LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Mathematics — Grade 8

Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will understand and use linear relations and functions.

Objective 5.02. Write an equation of a linear relationship given: two points, the slope and one point on the line, or the slope and y-intercept.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Walk the line
This lesson demonstrates the effects of changing the slope and y-intercept on the graph and equation of a line.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Mathematics)
By Carol Huss.
To be or not to be... linear
The student will determine the correlation between two variables. They will graph ordered pairs on a coordinate plane, determine a best fit line, find slope and intercepts, and write the equation of a line. This lesson plan is geared for both 8th grade math and algebra.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Mathematics)
By Kyle Gorton.

Resources on the web

Supreme Court handshake
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students explore the handshake problem, a classic problem in mathematics that asks, “How many handshakes occur when n people shake hands with each other?” (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Printing Books
Students explore the relationships among lines, slopes, and y-intercepts using the real-world situation of the printing of their textbook (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Learning about rate of change in linear functions using interactive graphs: Constant cost per minute
In this two-part example, users can drag a slider on an interactive graph to modify a rate of change (cost per minute for phone use) and learn how modifications in that rate affect the linear graph displaying accumulation (the total cost of calls). In this... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Investigating fire environments
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students consider the meaning of the term variable, both in a mathematical and an everyday sense, by considering a text-based “equation.” (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Finding our top speed
This Illuminations lesson sets the stage for a discussion of travel in the solar system. By considering a real-world, hands-on activity, students develop their understanding of time and distance. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Barbie bungee
In this Illuminations lesson, students model a bungee jump using a Barbie doll and rubber bands. The distance to which the doll will fall is directly proportional to the number of rubber bands, so this context is used to examine linear functions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Algebra in balance
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students use an interactive pan balance tool to explore algebraic expressions. They determine if algebraic expressions are equal and balance pans to solve a system of equations. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics