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Mathematics 8

Mathematics Grade 8

In the second year of middle school math, we will continue working with the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, statistics and probability, and will begin to explore functions all using our critical thinking and problem solving skills.

A Summer Problem to Ponder

A zookeeper was asked how many camels and ostriches were in his zoo. With a sigh and a smile, he replied, “Among the camels and ostriches there are 60 eyes and 86 feet.”

How many of each kind of animal were there in the zoo?

Ball, J. (2005). GO FIGURE!: A totally cool book about numbers. New York, NY: DK Publishing, Inc..

Math Binder

For the year, the math binder will become a working resource filled with notes, examples, tests, and work. It is organized in the following way:

Orange - Daily Work section organizes all in-class work and homework
Blue - Skill Practice section organizes all Skill Sheets and fluency practice
Green - Assessment section organizes all tests and reflections
Yellow - Yellow Pages section contains all class notes
Grade sheet will be there
The Rewrites direction sheet will be there
The current book we are using will be there
Graph paper will be there

Math Series and Instructional Resources

At the Middle School level, students primarily use the series called Connected Mathematics, which is broken down into smaller books that fit into the binder.
Since the Connected Mathematics series does not provide step by step examples on using algorithms and ways to solve problems, the Math Binder is a strong resource to keep organized and to use all year long.
With the accessibility of the Internet, students will also use different educational Mathematics websites and programs to enhance their learning and understanding including Study Island and Khan Academy.

In-Class Resources

Rulers, calculators, scissors, and other useful math materials are available for use in the classroom when necessary and appropriate.
Each grade level has a designated binder where all extra papers are kept. If for some reason you lost, misplaced, or would like an extra copy of a paper assignment, check the binder for your grade level.
If you are absent, check your class period section of the red hanging file chart for assignments that you missed. If no paper assignments are in there, check with Mrs. Seery to see what you need to complete to catch up with the class.

Homework

Is assigned almost nightly
All homework is worth 10 points and is awarded in two parts
5 points - Attempt all of the homework, before coming to class, with an honest, thoughtful attempt
5 points - While we go over the work as a class, pay attention to the discussion and to your own work and in a different color than what the homework was originally completed in check your work. If you were correct, show that by starring your work, and if you were incorrect, correct your work with the new color.

Skill Sheets

Are a sheet of exercises and/or problems that help reinforce a previously learned math skill.
8 Skill Sheets are assigned per quarter.
A new Skill Sheet is given on Monday and is due on Thursday of a week, or if the week does not begin on Monday, the assignment is given 3 days ahead of the due date.
Each one is worth 50 points.
If asked, I will check anyone's completed work and give feedback on what is correct and what is incorrect, and then students can continue to work on it to correct errors up until the due date.
Rewrites may be completed on Skill Sheets.

Binder Checks

To help promote organization, math students keep a binder for the class. At the beginning of the year, students are given dividers and a note section, and then throughout the year they file completed assignments and notes in to it which becomes a class resource.
At various times throughout the year, students will turn in their binders for me to score them on having the necessary resources in the correct place.
Students will always know what should be in each section of their binder and in what order prior to turning the binder in to be scored.

Study Island

Assignments are given to help practice a math skill and/or concept.
8-10 are assigned per quarter.
Each one is worth 20 points.
When assigned, student will have a minimum of a week to complete the 20 question assignment.
20 questions are required for each assignment. After completing 30 questions, if the percentage is not passing or not where you want it to be, you may complete additional questions to raise your percentage.

Tests

Traditional tests will be given at the end of each unit.
Rewrites may be completed on tests.
A Semester Exam is also given as practice for the Ohio state standardized test.

Reflections

Are assessments given to check understanding of math concepts.
They may take many different forms including projects, research, and written reflection to give a few examples.

Fluency Practice
Zip Strips

These are quick timed assignments that help develop fluency with math skills. Examples of topics include whole number operations, ratio equivalents, and signed numbers.
A maximum of 10 are completed per quarter.
Each one is worth 15 points.

Grade Sheet

At the beginning of each quarter, students are given a grade sheet to keep for the entire quarter.
Students use the grade sheet to record and keep trace of all of their scores and at anytime during the quarter they should be able to calculate their own score in the class.
The grade sheet is due on the last day of the quarter and is worth 50 points for being up to date and accurate.

Rewrites

Rewrites are an option where students have a chance to earn back points lost on a test or on a skill sheet.
To earn back the lost points, students need to have a separate sheet of graph paper along with their original test or skill sheet.
On the graph paper, students need to write the number of the problem where points were missed then in complete sentences explain where and why they made an error. Then below the explanation, you need to rework the problem correctly completing the math steps to ensure the correct answer.
Do not make any changes to the original test or skill sheet.
Turn in both the original test or skill sheet along with the graph paper of rewrites to earn back points.

Announcements

Enjoy the final days of your summer break!

Class Supplies

A supply of graph paper
Pencils
Different colored pens
Depending upon the condition of your binder, you may need a new one for this year
One Texas Instruments Ti-30X IIS calculator is recommended, but not required