M ATHEMATICS

All math classes require a graphing calculator beginning freshman year. The Math Department strongly recommends Texas Instruments’ TI-84 (any version will do). Note: the TI-86 is not recommended. Any other brand of graphing calculator will serve; however, many are not as user-friendly.

212 Algebra I

Grade: 9 • Full Year • 1 Credit

A strong foundation in Algebra I is critical for success in high school math and science. The course begins by reviewing some topics from middle school Algebra, emphasizing systematic technique and applying these concepts and skills to more complex and real world problems. Students will solve equations (linear and quadratic) and inequalities, and perform polynomial operations, including factoring. You will be introduced to function notation and solving systems of linear equations algebraically and by graphing as well as translations of various functions and how to graph them. You will use hands-on applications and labs to demonstrate real world analysis. Calculators will be used as a tool once concepts are mastered, and computer lab sessions integrate algebra with technology. You will work on a cumulative interactive online notebook covering major topics for the year which will serve as a resource for future courses.

Highlights include:

• Creating math journals to reinforce mathematical understanding through writing, sketching, and reflection.

• Building class community by working in small groups and partners to solve complex problems.

• Working in pairs and creating a “story”/word problem given an equation. The class is tasked with solving these problems.

• Math walks: the class walks around campus to observe and describe functions in nature and architecture.

• Who uses this stuff? Students research professions that they are interested in and see when/how they use math.

• Khan Academy Videos are attached to each homework assignment as an additional resource.

211 Algebra I Honors

Grade: 9 • Full Year • 1 credit

This course covers the topics described for the college preparatory Algebra I (212) course and goes more in-depth and moves at a faster pace. Coursework also includes a greater emphasis on word problems connecting algebra to the real world. Desmos interactive activities are used to enhance algebraic concepts. Highlights include:

• Creating math journals to reinforce mathematical understanding through writing, sketching, and reflection.

• Building class community by working in small groups and partners to solve complex problems.

• Working in pairs and creating a “story”/word problem given an equation. The class is tasked with solving these problems.

• Math walks: the class walks around campus to observe and describe functions in nature and architecture.

• Who uses this stuff? Students research professions that they are interested in and see when/how they use math.

• Khan Academy Videos are attached to each homework assignment as an additional resource.

222 Geometry

Grade: 10 • Full Year • 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra I

This course covers the facts, concepts, and processes of Euclidean plane and coordinate geometry. You will improve your thinking skills using deductive and inductive reasoning, and apply a variety of strategies to solve geometry problems. You will develop the ability to write basic formal two-column proofs for various applications and are trained in formal deductive logic, a critical thinking skill applicable across other subjects and everyday life. You will also apply coordinate geometry concepts from algebra. Algebraic concepts are reviewed and applied throughout the course. Right triangle trigonometry, geometric probability and statistics are introduced. Tinkercad and Geogebra interactive activities are used to enhance geometric concepts.

221 Geometry Honors

Grade: 9, 10 • Full Year • 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra I Honors

This course covers the facts, concepts, and processes of Euclidean plane and coordinate geometry, and goes more in-depth and moves at a faster pace than the CP course. You will improve your thinking skills using deductive and inductive reasoning, and apply a variety of strategies to solve geometry problems. You will develop the ability to write formal two-column proofs for various applications and are trained in formal deductive logic, a critical thinking skill applicable across other subjects and everyday life.You will also tie in coordinate geometry concepts from algebra. Fluency in Algebra I is expected. Right triangle trigonometry, geometric probability and statistics are introduced. Interactive notebooks are used to enhance student learning of major concepts. Highlights include:

• Hands on interactive proofs are used to help master formula two - column proof concepts

• Create your own superhero symbol and use translation concepts taught in class to move the symbol to other quadrants.

• Use Uno cards to learn the basic concepts of a logical argument.

• Interactive review games are used to help prepare for tests such as bingo and tic-tac-toe.

• Triangle rules book project is used to help create a fun and creative way to learn all of the right triangle concepts.

• Desmos interactive activities are used to enhance geometric concepts.

232 Algebra II

Grade: 11 • Full Year • 1 credit

Prerequisite: Geometry

Algebra II builds on the skills and concepts of Algebra I. This course continues to examine number systems, and emphasizes properties to solve equations and inequalities, and diverse word problem applications. Various techniques are taught for solving linear systems in one and two variables, including graphing. Rational expressions, imaginary numbers and quadratic equations are introduced. Fluency in Algebra I and recall of geometry is expected. Problem-solving techniques and real world problems are embedded throughout the course. You will use draw it, solve it, write it steps to solve linear word problems. Highlights include:

• Math walks around campus to see that math concepts can be found in everyday life including taking pictures and labeling concepts observed.

• Use graphing calculators to discover how graphs are translated.

• Play games to help with review of concepts taught in class: Escape Room, Jeopardy, and Bingo.

• Use a bouncy ball lab to enhance analytical skills.

• Create a pamphlet that helps demonstrate linear programing skills and optimization skills taught in class.

• Use selfies to create a project about quadratics in real life.

• Desmos interactive activities are used to enhance geometric concepts.

