Math 8

Welcome to my Math 8 page. 

Students will need a Scientific Calculator. They will be taught how to use a number of new features and may need to know how to use their device during tests. Two models that I recommend are the Sharp EL 531x and the Casio fx-300MS. There are many other models that are equally good.  These display full expressions as they are entered and allow the user to edit previous expressions easily.

The following  are links to video material and exercises that match the concepts we are studying this year.  This material is from the University of Waterloo's CEMC.  If you missed a class, or need help with a topic, this is a great resource to try, especially the "Check Your Understanding" Questions that are provided for each concept.  These are questions that are generating dynamically (ie. they are different ever time), and you will be shown a complete solution with an explanation to each question.  Then you can click a button to get a new question.

For the textbook we used before the last curriculum change, Math Focus 8, the textbook publisher (Nelson) has a website with a short quiz for each section in the textbook.  The major portions of the curriculum didn't change, so much of this is still useful.  If you have a weak area you can follow the link below to access these:

Nelson Math Focus 8 web resources: 

http://www.nelson.com/mathfocus/grade8/student/tryout.html

If you want some strategies to improve your arithmetic skills, click HERE.

For simple worksheets that practice some fundamental skills like; operations on fractions; finding perimeters, areas, surface areas and volumes; try MathDrills.com.

     Surface Area and Volume

    Fractions:  MathisFun.com offers help from an elementary introduction to fractions, converting between forms, adding and subtracting.

Click HERE for some REVIEW worksheets on most of the topics studied in Math 8.  Some are from the University of Waterloo's 'Wired Math'  and 'Math Circles' sites. 

Most of the questions on the 'Wired' Math' sheets are excellent review for the Math 8 Exam, and some of the later questions on these sheets are great for students that are close to mastery.  The Grade 8 page of the 'Wired Math' site also provides games for practicing skills in these areas as well as multiple versions of the single-topic reviews.  Answers for the worksheets are also provided.

 The 'Math Circles' material has notes and worked-out examples that precede the set of problems. 

Integers 

Students learn to add and subtract integers in grade7, but the 'rules' for subtracting integers often seem counter-intuitive.  The following applet is useful for developing a deeper understanding of integers.  There are instructions to help you understand how to use this tool. 

Subtacting Integers

Some students need more practice with Order of Operations questions.  This site, from the ministry of education in Alberta, offers notes, web lessons, games and worksheets to practice many topics.  Here is the link for the Integer material.  Try the "Print Activities" on the bottom right of the page.

Order of Operations

Algebra

Many students struggle to understand how to solve equations.  The "Balance" or "Teeter-totter" model for solving equations emphasizes the concept that you can do anything you want to an equation as long as you do the same thing to Both Sides.

Algebra tiles are manipulatives that are frequently used to model a variety of algebraic concepts.  You can explore the use of algebra tiles and the Balance Model at home by using the following applets.   Balance Model Equation Solver       Algebra Tile Equation Solver 

Ratios and Percent conversions, Percent increase/decrease

An online practice and quiz.  You can use this site a limited number of times without a membership, or sign up for a free account.  The link is:

http://www.ck12.org/arithmetic/Conversion-of-Decimals-Fractions-and-Percent/asmtpractice/Conversion-of-Decimals-Fractions-and-Percent-Practice/

Other video lessons and practice on this topic is available at: http://www.ck12.org/arithmetic/

Kahoot Games to Review Foundation Skills and to practice New Skills

Other Useful Sites to assist learning:

How to Use a Protractor:   This site offers a lesson on how to use a protractor to measure angles, and activities/games to get better at estimating angles.