The document outlines an open online Algebra 1 course to be offered in summer 2010. It will cover the traditional topics in a two-semester Algebra 1 class using a flexible online learning model incorporating multimedia and interactive components. The course will be available free of charge through open educational resources and aims to make Algebra accessible to all students through a blended approach tailored to individual learners.

1. Algebra 1: An Open Course
Coming Summer 2010
Goal: To offer a multi-modal approach to Algebra I that incorporates cutting edge online learning
methods and technologies and is delivered to the world as an Open Educational Resource.
Curriculum. Offering a scope and sequence of a two-semester Algebra 1 course that is traditionally a student’s
first exposure to Algebra in middle or high school, this course will be correlated to national common core
standards and to standards across the 50 states.
Approach. Designed to be a flexible, learner-centered experience, this project takes into account learning theory,
research in mathematics education, and new research in technology, media and learning. The design process is
informed by a rigorous study of current and proposed curriculum standards and products, including textbooks,
software, web applications and tools. The evolving design concepts were further refined by an advisory panel of
math experts, educational membership organizations, practitioners, and a series of focus groups around the
country with administrators, instructors, and students. We will continue to collaborate with a full range of
stakeholders throughout the development process.
Flexible Design. The learning experience integrates a broad range of approaches designed to open the door to
mathematics concepts, procedures, mathematical reasoning and critical thinking for teachers and learners. The
Learning Object architecture allows institutions and instructors to adapt the content to different programs and
learners' needs.
Components. The portfolio of learning objects includes dynamic audio and video presentations, active and
collaborative learning activities, problem sets, self-tests with feedback, and formative and summative
assessment. Students work through activities in the sequence that leverages their own successful learning
st
strategies while building their 21 century skills. Components include:
• Warm-ups: a series of problems to assess prior knowledge and recommend review.
• Presentations: the new media equivalent of a session with a teacher explaining the topic.
• Text: a textbook-style explanation that reinforces the concepts being taught.
• Worked Examples: narrated step-by-step presentations of a problem being solved.
• Problems: questions designed in adaptive sets, giving students practice and feedback.
• Review: self-test mastery before moving to the next lesson.
• Projects: promote collaboration in the project-based learning tradition to solve real-world problems.
• Study Group Simulations: put students in a virtual study group to help fellow students solve problems.
• Simple Games: give learners a chance to practice what they have learned in a no-fault environment.
• Assessment: formative and summative assessment designed to guide a learner's progress.
Distribution. Course content will be distributed to educational institutions through the National Repository of
Online Courses (NROC), MITE’s highly respected library of learning objects and courses, and will be accessible to
individual learners and teachers free of charge online at Hippocampus (www.hippocampus.org ).
A project of the Monterey Institute for Technology and Education (MITE) with
support from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. NROC is an Open
Educational Resource, part of a movement fueled by the belief that everyone is
entitled to an education, regardless of their financial or social circumstances.

2. Algebra 1: An Open Course (Semester 1) Algebra 1: An Open Course (Semester 2)
UNIT 1: THE LANGUAGE OF ALGEBRA UNIT 7: RADICAL EXPRESSIONS
Lesson 1: Algebraic Expressions Lesson 14: Exponents
Variables and Expressions Scientific Notation
Evaluating Expressions Simplifying Expressions with Exponents
Lesson 2: Properties of Numbers Fractional Exponents
Associative and Commutative Properties Lesson 15: Radical Expressions and Equations
The Distributive Property Simplifying Radical Expressions
Properties of Equality, Identity and Inverse Solving Radical Equations
Applying Radical Equations
UNIT 2: SOLVE LINEAR EQUATIONS Lesson 16: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 3: Writing and Solving Equations Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
Solving Equations (+, - , *, /)
Solving Multi-Step Equations UNIT 8: POLYNOMIALS
Writing Expressions and Equations Lesson 17: Operations on Monomials
Solving for a Specific Variable Multiplying and Dividing Monomials
Lesson 4: Absolute Value Equations Lesson 18: Operations on Polynomials
Absolute Value Polynomials
Solving Absolute Value Equations Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
Multiplying Polynomials
UNIT 3: FUNCTIONS AND PATTERNS Special Products of Polynomials
Lesson 5: Working with Patterns
Inductive Patterns UNIT 9: FACTORING
Representing Patterns Lesson 19: Factoring Monomials and Polynomials
Lesson 6: Graphing Functions and Relations Factoring and the Distributive Property
Representing Functions and Relations Factoring Trinomials by Grouping 1
Domain and Range Factoring Trinomials by Grouping 2
Proportional Functions (Direct Variation) Lesson 20: Factoring Special Products of Polynomials
Linear Functions Factoring Special Products
Non-linear Functions Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
UNIT 4: ANALYZE AND GRAPH LINEAR EQUATIONS, FUNCTIONS UNIT 10: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS
AND RELATIONS Lesson 21: Quadratic Functions
Lesson 7: Graphing Linear Equations Graphing Quadratic Functions
Rate of Change and Slope Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the
Intercepts of Linear Equations Square
Graphing Equations in Slope Intercept Form Proving the Quadratic Formula
Point Slope Form and Standard Form of Linear Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic
Equations Formula
Lesson 8: Parallel and Perpendicular Lines The Discriminant
Parallel Lines Lesson 22: Applying Quadratic Functions
Perpendicular Lines Applications of Quadratic Functions
Systems of Non-Linear Equations
UNIT 5: ANALYZE, SOLVE, AND GRAPH LINEAR INEQUALITIES
Lesson 9: Writing, Solving and Graphing Inequalities UNIT 11: RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS AND EQUATIONS
in One Variable Lesson 23: Rational Expressions
Solving and Graphing Inequalities in One Variable Simplifying Rational Expressions
Solving and Graphing Absolute Value Inequalities Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Writing and Using Inequalities Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Lesson 10: Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities Lesson 24: Rational Equations
in Two Variables Solving Rational Equations
Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Applying Rational Equations
Variables
UNIT 12: EXTENSIONS AND APPLICATIONS
UNIT 6: SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES Lesson 25: Logical Reasoning and Number Sets
Lesson 11: Solving Systems of Linear Equations Logic and Properties of Numbers
Solving Systems by Graphing Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Solving Systems by Substitution Logic and Counterexamples
Solving Systems by Elimination Always, Sometimes and Never True
Lesson 12: Applying Systems of Equations Number Sets
Rate Problems Lesson 26: Probability
Mixture Problems Events and Outcomes (Counting)
Lesson 13: Graphing Systems of Inequalities Permutations and Combinations
Graphing Systems of Inequalities Probability of Independent Events
Probability of Compound Events