Al-Khorazmi's Algebra

Ever wonder who thought up that frightening subject algebra? Well, it is attributed to Muhammad Al-Khorazmi. He was a respected astronomer, historian, geographer, and mathematician. This 8th century mathematical concept is hard for students of this new millenium to grasp, so here are some resources to help.
This site is to assist educators, and parents of children in grades 6-8 in the math content area of pre-algebra through internet resources.  Thus, fullfilling the following curriclum standard adopted from the Tennessee Department of Education.

Patterns, Functions, and Algebraic Thinking

In order to develop Algebraic Thinking through an understanding of Patterns and Functions, the mathematics curriculum must include problems which require students to describe, extend, analyze, and create a wide variety of patterns and functions using appropriate materials and representations such as tables, graphs, and mathematical notation."

Resources for Teachers

Title:  Mathematics Lesson Plans
Type of Resource:  Lesson Plans and Units 
URL: http://www.col-ed.org/cur/math.html
Overview: The list lesson plans are brokendown by grade clusters providing the name of the lesson and a brief description of the lesson. By clicking the title it links to the more detailed lesson. There are numerous cooperative learning activities, as well as individual student projects.
 

 Title:  TrackStar
 Type of Resource: Internet Teaching Tool
 URL:  http://www.lessons.k12.tn.us/~trackstar/tracks/f06471.html
 Overview:  Five activities that are linked together that can enhance students' understanding of pre algebraic concepts. These "tracks" are created by teachers for teachers. At TrackStar's home page teachers have the opportunity  to create and post their own tracks.
 

 Title:  Education World
 Type of Resource: Deep Web Database
 URL: http://db.education-world.com/perl/browse?cat_id=1515
 Overview:  This site offers a wide variety of resources to teachers. Teachers can gain information about associations, conferences, and professional journals.  Also, there are activities available for classroom use.
 

 Title:  ISTE: International Society for Technology in Education
 Type of Resource:  Information About Using Technology
 URL:  http://www.iste.org/
 Overview:  ISTE provides online courses for teachers to improve their technological skills.  Also, they provide other teacher resources dealing with technology.  In addition to resources, they provide teachers with national technology curriculum standards.
 

 Title:  Mathematics Internet Resources: LSU Webliography
 Type of Resource:  Webliography
 URL: http://www.lib.lsu.edu/sci/math.html
 Overview:  This site is simply a list of links of the to math sites on the Web. It is maintained by Louisana State University.

 Resources for Parents and Students

Title:  The Math Forum: A WebCT Community
Type of Resource:  Internet Projects 
URL: http://forum.swarthmore.edu/algebra/alg.projects.html
Overview:  Can be used by students, teachers, parents, and concerned citizens. Contains math subject searches, group discussions, and internet projects. The student can pick from a list of activities and can only answer the activity questions by searching the Web. The directions and subject matter are grade appropriate. For teachers it is a great resource to integrate technology into the classroom.
 

Title:  Cognitive Technologies Corporation
Type of Resource:  Software Evaluation
URL: http://www.cogtech.com/products.html
Overview:  Both parents and teachers can benefit from this site.  There are several math software programs with links to more detailed information.  These programs give math a fun new twist.
 

Title: Awesome Library
Type of Resource:  Reference Tool
URL:http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Library/Materials_Search/Lesson_Plans/Math.html
Overview:  This site can be used by teachers, parents and students. Just as a search is done on the Web Awesome Library does the same with math subjects. Enter a subject and a list of links to math sites will appear.  This is especially useful for parents who are a little rusty on math.

Title:  Mrs. Gossler's Math Goodies
Type: Content Resource
URL: http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/toc_vol17.shtm
Overview:  This site provides activities and step by step instruction for different content areas of pre algebra. Students can use this for extra practice inside or outside of school.

Title:  Homeworkhelp.com
Type of Resource:  Homework Help Pages
URL: http://www.homeworkhelp.com/homeworkhelp/freemember/text/math/middle/topic00.htm
Overview:  This site provides extra instruction for students in grades 6-8 and/or taking pre algebra.  The student chooses their grade level which links to subjects they are studying. From that list they choose the area they need additional help in. It gives instructions and examples that are well written and detailed.

This page was created for
Jefferson County School System, TN
by
Melissa L. Baxley
May of 2001.

Bibliography