Algebra 1: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Lesson Plan for week 2

Name: Wes Hurt

Date: Jun 2006
Age/Grade level: 9th grade Algebra 1
# of students: 26
# of IEP students: 0
Subject: Algebra
Major content: Algebraic Expressions
Lesson Length: 2 periods of 45 min. each
Unit Title: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions using addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division of terms.
Lesson #: Algebra1, Week 2

Context

This lesson is an introduction to Algebra and its basic concepts. It introduces the familiar
arithmetic operators of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in the formal
context of Algebra. This lesson includes the simplification of monomial and polynomial
expressions using the arithmetic operators.

Because the computational methods of variable quantities follows from the computational
methods of numeric quantities, then it should follow from an understanding of basic
mathematical terminology including the arithmetic operators, fractions, radicals,
exponents, absolute value, etc., which will be practiced extensively prior to this lesson.

Objectives

• Students will be able to identify basic algebraic concepts including: terms,

expressions, monomial, polynomial, variable, evaluate, factor, product, quotient,
etc.
• Students will be able to simplify algebraic expressions using the four arithmetic
operators.
• Students will be able to construct and simplify algebraic expressions from given
parameters.
• Students will be able to evaluate algebraic expressions.
• Students will work in groups to gather data using technology.
• Students will draw conclusions based on the process of algebra.

Connections
Mathematics HS 397
Academic Expectations Program of Studies Core Content for Assessment
1.5 - 1.9 Students use M-H-A-2 Students will MA-H-1.2.1 Students will
mathematical ideas and solve two-variable linear perform addition, subtraction,
procedures to equations using real multiplication, and division with
communicate, reason, numbers, real number real numbers in problem-solving
and solve problems. operations, field situations to specified accuracy.
2.7 Students understand properties, and order of MA-H-1.2.2 Students will
number concepts and use operations. simplify real number expressions
numbers appropriately such as those containing
and accurately. opposites, reciprocals, absolute
2.8 Students understand values, exponents (integer), roots
various mathematical (square, cube), and factorials.
procedures and use them MA-H-1.3.2 Students will
appropriately and understand how real number
accurately. properties (identity, inverse,
commutative, associative,
distributive, closure) are used to
simplify expressions and solve
equations.

Resources, media, and technology

Students and teacher should have access to the internet for these lessons.

NUMBER CRUNCHER ACTIVITY:

http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/numbercruncher/index.html

The number cruncher will help students reason by identifying patterns that are based on
variables and simple arithmetic operators.

PURPLE MATH:
http://www.purplemath.com/

The Purple Math website will connect students to review materials on the specific
subjects of polynomial addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

BRAIN POP:
http://www.brainpop.com/

The Brain Pop website will help encourage students to practice for Term Tennis
Assessment.

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP:

For the virtual field trip, these links are helpful for research but not necessary:

http://www.infinitetechnologies.co.za/articles/thegreatpyramid.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt

http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/menu.html

http://www.carnegiemnh.org/exhibits/egypt/

http://www.historychannel.com

http://www.google.com

Procedures

Students will work individually and in groups to solve problems. There will be two 45
minute lectures on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing polynomial expressions,
and the rest of the week will be a combination of worksheets, individual and group
activities, and a take home quiz for assessment.

Enrichment activities will include the Number Cruncher game, which will help encourage
students to participate and reason about terms containing variables. Also, the virtual field
trip will add an edge of excitement to the class by getting them to work together in small
groups of 2 or 3.

Assessment Plan

Students will be assessed on 3 worksheets and a take home quiz, as well as their
participation in the online activities and in class discussions.

Formative Assessment:

Addition and Subtraction worksheet: 25pts.

Multiplication and Division worksheet: 25pts.
In-class and group participation: 10pts.
Virtual Field Trip: 15pts.
Vocabulary Search/Word match worksheet and Number Cruncher: 10pts.

Summative Assessments:

Term Tennis Assessment game: +5 possible bonus onto quiz score.

A short take home quiz on simplifying algebraic expressions: 15pts.

Total: 100pts.