Description of Course
8th Grade Math (Pre-Algebra) stresses real-life applications of skills. Students continue to build on skills mastered in previous years. Number theory and the use of rational numbers in problem-solving contexts; order of operations in situations involving fractions, decimals, and integers; and circle graphs are covered. As well as, proportional relationships and rates, ratios and percentages including work with similar triangles and the lengths of corresponding sides.
Transformations on the coordinate grid; the relationships among angles formed by parallel lines; nets of three dimensional solids; and applications of the Pythagorean Theorem will be addressed. Basic 2- and 3-dimensional shapes, their surface areas, and their volumes are explored. Analyses of rates of change of sides, areas, and volumes of similar figures are also revisited. Predictions based on data patterns are made and single and multiple event probabilities are explored.
Students determine the relationships of patterns and discuss factors that affect measures of central tendency. There is emphasis on recognizing and differentiating between linear and exponential change and developing the expression for the nth term for a given arithmetic or geometric sequence. Students can represent and interpret one or two variable data and make graphs by hand or using technology, where available.
Textbook
The textbook for this class is Middle School Math Course 3 by McDougal Littell. The textbook will be provided to students to complete in class assignments. No textbook will be needed to complete homework assignments. Homework services as a review and practice of skills. Assignments are designed so students will have the knowledge and ability to complete them without the textbook.
Websites students can use to help them with 8th Grade Math
Math.com
http://www.math.com/: students should click on the pr-algebra link on the left.
Purple Math
www.purplemath.com
