8th Grade Algebra - Lets Revisit Some More

 

Post #4, October 26, 2012

 

Algebra Help   

Algebra Help is a helpful website for eighth grade students who are taking Algebra I.  This site has many items to help you through a lesson  The sections have a topic that you can click to get sample lessons that are related to that topic.  You can review the lesson with multiple examples specific to Algebra I.  Once you review a lesson, you can select a 20 problem worksheet to try.  If that isn't enough, you can try the calculator, to help solve one of your own difficult problems.  You can click on the resources tab to get additional help on like-topics or check out the study tips.  Even if you need additional help, you can log onto a forum from this site and ask questions.  This is a total way to get more practice on an algebra lesson. [Review by Sonia Z.]

 Algebra.help. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.algebrahelp.com/ 

Does your job really require algebra?

 The article, "Does your job really require algebra?" by Jacob Vigdor, talks about how is necessary in education and for a number of careers. Algebra is not learned equally by students; every student has their own pace and ability to learn algebra.  It is an interesting article regarding what our school systems need to incorporate to teach students algebra so that college is in their future.  Can you think of some jobs that may need algebra?

 Vigdor, J. (2012, August 8). Does your job really require algebra?. Retrieved from http://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2012/08/08/does_your_job_really_require_algebra_99808.html

Algebra - Linear Equations Music Video

This video contains a Justin Bieber song with new words relating to graphing linear equations.  This is a higher level thinking of math but the basic concept will help with all algebra graphing.  The voice over is not the most pleasing but the song does go into how you should graph a linear equation in the simplest of ways.  This song may help you to retain information, even if it is a dubbing of one of you least favorite songs or artists.  Students are much more likely to remember a formula or process in math by having the details set to music.  Have fun watching the video but then take a moment to think about what math terms YOU may be able to set to music.  [Review Sonia Z.]

 Algebra 2 - linear equations music video. (2012, September). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85UOimAMuEs

Dr. Math Gets You Ready for Algebra 
 
Dr. Math Gets Your Ready for Algebra is about getting the student ready for the jump from concrete numbers and real objects to abstract symbols.  The cartoon characters, represented in the book, follow with every chapter to help the student relate to the information.  The book is arranged in a question/answer format with detail on the concepts.  This is extremely helpful for students and for parents to follow.  All students, whether just preparing for algebra or already taking algebra, will be able to use this book to better their understanding of basic algebra concepts.   [Review Sonia Z.]

The Math Forum. (2003, August 8). Dr. math gets you ready for algebra: Learning pre-algebra is easy! just ask dr. math!. Retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dr-math-gets-you-ready-for-algebra-the-math-forum/1112114941

8th Grade Mathematics : Algebra I (10/20/12)

Content Area: 8th Grade Mathematics

Unit of Study: Algebra I

Post #3   Due Date October 20, 2012

S.O.S. Math

S.O.S. Math is a helpful website for eighth grade students who are taking Algebra I.  This site has many practice problems on specific topics which are related to Algebra I.  The sections have a topic that you can click to get sample problems that are related to that topic.  A student can try solving the problems on their own and then check the answers by clicking on the solution.  If a student only wants to practice problems in a subtopic listed under the topic, then just click on the subtopic name.  With the solutions, a detailed explanation is given and you can look at more problems or test yourself.  This is a good way to get more practice on an algebra lesson. [Review by Sonia Z.]

 S.O.S. Mathematics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/algebra.html

Article: Reading, Math, and Grit

The article, "Reading, Math, and Grit" by Joe Nocera, talks of the upcoming election and how education is on the debate but falls short of a target audience.  Once that was said, the rest of the article focused on a book, "How Children Succeed" by Paul Tough.  This book follows the pedagogy of learning styles in the way of looking at a students character to build lessons.  It is an interesting article regarding what our school systems need to incorporate to teach to the students that may not think college is not in their future.  Take a read and tell me what you think of this article?

 Nocera, J. (2012, September 7). Reading, math and grit. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/08/opinion/nocera-a-ray-of-hope-in-education.html?_r=0

Video of Mathmaticious

  

This video contains a rap of some of the algebraic functions that you may find in 8th grade.  At first, this seems to be just a silly way of portraying math.  However, this is one type of character trait that will help to retain information.  Students are much more likely to remember a formula or process in math by having the details set to a rhyme or a rap.  Have fun watching the video but then take a moment to think about what math terms you may be able to set to music.  [Review Sonia Z.]

 Sumersetinc. (2008, March 13). Mathmeticious. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAs1YBELmA

Building Resilience in Children and Teens by Kenneth R. Ginsburg

Building Resilience in Children and Teens continues the idea of this blog regarding character in learning.   This book talks about the perseverance that is missing from our youth today.  With all learning, a student needs to be engaged but much of what we see in classrooms today, can be boredom from the information that is being taught, especially in regards to mathematics.  This book has some good information about the "Whys" and "Hows" to bring resilience back into our young adults to use with their school work and in life.   [Review Sonia Z.]

