Syllabus for upper school algebra course at the Waterford School.

1. Course Description
In this year-long course students are introduced to the various
aspects related to understanding algebra: its skills, its
properties, its uses, and its representatives.
Waterford’s Algebra course is truly a turning point in your math education.
You will learn to think symbolically and acquire the skills and practices that
will appear in all your future coursework. You will become more confident
in graphing and solving equations, and see applications for these skills.
Location
400 Building
Room #403
Meeting Times
Monday 8:00AM
Tuesday 12:20PM
Wednesday 2:20PM
Thursday 12:20PM
Contact Info
justinjoslin@
waterfordschool.org
(603)290-2511
MR JOSLIN WINTER TERM 2017
Course Syllabus
Information and expectations for US Algebra
SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES2
EXPONENTS AND EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS3
POLYNOMIALS AND FACTORING4
WRITING LINEAR EQUATIONS1

2. CLASS VIII PHYSICS LOGIN TO CANVAS FOR MORE INFORMATION
My Learning Philosophy
The world is a fascinating place full of
curiosities, both natural and engineered.
If we take time to appreciate these curiosities,
then we will naturally begin to ask questions.
Learning happens when we seek answers, both by finding and
evaluating new sources of information and by synthesizing this
information through a broad range of experiences.
We will all get out of this class what we put into it.
A great recipe for success is to make sure we meet the
following expectations and standards each and every day. We
can all hold each accountable, including you and me.
In an effort to help you have the best experience in this class, you can expect that I
will do the following:
2
COMMITMENT
Demonstrated by arriving
on time and prepared, by
participating fully in class,
& by posting/completing
all assignments.
FAIL OFTEN
Demonstrated by taking
academic risks, by trying
new approaches and
techniques, and by
participating in discussions.
EFFORT
Demonstrated by being an
active group partner, by
asking questions in class,
and by seeking help when
needed.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
My role as a teacher is to help
you “gain a self-competence
that will sustain a lifetime of
learning.” In other words, I’m
here to help you learn how to
learn on your own. Therefore, I
would much rather have you try
and fail on your own rather
than rely on someone else’s
work. Please refer to the
Academic Honesty section of the
Student & Parent Handbook for
more details.
We can all ask
questions every
day, regardless
of our ability or
past
experiences.
I WILL SHARE MY PASSION
FOR THE BEAUTY OF ALGEBRA
AND ITS APPLICATIONS TO
REAL LIFE
3
I WILL ENCOURAGE ALL
STUDENTS TO CONFIDENTLY
ASK QUESTIONS AND TO TAKE
ACADEMIC RISKS
1
I WILL SHARE A VARIETY OF
RESOURCES FROM WHICH
STUDENTS CAN SEEK
ANSWERS
2
INTEGRITY
Demonstrated by
completing our own work,
by always being respectful
and kind, and by following
instructions.

3. CLASS VIII PHYSICS LOGIN TO CANVAS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Policies
The following polices will be enforced.
Grading
Your overall grade will be weighted
using the following categories.
Coursework: There will be 2 graded problem sets
per section of the textbook. (5 pts per section)
Assessments: This category includes quizzes,
tests, and projects. (25 or 50 pts)
Participation & Organization: A weekly
assessment based on preparedness, focus in class,
neatness, and self-advocacy. (10 pts)
Final Exam: The final is comprehensive and will
include material from the entire term. (100 pts)
3
Final Exam
15%
Coursework
35%
Participation/
Organization
10%
Assessments
40%
SKILLS WE WILL PRACTICE
PROBLEM
SOLVING
CREATIVITY
APPLICATION
TECHNOLOGY
ORGANIZATION
CALCULATION
Problem sets will be
due most days. If I
don’t post sets by
4pm in Canvas, you
are not responsible for
completing it.
COURSEWORK
There may be problem
sets assigned from the
textbook, but we will
not need the book in
class. The textbook
may be left at home.
TEXTBOOK
Late work will receive
a 1 point penalty if it
is not completed by
the due date. You
must turn it in prior
to the chapter test.
LATE WORK
You are expected to
take notes in class,
but I will also provide
digital recaps of most
classes on Canvas to
help you review.
NOTE TAKING
Please refer to my
schedule to set up
extra help. You may
also visit the Math
Lab during lunch or
after school in 408.
EXTRA HELP
Technology, such as
laptops and cell
phones, may only be
used in class when
you are instructed to
do so.
TECHNOLOGY
Please
bring a basic scientific
calculator.