SSDS Boston 8th Grade Algebra Web Site

F Block Algebra

The textbook we use is "Discovering Algebra" by Jerald Murdock, Ellen Kamischke, and Eric Kamischke.  Key Curriculum press has a web site that has games, practice problems, and other information to go along with your text.

To access your textbook online, go to http://www.keymath.com/DA/online.  You will need to get a ClassPass from Mr. Srebnick in order to access the book.

The main web page for "Discovering Algebra" is http://www.keymath.com/DA. 

The calculator we will use in class is a TI-84+ (click here to go to the TI-84+ web site).  The Discovering Algebra Calculator Notes and Programs page has two things to help you get the most out of your calculator:

Those who have a TI-84+ can use the programs and calculator notes for the TI-83+.  They'll work just fine.

The web site also has downloadable "More Practice Your Skills" files.  If you feel you need more practice with basic skills, these worksheets have some good problems.

Some units have "Dynamic Algebra Explorations," moving demonstrations of things we learn in class.

Check out the Student Web Links for each chapter of the book.  They have interesting information that goes along with each chapter and each section of the book.

Your parents may be interested in the Resources for Parents and Tutors page.

Units of Study

Problem of the Week (POTWe)

Geometer's Sketchpad  (GSP)

Self-paced study using Geometer's Sketchpad Software. Students complete weekly assignments.  Assignments consist of guided investigations that require the use of GSP software on a home computer or computers in school.  There are four units:  Points Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, and Symmetry.

Review of fractions using fractals (review of 7th grade material).  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit quiz. 

Unit 1: Data Exploration

Compute, graph and interpret five number summary (box plot), scatter plots. Use matrices to organize and combine data. Estimate using scatter plots. Add and multiply matrices, identify equal matrices.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 2: Proportional Reasoning and Probability

Set up and solve proportions with one unknown, use proportions to make predictions from experimental data. Use dimensional analysis. Draw and interpret circle graphs and relative frequency graphs. Determine observed and theoretical probabilities, and use the former for prediction. Use probabilities to describe patterns in random outcomes.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 3: Variation and Graphs

Use dimensional analysis with rate problems, use direct and inverse variation equations and graphs to solve problems. Investigate the geometry of similar shapes.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 4: Linear Equations

The unit begins with a review of order of operations and the use of the Distributive Property. Students learn how to simplify algebraic expressions, and how to solve linear equations using "undoing" and "balancing." Graphing calculators are used extensively to study recursive sequences. Students study how to write a linear equation from a recursive sequence.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 5: Fitting a Line to Data

Students learn how to interpret real-world data presented as a word-problem or table, and represent it algebraically. We learn how to write equations in point-slope and intercept form, and how to check whether two different equations are equivalent. Students also learn several methods for finding lines of best fit on a graph.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 6: Systems of Equations and Inequalities

In this unit we connect three mathematical representations: tables, graphs and linear equations. We learn how to solve systems of equations using graphs, and analytical techniques such as the methods of substitution and elimination. The unit ends with study of linear inequalities in two variables, and methods of solving them using graphing.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 7: Exponents and Exponential Models

We begin by studying the properties of exponents and exponential notation.  We apply exponents to real-life situations involving exponential growth and decay. The unit includes a brief review of scientific notation.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 8: Functions

We work with substitution ciphers served as an introduction to the general topic of functions. We learn how to identify functions from graphs (using the vertical line test), equations and tables. Students learn how to write a story that corresponds to a graph. We close the unit with an introduction to the Absolute Value and Squaring functions.  Progress will be assessed with an end-of-unit test, and possibly mid-unit quizzes.

Unit 9: Transformations

(Optional)  This unit is an introduction to translations, reflection and stretching and shrinking graphs using algebra.  Since this topic is studied in detail in seventh grade, we will only cover material essential to study of unit 10.  Students will  not be assessed on this unit.

Unit 10: Quadratic Models

This web site was developed by and is maintained by Mr. Srebnick for use in the 8th grade math program at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston.