8th grade Math Mr. Williams
Course Overview
Math 8 is what we call 8th grade math. We will be using the Common Core Standards for 8th grade. On notes, quizzes and tests you may see different notations and wonder what they mean, so the following is a short list for you. Parenthesis are percentages on the Math 8 EOG.
8.NS - The Number System: understanding Rational and Irrational numbers
and how to order and compare them (2-7%)
8.EE - Expressions and Equations: using squares, square roots, cubes,
cube roots, scientific notation, operations with scientific notation,
linear equations, solving and comparing linear equations algebraically,
with graphs and with tables (27-32%)
8.F - Functions: defining and identifying functions, comparing functions using
equations, graphs and tables (22-27%)
8.G -Geometry: recognizing and manipulating translations, reflections, rotations
and dilations on a coordinate plane, parallel lines cut by a transversal and
their special properties, using the Pythagorean Theorem, and the
volume of cones, cylinders and spheres (20-25%)
8.SP -Statistics and Probability: interpreting and predicting with scatterplots,
reading and understanding two-way frequency tables (15-20%)
Required Materials and Supplies
1. Pencils, Pencils, Pencils
2. More Pencils
3. Graph paper and loose leaf notebook paper
4. 4 AAA batteries
Graphing calculators are available for students to use IN my classroom. If you would like to purchase one, I recommend the TI-84 Plus. There will be times when practicing at home with the calculator will be beneficial. There will be times this calculator will be needed for homework. If you do not have one at home and need it, please see me about arranging to come into school early to use one. There are free apps for phones that will perform some of the graphing calculator functions but may not look like our graphing calculator. This calculator should be good to use all the way through college.
Grading Information
Class/Homework - 25% at least 5 grades each quarter
Minor assignments (quizzes) - 35% at least 4 each quarter
Major assignments (tests, projects) - 40% at least 3 each quarter
The 8th grade End of Grade test will count 15% of the final grade.
Late work: I believe in all my students completing every assignment for class. I know there are times when circumstances occur where that may not happen. You will be allowed to complete the assignment and turn it in late, but you will not receive full credit for it.
Make-up Work: If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out the work you have missed and make it up to receive credit. Students have 3 days for each day absent to complete the make-up work and take any tests/quizzes they have missed. Make up work is found ______
Participation: Participation is important, the more you practice math, the better you get at it.
We will use a variety of resources that will be available for use at home with the internet. I-Ready is a computer based teaching tool that our county highly recommends. My students have benefitted from it in the past, when used regularly. I will be taking grades from assessments on I-Ready. Students will be given a time frame from which I will pull these grades. You have the option of completing multiple lessons if you are unhappy with the grade you make within the given time period.
Mathematics does not always come easy for all students, I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are successful in math class. However, I need help from you as well. You need to communicate if you are having trouble with something so we can work on it before you get too far behind. My phone number at the school is (336) 474-8250 ext. 6092 and my email is