Grade 8 Math: What Students Are Learning and How to Best Support Them (2023)

In Grade 8 Mathematics, students are generally placed in high school. They knew and know the routines and expectations of the school. This gives them the confidence to show more of their personalities, which can lead to challenging behavior, but it also means teachers can get to know students and classes more individually and build positive working relationships with them.

Although some students start to lose motivation in eighth grade, many are still eager to learn. They have developed their basic math skills and are ready to be challenged with new ideas. They'll love classes that are a little different: applying their skills to real-life situations, playing games, and solving problems.

What will students learn in eighth grade math?

The study of mathematics can be divided into several subcategories. Within the National Curriculum, they are:

• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio, Proportion, and Rates of Change
• Geometry and measurements
• Probability
• Statistics

At the same time, Stage 3 students are expected to have the opportunity to develop their skills in 'mathematical work', which means they must:

• Develop fluency in the number system, the language of algebra, and mathematical terminology.
• Practice your mathematical reasoning; make connections between numerical, algebraic, and graphical representations, deduce mathematical relationships, and construct mathematical proofs or counterexamples.
• Develop your problem solving skills and start modeling problems mathematically.

These skills must be developed and used throughout themath curriculum.

Let's take a look at what a typical eighth grade math student can expect to cover in each of the six categories:

Summary of the eighth grade mathematics curriculum.

Although, unlike KS2 mathematics, there is no prescribed syllabus for eighth grade mathematics. The following list of topics and questions is a very representative sample of what is likely to be taught in grade 8.

See also:Teaching Mathematics KS2

number of topics

• Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
• Place value
• negative numbers
• factors and multiples
• indexes
• standard form
• Rounding
• BIDMAS (order of operations)

sample questions

1. Calculate 1 2⁄5 + 3 1⁄2
2. Write 0.4 as a fraction
3. A t-shirt that costs €20 has a 30% discount. Find the sale price.
4. calculate 4⁵x4³
5. Find the greatest common factor of 12 and 40
6. simplify 443
7. Write 4500000 in standard form
8. Round 7.9813 to 2 decimal places
9. Calculate (3+42)²

algebra topics

• Manipulating algebraic expressions
• Expansion and factorization
• solve equations
• using formulas
• sequences
• graphics
• inequalities

sample questions

1. Factor 6x+15
2. Solve the equation 4(2y-3)=28
3. Since v=u+at, find the value of v when u=2, a=5, and t=4
4. find the n^ºterm of the sequence 4, 7, 10, 13,…
5. Drawing or graph of y=2x+1
6. Write the possible integer values ​​of x when 5x < 10

Topics of ratios, proportions and rates of change

• Reason
• direct proportion
• conversion measures

sample questions

1. Split £30 in a 2:3 ratio
2. To make 10 cakes, a recipe uses 150 g of flour. How much flour would it take to make 25 cakes?
3. 1 pound = $1.20. Convert £300 to $.

Geometry and measurement topics

• area and perimeter
• surface and volume
• Anglos
• Parallel lines
• polygon properties
• transformations
• speed/distance/time
• construction and locations
• aspects
• Congruence
• Theorem of Pythagoras

sample questions

1. Find the area of ​​this trapezoid:

2. Calculate the volume of a cube with a side of 8 cm.

3. Calculate the volume of a cube with a side of 8 cm

4. Calculate the size of an angle in an equilateral triangle.

(Video) Are You Smart Enough For Your Age?

5. Gary traveled 60 miles in 1.5 hours. Find Gary's average speed.

6. Use a ruler and compass to construct the bisector of this line:

7. The course of A from B is 112^o. Find the bearing of B from A.

8. Determine if these triangles are congruent:

9. Find the length of the side labeled x:

probability topics

• theoretical probability
• experimental probability
• Examples of Space Diagrams
• diagram friend

sample questions

1. What is the probability of getting a 6 when rolling a dice?
2. Two dice are rolled and the totals are added. Draw a sample space diagram to show the possible outcomes.
3. We asked 40 students if they like math or science. 20 say math and 7 say math and science. 5 say neither. Draw a Venn diagram to show this information.

Statistics Topics

• data collection
• pie charts
• scatter plot
• Media

sample questions

1. Design three questions to find out how much fast food people eat.
2. Draw a pie chart to show these data: Soccer 7, Rugby 8, Nem 3
3. Find the average of these numbers: 7, 8, 10, 3, 2

It is worth noting that the exact eighth grade math work schedule may vary slightly between schools, as the KS3 National Curriculum lists learning outcomes for all KS3 students, rather than students in a single class. year group. This gives schools some flexibility in deciding when they think it is most appropriate to teach each subject inmath ks3.

