8th - Math
Welcome to 8th Grade Mathematics!
MATH 8
COURSE INFORMATION
Eighth grade mathematics is about (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. While there are the three focal points, the larger goal of the course is for students to grow in their use and understanding of the Common Core’s Standards for Mathematical Practice and to build mathematicians ready for algebra and higher mathematics courses.
Policies
Grading
30%: Work Habits Assignments (Do Now, HW, CW)
graded for completion & effort
30%: Formative Mastery Assessments (1 per week)
small assessments, graded for accuracy
40%: Summative Mastery Assessments (4-6 per semester)
larger tests & projects, graded for accuracy
Missing work & Retakes
Homework and classwork are powerful tools for developing mastery. Because we want students to focus on developing mastery and showing that mastery on formative and summative assignments, we do not allow students to go back and make up old work habit assignments, nor do we allow students to revise and resubmit.All assessments that students retake or revise can receive up to 50% of points on an assessment (Ex: If a student scores a 60% on the original assessment, the highest they can get after revisions is an 80%)
Number of opportunities to re-do: Student can retake formative assignments once
Students can retake summative assignments once or twice: Once if it s a test or quizTwice if it is a project or essay
Students will have 2 weeks from the time the assignment is returned and graded to complete make ups. If a student is doing another round of revisions (summative assignments only), they will have another 2 weeks once that assignment is returned.
For in-class assessments, such as tests and quizzes, students must take these assessments with any adult at the school, including at PASS, during office hours, or during other intervention time.
Students can redo performance assessments, such as take home essays, and projects on their own time.
CURRICULUM MAP
Unit 1 Data & Associations (Illustrative Math Unit 6)
Making and interpreting scatter plots, describing associations between 2 variables
Unit 2 Linear Relationships (Illustrative Math Unit 3)
Making connections between different representations
(eg graph, equation) of relationships exhibiting a
constant rate of change
Unit 3 Linear Equations & Linear Systems (Illustrative Math Unit 4, part 1)
Building on Unit 2, solving algebraic equations in 1 variable
(finding x!)
Unit 4 Functions & Volume (Illustrative Math Unit 5)
Understanding the mathematical definition of a function
as an input-ouput mapping for which each input has
exactly one output; Using formulas to solve problems
involving the dimensions and volume of 3D shapes.
Unit 5 Rigid Transformations & Congruence (Illustr. Math Unit 1)
Building an understanding of congruence ("sameness" in
the geometrical sense).
Unit 6 Dilations & Similarity (Illustrative Math Unit 2)
Using geometrical scaling (multiplication) to create similar
shapes.
Unit 7 Exponents & Roots (Illustrative Math Unit 7)
Simplifying complex exponential expressions, and building
an understanding of rational and irrational numbers
Unit 8 Pythagorean Theorem & Irrational Numbers (Illustrative Math Unit 8)
All together now: "A squared plus B squared equals C
squared!" Understanding a fundamental property of
right triangles, and using that understanding to solve
a variety of problems.
Unit 9 Systems of Equations (Illustrative Math Unit 4, part 2)
Using graphing and algebraic tools to find pairs of numbers
to solve multiple simultaneous 2-variable linear equations.
Google Classroom
code: jfjscg2
We are using Google Classroom this year as a resource hub for students and families. The types of documents you can expect to find on Google classroom include:
"Navigation Instruments" - a guide to each unit including the subtopics and specific skills at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of complexity. These are a critical way for students to reflect on what they've mastered and what they have yet to master.
Reference Sheets - these will include important vocabulary, worked examples of how to solve different problems.
Digital copies of HW - these can be downloaded and completed if paper copies are lost.
Mr. Stevens
astevens@prospectschools.org
Office Hours: Wednesdays during lunch/recess
Zoom room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2937998124 pw: stevens
Mx. S
(They/Them)
This is my 3rd year with Prospect schools and 3rd year co-teaching with Mr. Stevens! I am passionate about teaching math in a way that is engaging and accessible to all learners.
email: aseldon@prospectschools.org
Office Hours: Tuesdays after school - Room 506