Siaka Kone
Site owner · Teacher
Standards with receipts
Every topic is labeled Grade 8 State Test, Algebra I Regents, or both — mapped to the Next Generation standards.
Productive struggle
Hints that guide without giving the answer, applets with reflection prompts, and practice drawn from released Grade 8 tests and Algebra I Regents.
Teacher-run, FERPA-conscious
No sample students. New accounts wait for Siaka Kone’s approval. Students see only their own records. Google Classroom waits on district approval.
Coherent sequence
Twelve units. Overlaps consolidated. You can jump in anywhere.
Unit 1
The Number System & Roots
Grade 8 State TestIrrational numbers, rational approximations, and square and cube roots. Algebra I later uses these properties when classifying sums and products.
Unit 2
Exponents & Scientific Notation
Grade 8 State TestInteger exponent properties and scientific notation for very large and very small quantities — a Grade 8 focus that supports Algebra I quantitative reasoning.
Unit 3
Slope, Rate of Change & Linear Equations
Both examsThe shared spine of both exams: slope as unit rate, y = mx + b, and constructing linear models. Taught once, assessed on both tests.
Unit 4
Solving Linear Equations & Inequalities
Both examsGrade 8 solving in one variable is extended in Algebra I to inequalities, literal equations, and modeling constraints.
Unit 5
Systems of Linear Equations
Both examsGraphing, substitution, and elimination. Grade 8 introduces systems; Algebra I requires fluency and the f(x) = g(x) intersection view.
Unit 6
Functions & Function Notation
Both examsGrade 8 defines functions; Algebra I adds domain, range, and f(x) notation. Taught as one progression, not two separate units.
Unit 7
Transformations, Congruence & Similarity
Grade 8 State TestRigid motions, dilations, and similarity. Algebra I later reuses these ideas as function transformations.
Unit 8
Pythagorean Theorem, Distance & Volume
Grade 8 State TestRight triangles, distance on the coordinate plane, and volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres.
Unit 9
Bivariate Data
Both examsScatter plots and lines of best fit appear on both exams; Algebra I adds correlation and residual thinking.
Unit 10
Exponential Functions
Algebra I RegentsGrowth and decay, geometric sequences, and distinguishing linear from exponential change.
Unit 11
Quadratic Functions
Algebra I RegentsStandard, vertex, and factored forms; graphs, roots, vertex, and axis of symmetry.
Unit 12
Polynomials, Modeling & Comparison
Algebra I RegentsPolynomial arithmetic and choosing among linear, exponential, and quadratic models.
Where Grade 8 and Algebra I meet
| Idea | Grade 8 | Algebra I | How we teach it once |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear equations in one variable | NY-8.EE.7 | AI-A.REI.3 | Teach once in Unit 4 with Grade 8 special cases, then extend to literal equations and modeling. |
| Slope and y = mx + b | NY-8.EE.5–6, NY-8.F.3–4 | AI-F.IF.6, AI-F.LE.2 | Unit 3 is the combined treatment. Algebra I adds average rate of change for nonlinear functions. |
| Systems of two linear equations | NY-8.EE.8 | AI-A.REI.6, AI-A.REI.11 | Unit 5 covers graphing and algebra. Algebra I emphasizes f(x) = g(x) and approximate solutions. |
| Functions | NY-8.F.1–5 | AI-F.IF.1–2 | Define functions in Grade 8 language, then layer domain, range, and f(x) in the same unit. |
| Scatter plots and linear models | NY-8.SP.1–3 | AI-S.ID.6–7 | One data unit. Algebra I adds residual thinking and correlation language. |
| Transformations | NY-8.G.1–4 | AI-F.BF.3 | Geometry first. Later, rename translations/stretches as function transformations. |