For the current edition of Saxon Algebra 1/2.

Make sure the DIVE CD you order is the same edition as the book you will be using.

Algebra 1/2 3rd ed. is typically taught in 7th or 8th grade. This CD-ROM teaches all 123 Saxon Algebra 1/2 Lessons, plus the 10 Additional Topics, step-by-step. Because Saxon uses an incremental teaching approach, each lecture is only about 10-15 minutes long. Dr. Shormann builds lesson upon lesson, slowly developing complex concepts from bite-sized lessons that are easy to grasp. Students watch the lecture and take notes, working the practice problems Dr. Shormann presents, and pausing and rewinding as necessary until a concept is understood. If students want additional practice, they can complete the Example problems and Practice Set in the Saxon textbook. After the lesson, students complete the 30-question Problem Set in the Saxon text. While a few problems in the Problem Set come from the new concept, most problems come from previous lessons. Each problem is cross-referenced back to the lesson where it was taught, allowing students to quickly review any concept.

This unique method of spiral review improves critical thinking skills, increases long term retention, and raises standardized test scores. However, this method can be difficult to teach because of the seemingly random presentation of topics. That is why Saxon's founder John Saxon recommended teacher training for all his courses. DIVE CDs provide that teacher, as Dr. Shormann explains how new topics connect to previously learned material, which helps students see the "big picture". Also, when a student gets stuck or forgets how to work a problem, they simply click on the DIVE lesson where the concept was originally taught and watch that lesson again. The same can be done when correcting tests. This makes it very easy to fill in any gaps as they show up.

There are 30 problems in each Problem Set but Dr. Shormann recommends, as long as students maintain an 80+ average on timed tests, that students only complete the even problems on even lessons and odd problems on odd lessons. If test scores begin to fall, then the student needs more practice and should complete all problems in the lesson until test scores improve. Students should always take notes on all DIVE Lectures and work out all practice problems presented in the lecture. Click on Parent Tips for more information on how to grade tests and homework.

Algebra 1/2 thoroughly prepares students for Algebra 1 and beyond by building on Math 7/6 and Math 8/7. It is a culmination of pre-algebra mathematics and skills, and continues to build and expand on geometry while giving a thorough review of fractions, decimals and percent. Algebra 1/2 is typically skipped if students maintain an 80+ average on Math 87 2nd or 3rd Edition timed tests. However, this book can be completed in place of Math 87 as well. The only difference between 87 and Alg. 1/2 is that Math 87 has more practice on fractions, percents, decimals, and ratios while Algebra 1/2 has more pre-algebra concepts. They both do a good job of preparing students for Algebra 1 but we generally recommend Math 87 3rd Edition over Algebra 1/2 because most students need more work on building a strong foundation in basic mathematics, which makes the transition to algebra much easier.

All DIVE courses are taught from a Christian foundation. Dr. Shormann believes that God gave us mathematics primarily as a tool to study His creation, which is why mathematics is considered the language of science. Mathematics is also useful in interacting with each other and in developing reasoning and problem solving skills. Dr. Shormann uses Scripture and history to remind students that God is the author of all knowledge. Dr. Shormann also gives friendly reminders to students to honor their parents by doing excellent schoolwork.

A Saxon Algebra 1/2 3rd Edtion Homeschool Kit (Student Text, Homeschool Packet with Test Forms) and a Solutions Manual are required. DIVE CDs play on Mac and Windows 98 and higher operating systems, including Vista. Please be sure the edition of your textbook matches the edition of the DIVE CD.