WELCOME TO 8th GRADE ALGEBRA!
Welcome to the grade 8 math website! Below you will find a course description about the math classes offered in the 8th grade and pertinent information about the class. Please contact me at any time if you have questions about your child's progress. My door is always open to my students and parents.
August-September, 2014
Call the Homework Hotline at 276-739-4112 for daily homework assignments.
Pre-Algebra
The units of study we will be covering during this time period will consist of the following concepts: Orders of Operations, Subbing for the variable, Number Properties, Scientific Notation, Square Roots, Number Families, and Percents.
October
In Pre-Algebra, we have covered chapters 1-2 and are getting ready to start a unit on Exponents and Combining Like Terms. The Interactive Achievement computer program has been an addition to the curriculum this year! Please note your child's scores on Parent Portal for each exercise. Students should be scoring at least a 70% and hopefully higher on these activities.
November
In the Algebra 1 class, we just finished up the Inequality chapter and have started on Systems of Equations. We will be on this chapter until Christmas break. The students did an excellent job with their Halloween mysteries! Thanks to those parents who donated cookies!
In the Pre-Algebra class, we have been working with Functions and making some awesome graphs. Students also participated in a Halloween mystery. We will be working with Functions and starting on percents until Christmas break.
Algebra
The units of study we will be covering during this time period will consist of the following concepts: Orders of Operations, Subbing for the Variable, Number Properties, Solving for a Specified Variable, Functions, Graphing on the TI-84 graphing calculator, and Adding/Subtracting/Multiplying/Dividing Like Terms
October
In Algebra 1, we have covered chapters 1-2 and are getting ready to Chapter 3. Chapter 3 is a VERY IMPORTANT chapter for all Algebra students. During this chapter, we will be studying Slope, Slope Intercept, Point Slope, Direct and Inverse Variations, etc. There are many practice QUIA activities below for students to use as a practice tool. The Interactive Achievement computer program has been an addition to the curriculum this year! Please note your child's scores on Parent Portal for each exercise. Students should be scoring at least a 70% and hopefully higher on these activities.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra is offered as an advanced placement course and in grade 8 as the basic curriculum course. This course is designed to bridge the gap and prepare students for Algebra I. Students develop more abstract concepts in algebra such as solving multi-step equations, graphing linear equations, applying transformations to geometric figures, and using matrices to organize and interpret data. Students are given the opportunity to identify real-life applications of the mathematical principles being taught.
Class resources and materials shall include, but not be limited to the following: selected county textbook, the Virginia Standards of Learning handbook, manipulatives, computer software, calculators, electronic media, and a wide variety of supplemental materials that reinforce the skills being taught.
Methods of student assessment are the following: homework, class work, quizzes, standardized tests, worksheets, teacher made tests, teacher observations, cumulative reviews, class participation, projects, journals, and learning logs.
Algebra I
The Algebra I course is designed to connect algebra with arithmetic and geometry as well as probability and statistics. The abstract concepts of algebra should be connected to other subject areas through practical applications. Algebra should be a tool for representing and solving a variety of practical problems. Tables and graphs will be used to interpret algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities and to analyze functions. Matrices will also be used to manipulate and organize data. Tools such as calculators, computers, spreadsheets, and graphing utilities (such as graphing calculators) will be used to assist in problem solving. Students will be encouraged to talk about mathematics, to use the language and symbols of mathematics to communicate, to discuss problems and problem solving, and to develop their confidence in mathematics. Successful completion of this class will result in a credit being awarded toward graduation.
Class resources and materials shall include, but not be limited to the following: selected county textbook, the Virginia Standards of Learning handbook, manipulatives, computer software, TI-83 and TI-84 calculators, electronic media, and a wide variety of supplemental materials that reinforce the skills being taught.
Methods of student assessment are the following: homework, class work, quizzes, standardized tests, worksheets, teacher made tests, teacher observations, cumulative reviews, class participation, projects, journals, conferences, and learning logs
Grading Scale
A (93-100)
B (85-92)
C (77-84)
D (70-77)
F (Below 70)
Weighted Grades
The grade your child receives is weighted and will come from the following categories.
Daily Review (20%)
Each day, students will spent 7-10 minutes completing review problems. These problems will be content that has been taught previously. As the year continues, problems could come from any particular nine weeks.
Test/Quizzes (30%)
Students will be given quizzes and tests throughout the nine weeks to check for understanding and mastery of subject area.
Homework/Classwork Completion (20%)
Students will be given time in class to complete classwork. What they do not finish will become homework. Students will be given credit for attempting the problems. They do not have to be correct, though I certainly hope they are, but credit will be given for completion.
Interactive Achievement (30%)
Students will be using the computer program, Interactive Achievement, this year as a testing tool. Tests/practices will be given in the computer on a weekly basis.
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