course syllabus
Mr. Parsons ~ Math 8
Course Expectations & Academic Syllabus
2022-2023
“What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing” – Aristotle
Course Expectations & Academic Syllabus
2022-2023
“What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing” – Aristotle
A. Course Objectives and Description
Students will master the key concepts of Grade 8 Mathematics. (for full descriptions click here)
This course is a formal development of mathematical thinking, concepts, and skills in preparation for more advanced math courses. The course explores the topics of solving equations, linear functions, systems of equations, simplifying exponents, scientific notations, irrational numbers, and geometric concepts around triangles, angles, transformations, volume, and statistics in a variety of real world application tasks and conceptual enrichment tasks. Students will also be expected to demonstrate each of the eight Mathematical Practices.
B. Class Expectations
- Be prepared
- Be a good human being
- Contribute positively
C. Materials Students will need to Bring EVERY DAY
● Chromebook (charged)
● Math Toolkit
● Pencils (mechanical are strongly recommended) NO WORK ALLOWED IN PEN!
● Lined Paper
● (optional) - Dry Erase Whiteboard pens
● (optional) – Colored Highlighters
● (optional) – Glue sticks
D. Homework
For the most part, students will have a one weekly online HW assignment (about 5-10 problems each day Monday-Thursday) due Thursday night. These will be reviewed in class. These problems will always be a review of past content (previous grades, or prior Math 8 units). Most, if not all, problems will have links to tutorial videos for that type of problem. On Friday, students will take a HW test, where they can use the week's HW problems and any notes/corrections they made. It will consist of 5 problems pulled from the week's assignment, with values changed.
Occasionally, students will assigned to complete in-class practices for their current unit Math 8 material if they haven't been finished in class..
E. Grading
70% Tests / Quizzes
15% Homework
15% Class Practice
All tests can be retaken at least once.
Students sign up in class to come in on their own time, either before school, lunch, or after school.
The process (usually takes multiple sessions):
1st - Review missed problems.
2nd - Re-teaching & practice
3rd - Retake.
A ... 90-100%
B ... 80-89%
C ... 70-79%
D ... 60-69%
F ... 0-59%
F. Absences
There is no substitute for regular class attendance. When absent, you need to do the following:
- Check the WEBSITE Calendar!! Or see Mr. Parsons before or after school.
- Get a copy of the missed class notes (if any) from a fellow classmate
It is your responsibility to schedule this time on the appointment calendar.
G. Academic Dishonesty
All acts of academic dishonesty will result in an automatic grade of zero, a call home, and appropriate administrative discipline as per school code. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:
● copying or allowing others to copy work
● “working together” and coming up with the exact same wording on an assignment
● using or giving unauthorized help on quizzes, tests, or exams
● taking someone else’s work and submitting it without giving them credit
● plagiarism: copying & pasting words or ideas from another source including, but not limited to, another paper / blog / book / essay / webpage / etc. without properly giving credit to the author(s) of the source(s) and/or failing to include all the bibliographical information.
H. Miscellaneous
- Tardy means you are not in your seat ready to work when the bell rings. Walking through the doorway when the tardy bell rings mean you are tardy. You are expected to be situated at your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
- Student Chromebooks are to be brought fully charged every day. 6 instances of a missing or un-charged Chromebook will result in a U citizenship grade.
- Inappropriate behavior, in the presence of a substitute teacher, will result in disciplinary action and a possible deduction of assignment points.
- Headphones / earpieces are to be removed upon entering class.
- Disruptive behavior (including but not limited to: talking, being out of seat, applying make-up/lotion, etc) will not be tolerated. No one will interfere with the learning environment.
- PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES are to be out of sight and on a silent or vibrate mode unless otherwise directed by Mr. Parsons. This class may utilize smartphone capabilities for web access or apps. This is your warning. Devices may be confiscated for a period, a day, or given to office depending on severity and # of past misuses.
- Make sure to follow all school rules.
I. Extra Support
I am looking forward to working with you and helping you succeed! To do this, I offer weekly opportunities for you to get extra support for any questions you may have. Any student may set a time for extra support at lunch or after school using the appointment whiteboard in the classroom.. Walk-in support is also available but not guaranteed. My door (34) is usually open during lunch and after school until about about 3:15.