Grade 8 - Math
Course Description
This course solidifies and expands upon foundational mathematical concepts to prepare students for the abstractions of high school mathematics. Students will develop fluency in operations with all types of rational numbers, master the skills of pre-algebra by solving multi-step equations and inequalities, and explore geometric properties through the Pythagorean theorem, transformations, and 3D objects. A significant focus is placed on representing and analyzing data, understanding patterns, and applying probabilistic thinking to solve a wide variety of problems.
UNIT - NUMBER CONCEPTS
Unit Description: This unit builds a solid foundation in number theory. It explores the real number system, including rational and irrational numbers, and develops key concepts such as ratios, percents, powers, roots, factors, and multiples, which are essential for success in algebra.
UNIT - NUMBER OPERATIONS
Unit Description: This unit ensures students have computational fluency with all forms of rational numbers. It covers the four basic operations with integers, decimals, and fractions, and establishes the importance of following the correct order of operations (BEDMAS) in multi-step calculations.
UNIT - PATTERNS
Unit Description: This unit introduces the foundational concepts of algebra by exploring patterns. Students will learn to identify, describe, and extend patterns, and then translate these patterns into algebraic expressions and linear equations. The focus is on making connections between real-world scenarios, tables of values, graphs, and their corresponding algebraic rules.
UNIT - FIRST DEGREE EQUATIONS
Unit Description: This unit focuses on the critical skill of solving for an unknown in an algebraic equation. Students will learn systematic, formal methods to solve first-degree equations, progressing from simple one-step equations to complex multi-step problems involving brackets and variables on both sides.
UNIT - ONE VARIABLE INEQUALITIES
Unit Description: This unit introduces inequalities as a way to represent a range of possible values. Students will learn to solve one-variable linear inequalities using methods similar to solving equations, with a key focus on how multiplication or division by a negative number affects the inequality sign. Solutions will be represented algebraically and graphically on a number line.
UNIT - MEASUREMENT
Unit Description: This unit focuses on the practical application of measurement concepts. Students will learn to convert units within measurement systems, apply formulas to calculate the perimeter, area, surface area, and volume of various 2D shapes and 3D objects, and use estimation strategies to solve real-world problems.
UNIT - PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
Unit Description: This unit focuses on one of the most famous and useful theorems in mathematics. Students will learn, prove, and apply the Pythagorean theorem to find unknown side lengths in right-angled triangles and use its converse to determine if a triangle is a right triangle.
UNIT - 2-D SHAPES
Unit Description: This unit delves into the geometric properties of two-dimensional shapes. Students will explore the properties of triangles, the angle relationships created by parallel lines and transversals, and the characteristics of various polygons.
UNIT - 3-D OBJECTS
Unit Description: This unit extends geometric concepts into three dimensions. Students will explore the properties of 3D objects, learn how they can be constructed from 2D nets, and classify them. The unit also introduces the critical geometric principles of congruence and similarity for triangles and other polygons.
UNIT - TRANSFORMATIONS
Unit Description: This unit explores transformational geometry, which involves moving shapes on the Cartesian plane without changing their size or form. Students will investigate the properties of the three rigid transformations—translations, reflections, and rotations—and learn to perform and describe them.
UNIT - DATA MANAGEMENT
Unit Description: This unit covers the fundamentals of the statistical investigation process. Students will learn how to formulate effective questions for investigation, choose appropriate data collection methods, and make informed decisions about how to display data. The unit culminates with an analysis of data using measures of central tendency.
UNIT - DATA AND GRAPHS
Unit Description: This unit focuses on the practical skills of creating and interpreting a wide variety of specific statistical graphs. Students will move from reading simple tables to constructing and analyzing bar graphs, line graphs, stem-and-leaf plots, histograms, scatter plots, and circle graphs to understand and communicate information visually.
UNIT - PROBABILITY
Unit Description: This unit introduces the mathematical study of chance. Students will learn to calculate the theoretical probability of simple and independent events, understand how this relates to experimental results, and use probability to make informed predictions.