Math Dad Pre-Algebra Semester 1

Pre-Algebra Semester 1 is a self-paced, video-guided, activity-based math course built on the Desmos Middle School curriculum. It contains 63 lessons (suggested pace: 4 lessons per week) with 45-minute video sessions paired with interactive tasks and occasional paper-based work. The course is structured by units: rigid transformations/congruence; scale, dilations & similarity; writing and solving equations and inequalities; and linear relationships and systems. Parents don’t need to prepare lessons: children watch a video, work through the linked interactive activity or worksheet, then respond to questions or complete assessments. Each unit ends with quizzes or tests. You can monitor progress, pause or repeat lessons, and use discussion/reflection prompts to deepen understanding. In a homeschool day, plan for around 45 minutes to an hour per lesson. The license is per student, and the curriculum is “open-and-go” so minimal planning is required

Pre-Algebra Semester 1 is designed for learners who are comfortable with arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and basic algebraic thinking, and are ready to explore expressions, equations, relationships, and problem solving in a deeper way. It’s ideal for students who enjoy conceptual math, inquiry through interactive tasks (Desmos-style), and learning with guidance and challenge built in.

This course is not ideal for learners who lack fluency in arithmetic operations (especially with fractions and decimals), or who have not yet mastered fundamentals like proportional thinking. It may also feel slow or redundant for students already familiar with linear equations and systems. Students needing more direct, incremental scaffolding may prefer a more basic pre-algebra primer first.

The course weaves video lessons, interactive Desmos activities, guided practice, and reflection to reach multiple learning modalities. For students with ADHD or on the autism spectrum, the predictable lesson rhythm and interactive elements help maintain engagement. Dyslexic learners benefit from strong audio/visual explanation and fewer heavy reading blocks. Students with dyscalculia gain from exploratory, visual tasks that build intuition before formal manipulation. Gifted learners can accelerate through familiar content and spend time exploring extension problems. Because it’s self-paced, pacing adjustments, replays, and scaffolding (such as taking extra time or using manipulatives) are fully possible

Science Mom and Math Dad very well for gifted and 2e learners, offering engaging, rigorous science exploration with flexibility to differentiate. For profoundly gifted kids, it’s a strong starter—pair with deeper extracurricular projects or independent research to meet their advanced needs.

Gifted learners appreciate the in-depth explanations and real-world science, which are great for skill-building like note-taking even when content isn’t fully new.

Twice-exceptional (2e) or accelerated students can still benefit, especially when pairing familiar topics with scaffolded academic techniques.

Profoundly gifted students seeking autonomy and depth will find the self-paced, inquiry-driven structure supportive; however, they may need more complexity or opportunities for independent extension beyond the provided material.

If the course isn't a good fit, just email us for a refund. The most important outcome is a positive learning experience.