our eighth grade program
Math
Our mathematics program is built on the interaction of a mastery of basic skills and a strong conceptual understanding of applications through problem solving. We integrate Math into other subject areas and incorporate the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics as set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Each lesson is a problem-solving experience and deals with important mathematical concepts that will help students develop and extend their mathematical thinking. Students are encouraged to collaborate with classmates and teachers and to describe their thought process in writing.
Pre-Algebra
The Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra curriculum is a combination of mathematical topics focusing on skills needed to advance to Algebra 1. Students increase their knowledge of rigorous mathematics and develop an understanding of how math is present in our daily lives. Pre-Algebra balances fundamental skill-building activities and higher level application of skills in problem-solving contexts. Students in this course develop proficiency in areas ranging from fraction/decimal/percent conversions, multiplication and division skills, and operations with fractions to representing and evaluating real world relationships algebraically. An emphasis is placed on the development and use of problem- solving strategies and using them efficiently. Students also cultivate their talents in the visual-spatial realm through continued work with a variety of graphical and chart-based activities, the coordinate grid, and introductory geometry concepts and relationships. Students also work with formulas, variables, numerical and algebraic patterns, and linear equations. A comprehensive foundation is forged for all students as they prepare for high school by advancing each student in their skill development.
The following skills are emphasized in Pre-Algebra:
- Working fluidly with integers, fractions, decimals and percents to solve problems
- Understanding when and how to use exponential and scientific notation
- Representing, analyzing and generalizing patterns with graphs, words and equations
- Creating graphical representations of data, such as scatter plots
- Continuing to strengthen number sense and ability to identify common factors and least common multiples
- Understanding and applying properties of addition and multiplication to solve multi-step equations
- Communicating mathematically
- Solving contextualized problems
Algebra I
Algebra I consists of the study of keystone algebraic concepts and principles through their utilization in multiple problem solving contexts. Students move from developing skills in basic areas like solving for single variables and analyzing linear equations and inequalities, to achieving proficiency with slope-intercept form, quadratic functions and the quadratic formula, solving systems of equations, representing and solving relationships with a graphing calculator, factoring and simplifying polynomials, and representing and solving functional relations. Wherever possible, emphasis is placed on the role mathematics plays in modeling and solving real world problems. Topics in this course are presented and studied both in an accelerated and enriched format.
The following skills are emphasized in Algebra:
- Understanding and using properties of real numbers
- Solving equations and inequalities involving absolute values
- Understanding and using the Pythagorean Theorem
- Solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula
- Understanding and using polynomials and rational expressions
- Graphing solutions of simultaneous equations
- Calculating direct and inverse variation
- Graphing a variety of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, square root, absolute value
- Solving real-life word problems related to each concept