Pre-Algebra with Lori Miller

In the book Restoring All Things, Warren Cole Smith and John Stonestreet state, “…we glorify [God] by learning of Him and His world. To learn is an act of worship.” In the words of Galileo Galilei, “Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.” Learning mathematics is a powerful way to worship God.

Pre-Algebra is designed as a transition from arithmetic to algebra. It is a foundation for future courses in mathematics, science, and economics. In addition, algebraic thinking is a daily life skill. Thus, Pre-Algebra is designed to develop algebraic thinking, instead of merely acquiring techniques to solve problems. I would like to show students that mathematics is more than numbers and equations, that it encompasses logical, analytical, and creative thinking. I want to help them develop their problem-solving ability.

Topics covered will include properties of numbers, rational numbers, an introduction to graphs, functions, and sequences, exponents and roots, ratios and proportionality, percents, perimeter, area, volume, data and statistics, probability, equations and inequalities, graphing lines, and foundations of Geometry.

This 32-week course includes a weekly 1.5 hour recitation session. Students will be required to watch Thinkwell videos and complete practice exercises before class so they are prepared for in-class discussions and activities. In the videos, Professor Ed Burger teaches algebraic concepts in an entertaining and memorable manner. Grades will be based on chapter tests, mid-term and final exams, class participation, a short essay the first semester, and a short oral presentation the second semester.

Course Objectives:

1. Students will recognize that mathematics is a beautiful God-given resource.
2. Students will learn to think algebraically.
3. Students will reinforce and expand skills learned in arithmetic and will begin to learn algebraic concepts in preparation for Algebra I.
4. Students will apply mathematical concepts to real life situations.
5. Students will discuss the mathematical concepts being learned.

Texts:

• Honors 8th Grade Math (Prealgebra) Online Course by Thinkwell (Discounted price of $70 for students in this course).
• Students will also need to print some worksheets and tests, and a way to scan and submit completed homework and tests. There are several free or inexpensive scanner apps for smartphones, such as Adobe Scan or Genius Scan.