Polynomials
Strand: Patterns and Relations (Variables and Equations)
Outcomes: 5, 6, and 7
Step 3: Plan for Instruction
Guiding Questions
- What learning opportunities and experiences should I provide to promote learning of the outcomes and permit students to demonstrate their learning?
- What teaching strategies and resources should I use?
- How will I meet the diverse learning needs of my students?
A. Assessing Prior Knowledge and Skills
Before introducing new material, consider ways
to assess and build on students' knowledge and
skills related to representing operations with
integers, writing and modelling algebraic expressions
and substitution for a variable in an algebraic
expression outlined in earlier grades.
Ways to Assess and Build on Prior Knowledge and Skills 
B. Choosing Instructional Strategies
Consider the following guidelines for teaching
polynomials:
- Students need to be engaged in learning
activities that involve models that will
enhance their understanding of algebraic
concepts.
- Students should be given many opportunities
to make sense of the way that algebra uses
symbols and letters to represent mathematical
ideas. It is important for students to connect
the differences and the similarities between
operations with polynomial notation and operations
with whole numbers, integers and rational
numbers.
- The use of models such as algebra tiles
help students to visualize concepts. Visual
representations build lasting and meaningful
understandings in algebra.
- Students should practise procedures for
operations with polynomials only after they
have learned to make sense of operations
with concrete materials.
- Students must be given opportunities to
communicate their thinking with other students
and with the teacher. Students learn by explaining
their reasoning and by listening to the strategies
of other students.
- Students develop an understanding of concepts
through problem solving.
C. Choosing Learning Activities
Learning Activities are examples of activities that could be used to develop student understanding of the concepts identified in Step 1.
Grade 9
