GA Milestones Math Grade 8 study plan
GA Milestones Math Grade 8 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Distinguish rational numbers from irrational numbers by converting fractions to repeating or terminating decimals and identifying non-perfect squares as irrational.
Estimate the value of irrational square roots and cube roots to the nearest tenth using perfect-square and perfect-cube benchmarks, without a calculator.
Order a mixed set of rational and irrational numbers on a number line and justify each placement in writing.
Convert a repeating decimal into a fraction using the algebraic method.
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet of 12 self-created rational/irrational ordering problems with worked solutions and number-line diagrams.
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Apply the properties of integer exponents (product, quotient, power of a power, zero, and negative exponents) to simplify expressions.
Translate between radical notation and fractional exponents and evaluate simple cases.
Use scientific notation to express very large and very small quantities and to compare their magnitudes.
Perform multiplication and division in scientific notation, adjusting the result into proper form.
Your checkpoint
A 15-item self-quiz mixing exponent simplification, radical-to-exponent conversion, and scientific-notation operations, scored and corrected with error notes.
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Solve multi-step linear equations with variables on both sides, including cases requiring distribution and clearing fractions.
Solve linear equations that have no solution or infinitely many solutions and explain why.
Solve and graph one-variable inequalities, including cases where multiplying or dividing by a negative reverses the inequality.
Interpret a word problem as an equation or inequality and check the reasonableness of the answer in context.
Your checkpoint
A set of 10 word problems converted into equations or inequalities, solved, and graphed, with a written check of each solution.
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Graph proportional relationships and identify the slope as the unit rate.
Derive y = mx + b by comparing similar triangles on a line and explain why slope is constant.
Determine slope from a table, graph, two points, and a verbal description.
Write the equation of a line given slope and one point, or given two points.
Your checkpoint
A four-representation chart (table, graph, equation, description) for six linear relationships, with the slope and intercept correctly identified in each.
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Solve systems of two linear equations by graphing, substitution, and elimination, and choose the most efficient method for a given system.
Classify systems as one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions from their equations.
Translate a real-world context into a system of equations and interpret the solution point.
Verify solutions algebraically and by graphing.
Your checkpoint
Five real-world system-of-equations problems solved by two different methods each, with a written comparison of which method was more efficient.
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Identify a function from a table, graph, or set of ordered pairs using the rule that each input has exactly one output.
Compare functions represented in different ways and determine which has a greater rate of change.
Interpret the rate of change and initial value of a function in the context of a real-world situation.
Sketch a qualitative graph of a function described verbally, such as a car slowing down or a pool filling.
Your checkpoint
A comparison write-up of four functions presented in different representations, ranking their rates of change with justification.
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Apply the Pythagorean theorem to find missing side lengths in right triangles and its converse to classify triangles.
Solve real-world and three-dimensional distance problems using the Pythagorean theorem.
Find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using the Pythagorean theorem.
Calculate the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres and solve for a missing dimension given the volume.
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set of 12 items combining Pythagorean theorem, coordinate distance, and volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres.
Mathematics content standards (Grade 8) - domain weights not enumerated in source
Construct and interpret scatter plots, describe association (positive, negative, or none), and identify outliers and clusters.
Fit a line of best fit by eye, write its equation, and use it to make a prediction while judging the reasonableness of extrapolation.
Interpret the slope and intercept of a linear model in context.
Complete a timed mixed review covering all Grade 8 domains and analyze errors by category.
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed practice test scored by domain, with a written error analysis listing the three highest-priority review topics.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on the 15-item exponent, radical, and scientific-notation quiz without a calculator.
Week 4: Correctly write slope-intercept equations for at least 5 of 6 relationships spanning all four representations.
Week 6: Solve 4 of 5 real-world system problems correctly by two methods and correctly classify 5 of 5 functions as functions or not.
Week 8: Score at least 75% on the timed mixed review and identify the three weakest topics with a written remediation plan.