Pre-Algebra with Math Dad
Join Math Dad and Science Mom for a hands-on journey through prealgebra.
The course can be completed at your own pace. The suggested pace is to complete four lessons per week.
Each 45-minute video session guides you through the activity with discussion and examples.
The full course consists of 2 semesters that can be purchased individually or as a bundle.
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.
In semester 1, we covered four topics:
Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence
Unit 2: Scale Drawings, Dilations, and Similarity
Unit 3: Writing and Solving Equations and Inequalities
Unit 4: Linear Relationships and Systems of Equations
In this course, we will complete the end of Unit 4 as well as five smaller topics:
Unit 5: Functions
Unit 6: Associations in Data
Unit 7: Volume and Surface Area
Unit 8: Exponents and Scientific Notation
Unit 9: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers
Course Bundles
FAQ
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.
Should we start with semester 1?
Yes, you should start with semester 1 unless you have covered the first semester topics using another curriculum. The topics from semester 1 are a mix of common core standards from grades 7 and 8.
What if we need help outside of class?
Our class will have a moderated discord community where you can post and answer questions.
What platforms will we use?
Your child will need access to a web browser for the youtube video feed and a web browser for the 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 more smoothly with a keyboard.
What if we have multiple children who want to take the course? Does this registration allow them all to participate?
No, not really. We don't have a problem with multiple people sharing an activity screen and working through the challenges together. However, the student who is completing the work will be the one who learns the most. We will be paying for student licenses from the curriculum creators (Desmos) so each student will have to get their own license for the activities. You can contact us about getting 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.
How much homework will there be?
Most lessons will have practice problems to complete (less than 30 minutes on average). If you feel like your child doesn't need the additional practice, then you can be the hero parent who tells them they can skip the problems.
What is the next course?
This course covers all the 8th-grade common core standards as well as some 7th-grade standards across both semesters 1 and 2.
After completing both semesters of Pre-Algebra, a student is ready for Algebra 1.
Can I pay for the entire year at once?
Yes. Purchase the Pre-Algebra Bundle to buy the curriculum for the entire year.
