Unit Plan 36 (Grade 8 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition
8th graders demonstrate mastery through integrated performance tasks combining algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics. They model real situations, choose efficient methods, justify solutions with units and precision, and present evidence-based arguments with confidence and clarity.
Focus: Show what you know—multi-standard tasks blending functions, linear models, geometry, and statistics; students present solutions and defend reasoning.
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: Mathematics (Integrated Algebra • Functions • Geometry • Statistics & Probability • Modeling)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This final unit asks students to synthesize their Grade 8 learning in authentic, multi-part performance tasks. Teams will plan, solve, and present solutions that integrate number system reasoning, equations/functions and linear models, geometry and measurement, and statistics. Emphasis: tool choice, units and precision, evidence-based claims, and defense of reasoning through written and oral explanations.
Essential Questions
- How do I decide which mathematical tools (algebraic, geometric, graphical, statistical) fit a problem and why?
- How do assumptions, units, and precision affect decisions and results?
- What does a convincing mathematical argument look and sound like for a real audience?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Plan an approach to a complex task, selecting appropriate representations (equations, tables, graphs, diagrams) and justifying method choices.
- Apply Grade 8 content to integrated problems: build/interpret functions and linear models; solve equations and systems; use the Pythagorean Theorem, distance, and volume; construct/interpret scatter plots, lines of fit, and two-way tables.
- Communicate solutions with clear units, sensible precision, and reasonableness checks; compare alternatives and note limitations.
- Present and defend conclusions; critique others’ reasoning using mathematical language and evidence.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 8 (Comprehensive Spiral)
- 8.NS.1–8.NS.2 (Number System)
- 8.EE.1–8.EE.8 (Expressions & Equations; includes scientific notation, exponent rules, equations, systems)
- 8.F.1–8.F.5 (Functions; modeling with linear functions)
- 8.G.1–8.G.9 (Geometry; transformations, similarity, Pythagorean, distance, volume)
- 8.SP.1–8.SP.4 (Statistics & Probability; scatter plots, lines of fit, two-way tables)
- Mathematical Practices MP.1–MP.8 integrated throughout
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can choose a good strategy and say why it fits.
- I can show my work in more than one way (diagram, graph, equation, table) and keep units and precision straight.
- I can check if an answer makes sense (bounds, order of magnitude, looks right on the graph).
- I can explain my thinking clearly and respond to questions with evidence.
- I can give feedback to a classmate that is specific, kind, and mathematical.