The unique approach of these 8th grade homeschool lessons and teacher books has helped make Saxon Math Algebra 1/2 a best seller.
Click here to see sample pages. The Saxon Algebra 1/2 Solutions Manual does not come included with the Home Study Kit but is strongly recommended as an additional purchase. Solutions to Algebra 1/2 problems usually involve many distinct and important steps and the Solutions Manual is the only place that provides the step by step solutions to every problem in the student textbook.
Saxon Algebra 1/2 homeschool curriculum is recommended for use by seventh graders who plan to take algebra in the eighth grade or by eighth graders who plan to take algebra in the ninth grade.
Algebra 1/2 covers all the topics normally covered in a pre-algebra course as well as additional topics from geometry and discrete mathematics. Algebra 1/2 represents the culmination of the study of pre-algebra mathematics.
Students completing the program are expected to be well-versed in the following areas: fractions, decimals, mixed numbers, signed numbers, numbers in base 2, arithmetic operations involving all these forms of numbers, order of operations, percents, proportions, ratios, divisibility, rounding, place value, unit conversions, scientific notation, and word problems involving these pre-algebra concepts.
Students are also introduced to rudimentary algebra topics such as the evaluation of algebraic expressions, the simplification of algebraic expressions, and the solution of linear equations in one unknown.
Also included are geometric concepts and topics such as perimeter, area, surface area, volume, classification of geometric figures and solids, geometric constructions, and symmetry.
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Saxon Math Teaching Philosophy:
Learning need not be difficult, but neither does it happen quickly. Time is the elixir that turns things new into things familiar. Therefore, the most effective way for students to learn is through gentle development of concepts and the practice of those concepts extended over a considerable period of time. John Saxon called these methods incremental development and continual review and he applied them to mathematics and the fundamental skills of reading.
At its simplest, incremental development is the introduction of topics in easily understandable pieces (increments), permitting the assimilation of one facet of a concept before the next facet is introduced. Both facets are then practiced together until another is introduced.
The incrementalization of topics is combined with continual review, wherein all previously learned material is reviewed in every lesson for the entire year. Topics are never dropped but are instead increased in complexity and practiced every day, providing the time required for concepts to become totally familiar.
As Saxon math concepts become familiar and the requisite skills become automated, learning becomes a game at which students can succeed and through which they find satisfaction and self-worth. More importantly, the automation of fundamental skills frees students' minds to consider the Saxon math concepts on a more abstract level.
Genuine learning is demonstrated not only through the understanding of a concept, but also through the ability to apply that concept to new situations. Saxon math students do both with ease and confidence.
John Saxon - Founder of Saxon Publishers |
