Zambia Grade 8 Mathematics Curriculum

This curriculum outlines the learning objectives for Mathematics in Grade 8, focusing on developing essential mathematical knowledge, skills, and values. The curriculum aims to equip learners with the ability to think logically, critically, and apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations. It also prepares them for further studies in mathematics at higher levels.

The curriculum is structured around several key topics:

1. Sets:

• Interpreting set builder notation (e.g., {x: x > 2, x ∈ ℤ})
• Finding the intersection of sets (up to 3 sets)
• Interpreting set complements (e.g., A', B')
• Using single and combined set operation symbols (e.g., A ∪ B ∩ C, (A ∩ B') ∪ C)
• Applying set operations to real-life scenarios

2. Integers:

• Performing the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) on integers without using a number line

3. Approximation and Estimation:

• Expressing numbers to a given significant figure
• Estimating measures or quantities
• Rounding off numbers to a specified degree of accuracy
• Expressing numbers in scientific notation or standard form
• Approximating numbers in scientific notation to a given degree of accuracy
• Applying the concept of approximation to real-life situations (percentages, time, distance, temperature)

4. Ratio and Proportion:

• Solving problems involving ratio and proportion in real-life situations (e.g., using representative fractions, foreign exchange rates, mapping)

5. Algebraic Expressions and Formulae:

• Formulating algebraic expressions
• Simplifying algebraic expressions
• Applying the distributive law to simplify algebraic expressions
• Evaluating algebraic expressions by substituting variables with numbers
• Solving simple equations using additive and multiplicative inverses
• Constructing formulae from given statements

6. Social and Commercial Arithmetic:

• Calculating simple and compound interest
• Calculating utility bills, bank charges, and postal charges
• Generating simple budgets
• Calculating insurance premiums and policy cover
• Calculating the cost of goods bought on hire purchase

7. Cartesian Plane:

• Drawing the Cartesian plane (x-y plane)
• Plotting and reading ordered pairs (x, y)
• Joining different points on the Cartesian plane
• Graphing straight lines

8. Functions:

• Describing different types of relations (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, many-to-many)
• Mapping functions to show relationships
• Identifying mappings from arrow diagrams
• Finding the range of a function given its domain
• Finding a function given a set of ordered pairs
• Drawing graphs of linear functions
• Solving problems involving functions

9. Solid Shapes:

• Identifying cones and pyramids
• Drawing nets of cones and pyramids
• Drawing/sketching cones and pyramids

10. Mensuration:

• Finding the total surface area of cylinders and triangular prisms
• Calculating the volume of cylinders and triangular prisms
• Describing and calculating the density of regular objects

11. Angles:

• Identifying related angles (complementary, supplementary, corresponding, vertically opposite, alternate, allied, angles at a point)
• Finding angles associated with straight lines
• Finding angles of elevation and depression
• Solving real-life problems related to angles

12. Geometrical Constructions:

• Constructing 60° and 90° angles using a ruler and compass
• Constructing angle bisectors using a ruler and compass
• Constructing parallel and perpendicular lines using a ruler and compass
• Relating geometrical constructions to real-life problems

13. Statistics:

• Identifying methods of data collection (questionnaires, interviews, observations)
• Presenting data on histograms and frequency polygons
• Drawing frequency tables of grouped data
• Constructing and interpreting graphs of given data (line graphs, pie charts, bar charts)
• Finding measures of central tendency (mean, mode, median, modal class) for grouped and ungrouped data
• Identifying uses of statistics in real life

14. Number Bases:

• Converting between denary (base 10) and bicimal (base 2) numbers
• Multiplying and dividing numbers in base 2 and base 5

15. Computers:

• Describing computer processes (input, process, output)
• Constructing flowcharts
• Constructing decision boxes within flowcharts

This comprehensive curriculum aims to provide a solid foundation in mathematics for Grade 8 learners in Zambia. It emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application of mathematical concepts, preparing students for future academic pursuits and real-world problem-solving.