8th Grade Math Lesson Plan with Template

Summer is coming to a close and it’s time to focus on a new school year.

For some, the fresh start is welcomed. But for others, especially first-year teachers, it can feel daunting.

When creating junior high math lesson plans, it’s important to have a balance of fun and education to keep students engaged.

It’s best to start with the learning component. 

To make sure that your students learn everything they need to, it’s important to reference the standards that your school uses. 

Some teachers may need to make 8th grade math common core lesson plans. Or they may need to adhere to different standards. 

Here are some of the most common skills and concepts that 8th grade math students are learning:

Number System

• Decimal Expansion: Understanding the decimal expansion of numbers, including repeating and terminating decimals.
• Irrational Numbers: Recognizing irrational numbers and approximating them using rational numbers.
• Square and Cube Roots: Calculating and understanding the significance of square roots and cube roots.
• Rational Approximations: Approximating irrational numbers with rational numbers.

Exponents and Scientific Notation

• Integer Exponents: Applying the properties of integer exponents.
• Powers of 10: Using powers of 10 to express large numbers.
• Scientific Notation: Performing arithmetic operations with numbers in scientific notation and solving problems involving scientific notation.

Geometry

• Transformations: Performing and understanding rotations, reflections, translations and dilations.
• Congruency and Similarity: Exploring congruency and similarity through transformations.
• Angle Relationships: Using angle sum and angle-angle criterion to solve problems.
• Pythagorean Theorem: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem to determine unknown side lengths in right triangles and using it in three-dimensional contexts.
• Volume: Calculating the volume of cones, cylinders and spheres.

Algebra

• One-Variable Linear Equations: Solving linear equations in one variable, including equations with variables on both sides.
• Linear Functions: Understanding and using linear functions, including interpreting the slope and y-intercept.
• Slope: Calculating the slope of a line and understanding its significance (y=mx form).

Statistics and Probability

• Scatter Plots: Constructing and interpreting scatter plots to analyze bivariate data.
• Associations: Identifying clustering, outliers, positive and negative associations and distinguishing between linear and nonlinear associations.
• Linear Models: Using linear models to interpret and predict data trends.

Functions

• Defining Functions: Understanding the concept of a function and using function notation.
• Analyzing Functions: Interpreting and comparing properties of linear functions.

Are you looking for a free sample eighth grade lesson plan for your math class? You’ve come to the right place!

We put together an 8th grade math lesson plan example to get your creative juices flowing. 

You can choose to use this free lesson plan as is or just use the parts you think your students will enjoy. Either way, this template will make for a high-quality lesson. 

You can also use the template to make your lesson plans. Simply keep the structure and change the concepts and activities.

Looking for lower grade levels? Check out our other math lesson plans!

• 1st Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 2nd Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 3rd Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 4th Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 5th Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 6th Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 7th Grade Math Lesson Plan
• Generic Math Lesson Plan (fantastic for homeschooled families!)

Ready to dive into the free lesson plan? Let’s go!

Learning Objectives/Goals:

1. Define and understand different sampling techniques: random sampling, stratified sampling, systematic sampling and cluster sampling.
2. Identify appropriate sampling methods for different scenarios.
3. Differentiate between the various sampling techniques through practical examples and activities.

Teaching Strategies to be Used:

• Direct instruction for definitions and explanations.
• Interactive discussions to encourage student engagement and understanding.
• Group activities and hands-on exercises to reinforce learning.
• Use of visual aids and real-life examples to illustrate concepts.

Materials Needed for the Lesson:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and computer for a presentation
• Handouts with definitions and examples of sampling techniques
• Cards or slips of paper for group activities
• Containers for drawing samples (e.g., bowls or bags)
• Homework assignment sheets
• Rubric for grading participation and understanding

Specific Procedures and Activities:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
2. Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of sampling in statistics.
3. Present a real-world scenario (e.g., survey on student lunch preferences) and ask students how they would go about collecting data.
4. Introduce the day's objectives.
5. Direct Instruction (20 minutes):
6. Define each sampling technique:
7. Random Sampling: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
8. Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into subgroups (strata), and random samples are taken from each stratum.
9. Systematic Sampling: Every nth member of the population is selected after a random starting point.
10. Cluster Sampling: The population is divided into clusters, some of which are randomly selected, and then all members of the chosen clusters are sampled.
11. Use the projector to show slides with definitions, advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
12. Provide real-life examples for each type of sampling.
13. Interactive Discussion (10 minutes):
14. Encourage students to ask questions and discuss the differences between the techniques.
15. Use the whiteboard to list key points from the discussion.
16. Group Activity (25 minutes):
17. Divide the class into small groups and give each group a different sampling scenario.
18. Provide materials (cards or slips of paper) for groups to create their own mini-populations.
19. Each group will decide on the appropriate sampling technique for their scenario and draw a sample accordingly.
20. Groups will present their sampling method and justify their choice to the class.
21. Independent Practice (15 minutes):
22. Hand out a worksheet with various scenarios for students to identify and justify the appropriate sampling technique.
23. Students work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet.
24. Conclusion and Homework Assignment (10 minutes):
25. Review key concepts and clarify any remaining questions.
26. Assign homework where students must find a real-world example of sampling and identify the technique used.
27. Explain the rubric for grading participation and understanding.
28. Grading/Scoring:

• Group Activity: Based on participation, accuracy of sampling method, and quality of the presentation.
• Independent Practice Worksheet: Completion and correctness of identifying sampling techniques.
• Homework Assignment: Quality of the example provided and the correctness of the identified sampling technique.
• Participation and Engagement: Active participation in discussions and activities.

Goals for the End of the Lesson/Unit:

• Students should be able to confidently define and differentiate between random, stratified, systematic and cluster sampling.
• Students should be able to select the appropriate sampling technique for different scenarios.
• Students should be able to explain the importance and application of sampling techniques in real-life situations.
• Students should have enhanced critical thinking skills through analysis and justification of sampling methods.

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