Fundamentals of Algebra I
From Ratios to Reasoning — A Confident Start to Algebra I
MATH | ALGEBRA | COMPREHENSION
Summer I
July 7th, 2025 - July 30th, 2025
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:
Register for Fundamentals of Algebra I.
Esther Hiamang
LIVE MEETING TIME
10:00 am - 11:30 am (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 separate hour will be dedicated to a drop-in office hour.
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