Hello, my name is Lauran Smith (
) and this is my third year as your Middle School/ High School math teacher. I graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1985. It is my pleasure to teach a variety of math classes to the students of TCA.
The goal of math instruction is to challenge students to think and learn mathematically and to be proficient in mathematical computation so that they can enjoy faithful lives as stewards of God’s World.
All daily homework assignments are written on the board for students. Lessons are presented each day, and problems are worked on the board by both the teacher and the students. Quizzes are given one to three times weekly to assess student progress. Chapter tests are given at the end of each chapter.
Students, who complete assignments each day and attend class daily, prepared and ready to learn, will succeed.
Grade 7 – Fundamentals of Math
Quiz 4/14/08
TEST Chapter 8 4/24/08
Employ problem solving and real-life uses of math to reinforce computation skills and to build a solid math foundation. Each chapter contains a biographical sketch of an innovator.
Grade 8 – Pre-Algebra
Quiz 4/15/08, 4/22/08
TEST Chapter 9 4/25/08
Ease the transition to algebra by introducing basis concepts in advance. Each chapter opens with a math-related Bible character sketch and concludes with a consumer-related application.
Algebra I
Quiz 4/16/08, 4/23/08
TEST Chapter 8 4/25/08
Present algebra topics in a logical order. The text develops the student’s understanding of algebra by justifying methods and by explaining how to do the problems. It introduces graphing, solving systems of equations, operations with polynomials and radicals, factoring polynomials, solving rational equations, and graphing quadratic functions. Biographical sketches of mathematicians are included, as well as features on probability and statistics, Algebra Around Us, and Algebra and scripture.
Geometry
Quiz 4/14/08, 4/17/08, 4/22/08, 4/25/08
TEST Chapter 9 4/28/08
Introduce your student to a balanced study of proofs, theorems, and real-life geometry. Included are area, volume, congruence, similarity, space, transformations, constructions, and trigonometry. The book contains analytic, geometry features, Geometry Around Us, Geometry and Scripture, and biographical sketches of mathematicians.
Algebra II
Quiz 4/15/08,
4/22/08, 4/29/08
Chapter Test 4/28/08
Review basic algebraic functions and extend your student’s skills in graphing and in solving equations. Introduce exponential functions, logarithms, and trigonometry. Present more advanced topics such as complex numbers, rational expressions and equations, conic sections, and probability and statistics. A matrix algebra feature, Algebra Around the World, Algebra and Scripture, dominion-modeling activities for graphing calculators, and biographical sketches of mathematics are included throughout.
