Algebra Enrichment

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Algebra Enrichment, March 2010

Margaret Pellegrini

Tuesdays, March 9, 16, and 23, 2010

6:30 to 7:30 PM

RCTC Heintz Center

GATEway, in collaboration with RCTC Community and Youth Programs, is pleased to offer a three-session program of math enrichment for elementary students. This program is designed to introduce some of the fundamental concepts of Algebra to students in grades 3-5 who are interested in advanced math. The classes will use manipulatives and other age-appropriate methods of introducing abstract concepts in a way that is easier for young minds to understand. Concepts will include the use of negative numbers, variables, number lines, and the coordinate plane.

Since each session will build on skills taught the previous week, students should plan to attend all three sessions. Sessions will meet on Tuesdays, March 9, 16, and 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the RCTC's Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Dr. SE. Parents are encouraged to stay during the class time to assist their students. Students will be encouraged to complete assignments for additional practice at home. Students will need a basic understanding of negative numbers before beginning the 3-week program. Some extensions will be available each week for students who cover the basics quickly.

Families interested in this enrichment need to pre-register for the program by emailing GATEway at gateroch@yahoo.com. Please specify the name, age, and grade of each child registering, along with the parent's name, email address, and telephone number(s). Classes are free, but freewill donations will be accepted to help cover the costs of duplicating and class materials.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us or call GATEway president, Melissa Amundsen, at 289-3899, or the class instructor, Margaret Pellegrini, at 288-3201.

March 9 Objectives:
Ordering negative numbers
Understand addition of negative and positive numbers
Concept of absolute value as distance
Concept of opposites/additive inverses
Concept of "-" as "turn around" or adding the opposite
Subtraction of negative numbers esp. subtracting negative numbers
Multiplication of integers esp. minus by minus
Introduce variables and expressions with variables
Show multiplication of variables as ab a(b) or a.b
Evaluate variable expressions for different values of the variable

March 16 Objectives:
Introduce linear equations in one variable
Solving simple linear equations
Introduce 2-variable equations
Solve for x or y

March 23 Objectives:
Introducing the Coordinate plane
Plot points
Terms: origin, x-axis, y-axis, coordinates
Plot 2-variable equations