This document outlines the units covered in the Year 8 Maths course for semester 1 of 2010. The units include Positive and Negative Numbers, Set Notation and Theory, Geometry, and Algebra. The Positive and Negative Numbers unit focuses on skills with integers and involves a project designing a board game. Set Notation introduces sets and different types of diagrams. Geometry involves drawing, constructing shapes, and designing logos using mathematical foundations. Algebra revises and expands skills with pronumerals, expressions, and factorizing. Each unit concludes with a test.

1. Year 8 Maths Course Outline – Semester 1, 2010
Positive & Negative Numbers
(Strands: Number, Structure)
This unit involves a lot of revision of basic number skills, but aims to strengthen the use of
positive and negative numbers on the number line and the number plane, as well as using
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of integers. They revise the laws
associated with BODMAS, and practise using combined operations.
The assessment for this unit is in the form of a PROJECT, designing a board game that
incorporates the skills that they have been learning. (copy enclosed)
Set Notation & Theory
(Strands: Structure, Working Mathematically)
This short unit introduces the notion of sets, including special sets like null or empty sets.
We will work with aids to assist understanding and play with counters and blocks, making
different sorts of sets. We will also look at Karnaugh maps and tree diagrams, and touch on
logic and truth functions. There will be a TEST at the conclusion of this unit.
Geometry
(Strand: Space, Measurement, Working Mathematically)
Geometry involves, by its very nature, a lot of drawing and construction. We will investigate
the components (eg: interior and exterior angles) of triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons.
We will also look at angles and parallel lines, constructing triangles using compass and ruler,
and isometric drawing. I will show the students how to use Cabri Geometry on the
computers, to construct shapes and change them. They will do an activity that involves
designing a logo using a mathematical foundation, and design and construct nets and solids.
There will be a TEST at the conclusion of this unit.
Algebra
(Strands: Structure, Working Mathematically)
Pronumerals should already be part of these students’ mathematical experience, but this
unit revises it then expands their knowledge. They will learn how to substitute, work with
brackets, simplify and expand expressions, multiply and divide pronumerals, and expand
brackets and factorise using pronumerals. There will be a lot of working with aids so that
the students can visualise the idea of what a pronumeral is. A TEST at the end.