8th Grade Syllabus--Mathematics--2013-2014 Ms.

Tanck--Room 119
Contact Information:
Email: catherine.tanck@myschool.edu Website: www.mathrocks.com Welcome to 8th grade math! I am thrilled to have you in my class, and I know this is going to be a great year. We have lots to learn, and in order to create a thriving learning community there are a few things that we need to understand about the operation of the classroom. Cell Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx

Overview:
This class is designed to not only increase your understanding of mathematical concepts, but to instill in you a particular set of traits necessary to succeed in the math classroom and the real world. When you finish this class you should Persevere when solving problems Be a critical thinker Think about the world rationally Be able to apply mathematical concepts to everyday experiences Support opinions/answers with reasoning Try again if at first you do not succeed

In addition to these, there are a variety of mathematical concepts stemming from the Common Core that we will cover throughout the semester. These include The Number System Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers. Expressions and Equations Work with radicals and integer exponents. Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations. Analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations. Functions Define, evaluate, and compare functions. Use functions to model relationships between quantities. Geometry Understand congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software. Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres. Statistics and Probability Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data

Materials:
The following materials must be brought to class EVERYDAY. I will be doing random supply checks. They will be included in the participation part of your grade. Notebook (ONLY for math) Binder or folder Pencil (NOT pen) Graphing Calculator Homework

We are lucky enough to have a class set of books. This means that you may leave your book at home. However, if my class set of books starts to disappear, you will need to begin to bring your book to class every day.

Rules and Expectations:

For Students:
Be respectful towards me and other students Be honest I have zero tolerance for cheating Work well with others Give your best effort Participate in class Bring all materials to class Be willing to fail (a few times) before finding success! Believe in your ability to succeed

For Me:
Be respectful towards all students Differentiate instruction to reach all students Listen to your opinions on my instructional methods Help you reach your full potential Believe in every students ability to succeed

For Parents:
Believe in your childs ability to succeed Ask your child about math class

During the first week of school, we will create a social contract as a class which you will need to sign. Your signature on this social contract will symbolize your agreement to abide by all rules outlined in the contract. Additionally, students must obey ALL SCHOOL RULES as outlined in the school handbook.

Grading:
This class will use the following grading scale A 93% - 100% A- 90% - 92% B+ 87% - 89% B 82% - 86% B- 79% - 81% C+ 76% - 78% C 71% - 75% C- 67% - 70% D+ 64% - 66% D 58% - 63% D- 56% - 57% F 55% and below

Your grade will be made up of homework, quizzes, tests and participation. Homework will be based on completion, but homework quizzes will be based on accuracy. For the majority of quizzes students will be given adequate warning to prepare. However, I do reserve the right to give pop quizzes. However, students will always be given test dates at least a week in advance.

A Few Final Things:

On the following page you will find a spot for you to sign and a spot for your parents to sign. When you sign this, you are agreeing to the fact that you understand the things stated in this syllabus. If at any point I believe that you have forgotten this agreement, I will bring back out that piece of paper to remind you. I cannot wait to explore math with you!

Student Agreement
I have read and understand this syllabus. I agree to follow all rules and expectations expressed in this syllabus. Ms. Tanck has the right to refer back to this syllabus, and the fact that I agreed to it, in the case of any misunderstanding.

Student Name (Printed) _________________________________________________

Student Signature ______________________________________________________

Parent Agreement
I have read and understand this syllabus including the parent expectations page. I know what the expectations are of my child while he/she is in Ms. Tancks class, and I agree to do my best to help my child succeed.

Parent Name (Printed) ___________________________________________________

Parent Signature ________________________________________________________

Any questions on this syllabus or about the course in general can be voiced below and I will do my best to answer them as quickly as possible: