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Common Core Math in the 8th Grade

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Eighth grade under the Common Core Math system focuses on three different principles, covering a range of topics. Students will learn several about several topics, such as:

  1. Understanding linear equations
  2. Having a fundamental understanding of functions and how they are used
  3. Geometry topics, like the Pythagorean theorem and volume of prisms

Expressing Concepts With Equations

slope intercept form

One of the main goals of 8th grade Common Core math is to help students understand equations, how to express them, and how to evaluate equations. Linear equations, such as y=mx+b, are introduced in 8th grade mathematics. Expressions that involve radicals and exponents are also taught.

 Understanding Functions


function_machineFunctions are another core component of 8th grade mathematics under the Common Core system. Students in 8th grade will learn how to define various functions, evaluate functions under given parameters, and how to use functions to describe relationships between two quantities.

 

Geometry Concepts

geometric shapes

Many principles of algebraic geometry are introduced in 8th grade mathematics. After exponents are covered, learning theorems such as the Pythagorean Theorem to determine the hypotenuse of a right triangle are taught. Real world concepts that involve 3D shapes such as cones and cylinders are also a key aspect of 8th grade mathematics.   These concepts will be very useful when students begin preparing for the new SAT math format.

 

Does Your Child Need Tutoring?   We Can Help

8th grade is a very important year for mathematics and is a shift in understanding that requires students to grasp many different concepts. Tutoring from Infinity Math Tutoring is available to ensure that your child truly understands these valuable concepts. Without fundamental understanding of these principles, later years of math will only get harder.

At Infinity Math Tutoring, we place an emphasis on creating specific tutoring plans that are tailored to your child, giving them all of the help they need based on their learning style and speed. Contact us today if you are interested in 8th grade math tutoring for your child.

STEM vs. STEAM: What difference does “A” make?

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In almost every recent discussion about education, you will undoubtedly hear the term STEM. With a focus being placed on the technology sector and certain skills being an absolute necessity in the job market we are entering today, an emphasis on STEM is easily understood. Today, however, there is a new acronym that is starting to gain momentum: STEAM. So what exactly are STEM and STEAM systems of education, why do they matter, and which is better? Here’s what you need to know:

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What Is STEM?

STEM education is a specific system of education that involves science, technology, engineering, and math. At the heart of STEM education is an underlying understanding that the job market today relies on these skills.

Having a deep understanding of technology, engineering principles, science and mathematics is necessary to the progression of the workforce. From critical thinking and problem solving, the skills taught in STEM programs are used for solving real-world issues that jobs will demand.

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What Is STEAM?

Then you have STEAM. Like STEM, the acronym STEAM has science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. But STEAM adds one more core principle: arts. STEAM proponents believe that the arts still belong in core education and are directly able to integrate with STEM education. Proponents believe that STEM is a system of rigorous education and including arts can take away from the core concept of STEM education.

Which Is Better?

Ultimately, the debate wages on with arguments from either side. However, the arguments may have middle ground. The type of arts included in STEAM may not be as liberal as many STEAM proponents suggest. Instead of a focus on music, drama, and theater type arts, technology and scientific integration is necessary. Through design elements for manufacturing and engineering, art is required. Creative thinking and communication is also a core art concept that can be important for STEM subjects.

 

Is Your Child Interested in a STEM career?

The average wage for all STEM occupations nearly double the average for all occupations.Students interested in STEM must develop the confidence to apply many mathematical concepts to real world environments.  Math tutoring can be a valuable tool in developing a student’s confidence and skills in STEM.  Let Infinity Math Tutoring help your child harness the enthusiasm and proficiencies required to pursue a future career in the STEM industries.

Students Learn Effectively with One-on-One Tutoring

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act-sat-one-on-one

With one-on-one tutoring, each student can choose a tutor that best suits his or her liking.  As a result, the students will stay more focused on their work rather than how much they dislike the tutor. By choosing the right tutoring company that fits your needs, you will be giving you child best gift they can receive:  Effective learning!

Benefits of one-on-one tutoring

After school tutoring is practically the norm today. Even in these economically challenging times, parents still put their children’s educational needs first.  They realize that the best gift they can give their child is a good education. That’s why so many choose one-on-one tutoring.  Below are the top benefits:

 

1. Class will never go on without the student.

If the student doesn’t show up for a conversation, neither will the instructor. So the student will never miss out on learning or fear falling behind.

2. High-quality interaction where students feel heard.

With one-on-one tutoring, instructors are committed to listening to the student and actively responding. Though instructors often initiate or organize sessions, conversations are almost always student driven. The student has control over the questions they ask, and the feedback they receive from their instructors.

3. Low stress environment frees students from the fear of failure.

Through one-on-one interactions, students learn to trust their instructors and are given a completely safe space to openly share. In classroom settings pressured by peers, some students fear answering questions, making mistakes or taking risks. With caring, considerate online school teachers there is no wrong answer or silly question and students do not have to fear being themselves.

4. Instructors can measure the student’s progress.

In a one-on-one relationship, teachers can get to know their student’s fully and keep track of their progress, gauging their successes and struggles. Instructors can then adjust or completely alter lesson plans, deadlines, course projects etc so as to fully serve the student.

5. Gives students the opportunity to step up and not rely on others.

In self-driven course work, students cannot rely on their peers, copy someone else’s work or fall back on the ideas of others. This highly increases a student’s personal responsibility over their learning, forcing them to take course work seriously and fully master the materials.

6. Eliminates many distractions.

Without the distraction of a room full of other people, students can focus all of their attention on their instructor and the material learned. One-on-one tutoring enables the student to use all of their brain power on school and not on the environment around them.

7. Ability to personalize conversations and assignments.

Not only are students able to address only the things that they need help, they are also able to mold their conversations with instructors to match their interests. Students can develop their course schedules, projects, test styles etc to match their unique learning styles.  Instructors will always align conversations and assignments with what interests and inspires the student.

8. Instructors adapt to the student’s communication style

One-on-one interactions give students excellent opportunities to practice conversing with one person at a time. Instructors are also careful to communicate in similar ways that the student does. Students will not have to interpret the decode the lessons, and then figure out after the tutoring session. Instead, communication, sharing of ideas, and questions and answers are molded to the student’s preferences.

 

With Infinity Math Tutoring, you will have a Math Professional on your doorstep. We tailor our math instruction to your individual needs, and provide those services around your unique schedule! Tutoring is on a one-on-one basis, with the same tutor. Tutor rapport and consistency are our primary focuses in helping students master math concepts, quickly!