Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th

Teacher Name: Alison Hadley

Student Teacher Name: Audrey Aden

Description and purpose of grant:

We are requesting funding to support a creative and collaborative project in Algebra 2 called The ABCs of Algebra. In this project, each student will be assigned a letter of the alphabet and an Algebra 2 vocabulary word that begins with that letter. Students will illustrate their word and write a simple, age-appropriate definition that an elementary student could understand. These individual pages will be compiled into a professionally published book, with braille added to ensure accessibility for visually impaired students.

Once completed, our Algebra 2 students will visit Town Center Elementary school to share the book with younger students, sparking excitement for mathematics and encouraging meaningful cross-grade connections. This project builds academic vocabulary, promotes creativity, and provides authentic opportunities for students to communicate mathematical ideas.

We piloted this activity last year in Honors Statistics (The ABCs of Statistics) and witnessed how deeply it engaged students. This year, we are expanding the project to include Algebra 2. 

This project aligns with CISD’s values by:

• Transforming classroom learning through innovative instruction that integrates creativity, vocabulary development, and authentic teaching opportunities.

• Building authentic relationships by connecting high school students with elementary students and creating a product that benefits younger learners across the district.

• Fostering inclusivity and equity by ensuring all students, including those who are visually impaired, can fully participate and benefit from this learning experience.

• Providing measurable outcomes, such as improved mastery of Algebra 2 vocabulary, increased student engagement, and the production/distribution of the book as a tangible outcome.

The impact of this project is broad and lasting: it enhances Algebra 2 vocabulary understanding, cultivates creativity, encourages community connections, and produces a resource that will serve students across the district for years to come.

Implementation process:

This project will engage a total of 56 Algebra 2 students (28 in 7th period Algebra 2 and 28 in 8th period Algebra 2) and approximately 100 Elementary and Middle School Students.

Semester 1:

• Each student will be assigned one Algebra 2 vocabulary word, corresponding to a letter of the alphabet.

• Students will design a page for the book that includes:

  • A student-created illustration representing the term.

  • A student-written definition explained at an elementary level.

• Students will collaborate in peer groups to edit and refine their work, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and creativity.

Semester 2:

• At the start of the semester, we will compile and publish the book through an approved vendor.

• With books ready, we will take a walking field trip to Town Center Elementary school, where our high school students will read aloud and share their work with elementary students.

Ongoing Impact:

• The project will not only benefit the 56 high school students directly participating this year, but also the approximately 100 elementary and middle school students who are introduced to Algebra 2 vocabulary in an age-appropriate way.

This implementation plan ensures broad participation, fosters creativity and vocabulary mastery for high school students, and extends impact to younger learners and VI students across the district for years to come.

Items you plan to purchase with grant money 

• Book Publishing Costs

  • Printing and binding of The ABCs of Algebra 2 book, including copies for elementary classrooms and VI students across the district.

  • Estimated cost includes design, printing, binding, and shipping.

• Student Supplies for Book Creation 

  • Art supplies (markers, colored pencils, paper) to allow students to create illustrations for their vocabulary pages.

  • These materials will ensure that student work is creative, professional, and visually engaging.

• Shipping/Delivery Costs

  • Shipping fees associated with delivering the books from the vendor.

  • Ensures that all costs are covered and books can be delivered on time for the project launch.

The minimum amount we would need to get started is $500. This would allow us to publish a smaller number of ABCs of Algebra books for our two Algebra 2 classes (56 students) and cover the costs of supplies for creating the content.