Welcome

Welcome to 8th grade math at Canyon Ridge! Below you will find information about the curriculum, the class, and helpful tools.

Mathematics Philosophy

Mathematics is a beautiful and creative language that everyone can learn. Studying mathematics is really the study of patterns and relationships and relies on logic to communicate those patterns with others. Mathematics is highly visual. In fact, studies have shown that the visual centers of the brain are active when doing basic arithmetic (Boaler, 2016).

Everyone is born with the ability to be successful in mathematics. Brain imaging has shown that everyone is born with numerosity: the ability to count, compare quantities, and perform basic arithmetic (Sousa, 2009). As we mature, we learn different strategies to do perform more complex mathematical tasks. We begin to create mental models to help us multiply, divide, work with different types of numbers like decimals and fractions, and solve equations.

Making mistakes can be one of the most powerful learning tools in mathematics. Brain research has shown that when we make a mistake, a synapse fires in the brain regardless of whether or not we know a mistake has been made (Boaler, 2016). In other words, mistakes actually help the brain to grow. While it does not often feel good to make mistakes, recognizing the learning opportunity they provide is valuable.

References

Boaler, J. (2016) Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing student potential through creative math, inspiring messages, and innovative teaching. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Sousa, D. (2015). How the brain learns mathematics (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Curriculum - Arizona CCRS 8

Class

Materials and Resources

Classroom Materials

The following are required materials for class

• Pencils or Pens
• Notebook (spiral or composition)
• Calculator (optional, TI-30 preferred)

Resources

The following resource will be used in the classroom:

• Math In Focus (textbook, curriculum)
• Khan Academy (online tutorials and practice resource, khanacademy.org)
• Tutoring: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15 - 7:55 or by appointment

Technology and Policies

Students will be assigned their own chromebook for the entire year. They are responsible for making sure it is charged for each class and in good working order. If there is an issue with the chromebook, they must report the problem to a teacher immediately.

Technology Available in the Math Classroom:

• Scientific calculators
• Graphing calculators

Students may only use calculators (no phones) for assignments.

Class Structure

Classwork/Homework

The purpose of homework is to apply previously learned skills and concepts to improve retention. The following assignments aim to improve students' skills and recall.

• Any classwork that is not completed in class is expected to be done for homework
• Makes up 10% of final grade

Tests & Quizzes

The purpose of assessments is to see the proficiency level for specific skills. Students will be assessed in various forms including online, paper-based , oral, and written assessments.

• Unit tests occur at the end of each unit
• Makes up 60% of final grade

Projects

The purpose of projects is to give students some choice in how they demonstrate mastery of specific skills and concepts. Projects typically require more time and effort to complete and therefore is worth a larger percentage of their final grade.

• Makes up 20% of final grade
• Cannot be re-done