This guide is designed to aid the teacher in planning and teaching an eighth-grade mathematics course which should strengthen the student's understanding of the basic structure of mathematics through experience with and appreciation of abstract concepts. Thirteen units outlined are entitled: Numeration Systems; Natural Numbers and Zero; Integers; Equations; Writing and Solving Equations; Factoring and Prime Numbers; Rational Numbers; Ratio-Proportion-Percent; Points, Lines and Planes; Measurement; Construction; Perimeter-Area-Volume; and Linear Metric Measure. Behavioral objectives are listed for each unit. Aims, suggested materials and methods, and teaching techniques are written for each lesson. (JP)