Content Area: 8th Grade Mathematics
Unit of Study: Algebra I
Post #2 Due Date October 6, 2012
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/
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
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
Sonia, I love your coaster monkey video and your Algebra Unplugged. I have a teenager who had problems with math, but loves music. I'm sure she's not an anomaly and your website would encourage the struggling student to rethink math. The text Algebra Unplugged I have read in an effort to help my daughter when she was taking Algebra and it is an awesome book. Your website is very colorful and inviting and very appropriate because your target audience is 8th grade.
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