Pilot Algebra Foundations
The primary purpose of the Algebra Foundations course is to promote opportunities for deep understanding of core algebraic concepts to develop algebraic thinkers. The course is composed of 5 topics: Operating with Rational Numbers, Expressions and Equations, Developing Function Foundations, Modeling Linear Equations, and Quadratics. Throughout these topics, students have the opportunity to develop foundational understandings and draw connections to key concepts.
This course is intended to strengthen foundational conceptual understandings from middle school math through Algebra I and is designed to be flexible in meeting the needs of students. Your individual course is created based solely on data that suggests which topics will best develop your students as algebraic thinkers. Each learning session is designed to further develop a skill, and together, these sessions connect skills and concepts to key algebraic understandings. The student learning experience of the Algebra Foundations course promotes conceptual understanding through a focus on active learning and making sense of the mathematics.
Protein Synthesis
The learner explores the structure and function of the nucleic acids and enzymes important to the process of synthesizing proteins.
Cell Comparisons
Learners compare a variety of prokaryotes and eukaryotes to determine similarities and differences among and between them.
Monohybrid and Dihybrid Crosses
Learners calculate the probability of genotypic inheritance and phenotypic expression using mono- and dihybrid crosses.
Mechanisms of Evolution Beyond Natural Selection
Learners analyze and evaluate the effects of other evolutionary mechanisms.
Evidence for Evolution
Learners analyze and evaluate how evidence of common ancestry among groups is provided by the fossil record, biogeography, and homologies, including anatomical, molecular, and developmental.
Energy and Matter in Cells
Learners compare changes in matter that take place during energy conversion processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Energy and Matter in Ecosystems
Learners analyze food chains, webs, and pyramids to determine how energy flows and matter cycles through ecosystems.
The Role of Enzymes
Learners investigate the role of enzymes at the molecular level as well as through “real-world” applications.
Cell Specialization and Differentiation
Given examples, descriptions, and illustrations, students will be able to describe the role of DNA, RNA, and environmental factors in cell differentiation.
Finding the Probabilities of Dependent and Independent Events
Given problem situations, the student will find the probability of the dependent and independent events.
Recognizing Misuses of Graphical or Numerical Information
Given a problem situation, the student will analyze data presented in graphical or tabular form by evaluating the predictions and conclusions based on the information given.
Evaluating Methods of Sampling from a Set of Data
Given a problem situation, the student will evaluate a method of sampling to determine the validity of an inference made from the set of data.
Converting Between Measurement Systems
Given a real-world situation with measurements in either metric/SI or customary units, the student will solve a problem requiring them to convert from one system to the other.
Genetic Mutations
This resource uses video, animation, text, and web-based interactives to help students identify changes in DNA and evaluate the effects of those changes.
Internal Feedback Mechanisms
This resource utilizes videos, investigations, and interactives to help students understand and describe the role of internal feedback mechanisms.
Using Theoretical and Experimental Probability to Make Predictions
Given an event to simulate, the student will use theoretical probabilities and experimental results to make predictions and decisions.
Cell Processes: Photosynthesis
Given descriptions or illustrations, students will identify where the reaction of photosynthesis take place and the process and results of photosynthesis.
Cell Processes: Respiration
Given descriptions or illustrations, students will identify where the reaction of respiration take place and the process and results of respiration.
Equipment for Biology
Given investigation scenarios, students will determine the equipment that best fits the procedure.