Core Connections course 1

Core Connections, Course 1 is the first of a three-year sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a rigorous college preparatory algebra course. On a daily basis, students in Core Connections, Course 1 use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. Students learn in collaboration with others while sharing information, expertise, and ideas. The course helps students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and to recognize the connections between concepts. The lessons in the course meet all of the content standards and embed the "Mathematical Practices" of the Common Core State Standards released in June 2010. The Core Connections courses are built on rich, meaningful problems and investigations that develop conceptual understanding of the mathematics and establish connections among different concepts. The lesson problems are non-routine and team-worthy, requiring strategic problem solving and collaboration. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to justify their reasoning, communicate their thinking, and generalize patterns.