Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 26 (Grade 8 Math): Similarity in Right Triangles (Extension/Spiral)

8th graders connect similarity and modeling by using AA similarity to solve right-triangle problems, create scale drawings, and perform indirect measurements. They apply proportions, justify scale factors, and verify results using the Pythagorean Theorem and real-world reasoning.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 25 (Grade 8 Math): Volume of Cylinders, Cones, and Spheres

8th graders explore and apply volume formulas for cylinders, cones, and spheres through hands-on modeling and real-world problems. They justify why formulas work, solve composite and missing-dimension tasks, and check units, conversions, and reasonableness.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 24 (Grade 8 Math): Pythagorean Applications & Distance

8th graders apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-world and coordinate problems—finding unknown sides, diagonals, and distances. They derive the distance formula, use it in 2D and 3D contexts, and justify answers with units and reasoning.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 23 (Grade 8 Math): Pythagorean Theorem—Why It Works

8th graders explore why the Pythagorean Theorem works through visual and similarity-based proofs. They construct right triangles, justify a² + b² = c² with area and triangle reasoning, and prove its converse using clear, labeled diagrams.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 22 (Grade 8 Math): Angle Relationships & Triangle Facts

8th graders explore angle relationships in triangles and parallel-line diagrams, using informal proofs to show the triangle sum and exterior angle theorems. They solve for unknown angles and justify reasoning with clear geometric arguments.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 21 (Grade 8 Math): Dilations & Similarity

8th graders explore dilations and similarity, using centers and scale factors to model how figures resize while preserving angles and parallel lines. They apply coordinate rules, verify properties, and prove similarity through transformation sequences.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 20 (Grade 8 Math): Congruence via Rigid Motions

8th graders use sequences of rigid motions—translations, reflections, and rotations—to prove or disprove congruence between figures. They describe transformations precisely, track orientation, and justify congruence with clear reasoning.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 19 (Grade 8 Math): Transformations on the Coordinate Plane

8th graders explore translations, reflections, and rotations on the coordinate plane, using rules to track coordinate changes, verify preserved properties, and describe how each transformation affects orientation.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 18 (Grade 8 Math): Systems—Substitution & Elimination

8th graders master solving systems of linear equations using substitution and elimination, analyze special cases algebraically, and model real-world problems with systems, interpreting solutions clearly with units.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 17 (Grade 8 Math): Systems of Linear Equations—Graphing & Estimation

8th graders learn to solve systems of linear equations by graphing, identifying intersections as solutions, and estimating non-integer points. They interpret intersections in real contexts and recognize special cases visually.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 16 (Grade 8 Math): Qualitative Graphs & Stories of Change

8th graders analyze and sketch graphs to describe how quantities increase, decrease, or remain constant. They interpret steepness, key features, and domains to connect visual patterns with real-world stories.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 15 (Grade 8 Math): Building Linear Models from Context

8th graders learn to construct linear functions from real data and contexts, determine slope and intercept, and interpret their meanings. Students model relationships, graph equations, and evaluate predictions for reasonableness.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 14 (Grade 8 Math): Linear vs. Nonlinear

8th graders learn to distinguish linear from nonlinear functions by analyzing rules, graphs, and tables. They identify constant rates of change, recognize curved patterns, and justify conclusions using slope evidence.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 13 (Grade 8 Math): Comparing Functions—Multiple Representations

8th graders compare functions shown as rules, graphs, or tables to identify rate of change and initial value. Students determine which function changes faster or starts higher and justify comparisons using units and context.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 12 (Grade 8 Math): From Patterns to Functions

8th graders learn the formal definition of a function and identify functions from tables, mappings, and graphs. They use input–output language, function notation, and domain–range reasoning to describe real-world relationships.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 11 (Grade 8 Math): Equations with Variables on Both Sides

8th graders solve linear equations with variables on both sides, using properties of equality to simplify efficiently and identify whether equations have one, none, or infinitely many solutions.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 10 (Grade 8 Math): Solving Linear Equations—One Variable

8th graders derive the equation y = mx + b using similar triangles, then graph and interpret linear equations in context. Students learn how slope (m) and intercept (b) shape a line’s graph, explain constant rate of change, and distinguish linear from nonlinear functions.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 9 (Grade 8 Math): Lines in Slope–Intercept Form

8th graders derive and graph linear equations in slope–intercept form (y = mx + b) using similar triangles, interpreting slope (m) as rate of change and intercept (b) as starting value. Students connect equations to real-world contexts and distinguish linear from nonlinear relationships.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 8 (Grade 8 Math): Slope as Rate of Change

8th graders explore slope as a constant rate of change, finding it from graphs, tables, and equations while connecting unit rate to steepness and meaning in context. Students explain constancy using similar triangles and write linear equations in the form y = mx + b.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 7 (Grade 8 Math): Proportional Relationships & Graphs

8th graders review ratios, rates, and proportional relationships by modeling with y = kx and interpreting slope as the unit rate. Students compare tables, graphs, and equations, decide when relationships are proportional, and explain how rate connects to steepness and real-world meaning.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 6 (Grade 8 Math): Operating with Scientific Notation

8th graders learn to multiply, divide, add, and subtract numbers in scientific notation, normalize results, and interpret outcomes with correct units and scale. This weeklong math unit builds precision, fluency, and real-world understanding of large and small quantities.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 5 (Grade 8 Math): Scientific Notation in the Real World

8th graders learn to write, convert, and compare numbers in scientific notation to model extremely large or small quantities. Through real-world contexts, they use powers of 10 to express magnitude, estimate, and explain “how many times as much” with precision and clarity.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 4 (Grade 8 Math): Exponent Essentials—Integer Powers

8th graders master the laws of integer exponents by rewriting and comparing expressions with positive, zero, and negative powers. This weeklong math unit builds structural reasoning, precision in notation, and confidence applying exponent properties to simplify expressions.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 3 (Grade 8 Math): Approximating Irrationals & Roots

8th graders build fluency with square and cube roots by estimating irrational values, comparing magnitudes, and solving equations like x² = p and x³ = p. Students connect roots to area and volume, using bounds and precision to reason about real-world measurements.

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Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 2 (Grade 8 Math): Rational vs. Irrational—What’s Real?

8th graders explore rational and irrational numbers, convert repeating decimals to fractions, and approximate irrationals like √2 and π with bounds on the number line. This weeklong math unit builds precision, reasoning, and fluency within the real number system.