For the current edition of Saxon Math Algebra 1.

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

Algebra 1 is typically taught in 8th or 9th grade. This CD-ROM teaches all 120 Saxon Algebra 1 Lessons step-by-step. Because Saxon uses an incremental teaching approach, each lecture is only about 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, helping 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 contains all the concepts typically covered in a High School Algebra 1 course. In addition, students will learn geometry alongside algebra, similar to how high school math is taught in Europe and Asia. Incidentally, European and Asian students consistently outperform American students on international math tests. Students will also become familiar with important concepts such as Unit Multipliers, Functions, Scientific Notation, and Basic Statistics, which will greatly increase their chances of understanding higher maths and math-based science concepts. Saxon Algebra 1 and 2 contain all the algebra and geometry concepts covered on the College Board's SAT and PSAT tests.

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.

Dr. Shormann encourages parents to have their children do Algebra I in 8th grade then continue with Saxon Algebra 2 in 9th grade, followed by 3 semesters of Saxon Advanced Math and 3 semesters of Saxon Calculus. Because of the time required, taking a separate geometry course before or after Algebra 2 limits a students’ ability to complete Calculus in high school. To read more on why Dr. Shormann encourages finishing Calculus in high school please read the Calculus course description.

A Saxon Algebra 1 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 matched the edition of the DIVE CD.