• In Grade 8, instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

  • Math 8

    Teacher: Lindsey Thissen Email: lthissen@lvjusd.k12.ca.us or lthissen@lvjusd.org

     

    Course Description:

    In this class, students will develop their mastery of Math 8 topics in a variety of ways, including individual work, group collaboration, assignments, projects, and exams.

     

    Course Objectives:

    At the end of this course, students will be able to:

    • formulate and reason about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations
    • grasp the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships
    • analyze two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem

    These objectives were taken from the California Department of Education. To see the Common Core State Standards for Grade 8 math in full detail, including each of the 5 domains and the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice, please visit .

     

    Textbook:

    Math 8 - Big Ideas Math Course 3 (blue)

    Students will also be provided with a Record and Practice Journal workbook, a consumable text with tear out pages.

     

    Required Materials (provided):

    Paper (lined and graph)

    Writing supplies (pencil, pen, erasers, highlighter, red pen, etc)

    Calculators (4 function and scientific)

    Art supplies (color pencils, markers, glue, scissors, etc.)

    Math tools (manipulatives, protractor, compass)

    **Access to the following materials at home can help students to be successful in this class: paper, basic 4 function calculator, erasers**

     

    Class Expectation:

    My job in this class is to facilitate student success. Facilitate means to make things easier. I am here to make your success easier for YOU to achieve. In order to be successful in this class, I expect students to to give their best effort each day and, as always, follow the Dolphin Way by being safe, respectful, and responsible. I will work very hard to help you reach your goals, and I hope you will do the same.

      • Effort - For me, best effort includes coming to class each day with your materials, such as completed homework, workbook, etc. I expect students to be on time to class, and in their seats when the bell rings. If you have questions about your homework, the time to ask them is after school the day it is assigned, or before class the day it is due, not when it is time to turn it in. I also expect students to remain on task and hard at work during the class period, and to practice self-advocacy by asking for help when it is needed.

     

    • Classroom rules -

     

    1. Give your best effort at all times.
    2. Be respectful in your words and actions.
    3. Cooperate with your peers and teacher.
    4. Be responsible for your belongings and activities.

     

    • Behavior - Students are expected and required to follow the Dolphin Way and classroom rules at all times. If a student is unable to do so, consequences will be given following school and district guidelines. Parent contact will be made for behavior concerns. Positive behavior will be recognized as well!

     

     

    Homework:

    Students should expect homework Monday through Thursday. Homework will not be assigned over the weekend unless it is a part of a long term assignment or project. Homework may include activities such as problems from the textbook or workbook, finishing classwork that was started at school, reading ahead before the lesson, vocabulary, or handouts. The math department will make our best effort to cap the number of homework problems to 10 per night. Students are expected to show their work on all assignments during the school year. Students should not anticipate extra credit opportunities as a part of their success strategy.

     

    Grading:

    Grades will be calculated using the following 3 categories:

    Classwork = 30%

    Homework = 10%

    Assessments = 60%

     

    Policy for Late/Missing Assignments:

    Students may turn in 1 late assignment per trimester. Late work will be graded at 50% credit. No late work will be accepted after a student uses their late pass.

     

    Absence Policy:

    When a student is absent, they have 2 days to make up work for every 1 day they are out of class. If an absence is known in advance, please communicate this with me, so that we may make arrangements for absent work.

     

    Communication Procedures:

    My preferred methods of communication are email and phone calls. During the school year I will be primarily using Blackboard and LoopMail for emails. Current, updated contact information is vital to ensuring timely communication between school and home. If you have a preference for communication (email, phone, etc.) please let me know.

     

    Welcome to the 2019 - 2020 school year! I am looking forward to working together to help every student reach a successful finish to the school year! If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

     

    Best wishes,

    Lindsey Thissen