Standards by the end of 8th grade

Numbers & Computation

Add, subtract, multiply and divide real numbers in various forms, including radicals, and exponential and scientific notation.

Solve a variety of problems, including rates, recipes, unit costs and percents.

Explain the relationship among fractions, decimals and percents.

Patterns & Algebra

Use inductive reasoning to find the missing item in number and geometric patterns.

Evaluate formulas and algebraic expressions, such as A = LW, when L = 6 and W = 2, then A = 12.

Solve simple linear equations such as 2/3 X + 9 = 13.

Geometry & Spatial Relationships

Identify and compare regular and irregular polygons, such as triangles and pentagons, and their characteristics.

Use geometry to solve problems involving scale drawings, such as interpreting maps.

Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of the missing side of a figure.

Other

Find perimeter, circumference and area of plane figures and volume and surface area of solid figures.

Find the mathematical probability of an event and explain why that might be different from what happens in reality.

English/Language Arts

Reading

Apply knowledge of word origins, roots and context clues as well as dictionaries to comprehend new words in texts.

Analyze story elements such as character, plot or climax to determine their importance in a story.

Assess evidence an author uses to support ideas.

Writing

Write informative papers that develop a topic with introductory and concluding statements, supporting details and examples.

Write communications such as resumes, job applications or memos.

Write short stories that provide details of a clear event or situation and use strategies such as dialogue and description.

Listening & Speaking

Identify and paraphrase a speaker's main ideas and supporting evidence and ask relevant questions.

Use vocabulary and public-speaking techniques appropriate to a specific audience.

Give clear and concise multistep directions to enable someone else to complete a complex task.

Research

Formulate questions that develop a clear statement of purpose for inquiry or research.

Locate and select relevant information from multiple sources and document those sources.

Organize and present research findings using appropriate multimedia.

Science

Physical Science

Describe gravity.

Separate substances based on their physical and chemical properties, such as color, solubility or boiling point.

Explain how in chemical reactions, elements do not change into other elements.

Life Science

Describe how multicellular organisms have tissues, organs and systems to perform life functions.

Describe heredity.

Describe how evolution provides a scientific explanation for the differences and similarities among species.

Earth & Space Sciences

Describe how rocks and minerals have different properties and characteristics.

Explain how the atmosphere is a mixture of gases with properties that vary by altitude.

Describe how fossils provide evidence of how life and the environment have changed.

Scientific Inquiry: Processes & Skills

Identify and illustrate natural cycles within systems, such as geological changes.

Organize information and describe the relationships that the tables and graphs reveal.

Estimate the probability of outcomes in familiar situations.

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