MATHEMATICS
Students who elect courses from the
Mathematics Department are:
Competent
learners whose academic goals are to:
á Read with understanding and insight.
á Write with clarity and precision.
á Utilize technology in the presentation of
information to others.
á Solve problems critically and
analytically.
Responsible
individuals whose civic goals are to:
á Demonstrate character values and ethical
behavior.
Complex
thinkers whose social goals are to:
á Hold high expectations for their academic
or career decisions.
á Function effectively as members of a
team.
All students must complete a minimum
of two years of mathematics. See specific graduation program requirements
found in the beginning of this catalogue.
In general, Mathematics College I level
courses are taught with a more rigorous, in depth theoretical approach. College
II level courses have a more practical, hands on initiative emphasis.
*Note: A TI-83+ or TI-84+
Graphing calculator is required for all four years of Honors Math
MATHEMATICS I
Honors Math 1 is an in-depth course exploring many aspects
of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Trigonometry, using multiple representations
(graphical, numerical, algebraic, and verbal) including linear, quadratic,
cubic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and radical functions, as well as the
study of probability and of sequences and series. The course ends with a study
of trigonometry, which ties together many of the concepts introduced throughout
the year. Problem solving will be emphasized throughout the course. This course
progresses at a fast pace, covering the greatest breadth and depth of topics.
Students are expected to have mastered the skills and thoroughly understood the
concepts covered in this and prior courses. They are expected to have retained
this past knowledge, which will generally not be reviewed in the course.
Mathematical concepts are often introduced at an abstract and theoretical
level. New ideas are often developed through student investigation. Students
will be expected to apply their knowledge to open-ended and non-routine
problems. Students will sometimes be expected to learn material by reading the
textbook and/or solving problems on their own. Students are expected to be
self-motivated, taking responsibility for their own learning and seeking help
when needed. The course is designed to meet the needs of a student who thrives
in a more independent learning environment.
5 Credits Full Year Honors
Prerequisite: Appropriate scores on the Algebra
Placement examination and recommendation of the department.
This in-depth college preparatory course
is the formal introduction to Algebra. This is a course for students of
advanced ability in solving problems critically and analytically. Topics
covered include: patterns, operations, functions, systems of equation and
inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring,
quadratics, rationals, radicals, coordinate geometry, probability and
statistics and transformations. Assignments include considerable work to be
done by the student outside of class time.
ALGEBRA I
5 Credits Full Year College I
Prerequisite: Appropriate scores on the Algebra
Placement examination and recommendation of the department.
This first year course is the formal
introduction to Algebra. Topics covered include: patterns, operations,
functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential
functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratics, rationales, radicals,
coordinate geometry, probability and statistics and transformations.
ALGEBRA I
5 Credits Full Year College II Prerequisite:
None
This first year course is the formal introduction to Algebra. Topics covered include: patterns, operations, functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratics, rationales, radicals, coordinate geometry, probability and statistics and transformations.
MATHEMATICS II
5 Credits Full Year Honors
Prerequisite: A grade of 80% or above
in Math I or recommendation of the department.
This course is a continuation
of Honors Mathematics 1. Honors Math 2 is an in-depth course exploring many
aspects of Geometry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry. Problem solving will be
emphasized throughout the course. This course progresses at a fast pace,
covering the greatest breadth and depth of topics. Students are expected to
have mastered the skills and thoroughly understood the concepts covered in this
and prior courses. They are expected to have retained this past knowledge,
which will generally not be reviewed in the course. Mathematical concepts are
often introduced at an abstract and theoretical level. New ideas are often
developed through student investigation. Students will be expected to apply
their knowledge to open-ended and non-routine problems. Students will sometimes
be expected to learn material by reading the textbook and/or solving problems
on their own. Students are expected to be self-motivated, taking responsibility
for their own learning and seeking help when needed. The course is designed to
meet the needs of a student who thrives in a more independent learning
environment. Some of the topics covered in this course include an introduction
to logic, parallel lines, polygons, congruence, perimeter, area, volume,
similarity, circles, and non Euclidean geometry. They will also continue their
studies in trigonometry. The students will be exposed to matrices,
transformational geometry, rational expressions, functions, complex numbers,
exponential and logarithmic functions, the binomial theorem, and circular
functions.
GEOMETRY
5 Credits
Full Year Honors
Prerequisite: A grade of 80% or above
in Honors Algebra I or recommendation of the department.
Students will explore real life problems,
and apply principles of geometry to critically and analytically find solutions.
