The math department is dedicated to instilling in students a love for problem solving to prepare students for the new Common Core standards. The standards require students to be able to have procedural fluency AND conceptual understanding. To prepare students for this shift, our team has adopted the College Preparatory Mathematics curriculum, which includes several online resources.

Course Outlines:

1) Algebra 1: In Algebra 1, we will develop multiple strategies to solve problems and to recognize multiple ways of understanding concepts. These concepts include: functions, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, contextual word problems, graphing linear equations and solving systems of equations. 

2) Geometry: Geometry is a full year course designed to provide students with a hands-on approach to geometric concepts. Using the College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Geometry Connections textbook, students will be asked to investigate a variety of topics such as transformations, similarity, trigonometry, probability, angles, polygons, circles, solids, area, volume, and proofs

3) Algebra 2: In Algebra 2, we will expand on the concepts learned in Algebra 1, learning more about different types of functions (including linear, quadratic, polynomial, inequalities, exponentials, logarithms, trigonometric functions, and absolute values) by graphing, factoring, and algebraic manipulation.

4) Pre-Calculus:  In Precalculus, you will study the behavior of functions, which will be defined geometrically rather than in terms of algebraic equations. You will work with common trigonometric identities and use them to simplify trigonometric expressions. In addition, students will be able to work with polar, parametric and rectangular coordinates as a means to graph more complex functions and non-functions. Students will be introduced to matrices, conics and close the course with limits. This course is designed to prepare all students to take  AP Calculus AB as a high school student.

5) AP Calculus AB: AP Calculus is an enriched mathematics course and curriculum that is designed to help students in their understanding of calculus concepts and to provide and prepare students for the mathematics needed to be successful in post-secondary studies. Calculus has two main branches: Differentiation and Integration. Differential Calculus deals with changing quantities, while Integral Calculus deals manly with finding sums of small quantities/area under the curve. The GOAL of this course is for all students to develop an appreciation of Calculus and to pass the AP Calculus College Board Exam in May.

A major part of this course will incorporate the use of technology: Graphing Calculators and CBRs. Graphing calculators will be used on a daily basis to reinforce calculus concepts and interpret results. Students will be provided with their own TI-84 Plus Silver Edition calculator by STEM Academy. Students will actively participate in small group explorations to develop and verbalize various concepts before analyzing them through algebraic techniques.

6) AP Calculus BC: AP Calculus BC is roughly equivalent to both first and second semester college calculus courses and extends the content learned in AB to different types of equations and introduces the topic of sequences and series. The AP course covers topics in differential and integral calculus, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and series. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.

7) AP Statistics: The purpose of the AP course in statistics is 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: Describing patterns and departures from patterns, 2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study, 3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, and 4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses