Successful completion of Algebra II or Honors Algebra II required
Students will study polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions both algebraically and graphically. The trigonometry of triangles and the unit circle will be connected with the graphs and equations of trigonometric functions. How transformations of the above types of functions alter their equations and graphs will be an important part of this course. Applications of these functions will be drawn from economics, science, engineering, and politics as well as other real-world phenomena.
Algebra 1 is the foundation for all subsequent mathematics courses and provides for students the underpinning of all future problem solving. Students will learn the language of algebra that will be utilized throughout their formal study of mathematics. Concepts to be studied will include number systems, properties, equations and inequalities, simplifying and factoring polynomials, simplifying rational expressions, and graphing linear functions. Students will continually be involved with solving problems requiring analysis and modeling of real world data.
Successful completion of Geometry or Honors Geometry required.
A continuation and extension of the skills developed in Algebra 1 and taken after Geometry, Algebra 2 builds a broader base of concepts with a deeper understanding of algebraic ideas. Topics emphasized will include linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic equations, functions, and their graphs; systems of equations and inequalities; polynomial and rational expressions, equations, and their graphs; and sequences and series. The year will also provide a brief introduction to topics in probability and statistics.
Successful completion of Honors Precalculus or Precalculus required. Application and departmental approval required.
AP Calculus AB covers all topics in the AB curriculum, broadly limits, derivatives, and integrals. Applications of derivatives include behavior of graphs, related rates, optimization, and rectilinear motion. Applications of integrals include finding area, solving differential equations, calculating volume by disks and washers, and integrating rates to find amounts. Functions are explored algebraically, numerically, and graphically. Students are expected to convey clear understanding of concepts verbally and in writing as well as being able to work problems mathematically. Students use a graphing calculator and are required to take the AP exam.
Successful completion of AP Calculus AB required. Application and departmental approval required.
In this spring semester elective, students continue their study of the topics learned in AP Calculus AB adding arc length, logistic equations, partial fractions, improper integrals, integration by parts, infinite series, Euler’s Method, Taylor and Maclaurin polynomials, polar coordinates, vector-valued functions, and parametric equations. Students use a graphing calculator and are expected to take the AP exam.
Successful completion of Precalculus or Honors Precalculus required. Application and departmental approval required.
AP Statistics is a year-long course equivalent to a one-semester, non-calculus based college course in statistics. Students are introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from real data. The four main areas of study are exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Statistics, more than any other mathematics course, is ideally suited for hands-on, small group activities, therefore it functions as an activity-oriented course. In addition to student generated data and real world data available from a variety of sources, technology plays an important role in the course. Each student will be required to have a TI-84+ graphing calculator. While the calculator may be used on the AP exam, students will not be allowed to use computers. However, students will be required to read output from standard statistical packages. The AP exam in May is a requirement of the course.
Successful completion of Precalculus or Honors Precalculus required. Application and departmental approval required.
This course covers topics from both differential and integral calculus. Through the study of infinite processes involving the infinitely small (i.e., limits), students explore the concept of instantaneous rates of change (i.e., the derivative) and learn a variety of techniques for differentiation. Derivatives are then employed in the study of applications including optimization, curve-sketching, rectilinear motion, and related rates. After developing the concept of the antiderivative and learning a variety of techniques for antidifferentiation, students investigate applications including rectilinear motion and differential equations. Another instance of infinite processes involving the infinitely small (this time Riemann sums) leads students into the study of the definite integral and its applications including area, volume, and average value. Aided by digital technology where appropriate, students learn to explore and solve problems numerically, graphically, and analytically as well as to improve their abilities in both the verbal and written discussion of mathematical topics.
The underlying theme of the course is to introduce the concepts of geometry to the students, while reinforcing the concepts learned in Algebra I. The basic concepts of coordinate geometry - lines and planes, angle relationships, area and volume - are interwoven throughout the course. Students are expected to use inductive and deductive thinking skills to solve geometric problems, and they are expected to describe how they arrived at the solutions. This course is also designed with a wider scope to reach pupils of different learning abilities through use of hands-on activities, small-group work, projects, and problems related to real-life applications.
