8th grade Math
David Weisser, instructor612 692 -0893
Introduction to 8th gradeAug. 29 – 31
Looking for PythagorasSept. 1– Oct. 7
A study of one of the most famous ideas in the whole world. What makes (right) triangles so special?
This topic is crucial for success in Alg/Trig in High School.
Discovering AlgebraOct. 10 – Mar. 9
We will uncover the ideas in the first half of this book; these are in the Minnesota Math Standards. This is the basis for what most consider the foundation of beginning Algebra: linear functions.
Ch 1 A review and expansion of many different ways to look at data: bar graphs, circle graphs, stem and leaf plots, histograms. We use percent and fractions to compare them. (2 weeks)
Ch 2We use what we learned in previous chapters and expand into different ways of showing comparisons, and begin to look at how to use algebra to solve problems (3weeks)
Ch 3Here’s where we really begin to look at what happens when we keep a steady rate of change. This is the basis of all beginning Algebra in the mathematical world.(4weeks)
Ch 4We spend some time figuring out how to make and use formulas for these kinds of problems (linear functions). We look at what the numbers mean in an equation, how to figure them out, and how to use them to solve problems.(5weeks)
Ch 5We compare two or more problems, and figure out how we can know when (or if) they intersect.
(5weeks)
Growing Growing GrowingMar. 12 – Apr. 27
We look at patterns where we multiply by the same number over, and over, and over.
Frogs, Fleas, Painted CubesApr. 30 – May 24
We study the relationship between area and perimeter. Believe it or not, the graph of the data looks the same as the path a rock follows when you throw it into the air!
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It will likely be necessary for students to request additional help for this class, which is faster and more complex than previous classes. Help is available before school, during lunch, and by appointment. No student ever failed because they asked for too much help.
You should expect homework two or three times a week for this class. Homework makes up 20% of the grade, but is critical for understanding. Tests, quizzes and projects will be about 60%, and class work (including warm-ups and notes) will be the remaining 20%. Work will be expected in (black) pencil, or blue or black pen. Late homework will lose 1 letter grade each day it is late for two days, and will be accepted at 25% of credit after that, until we complete the unit. This will avoid a ‘0’ grade. Extra credit will not be made available to individuals, but students will be able to review and correct previous work in the current unit.
Students should have access to a calculator at home; a (TI) graphing calculator will be made available in class when required. MPS uses Texas Instr. calculators in class, and instruction is given based on TI functions. Bring a pencil and a designated notebook to class every day.
Grades will be based on the following percentages:
A90% – 100%B80% – 89%
C70% – 79%D60% – 69%
F<60%