Migrant Education

Welcome to Unit 6.1 Making Sense of Symbols!

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 This unit focuses on the CAHSEE problem:

The perimeter, P, of a square may be found by using the formula,

1/4 P = sqrt(A),

where A is the area of the square.  What is the perimeter of the square with an area of 36 square inches?

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The major California Mathematics Content standards addressed in this question include:

Algebra 2.0 Students use operations such as taking the opposite, finding a reciprocol, taking a root, and raising to a fractional power. 

• (A)     9 in
• (B)     12 in
• (C)     24 in
• (D)     72 in

Successful completion of PD-ROMi is a prerequisite to this unit.

In Unit 6.1 Making Sense of Symbols, you will

• Deepen your understanding of mathematical concepts in Algebra, including:
• Connecting algebraic symbols with verbal meaning;
• Writing and solving equations; and
• Interpreting numerical solutions.
• Develop skills in new instructional strategies, including
• Bridging from prior experience to mathematical understanding through analogy;
• Scaffolding mathematical language development for English learners;
• Using a heuristic to structure problem solving; and
• Using PowerPoint and a SmartBoard to enhance instruction.
• Apply your new knowledge and skills in the Lesson Plan Project.

What you will see:

• This unit is organized around a highly-missed question from the California High School Exit Examination. The unit presents a lesson taught by a middle school teacher. The teacher designed the lesson with input from Drs. Harris Shultz and Marty Bonsangue.
• You will work through two separate strands on math content and instructional strategies.

What you will do:

• As you move through the unit, you will read text, view videoclips of classroom teaching, and respond to reflection and assessment questions.
• You will submit your responses to the assessment questions as you move through the unit.
  • Once you submit a response, comments from Drs. Bonsangue and Ellis will "pop-up" for your viewing.
  • In addition, your Online Facilitator will be checking your responses for accuracy and completion.
• At the end of each strand, you will be asked to post your reflection on the Discussion Board. You will also respond to a colleague's posting.
  • At the end of the unit, you will also be asked to reflect on the entire learning experience.
  • You also apply what you've learned to a lesson plan project.

Unit 6.1 Making Sense of Symbols should take approximately 10-15 hours, depending on your technology skills and knowledge of instructional strategies. You may complete this unit on your own time, but each strand is expected to be completed by a specific deadline. This will allow your Online Facilitator to provide collective support and will facilitate your collaboration with your colleagues. It will also insure that you complete the unit by the course endpoint.