8Th Grade Course Syllabus

Math Analysis Course Outline

Instructor – Beth Anderson Contact Info - 402.556.3772, ext. 201 / [email protected]

Description and Rationale This course prepares students for college mathematics and calculus or may serve as a broad terminal course in secondary mathematics. The course begins with concepts learned in intermediate algebra and takes them up a level in preparation for calculus. Included is a quarter of trigonometry based on the unit circle. Students will derive formulas and analyze results of their work in a formal manner.

Learning Objectives Number Sense: Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among number systems. Understand the meanings of operations, compute fluently and make reasonable estimates. Algebra: Understand patters, relations and functions. Represent and analyze situations and structures using Algebraic symbols. Use math models to represent and understand quantitative relationships. Geometry: Use visualizations, spatial reasoning, and geometry modeling to solve problems. Measurement: Apply appropriate techniques, tools and formulas to determine measurement. Data Analysis and Probability: Understand and apply the basic concepts of probability. Problem solving: Build new math knowledge through problem solving. Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems. Reasoning and Proof: Recognize reasoning and proof as fundamental aspect of mathematics. Make and investigate mathematical conjectures. Develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs. select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof. Communication: Organize and consolidate mathematical thinking through communication. Communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others. Analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others. Use the language of mathematics to Connections: Recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas. Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics.

Teaching Methods Students will discover the main concepts using manipulatives discussion, and lectures. Students will work in groups and individually on projects and activities. Projects will be used to assess and let the students use the concepts they have learned. The computer, Smartboard, and calculator will be used to augment instruction.

Course Materials Text: Advanced Mathematical Concepts by Merrill Various computer software programs Calculators - preferably graphing, TI 84+ Mathematics Teacher, NCTM Press

Outline of Topics Semester 1 – Data analysis and probability, trig, trig graphs, trig functions, matrices, functions Semester 2 – Logs, series and sequences, binomial theorem, conics, functions, polar, vectors, graphs

Evaluation/Grading Procedures Grades will be determined by the number of points received divided by the number of points possible. Homework – 3 Points if completed on time, 2 points one day late, and 1 point if in prior to chapter test, 0 points after that; Points for projects, tests and quizzes will be added. There will be NO retake of tests, however students will be required to rework the problems they missed on the test as a homework grade. The semester grade will be determined by averaging the two quarter grades and the final exam which will be one-tenth of the total. Cheating, the copying of someone else’s work or allowing someone to copy yours, will be dealt with according to the Student Handbook.

Weekly Schedule/Length of Course M-F 45 minutes 2 semesters