Algebra in the Middle Grades addresses topics that are formalized in the first half of an Algebra 1 course, focusing on linear equations, their graphs and their applications to problem solving. The book is intended to be used by students in the middle school in preparation for the formal study of Algebra 1. In this, it is a truly Pre-Algebra program. Algebra in the Middle Grades is an approach that brings Algebra to the students. It is written to have the essential elements of Algebra be understood on an inductive level so that when students later address the topic formally, there will be an informal background to create deep understanding. The approach is extremely visual using both algebra tile-type diagrams along with graphs for equations and grids for ratio. In this way, the text gives students 3 aspects of a topic, the Numerical, the Geometric and the Algebraic. The text places the Numerical and Geometric first having understanding in these contexts leading to understanding in an Algebraic, symbolic context.

Much of the content that students study in a high school geometry course is totally new to them. The middle school mathematics curriculum does not contain preparatory work for many of these topics as it does in preparing students for the study of Algebra. The proposed text would be a landmark book giving students the ability to gain some understanding of the content before it is formally addressed in the lesson in the course. While many teachers use initial classroom activities called 'DoNows,' there are no structured materials available to teachers of Geometry for this purpose. When teachers do use them, these activities are constructed by the teachers. The text provides the teachers with such materials and is structured to address what the teachers are about to present to the students. The Labs can also be used for exploration of topics at the middle school level enhancing the program there and giving students a better preparation for their high school Geometry program.

Algebra in the Middle Grades addresses topics that are formalized in the first half of an Algebra 1 course, focusing on linear equations, their graphs and their applications to problem solving. The book is intended to be used by students in the middle school in preparation for the formal study of Algebra 1. In this, it is a truly Pre-Algebra program. Algebra in the Middle Grades is an approach that brings Algebra to the students. It is written to have the essential elements of Algebra be understood on an inductive level so that when students later address the topic formally, there will be an informal background to create deep understanding. The approach is extremely visual using both algebra tile-type diagrams along with graphs for equations and grids for ratio. In this way, the text gives students 3 aspects of a topic, the Numerical, the Geometric and the Algebraic. The text places the Numerical and Geometric first having understanding in these contexts leading to understanding in an Algebraic, symbolic context.

Much of the content that students study in a high school geometry course is totally new to them. The middle school mathematics curriculum does not contain preparatory work for many of these topics as it does in preparing students for the study of Algebra. The proposed text would be a landmark book giving students the ability to gain some understanding of the content before it is formally addressed in the lesson in the course. While many teachers use initial classroom activities called 'DoNows,' there are no structured materials available to teachers of Geometry for this purpose. When teachers do use them, these activities are constructed by the teachers. The text provides the teachers with such materials and is structured to address what the teachers are about to present to the students. The Labs can also be used for exploration of topics at the middle school level enhancing the program there and giving students a better preparation for their high school Geometry program.