The tools of geometry including compass, protractor and computer programs such
as Logo and GeometerŐs Sketchpad will be applied to develop concepts. Studying
reasoning will help students learn to write with clarity and precision. There
will be an emphasis on formal proofs. Topics covered include introduction to
logic, parallel lines, polygons, congruence, perimeter, area, volume,
similarity, circles, non Euclidean geometry, and trigonometry.
GEOMETRY
5 Credits Full Year
(College I & II)
Prerequisite: Algebra I. A grade of 70% or above in College I or
recommendation of the department.
This course may be selected as a College
I or College II level course after consultation with the instruction. Students
will explore real life problems, and apply principles of algebra and geometry
to critically and analytically find solutions. The tools of geometry including
compass, protractor and computer programs such as Logo and GeometerŐs Sketchpad
will be applied to develop concepts. Studying reasoning will help students
learn to write with clarity and precision. A comprehensive portfolio of tasks
will be developed throughout the year. Topics covered include introduction to
proof, logic, parallels, polygons, congruence, perimeter, area, volume,
similarity, circles, trigonometry and applications.
MATHEMATICS III (PRE-CALCULUS)
Prerequisite:
A grade of 80% or above in Math II or recommendation of the department.
This course is for the student of above-average mathematical ability. Topics covered include polynomials, logarithmic, exponential, and circular functions; limits, continuity, and an introduction to the derivative, and should give the student a firm foundation for Calculus.
ALGEBRA II
5 Credits Full Year Honors
Prerequisite: A grade of 80% or above in Honors Geometry or
recommendation of the department.
The course entails a challenging and
complete study of Algebra II. Topics include a second year study of a variety
of functions including; linear functions and representation of data, modeling
with linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions,
rational, and radical functions. The students will also be exposed to matrices,
complex numbers, and the binomial theorem. The course concludes with an
extensive study of right triangle and circular function trigonometry.
ALGEBRA II
5 Credits Full
Year College
I
Prerequisite: A grade of 70% or above in Geometry to
continue in College I level.
This course is a continuation of
Geometry. Topics include a variety of functions, linear functions, and
representation of data, modeling with quadratic equations, polynomial,
exponential and logarithmic functions, conic and an extensive study of
trigonometry are also included.
ALGEBRA II
5 Credits Full Year College II Prerequisite: Geometry
This course is a continuation of
Geometry. Topics include a variety of functions, linear functions, and
representation of data, modeling with quadratic equations, polynomial,
exponential and logarithmic functions, conic and an extensive study of
trigonometry are also included.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AB) CALCULUS
Prerequisite:
A grade of 80% or above in Math III or Honors Algebra II and
recommendation of the department. *Students are required to take the Advanced
Placement exam in May. Payment for the exam is due to the principal at the end
of the first quarter. A summer assignment must be completed by the first day of
class.
The course topics include limits and
continuity as well as differentiation and integration of polynomial,
exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. A passing grade on the
AP exam will earn students a full semester of college credit, or advanced
placement, or both.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (BC) CALCULUS
Prerequisite: A grade of 80% or above in Math III and
recommendation of the department *Students are required to take the Advanced
Placement exam in May. Payment for the exam is due to the principal at the end
of the first quarter. A summer assignment must be completed by the first day of
class.
The course topics include those covered
in the AB curriculum with the addition of polar and parametric equations,
vectors, infinite series, and variable separable differential equations. A
passing grade on the AP (BC) exam will earn students a full semester of college
credit, or advanced placement, or both.
Prerequisite: A grade of 80% or above in Math II or
Honors Algebra II and recommendation of the department *Students are required
to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Payment for the exam is due to the
principal at the end of the first quarter. A summer assignment must be
completed by the first day of class.
This course will introduce students to the concepts and
tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will be exposed to four
themes: exploratory analysis, planning and conducting a study, probability, and
statistical inference. The use of
technology, projects and laboratories, cooperative group problem solving and
writing as part of concept oriented instruction and assessment will allow
students to build interdisciplinary connections with other subjects and their
world outside school. The student
that succeeds in AP Statistics will have strong quantitative reasoning and
writing skills. A passing grade on
the AP exam can earn students a full semester of college credit, or advanced
placement, or both.
5 Credits Full Year Honors
Prerequisite: A grade of 80% or above
in Honors Algebra II or recommendation of the department.
This course is an application-oriented,
investigative calculus course in which students are involved in both the development
and solution of problem statements. Topics covered include a pre-calculus
review, limits, the rules of differentiation and basic integration of functions
including exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric, curve sketching, and
LŐH™pitalŐs Rule. Students use these concepts of calculus to solve problems in
the context of real world applications using graphing calculators and computers
when appropriate.
