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Jo Cuppy Wikki Space for Lesson Plan
I teach elementary algebra (a developmental course) each fall, spring, and twice during the summer. I teach intermediate algebra (still a developmental course) twice during the summer. Every semester, every semester, every semester there are //two// places where the students feel overwhelmed. They leave questions blank, they zone out, they quite or they pass without ever really understanding. These two sections are virtually identical in both classes (indicating that students globally have problems in these two areas). If there is something that I can put together that will help even a few more students understand these two areas, then I want to do it. __The two areas are:__ Story problems, particularly mixtures. //and// Applying the rules of fractions to polynomial expressions.
 * Prologue**:

If I can create lessons for these two areas, I will be able to help 40 students in June alone. Even though it is a face-to-face class, I have Blackboard as a support component, and can create quizzes there to check student understanding. The story problems will especially lend themselves to a WebQuest, as they demonstrate a real life application. In fact, I would much rather the students recognize what a reasonable answer is (develop good number sense) than to simply be able to set up an equation based on a story. Setting up an equation is nice, but recognizing that you can't combine $2/lb candy and $5/lb candy to get candy that sells for $7/lb is even better.

I. Heading II. Rationale and Background III. Lesson Objectives IV. List of Resources V. Curriculum AnalysisVI. Procedures VII. Evaluation Lesson 2