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AIM Academy

8th Grade Math - Course Syllabus


Teacher: Ms. Fallstick Contact: cfallstick@aimpa.org
Course Overview and Goals
AIM Academys 8th Grade Math is aligned with the Common Core Standards for 8th grade. Coursework balances
conceptual understanding with procedural fluency. Our unit format includes real-world contexts for mathematical
investigations followed by explicit instruction, ample opportunities for students to master concepts and skills, and
assessments of progress. Teachers use materials from the texts Math in Focus and Connected Mathematics Project 3,
as well as supplemental materials when needed. Additionally, teachers will make use of digital resources such as
Google Classroom and Mathspace.

In alignment with the Common Core, pre-algebraic concepts are taught throughout 6th, 7th and 8th grades. A typical
math program that covers all grade level standards would include both the Priority and Full Path Units outlined
below. The Priority pathway offers flexibility to adjust pacing based on students needs. Factors such as prior
knowledge, processing speed, and retention will affect pacing.

Process Goals:
Students will be able to:
Confidently, patiently, and persistently solve real-world math problems.
Document their thinking in an organized way.
Communicate their ideas using academic language.
Collaborate with other students to compare strategies and determine which are most effective.

Content Goals:
Priority Common Core Units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Equations, and Inequalities (CCS Gr 7)
- Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions, equations, and
inequalities.
- Learn algebraic procedures for solving linear equations

Unit 2: Introduction to Lines and Functions


- Understand the connection between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations
- Graph linear equations using slope and y-intercept
- Define, evaluate, and compare functions

Unit 3: Exponents and Scientific Notation


- Recognize exponential relationships and represent them using tables, graphs, and equations
- Work with integer exponents and laws of exponents to write equivalent expressions
- Understand and apply scientific notation

Unit 4: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers


- Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem
- Know that there are numbers that are not rational and approximate them

Unit 5: Solving Advanced Linear Equations


- Understanding linear equations in two variables
- Identify the number of solutions to a linear equation

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Unit 6: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Write systems of linear equations to represent problem situations
- Solve systems of equations graphically and algebraically

Additional Common Core Units:


Unit 6: Bivariate Data
- Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.

Unit 7: Congruence and Similarity


- Recognize and apply transformations: translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations.
- Understand congruence and similarity and their connections to transformations.

Grading Policy
Final grades at the end of each quarter will be assessed as follows:
Homework: 25%
The purpose of homework assignments will be to give students extra practice and to let teachers know how well they
can complete problems independently. For most full weeks of instruction, students will receive a set of assignments
on Mondays that will be due on Thursdays. All homework assignments will be listed on Veracross, and a routine will
be established to help students learn from their mistakes on homework. These assignments will take about 30
minutes a night. Weekly cover sheets will indicate what assignments are to be printed and completed throughout the
week. Students will sometimes receive weekend assignments on Thursdays to be completed by the following
Monday. Weekend assignments generally include a Mathspace and/or Google Classroom assignment. Options for
extra practice will be available through the Math in Focus website. The math team will not give homework
assignments over holiday breaks.
Homework grades will be assigned based on the following criteria:
- Attention to routines: name and date written, checklist used, etc. (2.5 points)
- Attention to detail: instructions read and followed (2.5 points)
- Thorough completion: all problems complete with work shown (10 points)
- Punctuality (5 points)
* Late Work Policy: 2 points will be deducted per day an assignment is late. After 5 school days,
assignments will no longer be accepted for a grade, but completion may be required.

Classwork: 25%
It is important for us to have an engaging classroom environment in which all students feel comfortable
sharing their ideas. There will be opportunities to work individually, in partnerships, in small groups, and as a
whole class. Students must demonstrate a willingness to complete classroom activities, discuss their own and
others ideas, and follow all class norms. Further, they must be on time and prepared for class: bring pencils/pens,
binder, and all assignments and materials to class daily, keep an organized section in a homework binder for this
class only.

Quizzes: 25%
Quizzes help teachers gauge students progress throughout a unit and will often include an open-ended task on which
students can show their problem solving, reasoning, and communication skills. After receiving a quiz grade, students
are always encouraged to make corrections to their work to earn back half of the missed credit.

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Unit Tests/ Unit Projects: 25%
Unit tests are an opportunity for students to show growth from pre-tests and quizzes. As with quizzes, students will
be encouraged to correct any mistakes to make up half credit. In some cases, a unit project will be assigned instead of
or in addition to a unit test to allow students to apply what they have learned in a creative way.

Evaluation: Students will often take part in evaluating their own work and revising it to meet rubric guidelines.
Below is the rubric we will use for learning tasks.

Absence Policy:
When a student is absent, it is his or her responsibility to check for assignments on Veracross and/or with a
classmate. Remember that all assignments are listed as being due Thursdays and will appear on Thursdays on the
Veracross calendar. Additionally, materials used in class will be kept in a Missed Work folder and students should
pick them up as soon as they return to class. For additional information regarding extended absences, please see the
AIM Community Handbook.

Class Expectations
As a class, we will set norms for how we will do math together. Beyond our agreed-upon norms, students are
required to adhere to AIMs Code of Conduct in math class.

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