PRECALCULUS
5
Credits
Full Year Honors
Prerequisite:
A grade of 80% or above in Honors Algebra II or recommendation of the
department
In
this course students will study functions as a model for change. The course emphasizes concepts and
skills that prepare students for the study of Calculus. The topics covered are Linear
Functions, Rates of Change, Quadratics, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions,
Transformations, Trigonometric Functions, Operations on Functions, Polynomial
and Rational Functions, Sequences and Series, Vectors, and Parametric
Equations. Students will use
technology and symbolic manipulation to solve abstract and real world problems,
as well as learn to write mathematical solutions with clarity and precision.
PRECALCULUS
Prerequisite: A grade of 70% or above in Algebra II or
recommendation of the department
This course is for the students who solve problems
critically and analytically. Topics covered include polynomials, logarithmic,
exponential, trigonometric, and rational functions. Students will be taught to
employ various forms of technology to interpret data and model problems in the
context of real world applications. The study of vocabulary and procedures will
aid students in recognizing the importance of reading and writing with clarity
and precision in mathematics.
TOPICS IN STATISTICS AND DISCRETE MATH
5 Credits Full Year College
I
Prerequisite: A grade of 70% or above
in Algebra II or recommendation of the department.
This course requires the student to
have and use a TI83+ graphing calculator.
Modules presented in this course are
chosen from a selection of discrete mathematics topics including cryptography
and coding, game theory, graph theory, mathematics and architecture,
applications of trigonometry, fairness and apportionment, mathematics and
careers, investment and finance, and college placement test review. This course
provides an application based approach to the study of math modeling as well as
a bridge from high school mathematics to mathematical applications commonly
encountered in college, business and vocational trades. Statistics topics of
this course include data analysis, probability, simulations, inferential
statistics, normal and binomial distributions, techniques of sampling,
confidence intervals, and hypotheses testing. Using a hands-on approach and simulations, students gain a
strong understanding of statistical concepts. Emphasis is placed on
applications and the use of statistics to solve real life problems.
INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS
2.5 Credits Semester
Unweighted
Prerequisite: None
In this new course, students will learn the history of Robotics. Students will learn the fundamentals of how robots work and will incorporate various concepts in science, technology, mathematics, and design through the building, programming, and testing of robots using RCX Robotics Equipment from M.I.T. Students will be responsible for keeping a journal throughout the course as a portfolio of their work.
ROBOTICS II
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted
Prerequisite:
A grade of 70% or above in Robotics I.
This course is a continuation
of Robotics I with more advanced concepts and implementations being introduced.
PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS
5 Credits Full Year College II
Prerequisite:
Algebra I
This course is an elective for juniors
and seniors. The course will
present essential skills and fundamental concepts required to succeed in
todayŐs technological society.
Everyday measures, problem solving techniques, and more formal Algebra
II concepts will be investigated.
Topics will include: tables, charts, graphs, scientific notation,
lengths, area, volume, percents, ratios, probability and statistics, as well as
solving equations, exponents, and different types of functions.
MCAS MATH
2.5 Credits Semester College
I
Prerequisite: None
An elective course attended
in conjunction with the regular math class. This course provides support to
students who want additional MCAS instruction. Relevant topics from Algebra,
Geometry, Probability, and Statistics will be covered. Students will be trained
in test taking strategies as well with sample problems and tests being examined
throughout the course.
LIFE SKILLS MATH
5
Credits Full Year Unweighted
Prerequisite:
Recommendation of the Special Education Team and parental approval as indicated
in the Individual Educational Plan.
This
course provides individualized instruction in developing and applying
basic math skills for use in practical life and pre-vocational situations.
MATH
SKILLS I
5
Credits Full
Year Unweighted
Prerequisite:
Recommendation of the Special Education Team and parental approval as indicated
in the Individual Educational Plan.
This
course provides instruction and reinforcement of basic skills in
whole numbers, fractions, and decimal operations. This course addresses use of percentages,
basic geometric formulas, and probability/statistic processes.
MATH SKILLS II
5
Credits Full
Year Unweighted
Prerequisite:
Recommendation of the Special Education Team and parental approval as indicated
in the Individual Educational Plan.
This
course provides instruction and reinforcement of basic skills, basic measurement,
money handling, and practical application of mathematical problems in
daily living. This course
introduces Pre-Algebra skills with reinforcement in Geometry, Statistics and
Basic Probability.