Pre-Algebra

Grade 8 (Regular)
Syllabus 2015-2016
Welcome
I am excited for the year to get underway and even more excited to get to know each of my students. The 8th
grade math course will be focused on learning pre-algebraic concepts and to expand upon previously learned
skills.
Instructor: Poonam Sajwani
Email: psajwani@luschool.com
Class: Room D
Class time: 9:25am 10:15am
Textbook: The class will use Glencoe Pre-Algebra Mc Graw Hill, this is designed to get the students
prepared to take Algebra I next year. The students will be working on applying their prior knowledge and
enhancing knowledge needed for middle school and beyond.

Materials:
1. 1 bound notebook (no rings)
2. 1 folder to gather and carry worksheets, quizzes and tests of current work
3. A 3-ring binder to be kept at home into which worksheets, quizzes and tests are transferred when a chapter
has been completed. Papers in binders need to be kept in order of date. They will be used to study for
midterm and final exams. Well kept and complete binders can earn extra credit at the end of the semester.
4. Ruler - inches and centimeters on the same ruler
5. Protractor (the small hemispherical protractors in geometry sets are the easiest to work with).
6. Calculator Calculators will be needed in Middle School mathematics to learn certain functions. However,
they will not be permitted in quizzes or tests.
7. Loose-leaf papers - buy a pack, keep it at home and keep refilling a small supply in your bag.
8. Pencils, erasers, sharpeners, scissors, and a few marker pens and color pencils.
9. Extra-large book cover to cover the textbooks.
Course Description: This course is designed to prepare for Algebra 1.This course will place a strong emphasis
on the continued study of Integers, Operations with Integers, Variables, Expressions, Equations, Rational and
Real Numbers, Algebraic thinking, Linear and Non-linear functions, write and solve Graph equations ,Percent,
Surface Area and Volume, Proportions, Statistics and Probability. Problem solving will be emphasized
throughout the course.
Course Content:
Preparing for Pre-Algebra

Unit 1 Rational Numbers and Equations

Unit 2 Proportions and Similarity
Unit 3 Linear and Nonlinear Functions
Unit 4 Two and Three Dimensional Space
Unit 5 Data Sets
Looking ahead to Algebra
Grading Procedures:
Tests 50%
Quizzes 30%
Assignments/Class work 15%
Homework / Participation 5%
Homework / Assignment: Homework assignment will be collected and graded. On some occasions, I may
check homework for completion only. To earn full credit, work must be:
Complete
Turned in on time
Labeled with the students name, class period, page number and problem numbers.
Students will be expected to work cooperatively and collaboratively on some class assignments.
Students who extra help need may see me. Students must inform me ahead of time if they plan to come in for
extra help.
Absenteeism: If a student is absent, it is the students responsibility to check with another student for missed
work. Students should also check with a fellow classmate for missed notes, and other important information. If
a student misses a quiz, then he/she should contact me to re-schedule within a week.
Classroom behavior expectations:
Be on time.
Bring all required materials.
Stay in your seat.
Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.
Show respect to everyone.
Ready to participate in class discussions

 Having a clean workspace food and drink are not permitted within the classroom
Any behavior that interferes with the learning of self or others cannot be allowed and will be dealt with
accordingly and consistently.
Support Service:
ixl.com
hotmath.com
*Syllabus is subject to change as per the class requirement*