This live online Algebra 2 class gives homeschool and independent students a solid foundation for higher level mathematics.
Students will learn how to read, understand, and communicate using mathematical language in daily assignments and in several projects during the year. Emphasis is placed on the interconnectivity of topics as well as continual review of previous topics in this and previous courses. Students will be taught skills, applications, properties, and representations of topics in a multi-dimensional approach. We will learn problem solving on paper as well as using technology such as calculators and spreadsheets to prepare them for future work in college and beyond.
This will be a college preparatory course that will cover all the main concepts required for a high school credit in Algebra 2. Topics included are:
- Functions: graphing, modeling, transforming and solving applications of linear, quadratic, power, radical, exponential, logarithm, polynomial, and trigonometric functions
- Matrix operations and transformations: size, scale, reflections, rotations, translations
- Solving systems of equations and inequalities: graphing, linear combination, substitution, matrices, and linear programming
- Trigonometry: right triangle, Laws of Sines and Cosines, unit circle and radians
- Conic sections: parabolas, circles, ellipses, hyperbolas
- Probability and series: arithmetic and geometric series, counting, permutations and combinations, Pascal’s Triangle and probability with the Binomial Theorem, binomial and normal distributions
The qualified student will spend 6-10 hours per week on this class. This accounts for watching pre-recorded videos, reading daily assignments and completing daily homework, and submitting handwritten weekly assignments. The submitted homework will consist of video concept check questions, daily readings and note-taking, electronic concept questions, and textbook questions, some submitted as scanned written work, and some to be checked against an answer key that will be provided.
In addition, there will be two required projects (one each semester), handwritten and scanned chapter tests, and two cumulative multiple-choice exams. To help students learn good note-taking, notes from each chapter will be submitted and evaluated. Each week, students are required to submit questions that will be addressed in our live sessions. These weekly live sessions will be used to review, practice problem solving, and answer submitted questions.
Who should enroll?
This course is for students in grades 9-12 who have successfully completed Algebra I and Geometry. Instructor approval is required. Students must complete an application and be approved before registering. The well-prepared applicant will have completed a basic Algebra course, Geometry course, and is familiar with those fundamental concepts. They should have the maturity to diligently complete the assigned homework and seek additional help when needed. Learning how to learn mathematics is stressed in this course, so students who are motivated to improve should apply.
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- Scanner or smart phone for submitting tests and homework
- Graphing calculator
Evaluation and Feedback
All course lectures are pre-recorded and available for students to playback at their convenience. Weekly live problem solving and discussion sessions will be held where we collaboratively work on concepts and applications of concepts. Questions are welcomed! Students are not required to “meet” at the scheduled discussion time, but it is encouraged. Scheduled discussion times will be recorded for those unable to attend the live discussion times and available for approximately one month afterward.
Students will be graded on homework, projects, notes, tests, and exams. Submitted student work will be graded and returned within one week of the due dates. Outside of class times, student may contact the teacher with any questions or concerns using the Canvas messages.
Grades are perpetually available throughout the course and parents may contact me through Canvas messages on the course website. Parent-teacher conferences will be offered in the fall and spring of the year.