Ginsberg, K. (2011, April 1). Building resilience in children and teens: Giving kids roots and wings. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books/about/Building_Resilience_in_Children_and_Teen.html?id=XQJwcgAACAAJ

Content Area: 8th Grade Mathematics

Unit of Study: Algebra I

Post #2   Due Date October 6, 2012

 A. Website:Math.com

Math.com is another helpful website for eighth grade students who are taking Algebra I.  Once an Algebraic topic is selected from the menu, the site shows a different instructional format; first glance instruction, in-depth instruction,  examples, and a workout.  First glance instruction is a simple way of showing the algebraic topic.  In-depth instruction goes into the detailed steps to learn the topic. Examples are shown as simple problems, word problems, and real world situations.  The workout section is for the user to work out the problems.  This is a good site for a quick review. [Review by Sonia Z.] 

Math.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://math.com/homeworkhelp/Algebra.html

 B. Article: Where's the Math? The Algebra Problem

 The article, "Where's the Math?  The Algebra Problem", talks about a couple of issues, one requiring all 8th grade students to take Algebra I.  Enrollment for 8th graders has increased over recent years, however, should all 8th graders take Algebra I?  This article addresses some of the issues surrounding the requirement that is already implemented for some schools. One of the main issues has to do with the students who are not prepared by 8th grade to achieve academic success in Algebra.  The result of the article states “A one-size-fits-all approach to 8th grade math placement is not supported
by our analysis”

SoundMath. (2012, January 29). Where's the math?. Retrieved from http://wheresthemath.com/curriculum-reviews/the-algebra-problem/  

 C.Video: Grade 8: 2-Step Equation with Mult and Add

 

This video gives lively explanation for 8th graders on two step Algebraic equations.  This video from coastermonkey.net on youtube is set to music and will appeal to the students that learn from a visual representation.   Students will like being able to learn while listening to some upbeat music [Review Sonia Z.]

 Grade 8: 2-step equation with mult and add. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HT6ED0MJtc

D. Book: Algebra Unplugged 
 
Algebra Unplugged by Jim Loats is a book to help 8th grade students with algebra concepts.  This book takes a student through Algebra topics with analogies that relate to their age group.  The author discusses the areas that are stumbling blocks and how to survive.  The books gives ways to alleviate math anxiety.  I think that the following quote from a consumer sums up this book, "Ever read an algebra book for fun? Ever thought you would want to? Algebra Unplugged is just that sort of book" [Review Sonia Z.]

 Loats, J.,  Kenn, A. (1995, January 1). Algebra unplugged. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Algebra-Unplugged-Jim-Loats/dp/0962781576/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349483887&sr=1-5&keywords=8th grade algebra

8th Grade Mathematics - Algebra

Content Area: 8th Grade Mathematics

Unit of Study: Algebra I

Post #1   Due Date September 29, 2012

A. Website: Purplemath

Purplemath is a helpful website for eighth grade students who are taking Algebra I.  This site has many short forums on specific topics which are related to Algebra I.  Just click on a topic for additional help and the forum shows the key terms for that topic along with examples.  If help is needed regarding a highlighted term, just click on that term and the page will go to the forum on the highlighted topic.  Following the topic information are some examples that can be worked or just follow along to further the understanding of the topic.  The most helpful information is at the end of the forum which is an interactive section where the user can make up their own problems and the page will give the solutions.  This is a good way to double check homework problems. [Review by Sonia Z.]

Purplemath. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.purplemath.com/modules/index.htm 
 

B. Article: "Why Learn Algebra?" by Jason Gibson

The article, "Why Learn Algebra?" by Jason Gibson, has a intriguing way of answering the main question asked by students, "Why do we need to learn Algebra?"  Just like learning the elementary math functions, like adding and subtracting, Algebra has rules to follow and if taken one step at a time, it is not so overwhelming.  This article talks about the applications that we see in our everyday lives that are linked to the skills learned in Algebra.  A quote from Mr. Gibson in his article "try not to think of Algebra as a boring list of rules and procedures to memorize. Consider algebra as a gateway to exploring the world around us all."

Gibson, J. (n.d.). Why learn algebra?. Retrieved from http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/why_learn_algebra.html  


C.Video: Why are there letters in Algebra?
 




This video gives a detailed explanation of the use of letters used in math that makes up the variables in Algebra.  The KhanAcademy videos are like watching a teacher instruct a specific lesson in a simplified manner.  This is helpful to students to breakdown a topic as shown from a different instructor.  This specific video will answer one of the first questions about Algebra. [Review Sonia Z.]

 Why are there letters in algebra?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm98lnrlbMA

D. Book: The Language of Mathematics - Making the Invisible Visible by Keith Devlin

The Language of Mathematics - Making the Invisible Visible contains a vast amount of mathematics in the world around us that a person would not even think about in a mathematical sense.  The chapter can be read out of order because the whole book talks about numbers and math for the real world.  Thoughts that you might ponder about knots, coffee cups, even donuts, are talked about in a mathematical angle.  Insurance and gambling have information from a statistical standpoint.  What I like most about the book is the real world examples that have an Algebraic background.  Just check out the chapters that pertain to Algebra for applications that you would have never thought about algebraically. [Review Sonia Z.]

 Devlin, K. (2000, March 13). The language of mathematics: Making the invisible visible. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Language-Mathematics-Making-Invisible-Visible/dp/0805072543