Introduction to Applied andPre-Calculus Mathematics

New CurriculumNew Approach

Your Presenters:

• Steven Erickson– 8 years teaching Applied, Pre-Calculus and

Consumer Math at Sisler High School in Winnipeg

• Scott Smith– 15 years teaching Pre-Calculus Math, with the last

11 at Pinawa Secondary School

Agenda• Introductions• Course overview• Bouncing ball Activity• Lifestyle Break• More bouncing ball and more suggestions• Lunch• Algebra• Lifestyle Break• Resources• Question and Answer with Carole

Who are You?

• Tell us your background…– Where do you teach?– What grade levels and courses do you normally

teach?– How long have you been teaching?– Have you had a chance to look over the new

Manitoba Framework document?

WNCP process

• The process includes Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, The Yukon, Northwest Territory and Nunavut.

• Taking part in a joint process means better textbooks and other support materials.

• Students moving between provinces are not hindered by differences in provincial curricula.

• The curriculum is being updated to meet the demands of a rapidly changing society.

• The previous framework was agreed on in 1996.

Why Change?

• Course materials needed updating to reflect changes in technology, student background and a changing world.

• A reduction in content allows multiple approaches to achieve deeper understanding and connections within and between topics.

• A combined course allows students more time and more information to make a decision regarding further courses in math.

Vision for Introduction to Applied and Pre-Calculus Math

• In order for students to make a good decision they must get a good blend of approaches

• As much as possible each topic should start with concrete hands on activities and develop into the abstract and theoretical.

• Integration of technology is critical.• Student should have the opportunity to discuss

mathematical ideas to make meaningful connections.• A variety of approaches will help students with various

learning styles understand mathematics.– A student prepared study sheet is useful for modelling

study process.

Course Overview

• Take a look at the topics– Measurement– Algebra and Number– Relations and Functions

• Topics ≠ Units• Potential unit groupings– The order is flexible– The textbooks, distance ed and web-based

courses could each have different orders

Activity: Bouncing Ball

•Data Collection

Break

Calculations

• Create your graphs• Analyze your results• Determine the equation of the line of best fit.– If you brought a calculator or laptop feel free to

use it

Analysis

• Compare results and techniques, technology vs manual methods

• Discuss extensions, “what if’s”• Discuss which outcomes this is connected to

by comparing to the topic chart

Student Self Assessment

• Purpose:– To help students reflect on their learning throughout

the course– To help students make a meaningful decision with

regards to further math courses– Could be done electronically so that the boxes can be

expanded to add more information• Collaborative– It is a useful discussion tool for conferencing with

students and parents.

Lunch Break

Distance-TimeMatch the graph

• Resource Activity

Building Algebraic Ideas

• Drawing rectangles that have a given area connects the topic to previous grades

• Multiplying with algetiles – 10’s and 1’s for numbers– variables and units for binomials

• Array model multiplication by paper and pencil method to extend the model– Can include positives and negatives more easily

Irrational Numbers

• Grouping numbers activity• Real life connections to irrational numbers:

golden ratio, pi, e, and others.• Assessment task: location on a number line• Estimation of irrational numbers by

estimation.

Break

Give us your Stickies!

Resources

• Framework Booklet– Pages 1 to 19 for introduction and philosophy– Page 99 for Introduction to Applied and Pre-

Calculus

• Wiki• Web Board• CD• SAG / LIFT

Question and Answer