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MATH - CURRICULUM | FACULTY
The Mathematics Department is committed to teaching mathematics not only for its own intrinsic value, but also as a valuable tool to develop our students’ ability to think analytically and creatively, thus improving their problem solving skills. The curriculum provides opportunities for our students to practice logical thinking, organization, communication, and technology skills. The Mathematics Department is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding college preparatory program that enables all students to realize their mathematical potential and to appreciate the value of mathematics.
INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to sharpen the skills of the student in preparation
for Algebra I. Students encounter problem solving situations, communication
activities
and reasoning opportunities allowing the student to connect algebra, geometry
and integrated mathematics. Students continue to Algebra I upon successful completion
of this course. Enrollment in this class is determined by Entrance Exam results.
ALGEBRA I
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
In Algebra I students cover all aspects of working with signed numbers
functions, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities and graphing
linear expressions.
The second semester covers basic statistical concepts and graphs, systems of
equations, quadratic equations exponents, polynomials and their operations and
radical expressions. Problem solving is an integral part of Algebra 1.
HONORS ALGEBRA I
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Entrance Exam results
or
recommendation of current teacher.
This course is designed for the talented math student. It covers the topics of
Algebra 1 in more depth with more emphasis on word problems. Algebraic proofs
are also studied. Application and contest problems are woven throughout each
semester to present challenge and logic development.
GEOMETRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Credit
in Algebra
I or Honors Algebra I and recommendation of teacher.
This course covers Euclidean geometry, including discussions of angles, lines,
congruent and right triangles, polygons, circles, areas, and volume. Coordinate
geometry and basic analytic geometry will be interspersed throughout the year
to reinforce other concepts. Formal proof will be an integral part of this course.
The computer program “Sketchpad” will be introduced.
HONORS GEOMETRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10
Prerequisites: Minimum 85%
average in Honors Algebra, or minimum 95% average in Algebra I and
recommendation of
teacher, or a qualifying score on the May Algebra test for incoming freshmen.
This course is designed for the high ability student. It covers the concepts
of Euclidean geometry in more detail with more emphasis on formal proofs and
more difficult applications. Coordinate geometry and basic analytic geometry
will be interspersed throughout the year. The computer program “Sketchpad” is
used to investigate and reinforce concepts. Written and oral communication of
mathematics is emphasized. Students are required to complete assignments outside
the textbook each quarter.
ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum 76%
average
in Algebra I and Geometry and recommendation of current teacher.
Advanced Algebra is an in-depth study of topics covered in Algebra I. A good
understanding of Algebra I topics is required. Other topics include the study
of roots, rational and irrational numbers, conics, solving and graphing quadratic
functions, and an introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions. Students
are introduced to the graphing calculator and learn how it is used in problem
solving situations.
HONORS ADVANCED ALGEBRA WITH TRIGONOMETRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11
Prerequisites: Minimum 88%
average in Honors Algebra I and Geometry, or minimum 95% average in
regular Algebra and
Geometry and recommendation of current teacher.
This course is designed to move faster through the algebraic material, providing
several weeks of trigonometry. Students add depth to their understanding of Algebra
I and investigate polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
and conics. Students are introduced to the graphing calculator and learn how
it is used in problem solving situations.
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
Credit: 0.5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: A credit
in Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry or a minimum 76% average in Advanced
Algebra and current
teacher’s recommendation.
This course is designed for the college bound student who has a good background
in mathematics. Topics covered include linear, quadratic and polynomial functions,
including equations and inequalities. Exponential and logarithmic functions are
also investigated. The study of functions in the abstract is facilitated through
the study of their graphs using paper and pencil as well as technology.
FINITE MATH (formerly known as Discrete Math)
Credit: 0.5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum
76% average in College Algebra or recommendation of current math
teacher.
Topics covered include sequences and series, matrices and their use in system
solutions, combinatorics, probability and statistics. An overview of logic
and its implications in programming and spreadsheets are investigated.
TRIGONOMETRY
Credit: 0.5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum
76% average in College Algebra or recommendation of current math
teacher.
This course is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a course of
study such as mathematics, science, or engineering. These majors often require
a
trig-based calculus course in college and this course acts as preparation
by providing an
in-depth study of trigonometry. Topics covered include analytic geometry,
trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations, trigonometric identities,
sum and difference
formulas and graphing. It investigates polar graphs and complex numbers as
time allows.
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
Credit: .5 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum
80% in Advanced Algebra Trig or 80% in College Algebra or concurrent
with College
Algebra.
This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and
tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students
are
exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1) exploring data, 2) planning
a study, 3) probability,
and 4) statistical sampling.
HONORS PRECALCULUS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 85%
average in Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry and current teacher's
recommendation.
This course is designed for those with a strong background in mathematics.
Topics covered include a thorough review of linear and quadratic functions
and an in-depth
study of polynomial functions. The study of functions in the abstract
is facilitated through the study of their graphs using both pen and
pencil and technology
in the form of graphing calculators and computers. Topics covered include
exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications in the
real world; trigonometric
functions, their equations, graphs and identities and their applications;
sequences and series, functions and limits, and their relationship
to calculus.
Finite
topics developed include matrices, combinatorics and probability.
HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 85% average
in Precalculus
This course follows the scope and sequence of the A/B Calculus course
as described by the Advanced Placement Program. The curriculum is
adjusted each year with
the publication of curriculum changes. Students have the opportunity
to
take the AP exam.
NOTE: To be eligible for this course, the student must have completed
four years of high school mathematics. If a student wishes to take
both Honors
Geometry and Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry as a sophomore to
accomplish this end,
special permission from the department chair must be obtained.
HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum
90% in Advanced Algebra Trigonometry and a strong reading background.
Current
math teacher's
recommendation is required.
This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts
and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from
data. This
course
follows the scope and sequence of the Statistics course as described
by the Advanced
Placement Program. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual
themes: 1) exploring data, 2) planning a study, 3) probability,
and 4) statistical
inference.
Students
have the opportunity to take the AP exam.
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