Online Curricular Resource Binder (CRB)
For Math ADEPT Conceptual Algebra

Overview:

Conceptual Algebra: About this Online Curricular Resource Binder
Conceptual Algebra: Outline and Highlights
Conceptual Algebra: More about the course

Articles and Themes:

Conceptual Algebra in a Meanings-based Curriculum: Turning student errors into learning opportunities by Harel Barzilai
The above article foreshadows many (though not all) of the themes covered in the ADEPT Conceptual Algebra course, including some examples of "picture proof" which are one of the most highly rated "teacher's favorites' aspects of this course -- for more examples, sign up for the course.
Before It's Too Late: A Report to the Nation from The National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century
Education for Democracy (HB)
Reference: Fostering Algebraic Thinking. A Guide for Teachers Grades 6-10 byu Mark Driscoll. Heinemann (ISBN 0-325-00154-5)

Problem-Solving, Patterns, and Meta-Cognition [Guide for Teachers]

Numerous activities from Fostering Algebraic Thinking textbook and By Mark Driscoll.
Navigating through Algebra in Grades 6-8 (NCTM)
"Recursive rule" ≠ "Function Rule" (Algebrization, part I)
From "I see the pattern" to Function formula (Algebrization part II)
Tips on Problem Solving
Meta-cognition (conscious introspection) about your own problem-solving experiences.

Graphical Literacy [Guide for Teachers]

Linear Functions and Linearity [Guide for Teachers]

Cuissenaire Rods: Counting Surface Boxes
Some Properties a Function can Have
Linearities: Two properties a Function Can Have.
Is shifting a line left-to-right (or right-to-left) the same as shifting it up? If so, how? (Not in online CRB; take the course)
In what way is the functional relationship between Fahrenheit and Celsius not proportional? In which sense does
this relationship have an aspect that is "proportions" based? (Not in online CRB; take the course)
Cousin Phil: Linear Models for Financial Analysis [Cousin Phil: Solutions]

Technology: Applets on Lines, Linearity, Slopes, and Graphing

Reflection and Introspection for Teachers [Guide for Teachers]

Cover sheet assignment directions.
Three-Part Concept Maps
Technology: Which and what type is "appropriate"?
Picturing Algebra with Tiles (Not in online CRB; take the course)

Quadratics and Beyond:

Parabolas: Getting the Point introduces non-calculus algebraic way of optimization (finding max/min) via the Vertex form.
Save the Pups! A fun real-world scenario which is an application of the above optimization methods for quadratics (i.e. functions whose graphs are parabolas). [Non-calculus, algebra based Solution to Save the Pups]
Non-polynomial Functions: Exponentials and Qualitative Aspects of Functions and their Graphs
Is covered in the course itself; but see one example below
Technology: How changing 'a' affects graph of a·x²
Links to Algebraic Applets at NCTM and other websites (Not in online CRB; take the course)

Manipulatives:

Overview of Algebra Tiles (Not in online CRB; take the course)

The Hands on Equations system of manipulatives is experienced in class.

Followup introspection and discussion in groups, about Hands On Equations.

Sample Work from Ms. Terry Drechsler
Somerset County Resource Teacher
Enrolled Fall 2001 in ADEPT's Conceptual Algebra

Algebraic Problem Solving

Picture Proofs (Based on Word version from original WordPerfect)

Common and Frustrating Algebra Mistakes (Based on Word version from original WordPerfect)

Extension for Perfect Fit (Based on Word version from original WordPerfect)

Introspective Writing

Beginning of semester Self-assessment
End of Semester Self- assessment

Resources for Teachers and Instructors of other ADEPT courses which other instructors may find useful to use or modify
Web-based discussion board for ADEPT grads: share your questions/ideas with fellow teachers! (Click "register" link in top right; create your id and password, then post)
Introduction to MLPs (Modified Lesson Plans) assignment. Finalized Lesson Plans Assignment	The Narrative self-assessment is assigned and beginning of semester Narrative Self-Assignment form is completed by teachers; similarly an end of semester Narrative is completed at the end of the course. Mid-semester feedback form. No longer needed unless new counties added under grant: originally permission forms were required for MLP assignment.
Rubric for MLPs	Rubric for Oral Presentations and Course Portfolio

	Created 2001-2006 by Harel Barzilai. Some rights reserved for the material on this page and pages by Harel Barzilai it links to (click text or logo at left for details)

Supported in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF) ESIE division, Teacher Enhancement program grant 0101907, and from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) via Eisenhower funds. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF or MHEC.