MATH

In Grade 8, students apply what they have learned in geometry and algebra.  They get ready for higher level mathematics by manipulating symbols and understanding relationships.  These content goals will be introduce in contexts that promote problem solving, reasoning, communication, making connections, creating and analyzing representations.

Number Operations and Relationships

• Solve problems with/without contexts using comparisons, operations on real numbers and proportional reasoning (ratios and percents

Geometry:

• Identify relationships between figures and their parts (Pythagorean Theorem), using properties of plane and coordinate geometry
• Use proportional reasoning, transformations and spatial visualization in problem solving situations

Measurement:

• Solve direct/indirect measurement problems using appropriate tools and procedures (perimeter, area, surface area, volume, angles and segments)

Statistics and Probability:

• Develop and analyze investigations, display data, analyze data using measures of central tendency/variation and evaluate methods and conclusions
• Invent and interpret experiments with simple and complex events
• Predict likelihood of outcomes and justify strategies based on theoretical and experimental probabilities

Algebraic Relationships:

• Analyze, describe and generalize mathematical and real-world patterns of chance and functional relationships with emphasis on the role of variable quantities
• Model, solve and explain linear/non-linear equations using translations among tables, graphs and symbolic forms
• understand properties to evaluate expressions and solve linear equations (commutative, associate and distributive)
• Plot and graph points/lines in coordinate plane
• Use order of operations to evaluate expressions

 Grade 8 Social Studies:  United States History

Grade 8 Social Studies

United States History

Grade 8 students will:

Geography                

• Use a variety of geography tools to show how geography influenced the expansion and growth of the U.S.
• Be able to construct mental maps of the United States.
• Describe how the movement of people and development affected the environment, landscape, and resources of the country and its surrounding lands.
• Discuss how science and technology contributed and hindered the growth of the nation.
• Continue exploration of the 5 themes of geography; theme, place, movement, human environment interaction, and region in relation to United States History.

History     

• Identify significant events, people, locations, and historical documents that contribute to U.S. history.
• Use a variety of tools, such as biographies, news articles, fundamental documents, diaries and other first-hand accounts, speeches, and photographs to interpret historic events.
• Detect historical points of view by analyzing written documents, speeches, and art, and recognizing historical patterns.
• Distinguish fact from opinion and identify bias to examine conflicting interpretations of major events.

Civics and government          

• Through diverse perspectives, investigate the origin and influence of individuals, rights, authority, use of power and responsibility in society.
• Describe the creation, purpose, and basic principles of the American governmental system.
• Explain how the federal system separated federal, state and local governments and distinguish the rights and responsibilities of each branch.
• Evaluate the balance of power among the three braches of federal government and describe the unique balance-and-check system used in American democracy.

Economics

• Identify basic economic concepts, including production, wages, trade, supply and demand, and goods and services.
• Analyze factors leading to the European settlement of the Americas and the development of the Pacific and Northwest in terms of economic endeavors.
• Evaluate how economic decisions affect various groups in American society.
• Interpret economic tools such as maps, cost-benefit analyses, and other forms of data to explore how the economy has shaped U.S. history.

Behavioral Science

• Examine a number of perspectives on social issues.
• Give historical examples of disparities and solutions in American society by examining multiple perspectives and analyzing cause and effect models.