Mathematics

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra

Algebra I builds upon the concepts mastered in Pre-Algebra. Students explore increasingly complex linear functions, including the graphs and applications of these functions, and learn to solve multi-step equations. Solving for two variables is introduced through systems of linear equations, and students develop a deeper understanding of exponents. The year culminates with students exploring nonlinear functions, such as exponential and quadratic relations, as a foundation for their studies in Algebra II.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisites: Algebra I

Geometry introduces and explores logical and spatial reasoning through the use of both inductive and deductive reasoning. Two-column proofs are introduced and applied to proving lines parallel and triangles congruent. Algebra is a necessary prerequisite for this course, as students must have knowledge of linear graphing and frequently use geometric principles to create and solve algebraic equations. Additional topics covered in this course include: the Pythagorean Theorem, similar triangles, relationships in triangles, properties of quadrilaterals, area of polygons and circles, trigonometric ratios, and surface area and volume of geometric solids. Connections are made between the concepts and their applications in the real world.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisites: Geometry

Algebra II is an in-depth study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Students learn to distinguish the characteristics of equations and graphs of each of these functions, and then apply them in a variety of situations, often through the use of a graphing calculator. Through both independent and group problem-solving, students strengthen their skills, both with and without the use of a calculator, which will be the foundation for future math courses in high school and college.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisites: Strong performance in Algebra I and Geometry; and teacher recommendation

This rigorous, fast-paced class essentially combines two courses, Algebra II and an introduction to Trigonometry. Through the fall and winter, the course will focus on an in-depth study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Students learn to distinguish the characteristics of equations for different types of functions and then apply them in a variety of situations. During the spring, students use right triangle trigonometry, the law of sines, and the law of cosines to solve triangles and in application problems. Periodic functions are used to discover the graphs of the trigonometric functions and their inverses. Both no-calculator and calculator-active approaches to problem-solving are emphasized throughout the course.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisite: Algebra II

Trigonometry and Introduction to Precalculus begins with a review of linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Students then cover introductory precalculus concepts including logarithmic and exponential functions, conic sections, and basic rational functions. In the second semester, students begin their study of trigonometry by reviewing right triangle trigonometry. Oblique triangles are solved using the law of sines and the law of cosines. The unit circle is used to introduce radian measure and the periodic nature of trigonometric graphs. Students solve trigonometric equations with various domain restrictions. Real-world application problems are solved by making use of sinusoidal wave modeling. Both no-calculator and calculator-active approaches to problem solving are emphasized throughout the course.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Trigonometry/Intro to Pre-Calculus

Advanced Precalculus is a fast-paced course that begins by focusing on transformations of graphs, function composition, inverse functions, and an in-depth study of both rational functions and conic sections. Students extend their knowledge of trigonometry using an analytic approach to prove complex trigonometric identities and solve trigonometric equations. Vectors are introduced and applied to navigation using trigonometry. Students will also explore vector operations, polar coordinate representations, parametric equations, sequences and series, and combinations and permutations. The year culminates with a study of limits and derivatives in preparation for first-year calculus. The use of a graphing calculator is emphasized throughout the course.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisite: Advanced Precalculus or a final grade of a B in Trigonometry and Introduction to Precalculus and current teacher recommendation

Calculus is a course designed to explore topics in differential and integral calculus. Though students will study many of the same topics as the AP Calculus AB course, the pace of this course is less intense in order to allow time for review and depth in mastery. Limits are used to develop the derivative concept, and rules are established for finding derivatives of several classes of functions. Applications in differential calculus are studied including graphing, related rates, and optimization investigations. The fundamental theorem of calculus is applied to develop the integral concept, and integration is used in solving area, volume, and accumulated change problems. The use of a graphing calculator is emphasized throughout the course.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisites: A- or higher in Advanced Pre-Calculus, application with recommendation from current teacher and department chair, and completion of the summer assignment

Calculus AB is an advanced placement course with an equal focus on differential and integral calculus. The concept of the derivative is defined, and rules are established for finding the derivatives of elementary functions. Derivatives are used to graph functions, and applications are made to optimization, related rates of change, and the motion of an object along a line. The definite integral is defined and evaluated using the fundamental theorem of calculus. Applications of definite integrals include finding the area under a curve, volumes of solids of revolution, the distance traveled by an object moving along a line, and accumulated change. Students conclude the year by taking the Advanced Placement test, which may qualify them for college credit.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Calculus AB, completion of application with recommendation from current teacher and department chair, and completion of the summer assignment

Calculus BC is an Advanced Placement course that builds upon the foundation established in Calculus AB. Differential and integral calculus concepts are reviewed, and applications are explored at a more rigorous level than in Calculus AB. Numerous new integration techniques are introduced. Solutions to differential equations are approximated using Euler’s Method. The calculus of parametric equations is applied to motion in two dimensions. Students calculate the area between curves using integration in polar coordinates. They apply a variety of methods to determine the convergence or divergence of an infinite series. Students then create and analyze power series, in the form of Taylor and Maclaurin series, to represent transcendental functions. Students conclude the year by taking the Advanced Placement exam, which may qualify them for college credit.

Open to: Students who have met the prerequisites and whose path indicates that 
the course is appropriate
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisite: Trigonometry and Introduction to Pre-Calc or Advanced Pre-Calculus.
Additional Prerequisite for AP option: Completion of application with recommendation from current teacher and department chair, and completion of the summer assignment.

Statistics and AP Statistics cover the fundamentals of statistical analysis and their applications to real-world data. The year begins with a focus on core concepts, such as graphing, collecting and summarizing data, probability, and working with statistical models. Throughout the second half of the year, these topics will be revisited in different contexts to practice producing and evaluating data, working towards applications of statistical inference. Students will use technology (graphing calculators and spreadsheet generators) to aid in and strengthen their statistical analysis. Students choosing to enroll in the AP option will be held to higher standards of depth and mastery through differentiated quizzes, tests, and projects, and will also be required to take the AP Statistics exam in May.