Mathematics Electives

MATHEMATICS

Electives are prioritized for Class 11 and Class 12, but some are offered to all students based on schedule availability. Electives must be taken in addition to core courses each year.

Problem Solving

Full-year course

Prerequisites: Algebra II course This course in problem-solving strategies focuses on mathematical reasoning and critical thinking by emphasizing that there are many ways to solve any problem. These strategies can be used in many different situations, in and out of the classroom, and they are particularly helpful when taking standardized tests such as the ACT and the SAT. Skills in written and oral communication are enhanced in presentations, group work, and written solutions.

Programming

Semester course; not offered 2022-2023 For classes 9-12

Prerequisites: none Increasingly, our world is regulated by automated processes. Software is capable of recognizing subtle patterns in mountains of data. Machine learning is revolutionizing industries. Students in Programming will learn to craft algorithms using Python, a language used in game design, data mining, web design, and scientific research. Topics include data structures, conditionals, iterations, functions, classes, reading and writing files, web scraping, and regular expressions.

Intermediate Programming

Semester course; not offered 2022-2023

Prerequisites: Introduction to Programming or Coding for Apps Python is taking the software development world by storm. Open-source with multiple enhancement libraries designed by a growing base of committed users, this popular programming language is versatile and intuitive. In intermediate programming, we will go beyond the basics to explore list comprehension, generator functions, object-oriented programming, performance optimization, and machine learning as well as a number of popular libraries such as NumPy, Panda, scikit-learn, and matplotlib. Prerequisite is proficiency in the topics explored in Intro to Programming.

MATHEMATICS

Statistics

Full-year course

Prerequisites: Algebra II course This course introduces the principles of statistical reasoning to develop the skills of asking thoughtful questions, analyzing data, and drawing sound conclusions. Topics include but are not limited to variability, normal distributions, confidence intervals, regression, and probability. Students use appropriate technology as they apply real data to the analysis of sports topics. In addition, there are frequent opportunities to investigate an athlete or team of interest and synthesize important concepts studied.

Advanced Math Topics Honors

Full-year course

Prerequisites: AB or BC Calculus and department approval Advanced Topics in Mathematics teaches ideas and techniques to equip students with the tools needed to prepare successfully for higher-level college mathematics, science, and engineering courses. Topics include logic, set theory, number theory, proofs, discrete mathematics, and functions.

Discrete Math

Semester course; not offered 2022-2023

Prerequisites: Algebra II course The word discrete in math refers to quantities that can be counted. This course explores discrete topics through interesting and engaging real-world problems such as “In how many ways can the seniors line up for graduation?” Topics are drawn from this list: network problems, inductive reasoning, probability, set theory, graph coloring, graph theory, and combinatorics; the last two of these form the foundation upon which modern computer science is built.