What students are likely to struggle with in 8th grade math

As students transition into 8th grade math, a little more is expected of them. They are expected to know the fundamentals of the subject before prolonging it. Some of the things that eighth grade math students may find difficult are discussed below:

Multiplication tables and basic number operations

One thing that holds back many eighth grade math students is the inability to quickly recall basic number facts. This can cause them to get lost during the examples or completing work on other topics, as they get stuck in the calculations. As teachers and parents, we must make it a priority to help our students feel confident with basic arithmetic work. This could include helping them learn the facts or providing methods that allow them to do calculations more easily and in a way they are comfortable with. Regular, short practice sessions can make a real difference here.

using algebra

In grade 8, algebra is still a relatively new idea for many students. While some students love the logic and methodology associated with algebra, other students may panic when they see an algebra question. To help reassure students that algebra is not a daunting subject that they cannot access, we can present algebra topics in a familiar way. For example, we can introduce solving linear equations using function machines, and we can introduce substitution into formulas using word problems.

Definitions and technical vocabulary

As students progress in their mathematical studies, they are expected to understand and use moremath vocabulary. Some of the math terms that students should know in 8th grade math are: factor, multiple, prime number, square number, denominator, numerator, solve, simplify, factor, congruent, similar, mean, median, mode, and range. Students may need to be reminded of these definitions regularly.

Problem solving and reasoning.

Applying what they have learned to a question that is worded differently or requires a different way of thinking can be difficult for many students. It is something that gets easier with practice and is something to be encouraged whenever possible.

making links

Mathematics is often seen as a series of separate subjects when in reality they are all linked. When we use math in real life, we rarely use one skill at a time. For example, when cooking, we may want to scale a recipe. We do this using the ratio. It may be necessary to multiply by a decimal and convert between metric units at the same time. Students often have difficulty making connections between topics and may have difficulty applying a previously mastered skill to another area of ​​mathematics.

What students can do to help themselves with eighth grade math

Throughout high school, students often find it difficult to help themselves in math. We need to teach them how they can work independently and guide them to the appropriate resources for self-study.

Our students are fortunate to have a wealth of information and resources at their fingertips. However, this can be overwhelming. It can be difficult for students to choose a suitable book or website that offers easy-to-understand explanations and practical materials. If we can direct students to 2-3 quality sources, we can empower them to help themselves.

Learning mathematics is a process that includes the following steps:

Since this is how students learn, we need to select resources that provide them with these opportunities.

In Third Space Learning, lessons providing detailed explanations and examples, along with GCSE Maths worksheets specifically designed to increase students' skills and understanding of a subject, can be found in the resources section GCSE Maths.

For students who need additional support, Third Space Learning offersprivate classroomof professional math teachers focused on the needs of each child.

Students should be encouraged to use these sources to help with homework or if there is an aspect of class work that they do not understand.

How Adults Can Help Kids With Eighth Grade Math

normalize math

As adults, it is important that we normalize math for children. This can be done by talking about the math we use when doing a task like cooking, planning a trip, or measuring something. Children often do not see mathematics as something that is used in real life and this can lead to a lack of motivation. Within the math classroom, questions and real life scenarios can be regularly included in lessons to allow students to see the wide variety of applications math has.

Practice basic number operations with your children

As children get older, many are reluctant to practice multiplication tables or other number operations with their parents. However, you can sneak into number practice without it being obvious, learning at home doesn't always mean reciting the multiplication table! For example, you can play card or board games, ask them to cost you your shopping list, or plan a travel schedule and budget.

There are also many fun apps and games available on tablets and phones that kids can enjoy that can help with 8th grade math as well. You know your child, so be sure to choose tasks that are level-appropriate and enjoyable for him.

In the eighth grade math classroom, number operations should be practiced regularly and in a way that allows students to build their skill level and confidence. This will vary for each class and may involve practicing a limited number of skills at one time and gradually introducing new skills.

See more information: Math Games KS3It will give you lots of ideas for math games.

Ask your children to share what they did and to teach

A very effective way to learn and retain information is to teach it to another person. Ask your child what he has been learning in math and suggest that he has forgotten how to do it. Let them play the expert and even put what they've learned to the test.

Remember, however, not to tell them you were 'math rubbish' or 'hated math in school', as this only leads to the belief that struggling with math is normal and accepted. Instead, we want them to feel motivated and believe that we can all improve and learn with the right encouragement and support. In a math class, students might teach each other or create a worksheet for a colleague. Designing questions on a topic requires a good understanding of that topic.

Familiarize yourself with the resources available to your children

If your child's school has a subscription to a particular website or recommends a particular website or book, familiarize yourself with them. That way, you can help them with any difficulties they may have navigating the site. You can also work with resources and tasks together.

In math classes, students should have the opportunity to use these sites with the support of a teacher to ensure they feel comfortable with them. Details of recommended school websites/resources may be shared with parents, and parents are encouraged to refer to them.

As parents and teachers, our common goal is for our children to feel confident and motivated in their math studies. We hope this publication has provided you with some helpful ideas and insights into what your children will be learning and how we can work together to better support them.

If there is a specific topic or area of ​​study that you would like further ideas or support for, please see Third Space Learning's GCSE Maths pages, many of which are also relevant and useful for 8th grade maths students.

See also: 7th grade math at home.,9th grade math

Ouronline math classesThe program provides each child with their own individual, professional math teacher.