Math
Year-Long Courses
Year-Long Courses
Algebra 1
- Prerequisite: None
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course covers the concept of using variables to represent numbers and arithmetic equations. Students spend time developing arithmetic and problem-solving skills while covering the following topics: properties of real numbers, basic operations, writing and solving algebraic equations and inequalities with one and two variables, polynomials and factoring, first- and second-degree functions and their graphs, quadratic equations, rational expressions, and radical expressions. This course uses a web-based learning system called ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) as a resource to individualize instruction and reinforce new information. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Geometry
- Prerequisite: Algebra 1
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This standard course in geometry covers concepts of Euclidean geometry including definitions, postulates, and theorems. Areas of study include angles, parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometry, circles, area and volume. The content is also explored through analytical geometry, and the students work to improve their algebraic skills. Additionally, the course includes a proof component. This course also uses a web-based learning system called ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) as a resource to individualize instruction and reinforce new information. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Advanced Geometry
- Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and departmental approval
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This advanced course in geometry covers concepts of Euclidean geometry including definitions, postulates, and theorems. Areas of study include angles, parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, points of concurrence, the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometry, circles, area and volume. The standard content is explored with greater depth than the regular Geometry course with a more of an emphasis on proofs and algebraic skills. This course also uses a web-based learning system called ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) as a resource to individualize instruction and reinforce new information. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Conceptual Algebra 2
- Prerequisite: Algebra 1
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course looks at core topics in Algebra 2 and is paced with the students in mind. Topics are covered thoroughly and ample time is given for the students to master the content. Each semester has three units that build upon one another. Major topics include linear inequalities, linear equations, systems of equations, matrices, quadratics, polynomials, and radical functions. Also, a mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Algebra 2
- Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and departmental approval
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course looks at topics both symbolically and graphically. Major topics include polynomials (linear, quadratic, and higher degree), rational functions, powers and roots, exponentials and logarithms. Within these areas, transformations, systems of equations, inequalities, applications, and modeling are addressed. Also, a mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Advanced Algebra 2
- Prerequisite: Algebra 1; Corequisite: Advanced Geometry, with departmental approval
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This advanced course looks at topics both symbolically and graphically. Major topics include quadratics equations, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, radical functions, rational functions, powers and roots, exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometry. Within these areas, transformations, systems of equations, inequalities, applications, and modeling are addressed. Also, a mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Conceptual Precalculus
- Prerequisite: Conceptual Algebra 2 or Algebra 2
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course covers the topics listed in the Precalculus course description though at a pace and level less demanding than Precalculus. These topics include: linear, quadratic and polynomial functions, rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, vectors, and trigonometry. Also, a mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling. Upon successful completion of the course, students are prepared for Discrete Math, AP Statistics, or Calculus.
Precalculus
- Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and departmental approval
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course covers a variety of topics: linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions, rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometry, vectors, systems of equations, sequences and series, and conic sections. This course prepares students for placement in AP Calculus AB. Also, a mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
AP Precalculus
- Prerequisite: Geometry and Advanced Algebra 2, and demonstrated mastery of Adv Algebra 2 and Adv Geometry concepts on an in person placement test
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
AP Precalculus centers on functions modeling dynamic phenomena. In this course, students study a broad spectrum of function types that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. Students will develop a greater comprehension of the nature and behavior of the function itself. The formal study of a function type through multiple representations (e.g., graphical, numerical, verbal, analytical), coupled with the application of the function type to a variety of contexts, provides students with a rich study of precalculus. Students will develop a proficiency with linear functions, polynomial addition and multiplication, factoring quadratic trinomials, using the quadratic formula, solving right triangle problems involving trigonometry, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, algebraic manipulation of linear equations and expressions, and in solving systems of equations in two and three variables. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling. This course prepares students for placement in AP Calculus BC. Also, a mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Calculus
- Prerequisite: Conceptual Precalculus, Precalculus, or AP Precalculus
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course is a conceptual course that examines topics such as limits, differentiation, applied maximum/minimum problems, related rates, techniques of integration, and applications of the integral. Although the course covers the same material as the AP Calculus course, it is intended to provide a basic foundation for students so that they can use their understanding and knowledge to build upon later. This course emphasizes practical applications of calculus in business, economics, science, and engineering. Group collaboration and a mathematics laboratory are utilized to allow students to solve challenging problems and have actual hands-on experience with technology to perform real-world mathematical modeling.
AP Calculus AB
- Prerequisite: Precalculus or AP Precalculus and department approval
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course examines such topics as limits, differentiation, applied maximum/minimum problems, related rates, transcendental functions, and techniques of integration. This course, which follows the AP syllabus, is designed to be roughly equivalent to a semester and a half of a college calculus course. This course is recommended for students who have demonstrated excellent analytical and mathematical skills in prior courses, and the ability to understand and apply new concepts quickly. Students will need to devote significant time for daily homework and preparation, and they commit to taking the AP examination. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling. This course is recommended for students who have earned a B or higher in their previous math class.
