8th Grade Integers

Natalie MenuauEDU 521.03

Prof. R. MoroneySummer 2010

Introduction

The following unit plan entitled, “Integers,” was designed for a 7th or 8th grade Algebra class.  This unit follows the New York State standards for Algebra.  This unit is eight days long and consists of four formal lessons, a quiz day, a project day, a day for review, and a day for the unit test.  The unit test will be the end of the unit plan and administered on the eighth day.  There are two detailed lessons attached, which are lessons one and two.  Lesson one is an introduction to integers.  Students will learn what integers are and about absolute value.  They will also learn how integers are used outside of the classroom.  They will be instructed with a PowerPoint presentation and will also use computers to access a Hotlist and learn more about integers.  Lesson two is about adding integers.  During this lesson students will learn how to add integers using a number line, their calculators, and a PowerPoint presentation prepared by the teacher.  Students will use other forms of technology in later lessons such as Microsoft Excel and the Smart Board.  Upon the end of the unit students will be expected to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers and explain how integers can be applied to real life.

The Context of My Project

- This unit plan is for a 7th or 8th grade Algebra class.

- There will be approximately 20 students in the class. 

- All students in this class should have some prior knowledge and have taken some Pre-Algebra in

previous years. 

- All students should have a basic knowledge of how to use technology due to previous computer/

technology classes and lessons we have done prior that included the use of technology. 

- There are two different computer labs that are available to students to use at any time.  Each

computer lab has 25 computers all of which are connected to the internet through a modem. 

- I will have a teaching assistant to help students with disabilities that are in the classroom. 

- The two detailed lessons that are presented in the unit are lessons one and two.

Aim of the Project

As students go through this unit they will be introduced to integers. They will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers and apply them to real life situations.

Students will be asked to use their Hotlist and complete different types of worksheets pertaining to integers.  They will do research on the weather around the world (real world application) and present their information using Microsoft Excel.  They will also complete in class activities using their graphing calculators and the Smart Board.  They will be assessed on the basis of their completion of their independent work, group work, participation, quiz, and unit test. 

Justification

Technology really allows students to see math in a different light.  They will be able to virtually manipulate object, see things in 3D, and possibly be motivated to want to learn more.  During the project phase of the unit I want students to create a graph using Microsoft Excel to compare and contrast weather around the world.  Not only are students able to apply integers to the real world they are also able to focus their energies on the lesson rather than constructing graphs by hand, which can be very time consuming.  Technology allows for my lessons to be shorter and quicker, it allows for time save to be used on the students, it makes the lessons fun and interactive, and it also allows students to practice and re-practice what they have learned.  

Materials

-Blackboard

-   Smart Board

-  Computers with internet access

-   MAGic screen magnification SOFTWARE

-   Smart Notebook

-   Ti-Nspire (graphing calculator)

-   Overhead projector

-   Microsoft Excel

-   Textbooks   -   Handouts

    o Lesson Two- PowerPoint, homework worksheet, and Ticket out

    o Lesson Three- PowerPoint, homework worksheet, and Ticket out

Time Frame

Graphic Organizer Project

All NYS and ISTE Learning Standards

National Educational Technology Standards for Students

1. Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processesusing technology. Students:

     a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

     b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression.

     c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

     d. identify trends and forecast possibilities.

2. Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments

to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance,to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:

     a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments

         and media.

     b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

     c. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures.

     d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

All NYS and ISTE Learning Standards

3. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and makeinformed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:

     a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.

     b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.

     c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.

     d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

NYS Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Standard 3: Mathematics

Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry.

Filamentality Project

2Lesson Plans

Lesson One Introduction to Integers

Students will introduced to integers and learn what positive and negative are by using their Hotlist and a number line.

Lesson Two Adding Integers

Students will learn how to add integers, the rules concerning adding integers, and use their Hotlist to research other techniques to add integers.

Weebly

http://integersinalgebra.weebly.com/