Long Range Plan 2012/13

MATHEMATICS 8

Mathematics 8 continues the path students begin in Mathematics K to 7 toward becoming lifelong learners of mathematics.

GOALS FOR STUDENTS

The main goals of mathematics education are to prepare students to:

• using mathematics confidently to solve problems

• using mathematics to better understand the world around us

• communicating and reasoning mathematically

• appreciating and valuing mathematics

• making connections between mathematics and its applications

• committing themselves to lifelong learning

• becoming mathematically literate and using mathematics to participate in, and contribute to, society

Students who have met these goals:

• gain an understanding and appreciation of the contributions of mathematics as a science, philosophy, and art

• be able to use mathematics to make and justify decisions about the world around us

• exhibit a positive attitude toward mathematics

• engage and persevere in mathematical problem solving

• contribute to mathematical discussions

• take risks in performing mathematical tasks

• exhibit curiosity about mathematics and situations involving mathematics.

The aim of Mathematics 8 is to provide students with the opportunity to further their knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to mathematics.

Content Outline:

Mathematics is one way of trying to understand, interpret, and describe our world. Components integral to the nature of mathematics include change, constancy, number sense, patterns, relationships, spatial sense, and uncertainty. These components are woven throughout this curriculum.

The content objectives that serve as the title for each unit of Math 8 are as follows:

NUMBER

PATTERNS AND RELATIONS • Patterns • Variables and Equations

SHAPE AND SPACE • Measurement • 3-D Objects and 2-D Shapes • Transformations

STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY • Data Analysis • Chance and Uncertainty

These objectives are described in more detail in a PDF downloadable at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/course.php?lang=en&subject=Mathematics&course=Mathematics_8_and_9&year=2008

Student Learning Objectives :

Mathematical Understanding is fostered when students build on their own experiences and prior knowledge.

To experience success, students must be taught to set achievable goals and assess themselves as they work toward these goals.

Curiosity about mathematics is fostered when students are actively engaged in their environment.

List of Resources:

The text for the course is Math Focus 8. Projects require use of the library and Internet. Videos on loan from the Department of Education and on YouTube may also be used to reinforce concepts covered in class. Guest speakers may also contribute to the course.

My website address is: www.angelfire.com/sc/mrcomeau

My email address is: andre.comeau@yesnet.yk.ca

Evaluation Scheme:

This course is divided into units. There are tests, quizzes and assignments to accompany each unit. As well, there are several projects throughout the course and a final exam at the end of the term on all the material covered in the course.

Term Mark Final Mark

Assignments 30% Quizzes 20% Term Mark 80%

Tests 25% Participation 5% Final Exam 20%

Projects 20% Total 100%

Total 100%

Student Requirements:

Students are expected to:

• use communication in order to learn and express their understanding

• make connections among mathematical ideas, other concepts in mathematics, everyday experiences and other disciplines

• demonstrate fluency with mental mathematics and estimation

• develop and apply new mathematical knowledge through problem solving

• develop mathematical reasoning

• select and use technology as a tool for learning and solving problems

• develop visualization skills to assist in processing information, making connections and solving problems.

There are no short cuts in this course.

Hard work each day in class and at home will result in a good grade because you will understand the material and how you will be tested on it. Not paying attention or missing school (same thing really) and copying assignments will result in a low grade because you will not understand the material or how you will be tested on it.

To be successful in this course will require you to attend all the classes.

Attending class means coming to class rested and prepared with binder, paper, a writing implement, and homework completed.

Attending class means paying attention to everything said in class when the teacher speaks and when students ask questions and the teacher responds.

Attending class means asking a question of the teacher when you don’t understand a process, or how you will be tested on it.

Attending class means completing the assigned task during the period, not deciding you will do it at home and packing up so you can talk to your neighbor.

Attending class means completing assignments on your own. Copying assignments off a friend will get it “done” but will diminish the assignment’s value to you as a learning tool.

Attending class means keeping track of important dates like when assignments are due or tests or exams are scheduled.

Attending class means asking for help when you need it.