COMPLETE Center

Image of five star to algebraic connections

BIG IDEAS for I.M.p.a.c.t. in math

 Rediscover the curriculum through Algebra Eyes and Ears
-Making generalizations
-Connecting big ideas within the curriculum
-Bringing out  curricular potential for algebraic connections

Develop Algebraic Habits of Mind
-abstracting from computations
-building rules from patterns
-doing and undoing

Engage diverse learners in meaningful math discourse

Leverage technology to build math knowledge

Establish a collaborative mentoring network through Lesson Study.

Algebraic Concept Connections

 Grade K Curriculum Focal Points 

Algebra: Children identify, duplicate, and extend simple number patterns and sequential and growing patterns (e.g., patterns made with shapes) as preparation for creating rules that describe relationships.

Grade 1 Curriculum Focal Points 

Number and Operations and Algebra: Developing understandings of addition and subtraction and strategies for basic addition facts and related subtraction facts.
Children develop strategies for adding and subtracting whole numbers on the basis of their earlier work with small numbers. They use a variety of models, including discrete objects, length-based models (e.g., lengths of connecting cubes), and number lines, to model “part-whole,” “adding to,” “taking away from,” and “comparing” situations to develop an understanding of the meanings of addition and subtraction and strategies to solve such arithmetic problems. Children understand the connections between counting and the …

The purpose of Project IMPACT, Improving Mathematical Practices via Algebraic Connections and Technology in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics, is to create a collaborative network for knowledge development in mathematics teaching and learning. It provides a forum for teachers to collaboratively plan lessons, exchange best instructional practices and effective uses of tech-knowledgy tools to design instructional tasks that promote algebraic conceptual thinking. Teacher collaboration enhances their professional practice which then affects students’ learning. This project is led by Dr. Jennifer Suh and Dr. Padhu Seshaiyer at George Mason University through grants funded by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia.

Why algebra as the focus?

Algebra has typically been considered a high school course and often called the gateway course to graduation. However, algebra is no longer a middle and high school course, but a prominent strand in the k-8 curriculum. In fact, according to the MATH Now initiative, aimed at advancing math education in elementary and middle school, the Secretary of Education, Margret Spellings stated,

“To compete in the global economy, you must know math. Therefore it is more important than ever that our students receive solid math instruction in the early grades to prepare them to take and pass Algebra and other …