Current Units
8th Grade Algebra ~ Thinking with Mathematical Models
For their second unit of study, 8th grade Algebra students will explore linear and nonlinear relationships. They will use different mathematical models to represent these relationships, including equations, tables, and graphs. Students will solve problems that will help them become familiar with the concepts related to the slope of a line, linear equations, inverse variation, and data analysis, while also learning how these mathematical models can be applied to various real world topics. Students will conclude the unit with a project where they will apply their knowledge and skills to construct a scatter plot and create a line of best fit to model data.
7th Grade Math ~ Shapes & Designs
For their second unit of study, 7th grade math students will explore the concepts of two-dimensional geometry. Students will learn about the properties of polygons, angle relationships, interior and exterior angles, tessellations, and symmetry. In class experiments and discussions will connect these concepts to engineering and the use of certain polygons when designing and building real world structures. Their end of unit task will be to design a structure and explain the geometric forms and relationships present in the design, with an emphasis on using precise mathematical language and vocabulary in our written work.
7th Grade ~ MYP Mathematics Year 2
Unit 1 - Integers & Rational Numbers
7th grade students will begin the year building on their prior knowledge of number concepts and extending their problem solving skills to the sets of integers and rational numbers. We will complete the explorations in our Connected Math book “Accentuate the Negative” in order to deepen our understanding of negative quantities, operations, and number properties. We will also connect these concepts to an inquiry on “Money Matters” that concludes with students planning and balancing their own budget, allowing them to demonstrate their ability to apply mathematics in real-life contexts. Students will also have the opportunity to present their budgets to families and peers to communicate information using precise mathematical language.
Skills to practice throughout this unit include:
7th grade students will begin the year building on their prior knowledge of number concepts and extending their problem solving skills to the sets of integers and rational numbers. We will complete the explorations in our Connected Math book “Accentuate the Negative” in order to deepen our understanding of negative quantities, operations, and number properties. We will also connect these concepts to an inquiry on “Money Matters” that concludes with students planning and balancing their own budget, allowing them to demonstrate their ability to apply mathematics in real-life contexts. Students will also have the opportunity to present their budgets to families and peers to communicate information using precise mathematical language.
Skills to practice throughout this unit include:
- Locate integers and rational numbers on the number line.
- Compare and order rational numbers.
- Find the opposite and absolute value of a number.
- Model situations with integers and rational numbers (write number sentences from word problems).
- Add integers.
- Subtract integers.
- Multiply integers.
- Divide integers.
- Add rational numbers.
- Subtract rational numbers.
- Multiply rational numbers.
- Divide rational numbers.
- Apply the order of operations to expressions containing signed integers and rational numbers.
- Rewrite expressions using the Distributive Property.
- Choose the appropriate operations to solve word problems (model real situations with integers and rational numbers).
8th Grade ~ MYP Mathematics Year 3
Unit 1 - Foundations of Algebra
8th grade students will begin the year by diving deeper into the concepts of Algebra. Students will build upon their prior knowledge of variables, algebraic expressions, and equations and extend their foundational skills to more complex problems. We will focus on solving equations and inequalities, with an emphasis on how to represent solutions to inequalities on a number line. Students will explore the concept of inequality and make connections between mathematics and examples of inequality that exist in the world around them. At the end of the unit, students knowledge and understanding of equations and inequalities will be assessed with a final unit test.
Skills to practice throughout this unit include:
8th grade students will begin the year by diving deeper into the concepts of Algebra. Students will build upon their prior knowledge of variables, algebraic expressions, and equations and extend their foundational skills to more complex problems. We will focus on solving equations and inequalities, with an emphasis on how to represent solutions to inequalities on a number line. Students will explore the concept of inequality and make connections between mathematics and examples of inequality that exist in the world around them. At the end of the unit, students knowledge and understanding of equations and inequalities will be assessed with a final unit test.
Skills to practice throughout this unit include:
- Model situations with algebraic expressions
- Simplify complex expressions (combine like terms, distribute)
- Solve multi-step equations
- Solve equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign
- Identify equations that are identities or have no solutions
- Solve literal equations for one variable in terms of the others
- Model situations/solve problems with algebraic equations
- Identify and graph solutions to inequalities using a number line
- Solve one and two step inequalities
- Solve multi-step inequalities
- Solve inequalities with no solution or all real numbers as solutions
- Solve and graph compound inequalities
- Model situations/solve problems with inequalities
- Translate between words and algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities
General Information - 7th & 8th Grade Math
For information about classroom expectations, grading and retake policies, and homework grades, please see my course syllabus (click below).
Homework/Assignment Calendars
About Ms. Pierson
My name is Josie Pierson, and I have been teaching secondary Mathematics in Chicago for the past seven years. This is my third year at Agassiz. I began my career teaching high school Algebra at the Noble-Johnson campus in Englewood on Chicago's south side, and I also spent two years teaching 7th and 8th grade Math and Algebra at Burley Elementary in Lake View. I have a bachelor's degree in Theatre Performance, and I love to sing. In my spare time, I love to see plays and movies, read books, try new restaurants, and explore the city with my husband, my four year old son, and my new baby. I am looking forward to another productive and fun year with the young mathematicians at Agassiz!