The curriculum is still under-development. By the end of the year it will be a complete Algebra I first semester curriculum with answer keys, Homework, and Supplemental Lessons. I know this, because I’m developing it for a class I am committed to teaching. Until an answer key shows up for a unit and it has been marked as double checked and approved by the curriculum review board, it is subject to modification.
This sort of curriculum takes blood, sweat, and tears to develop. We would like to keep it open to everyone, but we would also like to justify the continued creation of this curriculum from a business standpoint. With that in mind, please consider leaving us a tip.
YouTube Lessons
I understand that some folks may want to use this curriculum, but not feel confident in teaching it themselves. As I have time I am uploading videos to YouTube. As I can, I will add chapters and update captions. Please bear with me and let me know of any errors you find.
Additional YouTube videos will be slow in coming until the curriculum starts earning income, to allow Lis to work on some other projects.
Unit 1: Ratios and Proportions
Unit 1: Ratios and Proportions – Criminal Justice
In which we compare the percentages of Black, White, and Latinx populations represented in the Census and in the Correctional System.
Unit 1: Homework – Stop and Frisk
In which we compare the percentages of Black/Hispanic and White populations affected by NYC’s Stop and Frisk program
Unit 1: Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 1: Homework Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 2: Linear Equations
Unit 2: Linear Equations – Renewable Energy
In which we look at the setup costs and break-even points of full-solar, full-grid, and hybrid energy systems.
Unit 2: Homework – Carbon Footprint
In which we compare the carbon footprints of solar and grid energy systems.
Unit 2: Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 2: Homework Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 3: Linear Inequalities
Unit 3: Linear Inequalities – Fast Fashion
In which we look at wages in the garment industry. A work in progress.
Unit 3: Homework – Livable Wages
In which we figure out the best way to work two jobs while preserving our quality of life.
Unit 3: Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 3: Homework Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 4: Expressions and Equations
Unit 4: Expressions and Equations
In which we run through Order of Operations, Simplifying Expressions, and Equations because sometimes math just looks like math.
Unit 4: Homework – Order of Operations
Unit 4: Homework – Simplifying Expressions
Unit 4: Homework – Solving Equations
Unit 4: Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 4: Answers – Order of Operations
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 4: Answers – Simplifying Expressions
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 4: Answers – Solving Equations
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 5: Linear Equation Forms
Unit 5: Linear Equation Forms – Paying Fines
In which we explore the criminalization of poverty and learn slope-intercept, standard, and point-slope forms. This unit should probably take two weeks.
Unit 5: Homework – Slope-Intercept
In which we practice converting between scenarios and equations.
Unit 5: Homework – Standard and Point-Slope
In which we practice converting between scenarios and equations.
Unit 5: Answers
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes.
Unit 5: Answers – Slope-Intercept
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes
Unit 5: Answers – Standard and Point-Slope
These have not yet been double-checked for accuracy and this unit has not been approved by the curriculum review board, so they are still subject to minor changes
Unit 6: Functions
Unit 6: Functions
In which we play with functions, function notations, and function composition simply because it is fun.
Unit 6: Homework – Getting Paid
In which we look at how functions apply to hourly wages, overtime, and commutes.
Unit 7: Slope, Parallel, and Perpendicular
Unit 7: Slope – Gender Pay Gap
In we consider how a different starting salary leads to very different outcomes even if pay raises are the same.
Unit 7: Homework – Income and Wealth Inequality
In which we consider how wealth and who holds it has changed over time. And we also do weird things with perpendicular lines.
Unit 8: Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Unit 8: Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities – Water Rights
In which we discuss how the bottling of water and spillage of mining waste impacts people’s right to water.
Unit 8: Homework – Deforestation
In which we look at how many aces of forest are being removed each year.
Unit 10: Systems of Inequalities
Unit 10: Systems of Inequalities – Crop Yields
In which we consider the constraints (cost, acreage, labor-hours) a farmer must work within when deciding how to plant their land and provide enough food for their family.
Curriculum Tip Jar
We like producing curriculum and we believe it should be accessible to everyone, but we also like keeping our business running. This tip jar is a compromise.
For reference, each math unit takes Lis at least 8 hours of research to write. There are typically 10-15 units in a semester. This does not include the years of experience she has as an educator and the amount of thought that has gone…