Students will realize that the power of algebra can help them discover fascinating things about places and people through real-life examples. This series concentrates on the essentials of algebra plus provides a thorough breakdown of difficult concepts using step-by-step explanations and visual examples.
Topics Covered:
• What is Algebra, anyway?
• Kinds of numbers
• Order of Operations – PEMDAS
• Rules of exponents
• Properties of operations
Include a DVD plus a CD-ROM with teacher's guide, quizzes, graphic organizers and classroom activities. Teaching Systems programs are optimized for classroom use and include "Full Public Performance Right". 26 min. Grades 8 - 12.
Check out these great reviews:
2010 Recipient of the Parent's Choice 'Recommended' Award.Teaching Systems Algebra: Foundations of Algebra is a production of Cerebellum Corporation, longtime makers of educational programming. Each module is a topic-based video designed for classroom use, and, it comes with a digital workbook that includes teachers' guides, classroom notes, quizzes, and games. Although it's designed for a classroom, it certainly is appropriate for home-schoolers or those looking for additional review outside of school.
What is unique and exceptional is the production value of the video. It's filled with high-end graphics, music, colorful sets and even some edgy visuals. There's a cast of cool, stylish teen actors to deliver the lines, and they're all relaxed and likable. It's all Hey-no-worries-this-is-gonna-be-fun. . . but most of the time their explanations of complex concepts fly by so fast that it's a real stretch to think kids 8 - 11 will follow without needing to rewind and review multiple times.
In terms of look and tone, Teaching Systems Algebra: Foundations of Algebra is a refreshing improvement over the usual solo math teacher lecturing at a blackboard so use this product in the classroom or to home-school, but plan to stop, rewind, and review content often
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In short, if you want basic algebra instruction, you get solid educational content here, in a very traditional and straightforward approach to math. However, if you're looking for an out-of-the-box approach to teach algebra concepts to a math-phobic child or one struggling with traditional approaches to the subject matter, investigate resources specially designed by educators who support "mathematics reform" over "basic math instruction."
Video Librarian November/December 2010 (Volume 25, Issue 6)
Algebra: Foundations of Algebra ***
What’s the fourth root of 81, or the opposite of 2x + 7y? On a more practical note, how much does Roberto pay per month for his cell phone bill? Algebra unlocks the answers to such questions, as viewers will discover in this initial entry from the fun and easy-to-follow introductory Standard Deviants course Teaching Systems Algebra, which helps take the intimidation out of all those letters, symbols, and long chains of numbers. Featuring an energetic, multicultural cast of teens, Foundations of Algebra combines a humorous approach with creative strategies, looking at the basic building blocks of algebra as it presents clear, step-by-step explanations of difficult concepts, illustrated with excellent animated sequences and graphics. The effective instruction is enhanced with real-life examples (using situations like Roberto’s texting habit), useful mnemonic devices and acronyms, and plenty of immediate practice exercises for the numerous rules of operations and vocabulary words covered here. Other titles in the series include Functions, Algebra Mechanics, Linear Equations, Linear Inequalities, Polynomials & Factoring and Quadratic Equations. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)
