8th Grade Math Semester 1

Enrollment Message

Recommended - TI-30XS Calculator or Desmos Scientific Calculator App

Course Description

This comprehensive, self-paced online course is designed to build upon students' existing mathematical knowledge and prepare them for the challenges of high school mathematics. Students will develop critical thinking skills and mathematical fluency through engaging digital content, interactive exercises, and real-world applications. The key topics covered in this course include Number Systems and Operations, where students will delve into real numbers, including irrational numbers. In Algebraic Expressions and Equations, students will focus on simplifying and evaluating expressions, as well as solving multi-step equations and inequalities. The course will also cover Solutions, providing an in-depth understanding of various solution strategies. Additionally, Functions and Graphing will be explored, with emphasis on understanding and representing functions, linear functions and their graphs, and concepts such as slope and rate of change.

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• develop fluency in working with rational and irrational numbers.
• master algebraic manipulation and problem-solving techniques.
• gain proficiency in graphing and analyzing functions.
• deepen understanding of mathematical relationships and patterns.
• connect abstract mathematical concepts to real-world applications.
• develop logical reasoning and critical thinking skills.
• apply mathematical knowledge to solve complex, multi-step problems.
• develop strategies for approaching unfamiliar problem types.
• improve ability to interpret and solve word problems.
• enhance the ability to explain mathematical thinking clearly.
• use appropriate mathematical language and notation.
• interpret and create mathematical representations (graphs, tables, equations).
• utilize digital tools for mathematical exploration and problem-solving.
• develop proficiency in using online math resources and calculators.
• build a strong foundation for high school algebra and geometry.
• introduce more advanced mathematical concepts as a preview for future courses.
• develop skills for independent learning in a virtual environment.
• improve time management and organization in an asynchronous setting.
• foster a positive attitude toward mathematics.
• build confidence in mathematical abilities.

Indiana Academic Standards

• Mathematics Grade 8

Units of Instruction

• Unit 1 Foundations of Numbers - Exploring Rational and Irrational Quantities
• Unit 2 Equations 
• Unit 3 Inequalities
• Unit 4 Types of Solutions
• Unit 5 Functions
• Unit 6 Slope 

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Students must complete at least 70% of the course and take all parts of the final exam(s) to have a score reported to their school of record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a score of 0 reported to the school of record.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. The course includes the minimum number of assessments

• 6 Assignments
• 23 Quizzes

The assessments for this asynchronous course are weighted as follows

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.