231 Algebra II Honors

Grade: 10, 11

• Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Geometry Honors (or Department approval)

This fast-paced course is for students who have demonstrated in their high school coursework a high aptitude in math and expect to take rigorous math courses in college. This course stresses both the theory and structure of Algebra. The course extends the topics from Algebra I and uses these to build on others. Emphasis is placed on linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, absolute value, quadratic functions and relations, polynomial functions, inverses, radical functions and relations, exponential and logarithmic functions and relations,rational functions and relations, and conic sections. Problem-solving techniques and real world problems are embedded throughout the course. Mastery of concepts from Algebra I is expected.

Highlights include:

• Math walks around campus to see that math concepts can be found in everyday life including taking pictures and labeling concepts observed.

• Use graphing calculators to discover how graphs are translated.

• Play games to help with review of concepts taught in class: Escape Room, Jeopardy, and Bingo.

• Use a bouncy ball lab to enhance analytical skills.

• Create a pamphlet that helps demonstrate linear programing skills and optimization skills taught in class.

• Use selfies to create a project about quadratics in real life.

• Desmos interactive activities are used to enhance geometric concepts.

236 Pre-Calculus

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Department approval and at least 73 average in prior math classes.

This course is designed to prepare you for a future course in Calculus by building on and strengthening concepts of Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Functions are studied in detail, including composition and inverses. Other topics include the algebra of exponential and logarithmic functions, techniques of graphing and analyzing polynomial functions. Approximately one-third of the course focuses on trigonometry and its applications. Critical thinking skills are used to tie these concepts to real-world applications. At the end of each unit, you will complete an interactive project that ties a major concept learned to a career or field of study using the specific concept.

Highlights include:

• Create math journals to reinforce mathematical understanding through writing, sketching, and reflection.

• Learn about credit cards, investments, and budgeting.

• Study application problems numerically, graphically, and algebraically.

• Investigate and make predictions about exponential functions using M&M’s that represent population growth and decay.

• Desmos interactive activities are used to enhance geometric concepts

235 Pre-Calculus Honors

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: 80 average or better in Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra II or Honors Algebra I/II. It is not possible to move into this course from Algebra II CP.

This rigorous course is for students who have demonstrated in their high school coursework a high aptitude in math and who desire a solid preparation for college math. All the necessary topics of a precalculus course will be developed. This course integrates geometric and algebraic concepts, unifying the fundamentals of high school math while introducing concepts of higher math as extensions of familiar ideas. The fundamentals and applications of trigonometry will be covered, as well as methods of graphing because of their importance and relevance in preparing students for calculus. Higher-order critical thinking is needed to be able to tie these concepts to real-world applications. At the end of each unit, you will complete an interactive project that ties a major concept learned to a career or field of study using the specific concept.

Highlights include:

• Learn about credit cards, investments, and budgeting.

• Create math journals to reinforce mathematical understanding through writing, sketching, and reflection.

• Study application problems verbally, numerically, graphically, and algebraically.

• Investigate and make predictions about exponential functions using M&M’s that represent population growth and decay.

• Use charts/graphs/diagrams found in a newspaper/online to predict the trends, validating the information, or creating a function that represents the data.

• Desmos interactive activities are used to enhance geometric concepts.

240 Calculus Honors

Grade: 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Pre-Calculus

This introductory Calculus course is for the advanced student who wishes to learn the fundamental techniques and concepts of calculus in preparation for a college Calculus course. To ensure successful mastery of this material, a thorough review of key Pre-Calculus topics will be provided as needed. Topics covered will include the key concepts of limits, continuity, the derivative, techniques, and applications of differentiation, definite and indefinite integrals, and techniques and applications of integration. You will work on a cumulative interactive online notebook covering major topics for the year which will serve as a resource for future courses. The interactive notebook includes definitions, examples, and podcasts. Review games are played for a fun way to review major concepts.

241 AP Calculus

Grade: 12 Full Year 1 credit

Prerequisite: 87 average or better in Honors Pre-Calculus and department approval.

AP Calculus is a college level course for the advanced student who wishes to prepare to obtain credit and/ or advanced placement in college. Topics are covered in greater depth and with far greater rigor than in Honors Calculus. Both differential and integral calculus will be covered. Topics match the College Board Calculus AB syllabus, including functions, limits, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, and applications. The Advanced Placement Exam is required and is administered in May. Matching cards to enhance the understanding of concepts are used as a review. The AP College Board Classroom is used to help you enhance your understanding of concepts being tested on the exam.

Electives

245 Financial Math

Grade: 11, 12 • Semester • .5 credit

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II

This second semester course is designed to go through the everyday mathematics of finance and budgets. Real world topics will include income, taxes, renting/leasing an apartment, purchasing a home, financing a car, health and automobile insurance, retirement, fixed and variable costs of a home/apartment, and savings programs. All of these topics will be presented in a hands-on budget simulation as well as through a long-term stock market project.

246 Introduction to Statistics

Grade: 11, 12 Semester .5 credit

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II - This course is appropriate for students in either the Honors or College Placement tracks.

Understanding data collection, representation and analysis is becoming more critical in every field of study and career. Statistics is applicable to all college majors. This first semester course involves the study of probability, statistics and how they affect decision-making. You will be introduced to sampling methods, graphical representation of data, and the measures and distribution of data. Examples and problems emphasize real-world applications and situations. Critical thinking skills are honed as we examine the uses and abuses of statistics. Emphasis is placed on interpreting statistical information, especially normal “bell curve” distributions. This course requires a calculator with statistical functions.