This is the first in a series of three guidebooks on minimum course content for gifted grade seven students who will begin algebra in grade eight. The topics covered include integers, sets, number properties, open sentences, and graphing; concepts are stressed. Overall course goals are specified; a course outline, performance objectives, suggested teaching strategies and text references are listed. A pretest and a posttest are also included. (For the third booklet in the series, see ED 079 132.) (JP)