Curriculum

We will be using the Desmos Middle School curriculum for our lessons. Each day will have interactive lessons. Some days we will have a paper-based lesson, but most days, the student will need a device to work on.

Semester 1 in Fall 204 will cover the topics:

Unit 1: Representing Relationships

Unit 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities

Unit 3: Describing Data

Unit 4: Describing Functions

Semester 2 in Spring 2025 covers the following topics:

Unit 5: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

Unit 6: Exponential Functions

Unit 7: Quadratic Functions

Unit 8: Quadratic Equations

FAQ

What if can't make it to all the live sessions?

The whole course is recorded, so you can do the whole course at your own pace or just catch up on any sessions you missed.

Why is the full year math course broken up into two semester-long courses?

• We want to include families that can't financially commit to a full year initially.
• We want to provide a point of entry for families to join the class at the halfway point if that is best for their learning.

Is my child ready for Algebra 1?

If you have completed Pre-Algebra or Grade 8 Math, then you're ready for Algebra 1. There is a large overlap in the content between Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 by design.

What can I do to help my child get ready for this course?

• Review multiplication and division facts, including long division. Also, do calculations using fractions and decimals to keep sharp. You'll get rusty if you don't review them from time to time.
• Go over this checklist of skills and spend time investigating the skills where your child's knowledge is weakest.
• Have a great attitude about math, yourself. Your attitude will shape your child's perspective on math.

How is this course different than your science courses?

• Unlike our science courses, there is a specific activity to complete during the lesson. Your child will need to have an activity open in one browser and a video feed open in another. They'll bounce back and forth between them as we work through the concepts together.
• Most of the class time will be spent with your child actively working on problems.
• The course registration is for individuals instead of families (because of the curriculum license).
  
  

What if we need help outside of class?

The class will have a moderated discord community where you can post and answer questions.

What platforms will we use?

The student will need access to a web browser for the YouTube video feed and a web browser for the Desmos activities. If you have a second device or a second monitor, then they won't have to switch back and forth between the lesson video and the activity.

A tiny screen could make it challenging to interact with some Desmos activities. A touch tablet could work, though the interactions will go much more smoothly with a keyboard. We strongly recommend the student use a computer during class.

Will grades be assigned?

No letter grades will be assigned. Students who stay caught up with the live session schedule will get feedback on their quizzes and assessments (beyond the answers which are provided for all practice problems, quizzes, and assessments).

Does this class count toward high school credit?

It all depends on your state and school district. The course is not A-G certified.

What if we have multiple children who want to take the course? Does this registration allow them all to participate?

No. While multiple people could, in theory, share an activity screen and work through the challenges together, the student who is completing the work will be the one who learns the most. We are paying for individual student licenses from the curriculum creators (Desmos) so each student will need their own license for the activities. You can contact us about a discount for a second or third license if you have additional children who want to participate.

What is the expectation of parents?

Ask your child to teach you the topic of the day and to show you their work. They'll be completing some pretty cool tasks, so this is your chance to cheer them on. Please build time into your schedule to check their progress on the practice problems. We don't expect them to always solve every problem, but they will retain a lot more of the information if the engage the material outside of the lessons.

How much homework will there be?

Most lessons will have practice problems to complete (less than 30 minutes on average). There is also a paper version and an answer key for checking your work.

What is the next course?

After Algebra 1, students should be ready for Geometry or Algebra 2.

Can I purchase the semesters individually?

Yes. You'll find them on the courses page.