Mathematics
The study of mathematics in grades 9-12 is based upon the continuous accumulation of knowledge. Every mathematics course builds on the knowledge acquired in the previous course. All courses that are offered in our high school are college preparatory or college level courses and are designed to give an excellent background to a student as he or she enters college to pursue any area of study. Seniors may elect to take more than one mathematics class.
Students are placed into classes in our program based on their ability, standardized test scores, course grades, and teacher evaluations and are continually reevaluated. Math placement may involve honors and/or acceleration. Below is the list of the mathematics courses offered in our Upper School.
9th Grade: Geometry or Geometry Honors
10th Grade: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
11th Grade: Algebra 2H, Pre-calculus Honors, or Advanced Algebra
12th Grade: Statistics, Calculus, AP Calculus, and/or AP Statistics
Students will be continuously reevaluated during the school year to be certain that they are maintaining a B average and the level of commitment necessary to succeed. This reevaluation will consider every aspect of the students’ work, including their ability to participate in class and to hand in work in a timely manner.
Geometry
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AlgebraI .
Description: In this course, the students will become familiar with inductive and deductive logic. They will use coordinate, traditional and transformational proofs to discover the properties of geometric figures. Trigonometric concepts will be introduced as well as conic sections and tessellations, similarity, and the Pythagorean relationships. Volume, area, and surface area of geometric figures will be covered. The students will have the opportunity to use the multimedia applications of geometry available in the computer lab in order to make conjectures and to formulate mathematical ideas and to aide in geometric constructions. The use of algebraic concepts will be continually emphasized.
Text: Geometry; Concepts and Applications, Glencoe
Honors Geometry
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1.
This course will include all the objectives mentioned above and will also involve a more in-depth study of logic and proofs and creation of independent projects through research.
Text: Geometry for Enjoyment and Challenge, McDougal Littell
Algebra 2
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Description: This course emphasizes the beauty of mathematics through the development and application of extended algebraic concepts and skills. Students will work with the concept of function and learn to perform the following: fundamental operations with complex numbers; solve equations and graph quadratic, polynomial, power, and exponential functions; and manipulate and solve systems of equations graphically and with the use of matrices. They will use all types of equations to model real life situations. The Tl-83 calculator will be used to explore the properties of functions, as will the computer. SAT type questions will be included as an integral part of the course.
Text: Algebra 2 with Trigonometry, Glencoe
Algebra 2 Honors
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 with the mastery of all the objectives.
Description: This course will cover the objectives listed for Algebra 2 as well as a more in-depth study of conic sections and logarithms and the use of real data for modeling of all types of functions. Many cooperative and independent projects will be required.
Text: Algebra 2, Glencoe
Advanced Algebra
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2.
Description: This course will further extend the student’s knowledge of functions. Particular attention will be paid to the following: polynomials, exponential, rational, log, trigonometric, and rational function. The graphing calculator will be the major vehicle of exploration. The students’ algebraic concepts will be extended to complex numbers, polar coordinates, and vectors. Sequences and series will also be introduced. There will be review for the SATs and Achievement Test (Level One).
Text: Advanced Mathematics and Algebra 2, Glencoe
Pre-Calculus Honors
Prerequisite: Mastery of the objectives of Algebra 2 Honors.
Description: This course is intended to provide all the prerequisite skills for an advanced placement calculus course and to help students prepare for the SAT Subject Test Math 2C. It will cover all the topics listed in the course above and will also include a study of limits, tangents to curves and an in-depth study of natural log functions. Many independent projects will be assigned. The study of all the trigonometric functions will be in-depth and will be extended to the study of angle sums and inverse trigonometric functions.
Text: Advanced Mathematics, Houghton-Mifflin
Statistics
Description: Probability and Statistics is the focus of the fall semester. The course provides preparation and background to maximize the potential for success in a college statistics course. Interpreting and analyzing data require the mastery of statistical skills. The units of instruction include: probability, organizing/displaying/ interpreting/ comparing data, normal distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests
In the spring, the focus turns to Personal Finance and Consumer Mathematics where we develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an educated and financially responsible consumer. Students will investigate topics related to advertising, income and expenditures, money management, banking, credit and investing. Activities and projects will be developed to further enhance the students understanding of these important financial skills.
Text: Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life, Second Edition, Addison/Wesley
AP Statistics
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2.
Description: The intent of this course is to give the students a thorough grounding in the study and use of statistics by developing techniques and utilizing technology for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The course is geared to allow students to earn college credit through an Advanced Placement exam. The breadth and depth of the material of this course is significantly different from that of the regular course. Additional topics that have been added include hypothesis testing with two samples, linear regression and correlation, goodness of fit tests, and tests of independence and homogeneity. In addition, students will be involved with individual and team projects. To prepare the students for the rigors of the exam, they will be given AP type problems for homework and on tests. The Tl-83 calculator is a requirement for the class.
Text: The Practice of Statistics, Barron’s AP Statistics
Calculus
Prerequisite: Successful completion of pre-calculus, including mastery of algebra, functions, and trigonometry and the use of the graphing calculator.
Description: This course is designed for students who cannot proceed at the pace necessary for success in an AP course and will include an introductory course of calculus including limits, differentiation, and integration. There will be an emphasis on applications to business and social sciences.
Text: Calculus Concepts and Applications
AP Calculus
Prerequisite: Successful completion of pre-calculus, including mastery of algebra, functions, and trigonometry and the use of the graphing calculator.
Description: This is a first year calculus course intended for the student who wishes to take the AP exam in order to receive college credit and who is capable of doing college level work. The course will follow the new outline given by the College Board, which will include a study of limits, derivatives of all types of functions, related rates of change, inverse trigonometric functions; integration and its application. The emphasis will be on conceptual understanding of concepts using real world examples.
Text: Calculus: Concepts and Applications, Key Curriculum.
How to Study for the AP Exam, 7th Edition, Barron’s. Supplementary materials
5/18/12
- US Shabbaton