Honors Algebra 2 begins with the study of characteristics of functions and using multiple representations to justify statements. First semester topics include the study of functions, quadratic functions and equations, parent functions and their transformations, algebra with polynomial and rational expressions, and systems of linear and non-linear equations and inequalities. Second semester topics include exponential functions and equations, logarithmic functions and equations, polynomial functions and their real and complex roots, and introductory counting methods.. Students are expected to display their understanding of concepts using multiple representations including graphs, tables, algebra, and both verbal and written explanations.. Students are taught to use a graphing calculator in conjunction with paper and pencil methods. This course is highly recommended for students who plan to take Honors Precalculus.
Successful completion of Algebra 1 required. Application and departmental approval required.
Students begin the course with the study of inductive reasoning and subsequently learn geometry by identifying patterns and relationships that can be generalized into the theorems of geometry. Often work is done in small groups during class time with the teacher acting as mentor rather than lecturer. The class as a whole discusses its findings, checks homework answers, and asks questions about the work. The content of the course includes line and angle properties; constructions; triangle and quadrilateral properties; characteristics of all polygons and circles; surface area and volume of solids; basic triangle trigonometry; and proofs using the geometric relationships which have been discovered. Throughout the year students gain experience in reading a math textbook, cooperative learning, writing about mathematics, and oral explanation of concepts.
Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2 is required. Application and departmental approval required.
Honors Precalculus is a preparation for one of the calculus courses, typically AP Calculus AB. Principally, it is a study of functions using multiple representations including graphs, algebra, tables, words, and, in the case of trigonometric functions, triangles and the unit circle. Students will extend topics from Honors Algebra II including rational functions, polynomial functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. They will use advanced algebraic techniques to simplify and manipulate complex algebraic expressions and equations. They will define trigonometric functions using the unit circle and will graph the trigonometric functions and their transformations. Other topics in trigonometry include the Law of Sines and Cosines, deriving and proving trigonometric identities, and solving trigonometric equations. Students are also introduced to vectors and matrices. A study of the concept of limits and instantaneous rates of change, as well as area under a curve and summations series with sigma notation facilitates a smooth transition into the subsequent calculus course. Heavy emphasis is placed on justification and communication of concepts.
Students will make sense of and draw conclusions from large sets of data through inference, prediction, and exploration. Their tools for exploration and analysis will include visualization, descriptive statistics including measures of center and variance, and hypothesis testing with p-values, all produced with the aid of coding in Python. Basic coding skills using Python with an emphasis in coding for data science will be explicitly taught as part of the course. Additionally, they will study types of data, the ethics of data collection and presentation and how to clean data sets before beginning analysis.
Classes will be a combination of lecture and labs in which students write code in classHomework assignments will be a combination of short coding assignments and paper assignments. Students must be 11th or 12th graders who have completed Algebra II or Honors Algebra II.
Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Precalculus required
Open to seniors
This spring semester elective covers many financial topics such as banking, college costs, car loans, mortgage loans, insurance, investing, credit cards, credit scores, budgets, taxes, retirement planning, financial goals, personal goals, and career choices so that students will be more educated in making wise financial decisions and choices.
Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2 required.
Students will study and graph polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, as well as trigonometric functions. Then using the graphing calculator and data lists from real situations, the student finds the linear, quadratic, cubic or exponential curve of best fit to find the equation that best describes the data presented. A great deal of time is spent on interpreting the equations, relating them to the graph, and finally the applications of the material. Much time and emphasis is devoted to the study of Trigonometry. The unit circle is used to define the six trigonometric functions, to find the value of the functions for specific angles, and to draw the graph of each of the six functions. The trigonometric properties are derived and used to prove trigonometric identities. The trigonometric functions are used to solve applied problems involving right triangles and oblique triangles. The course is completed with a brief study of sequences, counting, and probability.
Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Precalculus required.
This semester elective focuses on data exploration, experimental design, simulation procedures, and the examination of surveys and information from samples. Real data is used for all statistics lessons. Students learn to select appropriate graphs and plots for a given set of data and to use technology to create graphs. They will learn to examine graphs and plots in order to describe the data, detect patterns in the facts, and make conjectures about them. Analysis of the data in natural context is stressed in addition to the importance of clear, written communication of findings and conclusions. Students are also coached in techniques for the analysis of data found in the media or chosen fields of study. Students will be involved in hands-on experiments revealing the concepts of the course. Students will generate their own data, surveys, and simulation results through individual and group projects.
