GRADE 8-9 COURSE PARTICULARS
Grade 8 focuses on deepening your understanding of numbers, introducing fundamental algebra, and expanding your knowledge of geometry.
1. The Number System (Rational & Irrational Numbers) -Rational Numbers: Understanding how to operate (add, subtract, multiply, divide) with all rational numbers, including fractions, decimals, and percents.
-Irrational Numbers: Introducing numbers that cannot be written as a simple fraction, most famously Pie (3.14) and non perfect squares
-Exponents & Scientific Notation: Working with integer (positive and negative) exponents and using scientific notation to manage very large or very small numbers (essential in science!).
-Roots: Calculating and estimating square roots and cube roots.
2. Algebra (Linear Equations and Functions)
-Solving Equations :Mastering the process of isolating the variable (x) in multi-step linear equations, including those with variables on both sides (e.g., 3x - 5 = x + 1).
-Functions: Introduction to the concept of a function (an input has exactly one output) and distinguishing between linear and non-linear functions.
-Graphing Linear Relations:Understanding the slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), calculating the slope (m), and graphing straight lines on a coordinate plane
3. Geometry and Measurement
-Pythagorean Theorem: Learning and applying the formula( a square(^2) + b square(^2) = c square(^2) to find the missing side of a right triangle.
-Area & Volume: Calculating the surface area and volume of various 3D shapes, especially right prisms and cylinders.
-Transformations: Exploring geometric transformations like rotations, reflections, and translations.
4. Ratios, Proportions, and Financial Literacy
-Proportional Reasoning: Solving complex problems involving ratios, unit rates, and proportions.
-Percents: Applying percents in real-world situations, such as calculating taxes, discounts, interest, and percent increase/decrease.
ESSENTIALS
In math class, essentials include a calculator (scientific for introductory courses, graphing for advanced ones), Graph paper notebook, Pencils and erasers, 3-Ring Binder (1" or 1.5"), rulers and highligters
Grade 8 mickelson math workbook
Grade 9 mickelson math workbook
Grade 9 math is generally a single, comprehensive course that covers these major areas:
1. Algebraic Operations and Polynomials
-Rational Numbers II: Extending operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to include all rational numbers (integers, fractions, and decimals), often within multi-step equations and the order of operations (BEDMAS/PEMDAS).
-Exponents & Exponent Laws: Understanding and applying the laws of exponents (product, quotient, power rules) with integer bases and variables.
-Polynomials: Introducing algebraic expressions with multiple terms (like x square(^2 )+ 2 square(^2 )x - 4). You'll learn to add, subtract, and multiply polynomials (often limited to multiplying monomials by polynomials or binomials)
-Major Educational Platforms and Textbooks
-National and State/Provincial Education Standards
-Official School Board and Provincial Curriculum Outlines
-Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) 🥇
-IXL (ixl.com)
-Purplemath (purplemath.com)
Credit for this page goes to the following sources and websites :
The image shows a Scientific calculator
CONCLUSION
In Summary, the Palmer Secondary curriculum for math 8-9 marks a pivotal point in a student's educational journey. Rather than just a collection of solved equations, this stage represents the critical transition from arithmetic, which focuses on computation, to algebra and abstract reasoning, the bedrock of all advanced mathematics.The knowledge acquired here provides the essential language and tools necessary to model and solve real-world problems.
2. Linear Relations and Functions
-Solving Linear Equations: Mastering multi-step equations, including those with variables on both sides, rational coefficients (fractions/decimals), and solutions (e.g., solving 2x + 5 = 4(x - 1)).
-Graphing: Deepening the understanding of the slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), calculating slope from two points, and interpreting the slope and y-intercept in real-world contexts.
-Linear Systems: Introduction to systems of linear equations (two lines) and solving them graphically and algebraically (using substitution or elimination).
-Inequalities: Solving single-variable linear inequalities and graphing their solutions on a number line (e.g., 3x - 2 < 10)
3. Geometry and Measurement
-Spatial Proportional Reasoning: Using scale diagrams and understanding similarity of polygons (shapes that are the same shape but different sizes).
-Surface Area and Volume: Calculating the surface area and volume of composite 3D objects (objects made up of two or more simple shapes, like a cylinder on top of a rectangular prism).
-Symmetry and Transformations: Identifying and describing line and rotation symmetry.
4. Data, Probability, and Financial Literacy
LiteracyStatistics: Analyzing, collecting, and displaying data, including understanding concepts like bias and reliability in studies.
Financial Literacy: Exploring topics like budgeting, simple interest, appreciation, and depreciation to make connections to real-life financial decisions.
This image shows an average math classroom at Palmer Secondary
An image of a square root pattern through a method called the factor tree