Title: Introduction to Polynomials

Grade Level: 9-12

Objectives: - Students will be able to define a polynomial and identify its parts. - Students will be able to classify polynomials based on their degree and number of terms. - Students will be able to perform basic operations on polynomials, including addition, subtraction, and multiplication. - Students will be able to use the distributive property to simplify polynomial expressions.

Materials: - Whiteboard and markers - Polynomials worksheet - Algebra tiles (optional)

Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin by asking students if they have heard of polynomials before. Write the word “polynomial” on the board and ask if anyone knows what it means. 2. Explain that a polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables and coefficients, and that it can be used to represent a wide range of real-world situations. 3. Write a simple polynomial on the board, such as 2x + 3, and ask students to identify its parts (coefficients, variables, and exponents).

Direct Instruction (20 minutes): 1. Review the definition of a polynomial and its parts. 2. Explain that polynomials can be classified based on their degree (the highest exponent in the expression) and the number of terms they contain. 3. Write several examples of polynomials on the board, ranging from linear (degree 1) to cubic (degree 3) to illustrate this concept. 4. Have students work in pairs to classify each polynomial on the worksheet based on its degree and number of terms.

Guided Practice (20 minutes): 1. Review the distributive property and how it can be used to simplify expressions. 2. Write a polynomial expression on the board, such as (2x + 3)(x - 4), and demonstrate how to use the distributive property to expand it. 3. Have students work in pairs to simplify several polynomial expressions on the worksheet using the distributive property.

Independent Practice (20 minutes): 1. Have students work individually to complete the remaining problems on the worksheet, which involve adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials. 2. Circulate around the room to provide assistance and answer questions as needed.

Closure (10 minutes): 1. Review the key concepts covered in the lesson, including the definition of a polynomial, how to classify polynomials based on their degree and number of terms, and how to perform basic operations on polynomials. 2. Ask students to share one thing they learned or found interesting about polynomials today. 3. Collect the worksheets to assess student understanding.

Assessment: The worksheet completed by students will be used to assess their understanding of the lesson. The teacher will also observe students during independent practice and provide feedback as needed.