Algebra 1 Unit Planning Guides

Searching for ideas for your Algebra 1 class? Thinking about starting an interactive notebook? Need inspiration for Algebra 1 lessons?

This page serves as the navigational hub to view all of my interactive notebook planning guide posts for Algebra 1.

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Unit Planning Guides

If you’re new to teaching Algebra 1, figuring out what is essential to include in your unit notes can be overwhelming. In each of the planning guides linked below, I’ll walk through every topic that you should include in your unit, and I’ll also provide direction about what to emphasize while covering that topic to ensure your students are being exposed to common mistakes & misconceptions and are able to develop a deep sense of conceptual understanding.

Use these guides as a prescriptive manual for your planning.

At the bottom of each post, there is a YouTube video that shows every page of notes I give my students during the unit to give you a better sense of how I apply all of these planning tips to create a cohesive unit of guided notes for my students.

Year At A Glance

In my Algebra 1 class, we cover 11 topics of study each year. Use these quick links to jump to a particular unit.

Unit 1: The Foundations of Algebra
Unit 2: Solving Multi-Step Equations
Unit 3: Solving Multi-Step Inequalities
Unit 4: Functions, Relations, Domain & Range
Unit 5: Linear Functions & Slope
Unit 6: Equations of Linear Functions
Unit 7: Systems of Equations & Inequalities
Unit 8: Exponents & Exponential Functions
Unit 9: Polynomials & Factoring
Unit 10: Quadratic Graphs & Equations
Unit 11: Radicals & Radical Functions

Unit 1 – The Foundations of Algebra

This is the unit where we really build the proper foundation for success throughout the entire year. Students will refresh the basics from past classes like combining like terms, the distributive property, and solving 2-step equations (along with how to check their answers). Read the Unit 1 Planning Guide.

Topics Included:

1.1 – The Real Number System, Classifying Real Numbers, & Closure
1.2 – Properties of Real Numbers
1.3 – Order of Operations
1.4 – Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
1.5 – Combining Like Terms
1.6 – The Distributive Property
1.7 – Translating Algebraic Expressions, Equations & Inequalities
1.8 – Solving 1-Step & 2-Step Equations
1.9 – Solving 2-Step Inequalities

Read Unit 1 Planning Guide

Unit 2 – Solving Multi-Step Equations

This is the unit where students dive deep into solving equations, learn about special case solutions, and use their problem-solving knowledge to work with absolute value equations and literal equations. Read the Unit 2 Planning Guide.

Topics Included:

2.1 – Multi-Step Equations (variables on the same side)
2.2 – Multi-Step Equations (variables on both sides)
2.3 – Special Case Solutions
2.4 – Consecutive Integer & Perimeter Applications
2.5 – Writing & Solving Equations
2.6 – Algebraic Proofs
2.7 – Equivalent Ratios & Solving Proportions
2.8 – Percent of Change + Applications
2.9 – Absolute Value Equations
2.10 – Writing Absolute Value Equations
2.11 – Literal Equations

Read Unit 2 Planning Guide

Unit 3 – Solving Multi-Step Inequalities

This is the unit where we students dig into solving inequalities, as well as graphing the solution sets and writing answers to inequalities in proper notation. Students also dive into how solving inequalities is similar to and different from solving equations. Read the Unit 3 Planning Guide.

Topics Included:

3.1 – Intro to Inequalities – Graphing & Translating Keywords
3.2 – Intro to Graphing & Writing Inequalities
3.3 – Solving Multi-Step Inequalities
3.4 – Multi-Step Inequalities Applications
3.5 – Compound Inequalities
3.6 – Solving Compound Inequalities (additional practice + special cases)
3.7 – Solving Absolute Value Inequalities

Read Unit 3 Planning Guide

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Unit 4 – Functions, Relations, Domain & Range

This is the unit where everything comes naturally together. No headaches or fuss – domain, range and function notation flow naturally as a result of the units that came before it. Read the Unit 4 Planning Guide.

Topics Included: