Grade 8 Math SYLLABUS
TEACHER: Mr. Brian Angell
SCHOOL: Atlantic Middle School
ADDRESS: 86 Hollis Ave. Quincy, MA 02171
PHONE #: 617-984-8727
TEACHER EMAIL:
In grade 8, all students will be focusing on these major areas of mathematics:
The Number System
• Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers.
Expressions and Equations
• Work with radicals and integer exponents.
• Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations.
• Analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations.
Functions
• Define, evaluate, and compare functions.
• Use functions to model relationships between quantities.
Geometry
• Understand congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software.
• Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
• Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres.
Statistics and Probability
• Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.
Students taking Algebra (8-2) will also focus on the following topics:
Seeing Structure in Expressions
• Interpret the structure of expressions.
• Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems.
Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational Expressions
• Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials.
• Understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials.
• Use polynomial identities to solve problems.
• Rewrite rational expressions.
Creating Equations
• Create equations that describe numbers or relationships.
Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
• Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning.
• Solve equations and inequalities in one variable.
• Solve systems of equations.
• Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphically.
See http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html for additional information.
GRADING POLICY
Tests – 40%
Quizzes – 10%
Homework – 20%
Classwork and Notes – 20%
Preparedness – 10%
Tests
Chapter Tests or Assessments will be given every 3-4 weeks. Students will be given a day of review before each test or assessment.
Quizzes
There will be both announced and unannounced quizzes throughout the year. The quizzes are used to ensure that students are retaining information between tests.
Homework
Homework will be assigned most nights, Monday through Friday. Homework is usually corrected for completeness. However, when the teacher deems necessary, it will also be graded for correctness. If students are having difficulty with homework, that student should tell me in order for help to be arranged. Late homework is accepted with a 20% penalty.
ASPEN
Student grades and homework assignments will be posted on Aspen.quincypublicschools.com. I will try to update homework assignments daily and the grades should be up-to-date within a week of the current date.
Classwork and Notes
Students are expected to keep class notes. Students will be expected to complete and hand in or present classwork throughout the year. Some of this work will be done individually, and some will be done in groups.
Preparedness
Each student is expected to always have a pen or pencil, the math textbook, and a Math 3-ring binder in class. Any missed item will result in 20% reduction in their daily preparedness grade.
Make-up Work
If a student is absent, the student needs to check Aspen for missing work or see the teacher on the day of return to school to receive any make-up work. Arrangements will be made on an individual basis as to when missed tests can be taken. Make-up work is to be done in a reasonable amount of time based on the length of absence.
Math Text
Students are expected to bring math textbook to and from class each day. Many of the homework assignments will require the use of the textbook at home. If students are interested in viewing the textbook online or utilizing the text website, it can be found at www.bigideasmath.com.
Adjustments may be made in this syllabus to meet student needs and teacher requirements.