Mathematics 8, Sections 2 & 4 Home
8th grade
The course begins with a review and reinforcement of the
student's basic mathematical skill set. A solid understanding of basic
math concepts as well as computational speed and accuracy are critical to
a student's successful launch into this introductory algebra course.
Beyond expanding their knowledge of set theory and the real number
properties, students learn how to write, simplify, solve, and graph linear
and non-linear equations and systems of equations. Throughout the
course students will be working in teams using problem solving strategies
to solve real life problems that will reinforce the mathematical concepts.
Mathematics is not a spectator sport. Practice, assuming
underlying understanding, does make perfect. This said, students will
have homework every night and frequent formal and informal assessments.
One Individual unit test and one team test will occur during each unit and
will be cumulative in nature.
The SSAT will be given to 8th grade students
in November 2007. The exam is given again in January 2008 for those boys
who would like to improve upon their scores. While we will be reviewing
weekly the types of problems which appear on the SSAT, a 6-week review
session will be provided starting in late September to help prepare
students for this high school entrance requirement.
Requirements
The course moves at an introductory pace touching on algebraic topics
that will be taught again in first year high school math. While good attendance
goes without saying, a student must always come prepared with pencil and
eraser, math binder, and textbook. Calculators are provided
for in class work.
Grading
Performance in math is evaluated as follows:
15%
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Homework/Homework Quizzes -- nightly homework
will be assigned and checked for completion and effort the next day. Homework
will be self-corrected in class. On an unannounced basis, I will be
checking for accuracy by giving a homework quiz. It is imperative that
students show all of their work in arriving at the solution to a
problem. "I did it in my head" will not be accepted.
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20%
|
Team Tests -- Towards the end of the
unit a Team Test will be given for students to work together, teach
each other, and gauge their own progress.
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40%
|
Individual Tests -- a comprehensive
Test is given at the end of each unit chapter. Tests will be
cumulative in nature building upon earlier learned concepts in
addition to the material just studied.
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15%
|
Participation Quizzes, Class Observation,
Audience Participation -- in order to maintain
a dynamic learning environment that is community-based, students need
to actively participate in daily class activities and discussions.
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| 10% |
Student Presentations -- Students along with
their team will be expected to present from time to time the material
they are learning or have learned. |
After-School Help
Introduction into algebra can be conceptually challenging.
After-school help is available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:20pm
to 4:05pm. I urge students to take advantage of this time to clear up
any difficulties they may be experiencing. This is also a good chance
to come in and work on nightly homework with the benefit of the teacher's
presence. I am also available by appointment in the mornings
before school.
Welcome to 8th Grade Algebra
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