VSA Math Camp (Pre-Algebra & Algebra)

 The VSA Future summer camp is underway with a brand new virtual format. Students enrolled in the Pre-Algebra and Algebra classes will experience a 45-minute math class, 4 times a week. Each class is designed to get the most out of the condensed format in order to build algebraic understandings that are crucial to future studies in mathematics, science, and more.

   Classes begin with a short Speed Quiz that covers basic calculations and problem solving skills. This serves as a streamlined review tool for developing mastery over the fundamental skills that underlie Algebra. Next, our talented teachers take it away, teaching the lesson with an interactive presentation that encourages both participation and critical thinking. 

   Students are then provided with a selection of practice problems designed to emulate and extend the concepts taught during class. Once each of these problems have been reviewed, the students begin their independent practice. During this work time, we make sure that teachers are quick to provide individualized help whenever students experience difficulty. Our compact class size facilitates this by guaranteeing that every student gets the attention they need. Upon completing the slideshow, students will further reinforce their understanding of the learning platform. The latter is utilized because it provides a host of detailed statistics to aid in assessing student performance. This final portion of practice time at the end of class helps teachers get a sense of what topics students need to work on.

   On Thursday, students take on a short review quiz spanning content from each day of the week. Our teachers carefully go over each problem to ensure that by the end of the week, all topics are understood in great depth.

   Within the Pre-Algebra curriculum, students are gradually equipped with the tools necessary for succeeding in Algebra. For example, the beginning weeks are focused on introducing the language of Algebra—expressions, and variables. Slowly, these topics build into the all-important unit of equations. 

   Our teachers only break down the techniques that matter, so that your child can gain a practical understanding of how to conceptualize and solve multi-operation equations. In addition to these core concepts, students are exposed to new mathematical ideas such as exponents and number types while still revisiting the important topics of fractions and decimals. 

   Our curriculum also makes sure to cover differing branches of mathematics with numerous lessons focused on quantitative data analysis. Last, students learn all about the cartesian plane as they become comfortable with the graphical implications of linear equations.

   The Algebra curriculum integrates various Pre-Algebra concepts to investigate many of the cornerstones of mathematics. This begins with an in-depth look into the function, a key concept that remains relevant in all math courses. The initial weeks start with linear equations and inequalities. Systems come next, where students learn to handle scenarios involving requiring equations. Within these lessons, we use a teaching methodology that gives equal emphasis to understanding calculations numerically and graphically. 

   In addition to simply learning the computational methods, our teachers make geometric connections that enable students to gain the intuition and insights essential to true understanding. Afterward, we move on to higher-order equations and the techniques required to manipulate them. A final but important attribute of our Algebra program is involving the real-life applications of mathematics. Once students are fluent with solving number equations, we begin to investigate word problems and the ways in which we can model our world with numbers.

  Our units are structured in such a way that each week is independent of one another. Although it is preferable to take multiple weeks together, students are able to enter any given week of the program and take away valuable knowledge.

   Understanding algebra is the first step towards becoming a well-rounded math student capable of excelling in a wide range of subjects. In addition to obtaining strong foundational knowledge of Algebra and Pre-Algebra, students can expect to gain critical thinking skills that will help them become successful problem solvers.