As most of you know, I've got Geometry this year. It's not your normal Geometry ... it's like Intro Geometry. These kids will go into "Full Geometry" in the Spring (since we're on block). This is just to build their skills before they get into regular Geometry. So, as you can imagine, it'll be the lower kids with fewer skills (or so I am guessing). So, it's not a full blown Geometry class - just the highlights!
I think that I want to spend the first week doing an Algebra I Review. Make sure they've got some key concepts down before we go into the Geometry. I've got the time, so why not?
I've put together this list of Algebra I Concepts necessary for Geometry (or so I think). I haven't taught Geometry in four years (and when I did, I was a first year teacher, so I don't count that). Will you look at my list and add or take off things?
- Solving Linear Equations
- Solving Linear Inequalities
- Writing Linear Equations
- Simplifying Radicals
- Systems of Linear Equations
- Factoring
- Solving Quadratic Equations
- Rational Expressions
- Literal Equations
Thanks in advance!
The book I used did not have factoring/quadratic equations in any of the algebra parts - I would suggest checking your book. Same thing with solving systems.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you on doing an Algebra review with these kids - from having taught a similar class, they need it.
I can't think of anything off the top of my head that you're missing.
Your list looks pretty good to me. I would also suggest finding out ASAP, from the Algebra 1 teachers who had them last year, how they were taught those concepts. With factoring quadratic trinomials especially, some kiddos are only comfortable with the four square box method, others only know how to use the “X” method, etc.: if you neglect to review “their” method, they will be convinced they were never taught to factor, solve quadratic equations, etc., and will get frustrated with you and the class.
ReplyDeleteJust a suggestion here . . . I understand why you want to review Algebra with these guys, but if you review all of those things the first week of school, then when you are doing the Pythag. Thm. with them they still won't remember how to simplify radicals from the first week of school (or from the year before). So, maybe some review the first week (solving equations, graphing lines, etc.), but I would suggest spreading out your Algebra review as days here and there that are right before the topics that they need that particular tool for in order to solve that kind of Geometry problem. Takes a little more thought process to figure out beforehand what they need to review for each major topic in Geometry, but I think it will make more sense to them. -
ReplyDeleteDo you think you'll need to cover rational expressions? I'm thinking of it more as an Algebra 2 topic (or at least it is around these parts!). Just a thought. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to worry about simplifying radicals. Any state test they take will be multiple choice so they can plug it in and get the closest decimal answer.
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