Year 8 Term 1 Week 7- Coordinates and Straight Lines
- Sallyann Clark
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
Week 1: Coordinates and Straight Lines
Introduction
This week, we begin our journey into coordinate geometry. We will explore plotting points in all four quadrants, drawing vertical and horizontal lines, plotting graphs from equations, and finding midpoints. These are the foundations for all graph work, from straight lines to more complex functions.
What I should already know
How to plot coordinates in the first quadrant.
How to read values from simple graphs.
Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills.
If you need to refresh your skills, watch Maths with Mr J: How to plot coordinates in one quadrant.
Real-world application – Why it matters
Coordinates are everywhere: from reading maps and using GPS to computer graphics and video games. Understanding coordinates and straight lines helps us navigate spaces, design technology, and solve problems in science and engineering.
Day 1 – Coordinates in Four Quadrants
What am I learning today?
I will be learning to plot and identify points in all four quadrants.
Revision Reminder
Remember: a coordinate has two values, written as (x, y). The first number tells you how far across (horizontal), the second tells you how far up or down (vertical).
Game
Play Hit The Coordinate - Maths is Fun.
Learn
Watch White Rose Maths - Working with coordinates in 4 planes.
Khan Academy: Coordinate plane 4 quadrants
Task
In your journal:
Title - Coordinate Planes and Straight Lined Graphs
Draw and label the four coordinate planes.
Make it clear how to distinguish between positive and negative values.
Conclusion
Today, you learned to plot points in all four quadrants, an essential step in working with graphs.
Day 2 – Lines Parallel to the Axes
What am I learning today?
I will be learning to recognise and draw vertical and horizontal lines.
Revision Reminder
A horizontal line has the same y-value everywhere. A vertical line has the same x-value everywhere.
Game
Play MathNook - Build a Robot, choose all 4 quadrants.
Learn
BBC Bitesize: Horizontal and vertical lines
Watch Fuseschool: Horizontal and vertical lines.
Task
Conclusion
You can now draw horizontal and vertical lines quickly, using simple equations like x=a or y=b.
Day 3 – Plotting Straight Line Graphs
What am I learning today?
I will be learning to plot straight line graphs from equations.
Revision Reminder
To plot a line, substitute values of x into the equation to calculate y, then plot the points.
Game
Play Mathsplayground - Function Machine. You need to enter two input values before you can guess the function.
Learn
White Rose Maths - Recognise and use lines in the form y=kx
and White Rose Maths - Link y=kx to direct proportion problems.
Task
Plot the graphs of: MEP Year 8 Book 14.2
Conclusion
You can now create straight-line graphs from equations by substituting values of x.
Day 4 – Midpoints
What am I learning today?
I will be learning to calculate the midpoint of a line segment.
Revision Reminder
You need to know how to find the average of two numbers.
Example: The average of 4 and 10 is (4 + 10)/2 = 7.
We apply the same idea to coordinates — averaging the x-values and the y-values.
Watch Math with Mr J - How to Find the Average.
Game
Mathnook - Bike racing Averages
Learn
Watch White Rose Maths - Find Mid-point of a Line Segment.
If needed, you can also watch Corgett Maths: Finding the Midpoint.
Task
In your journal:
Record the formula for finding the midpoint of a line segment.
Answer: Why are midpoints useful?
Find the midpoints of:
(2,4) & (6,8)
(-3,2) & (5,-2)
Conclusion
You can now calculate midpoints by averaging coordinates.
Day 5 – Project: Treasure Map Challenge
What am I learning today?
I will be learning to apply my knowledge of coordinates, straight lines, and midpoints to design a problem-solving map.
Task
Create a treasure map on a coordinate grid (four quadrants).
Place at least 10 landmarks at different coordinates.
Draw 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines as boundaries.
Write 3 clues using midpoints for someone to find the treasure.
Conclusion
You have applied your knowledge of coordinates, lines, and midpoints in a fun, practical project.
