Course Descriptions

Intermediate Algebra

Open to: All Students

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Linear Algebra

Length: Year-long

Intermediate Algebra encourages and enables students to use the language, symbols and notation of mathematics, to be confident using mathematics to analyze and solve problems both in and out of school, and to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further studies in mathematics. The course includes a thorough review of linear relationships, an introduction to exponential and quadratic relationships, a foundation in the language of functions, a survey of transformations and a solid study of secondary level statistics and probability.

Geometry

Open to: All students

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra

Length: Year-long

Geometry students will study points, lines, line segments, rays, planes, and vectors in their exploration of angles, polygons, circles, lengths, areas, and volumes. The concepts of justified mathematical reasoning and logic based on mathematical conjectures will be emphasized.  Algebraic skills will be used and expanded upon as we build further understanding of the interconnectedness of mathematics. Emphasis will be placed on congruent figures, as well as similar figures and their ratios, and right triangle trigonometric ratios. 

Math Practicum

Open to: Upperclassmen

Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least Intermediate Algebra and Geometry

Length: Semester

Students in this class will tutor students seeking help with assignments or preparation for a math exam. Student tutors must have successfully completed Advanced Algebra, be recommended by a math teacher, and are willing to help other students learn math concepts. Math Practicum students will be based out of the SHS Math Center. Contact a Math Center teacher for more information.

Advanced Algebra

Open to: All students

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry and Algebra 1

Length: Year-long

Advanced Algebra students will learn how to recognize, describe and generalize patterns to make predictions; use algebraic symbols and operations to represent and analyze mathematical structures and relationships; analyze the relationships and interactions between quantities to model and compare patterns of change for complex functions. Students will study sequences, linear, polynomial, and exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and the graphs that correspond to them, transformations, growth, and decay models, learn how to factor, solve radicals, and understand complex numbers. Special attention will be given to how to use graphing calculators and other technologies to solve problems. 

College Prep Algebra and Statistics (CPAS)

Open to: 11th and 12th grade students with teacher recommendation

Prerequisite: Passed at least 3 quarters of advanced algebra in the previous year

Length: Year-long

College Prep Algebra and Statistics students will use algebraic symbols and operations to represent and analyze mathematical structures and relationships. The course includes practical applications of algebraic skills used to further and deepen understanding of the interconnectedness of mathematics, through linear exponential and quadratic relationships. This course is designed as a 4th year review class aimed at providing Seniors a solid foundation in mathematical understanding and fluency.

Pre-Calculus

Open to: All students

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Algebra with teacher recommendation or Placement Test

Length: Year-long

In preparation for Calculus, students in Precalculus hone their algebraic manipulation skills while they study multiple representations of functions including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, circular and triangular trigonometry, vectors, the connection between trigonometry and the complex plane, systems of equations including matrices, discrete math topics including fundamental counting principle, probability, sequences and series.  The year is capped off with evaluating limits including the definitions differentiation and integration.

Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus A/B

Open to: All students

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-calculus

Length: Year-long

This is a one-year course in differential and integral calculus. A college level textbook is used. Students in the course prepare for the College Entrance Examination for Advanced Placement in Calculus AB that is given in May. Some colleges or universities may grant credit and/or advanced placement based on the score received on the exam. Applications using graphing calculators will be included. Before studying Calculus, all students should complete four years of secondary mathematics designed for college-bound students:  Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry and elementary functions. These functions included linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric and piecewise-defined functions. Students must also understand the language of functions (domain and range, even and odd, periodic, symmetry, zeros, intercepts, etc.) and know the values of the trigonometric functions around the unit circle. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus B/C

Open to: All students

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus

Length: Year-long

Calculus BC is an Advanced Placement (AP) course that will cover the topics in the AB Calculus course in addition to more advanced topics including parametric, polar and vector functions, polynomial approximations and series and their derivatives.  Before studying Calculus, all students should complete four years of secondary mathematics designed for college-bound students: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry and elementary functions. These functions included linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric and piecewise-defined functions.  Students must also understand the language of functions (domain and range, even and odd, periodic, symmetry, zeros, intercepts, etc.) and know the values of the trigonometric functions around the unit circle. Passage of the AP Calculus BC exam will result in a sub score for AP Calculus AB (a potential credit for a collegiate first semester) as well as a score for AP Calculus BC (a potential credit for a collegiate second semester).  Due to the expectation that students understand the use of calculators, it is recommended that students have a graphing calculator.   

Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics

Open to: All students

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Pre-approval

Length: Year-long

AP Statistics is the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college statistics course. In this course, students develop strategies for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students design, administer, and tabulate results from surveys and experiments. Probability and simulations aid students in constructing models for chance phenomena. Sampling distributions provide the logical structure for confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. The textbook supports the TI-83, TI-84, and TI-89 graphing calculators. Statistical software and Web-based java applets are used to investigate statistical concepts. To develop effective statistical communication skills, students are required to prepare frequent written and oral analyses of real data.