test time (generally)  Tests are time-constrained  More Review Provided  Occasional “project” assignments

Teacher Expectations Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Honors  Attend class on time  Engage in active class discussions  Complete homework  Complete problems quickly and accurately  Take accurate class notes  Homework is neat, correct, and  Ask for help when needed thorough  Prepare for assessments  Proactively seek help when  Contribute to class discussions needed, and offer help to peers  Actively participate in group work  Research related math topics and share insights with class  Offer different / better ways to solve a problem  Make connections & conjectures based on prior knowledge  Precise math vocabulary & skills

Typical Next Course Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Honors  Most Algebra 2 students are  Algebra 2 Honors students are sophomores, and will follow one usually freshmen or sophomores, of the following paths in their and may plan on one of these final two high school years: paths for the next two years: Pre-Calculus  Calculus AB Pre-Calculus Honors  Calculus BC Pre-Calculus  Calculus (non-AP) Pre-Calculus Honors  Calculus AB Pre-Calculus  Prob/Stat Pre-Calculus  CompSci If schedules permit, these students may additionally schedule one of these math courses: AP Statistics AP Computer Science Always consult with Student Services Always consult with Student Services (Guidance) and the Career Center for insight (Guidance) and the Career Center for insight into course selection and college placement. into course selection and college placement.