Appendix
Implementing Mathematics Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools
Grade Four
Computation and Estimation
4.4 The student will
e) create and solve single-step and multistep practical problems involving addition, subtraction, and multiplication, and single-step practical problems involving division with whole numbers.
Grade Five
Patterns, Functions, and Algebra
5.19 The student will
a) investigate and describe the concept of variable;
b) write an equation to represent a given mathematical relationship, using a variable;
c) use an expression with a variable to represent a given verbal expression involving one operation; and
d) create a problem situation based on a given equation, using a single variable and one operation.
Grade Six
Patterns, Functions, and Algebra
6.14 The student will
a) represent a practical situation with a linear inequality in one variable; and
b) solve one-step linear inequalities in one variable, involving addition or subtraction, and graph the solution on a number line.
Grade Seven
Patterns, Functions, and Algebra
7.11 The student will evaluate algebraic expressions for given replacement values of the variables.
Grade Eight
Patterns, Functions, and Algebra
8.14 The student will
a) evaluate an algebraic expression for given replacement values of the variables; and
b) simplify algebraic expressions in one variable.
Expressions and Operations
A.1 The student will
a) represent verbal quantitative situations algebraically; and
b) evaluate algebraic expressions for given replacement values of the variables.
Above I have listed relevant standards. As you can see, starting from Grade Four, students should be able to translate a practical situation into a mathematical model that involve writing down a numerical or an algebraic expression and evaluate it. They should also be competent in writing and solving equations to represent a given mathematical relationship. Thus, elementary and middle school teachers will be able to use problems from my unit in their classrooms. After students master the content within my unit, they will be better prepared for upper level mathematics and physics where they have to translate word problems into mathematical models using mathematical language. In my classroom the unit will help me remediate my students who plan to take AP Calculus in the future.
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