updated 1 September, 2007

Mathematics Grade 8

Number Sense

  • Understand subsets of the real number system
  • Place rational/irrational numbers on a number line
  • Understand and use roots (positive and negative) and exponents with and without scientific notation
  • Understand how different algorithms work for arithmetic computations and operations

    Visualizing huge numbers can be very difficult. People regularly talk about millions of miles, billions of bytes, or trillions of dollars, yet it's still hard to grasp just how much a "billion" really is. The MegaPenny Project aims to help by taking one small everyday item, the U.S. penny, and building on that to answer the question: "What would a billion (or a trillion) pennies look like?"

Measurement/Estimation

  • Understand connection between rate and graphed lines (slope)
  • Solve problems involving complex volumes and composite shapes
  • Use formulas to measure surface area and volume for complex solids

Algebra

  • Understand and simplify expressions with two or more variables
  • Apply the correct order of operation to expressions with and without variables
  • Understand various representations of functions and inequalities, i.e., tables, graphs, and algebraic expressions
  • Recognize the difference in linear (constant rate of change) and nonlinear (inverse and quadratic) data
  • Solve equations and simple inequalities
  • Model and solve problems on rectangular coordinate system
  • Understand rules for expanding algebraic phrases
  • Understand concept of maximum/minimum data

    Manipula Math with JAVA This is not your father's arithmetic. Math here is animated in sleek, fast applets that are interactive programs designed to allow students to manipulate things and see a lot of animation; thus helping them grasp the meaning of mathematical ideas. There are already over 200 applets, and new ones are added on a regular basis.

    Math Tutorials & Practice Divided into practice problems & exercises and games & puzzles, this showcase Homework Central section provides a year's worth of math skill drills, using the latest interactive techniques. There is simple practice for beginners, and much more. The calculus section alone has thirty links.

Geometry

Data and Probability

  • Understand the concept of rate of change in data analysis
  • Understand numerical representation of probability and odds as applied to actual events
  • Extract information from one graphic organizer and redisplay it with a more appropriate organizer

    Numbers in Search of a Problem - A short list of sites that provide a rich collection of data that can be used to design real life math problems: baseball statistics and player profiles, CIA World Fact Book, ESPN's sports data, U.S. Census Bureau, etc.

Mathematics Related Web Sites

  • MATHCOUNTS Drills Homepage - The problems can help prepare for MATHCOUNTS competitions. Most problems are adapted from previous MATHCOUNTS competitions and workouts. Drills are scored and the results are displayed with complete solutions. The same kind of problem may come with different parameters every time you create a new test. You can also repeat each test taken with the same problems or with only the missed problems.
  • Newton's Method
  • Math and Logic Lessons
  • Ask Dr. Math
  • Math Magic
  • Fibonacci Numbers & The Golden Section - Fibonacci is known as the greatest European mathematician of the middle ages. These pages explain how and why all of these involve the Fibonacci numbers. Animations showing why nature likes these numbers. One, for example, shows why a seedhead thus constructed is more compact and has mechanical strength, affording a greater ability to withstand whipping winds and torrential downpours.
  • The Math Forum Elementary Problem of the Week - Check out the archives.  Because earlier problems and the solutions are followed by a step-by-step description that each team and/or individual used to arrive at the solution, this site would be great for Math Olympiad practice or anyone who knows "there's more than one way to skin a cat.".
  • Math Website; A Learning Site for Middle School Students - Puzzles, problelms, brain teasers...loads of fun!
  • Word Problems for Kids - Gives hints, if wanted, as well as answers, if wanted!  This site is for grades 5-12.
  • The Math Forum Internet Mathematics Library - All kinds of resources from biographies to everything mathematical can be found here....great for research projects.
  • The Math Forum Web Units and Lessons - This is an instructional site and a place where users are encouraged to post their own contributions to online learning.
  • Online Math Applications - investing, music, history, science, trips...much to explore.
  • A+ Math Comprehensive site covering activites, lessons, homework help, and practice sheets for all grade levels.
  • Math.Com Many math-related materials and resources are included for all grade levels.