Fundamentals of Algebra I

From Ratios to Reasoning — A Confident Start to Algebra I

MATH | ALGEBRA | COMPREHENSION

Summer I

June 23rd - July 18th

Grades

8-9 (by fall 2025)

Course Description

This four-week, standards-aligned summer bridge course is designed for rising 8th and 9th grade students preparing to enter Algebra I.

Grounded in the major mathematical work of Grades 7 and 8, the course reinforces foundational concepts in ratios, proportional relationships, operations with integers, expressions, and equations, while building confidence in graphing, problem solving, and geometric reasoning.

Students meet online twice a week for 90-minute sessions, combining interactive instruction, collaborative tasks, and engaging digital tools like Desmos. Weekly performance assessments and hands-on projects (including a geometry-based build like a kite or tangram puzzle) deepen understanding and allow for creative exploration of key concepts.

Key Topics:
  • Proportional reasoning
  • Integer operations and algebraic expressions
  • Solving equations and graphing inequalities
  • Understanding angle relationships and basic geometry
  • Interpreting and modeling real-world data

Learning Goals:
  • Strengthen fluency with rational numbers and algebraic manipulation
  • Build conceptual understanding of linear relationships and their graphs
  • Prepare students for the rigor and pacing of Algebra 1
  • Boost problem-solving confidence through creative, performance-based tasks.

    • Esther Hiamang, founder of Verbs

    Esther Hiamang

    BIO
    Instructor

    LIVE MEETING TIME

    TBD (EST)

    *The course will meet for one and a half hours Mondays and Wednesdays for a live online class during this window of time. A seperate hour will be dedicated to drop-in online office hours. Students will be admitted to and attend just one course section and time. The exact course time and office hour schedule will be set closer to the start of the program.

    ASYNCHRONOUS HOMEWORK TIME

    1 Hour per day

    The approximate amount of time participants should plan to spend on assignments and projects outside of live class time.

    7th to 8th Grade Math Standards Alignment

    Grade 7

    • 7.RP.A: Ratios and proportional relationships
    • 7.NS.A: Rational number operations
    • 7.EE.A / 7.EE.B: Expressions and equations

    Grade 8

    • 8.EE.A / 8.EE.B / 8.EE.C: Exponents, proportional relationships, linear equations
    • 8.G.B: Geometry involving the Pythagorean Theorem
    • 8.F.A / 8.F.B: Functions and modeling relationships

    Register for Fundamentals of Algebra I.

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