Math 8 Syllabus    

Teacher: Ms. Michelle Singh

Email: michellesingh@clovisusd.k12.ca.us

Course Content:

Math 8 at Clark follows the California Common Core Standards. The primary foci of this class will be:

(1) Exponents and Scientific Notation

(2) Rigid Motions and Transformations

(3) Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

(4) Solving Linear Equations

(5) Functions and Linear Equations

(6) Systems of Linear Equations

(7) Volume

(8) Bivariate Data

An important component of this course will be discussion of mathematical ideas. You will be asked to work in groups almost daily and it is important that you contribute to your group and class discussions.

Materials Needed

·   Clark Math Notebook (You will be provided with one)

·   Pencils

·   Pen

·   Scientific Calculator (suggested)*

*TI -30X IIS are available to students during class. This is a shared class set. Students are welcome to use them during class but may also bring in their own scientific calculator. Students will not be able to use their phones for calculators during class.

Curriculum

Math 8 will be using Illustrative Mathematics as the main textbook. There is a Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. Students are expected to have their books with them daily. Vol. 1 will be distributed at the beginning of the school year and Vol. 2 will be distributed later in the year.

Assignments

Work will be assigned daily. Anything not completed in class will become homework. Homework will be assigned a few times a week, as well. Anything not completed by the start of class on its due date will be considered late. Students have until the end of the unit to turn in any late work for that unit for partial credit. Grades will be updated weekly. Absent work is due the Monday following an absence for full credit. Work must be requested upon absence.

Grade Calculation

Homework 10% Homework will be a mix of different modalities. There will be assignments on Delta Math, worksheets, and bookwork throughout the year. Homework is due at the beginning of the class period. All work should be shown, neat, and corrected if it was reviewed in class. Unless otherwise instructed, you may discuss and explain problems to one another when working on homework. However, copying another’s assignment or any part of it is unethical, is considered cheating, and will not be accepted.

Classwork  30% You are expected to contribute frequently and constructively in class. Show a positive attitude, encourage your neighbors, assist peers when asked, and volunteer questions and answers in group discussions. You will also earn a grade on your notebook organization and completion and various assignments to be turned in during class. You are responsible for all classwork even during absences. An important part of this class will be collaboration with your peers.

Assessment   60%    Tests are usually given at the end of each unit. Quizzes form a part of your test grade. Before almost every test, you will be provided with a practice test or study guide. Reviewing the practice assessments and study guides will ensure success in this class. All work must be shown to earn credit. If a student has an excused absence the day of a test or quiz, s/he must make it up as soon as they return. This make-up may take place at lunch or after school upon arrangement with the teacher.

·       Test Corrections/Retakes

o   Students scoring less than 90% on a test may work on test corrections or a retake to earn back up to 50% of their missed points and raise their grade up to a maximum of 90%. Students have 2 weeks from grades posting to make arrangements with me to work on corrections.

Assistance

In any mathematics class it is essential that students keep up daily with the lessons and obtain help at the first sign of trouble. Any time you have a question you are encouraged to come for extra help. The Charge is offered Monday through Thursday from 3:05 – 4:05 in the Clark library. Another resource available to students free of charge is tutor.com. Be on the lookout for Math Lab schedule posted in the classroom to come in at lunch for help.

Questions/Comments:

If there is anything I should know to help me better support your student please feel free to contact me.