AP Calculus BC
- Prerequisite: Precalculus or AP Precalculus and department approval
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course includes all topics covered in AB Calculus. Additional topics include Euler’s method, advanced techniques of integration, infinite series, vectors, and polar and parametric functions. This course, which follows the AP syllabus, is designed to be equivalent to two semesters of a college calculus course. This course is recommended for students who have demonstrated excellent analytical and mathematical skills in prior courses, and the ability to understand and apply new concepts quickly. Students will need to devote significant time for daily homework and preparation. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling. This course is recommended for students who have earned an A- or higher in their previous math class.
AP Statistics
- Prerequisite: Algebra 2
[One Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course introduces the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students learn four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students enrolled in this course, which follows the AP syllabus, commit to taking the AP examination. Computer simulations, real world studies, and more allow students to have hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Fall Semester Courses
Electives - Fall Semester Courses
Discrete Math: Fundamentals
- Prerequisite: Conceptual Algebra 2 or Algebra 2
[One-half Credit]
Open to: All grades
This semester course is designed to cover the fundamental building blocks of finance. The course starts with simple interest and builds to more complex mathematics dealing with compound interest, annuities, both present (loans) and future value (retirement savings) money, and investing vehicles that can be used to build wealth over time. This course covers the “big ticket” items that make a huge difference in the students financial future. The course covers stocks, options, bonds, commodities, future contracts, and mutual funds. There are four projects that will be completed to reinforce the concepts being taught. They include: 1. a class presentation on bonds, mutual funds and commodities 2. a spreadsheet breaking down a complex paycheck 3. a class presentation of a complete budget plan 4. a stock market challenge.
Formal Logic
- Prerequisite: Calculus and AP Statistics (including concurrent enrollment) or departmental approval
[One-half Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course is an introductory course in the field of Abstract Mathematics, and through this course the students learn how to write and read formal proofs. The units include concepts related to the basics of sets and logic as well as truth tables, Venn diagrams, and Cartesian products. These ideas are used when studying the five types of proofs: direct proof, proof by contrapositive, proof by contradiction, existence proofs and mathematical induction. There is a Mathematics laboratory component implemented to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Math Modeling & Fabrication
- Prerequisite: None
[One-half Credit]
Open to: Juniors and seniors
Students in this semester-long course will apply mathematical concepts to the design and fabrication of 3D printing, and the semester’s culminating project will be the fabrication of prosthetic hands and fingers. The course will integrate concepts from science (anatomy, psychology, and engineering), art (design and self-expression), and technology. No experience with programming or 3D printing is expected; the students will learn the hardware and software programs needed. The course will be project-based; while daily assignments will be less frequent, students will be expected to work on their projects outside of class time on a regular basis.
Spring Semester Courses
Electives - Spring Semester Courses
Discrete Math: Applications
- Prerequisite: None
[One-half Credit]
Open to: All grades
This semester-long course takes on practical applications of finance. The course begins with a practical look at completing a US tax return including the mathematics behind tax schedules, 1040 forms and itemization. Automobile ownership is then covered from a mathematics and practical perspective. A basic statistical analysis using average, median, outliers, IQR, linear and exponential depreciation, and other analysis are used to determine proper pricing for automobiles and parts. This portion of the class is beneficial to those who did not take AP Statistics. A detailed look at automobile insurance policies is conducted to develop an understanding of what coverages mean and how they apply to the policy holder. The final part of automobile ownership is analyzing driving data, safety data, and the mathematics behind accident investigations. The course then covers independent living. Which includes: finding a place to live, learning how to read floor plans and the associated mathematics, the mortgage application process assessing both front and rear mathematical ratios. We also study the difference between single family homes, condos and cooperatives. We review some of the first semester concepts in the calculation of present value money for mortgages. Finally in the semester, we study the concepts of owning your own business. We take on detailed modeling which is done on graphing calculators to determine if our product will actually work financially. This model will conclude as a major final project.
Introduction to Data Science
- Prerequisite: None
[One-half Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course explores the role of data in society and how it can be used to identify patterns and solve problems. Students will engage in project-based units on topics such as data visualization and modeling, data analysis, sampling, correlation/causation, bias and uncertainty, probability, and making and evaluating data-based arguments. The projects will introduce students to the main ideas in data science through free tools such as Google Sheets, CODAP, Tableau, and Python. This is a hands-on course where students will develop proficiency in using spreadsheets, building data visualizations, and implementing basic programming. These skills can be applied to future STEM courses including Discrete Math, AP Statistics, APCS, APES, and Experimental Psychology.
Multivariable Calculus
- Prerequisite: Calculus and department approval
[One-half Credit]
Open to: All grades
This course reviews limits, derivatives, and integrals from single-variable calculus and extends the concepts to functions of two or more variables. Topics of study include partial derivatives, directional derivatives and gradients, tangent planes and normal lines, extrema of functions of two variables, iterated integrals, double and triple integrals and applications. The course focuses on the understanding of these topics from analytical, numerical and graphical perspectives. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.