Foerster Algebra 1

Description

This text is a one year, high-school algebra course that the author used in his own classroom. The first part of the book leads up to the Quadratic Formula by mid-year; this is a break from a more traditional sequence. As a result, students are able to work more realistic word problems using decimals. The second part of the book covers expressions with two variables, harder factoring problems, algebraic fractions, radical equations, and inequalities. This book is in its third edition and now includes a chapter on probability, scattered date, and linear functions, which wasn't included in the previous edition. Chapters, in order, are: expressions and equations, operations with negative numbers, distributing: axioms and other properties, harder equations, some operations with polynomials and radicals, quadratic equations, expressions and equations containing two variables, linear functions/scattered data/probability, properties and exponents, more operations with polynomials, rational algebraic expressions, radical algebraic expressions, inequalities, functions, and advanced topics. Each chapter begins with an introduction to the topic, a visual example, an objective for that section, and exercises. Some chapters include oral practice, but all examples are shown in a step-by-step fashion for thorough understanding. The chapter wraps up with a chapter review and test, and a final review and examination rounds out the text. The back of the book includes reference materials such as a table of square roots, table of trigonometric functions, glossary, answers to selected problems, indices, and a skills handbook. The skills handbook is a reference section for basic skills such as problem solving strategies, the four basic functions, fractions/decimals/percents, line and circle graphs, and spreadsheets.

The Solutions Manual contains all worked out problems, step-by-step, for the exercise sets, oral practice sets, chapter reviews, chapter tests, and the final review and examination that are found in the student text.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.