Math-U-See Algebra 1
$207
$207
Product Code: 722-509
Consumable
In a Curriculum Kit
Mastery Learning
Nonreligious
Awards & Endorsements
Algebra 1
Math-U-See Algebra 1 teaches all basic algebra concepts. These include basic properties, solving equations (including simultaneous equations), coin problems, exponents and square roots, scientific notation, unit multipliers, and metric conversions. Graphing lines are taught in detail, and graphing conic sections are introduced. Operations with polynomials are demonstrated with place-value blocks for conceptual understanding before being taught conventionally. Math-U-See Algebra 1 is typically a good fit for a student entering eighth grade; to find the Math-U-See level that best fits your child you can try the placement test here.
About Math-U-See Curriculum
For more than 20 years, Math-U-See's renowned mastery-based, multi-sensory, student-paced program has been the answer for countless families. Math-U-See is a comprehensive K-12 math curriculum that uses manipulatives to illustrate and teach the concepts. If you regularly experience tears from your child whenever new mathematical topics are introduced, you need Math-U-See's systematic, precept-upon-precept math program. This manipulative-based curriculum ensures your children will be able to fully understand each mathematical concept before moving on to another one.
Math-U-See is mastery-oriented, clear, to the point, and compelling with simple, uncluttered pages. In Math-U-See, new ideas are introduced step by step logically. At the same time, concepts that have been mastered are reviewed periodically. The lessons are short, and there are many opportunities for multi-sensory experiences using videos and manipulatives.
Math-U-See books are organized into levels, not grades, so students can proceed at their own pace as they master concepts. This is particularly helpful for the child that is not performing at grade level but would rather not have that be a daily reminder.
Student workbooks are softcover, and the pages are perforated and punched so they can be removed, completed, and placed in binders if you choose. Occasional fun exercises, like dot-to-dots and crossword puzzles, have been incorporated into the student workbooks. Student workbook pages are consumable, so each child will need their own copy.
The Math-U-See Manipulatives are more than a supplement. They are an integral part of the curriculum. Used from the Primer through Algebra 1 levels, the manipulatives build each concept from place value through polynomials through Integer Blocks, Fraction Overlays, and Algebra/Decimal Inserts.
Instruction manuals include complete answer keys with solutions for all problems. This is more a necessity at the upper levels than the lower ones. Math-U-See does require a fair amount of parental involvement, especially in the younger grades. They have bent over backwards to make the lesson planning as painless as possible. But to get the most out of Math-U-See, parents should be prepared to plan and not start the lessons unprepared. Math-U-See's teacher guide and supplemental DVD will teach you, the parent, more than just how to solve a math problem. They also show why the problem is solved in this manner and when to apply the concept.
Each lesson is demonstrated on the videos with such kind-hearted enthusiasm. I now understand why children line up at homeschool conferences to give the instructor, Steve Demme, a hug. The Digital Pack includes streaming access to the same lesson videos as the DVDs, as well as PDF versions of the instruction materials and other online resources.
Math-U-See is laid out with step-by-step procedures for introducing, practicing, mastering, and reviewing concepts. How do you know when your child has 'mastered' a math concept? Not just when he gets the answers right but when he can teach the concept back to you, especially if he can do so with a word problem. Math-U-See will show you how. So, if you want to give your child a rock-solid mathematical foundation, if your child is shaky on the basics, or just looking for a no-frills, common-sense program, you will be pleased with Math-U-See.
Notes:
The Math-U-See levels are used in the following order: Primer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, PreCalculus, and Calculus. Placement tests for the different levels are available here.
Math-U-See Manipulatives come in a standard cardboard box with a lightweight plastic tray. These do not hold up well, either in shipment or daily life, so we'd suggest considering a different long-term storage option, such as a bin or bag. Our warehouse crew always does their best, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that the packaging will arrive in good condition.
Explore the Curriculum
Look inside this book and read through a lesson to see how it might work for your family.
View PDFThere are a number of differences in layout between the two programs. Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics is student-led, with the lesson content written directly to the student. It also has multiple videos per lesson, broken up by topics. Rather than featuring the familiar teacher Steve Demme, these videos have an off-screen teacher walking students through digitized Student Worktext pages, with animated clips woven in to help students visualize complex subjects. Students will fill in guided notes and examples in Student Worktext as they follow video instructions. In both editions, students are expected to work through problems until they have achieved mastery but avoid superfluous drilling and busywork. However, Algebra 1: PSM integrates a new, streamlined system for checking for mastery. Algebra 1: PSM has been rewritten to be standards-based and includes nationally expected topics for Algebra 1. And unlike the Legacy Edition, Algebra 1: PSM requires no Integer Block Kit or Algebra/Decimal Inserts. The publisher has provided much more information about the differences on their site here.
Math-U-See is a skills-based program that focuses on student mastery of a concept before progressing to the next concept. Because of this, it is not aligned with the common core and, therefore, may not meet the requirements of state standardized tests.
In other words, Math-U-See covers topics in a logical sequence, which may not exactly correlate with the more scattered assortment of skills that are typical for each grade. Parents who wish to compare the Common Core State Standards for kindergarten through sixth grade with the content taught in Math-U-See can do so here.
Most families find it more convenient for both children to have their own set of Integer Blocks. However, you can stick with one set to ease the budget if your students don't mind taking turns as needed.
Algebra 1 Universal Set
The Math-U-See Algebra 1 Universal Set includes the Instruction Pack, Student Pack, Integer Block Kit, and lifetime access to the Algebra 1 Digital Pack. The Digital Pack includes streaming access to the same lesson videos as the DVDs, as well as PDF versions of the instruction materials and other online resources. If this is your first time using Math-U-See, the Universal Set is for you.
Algebra 1 Level Up Set
The Algebra 1 Level Up Set includes the Algebra/Decimal Inserts, Instruction Pack, Student Pack, and lifetime access to the Algebra 1 Digital Pack. The Level Up Set is a good fit for families who have the Integer Block Kit but still need the Algebra/Decimal Inserts.
Algebra 1 Level Up Base Set
The Algebra 1 Level Up Set includes the Instruction Pack, Student Pack, and lifetime access to the Algebra 1 Digital Pack. The Level Up Base Set is a good fit for families who already own the Integer Block Kit and the Algebra/Decimal Inserts.
Algebra 1 Instruction Pack
The Instruction Pack includes the Instruction Manual, DVD Instructional videos, and Digital access.
Algebra 1 Student Pack
The Student Pack includes only the student workbook and the test booklet. The Student Pack is suitable for families using the Algebra 1 level with a second student.
Algebra 1 Overview:
Algebra 1 Lesson 20 Sample:
View Sample Lesson PDF
Table of Contents
Publisher's Information
Publisher: Demme Learning
Series: Math-U-See
Age Recommendation: 13+
Grade Recommendation: 8th+
Faith-Based: No
Consumable: No (Instruction Pack, Integer Block Kit), Yes (Student Pack)
Lessons: 30CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.