Jim Whytlaw Abby Burch Vicki Sutton
Program of Math Studies
Problem Solving (Burch) - (1 unit, grade 7 & 8)
Problem Solving is a course designed for seventh and eighth graders. Students will investigate many different problem solving strategies, such as drawing diagrams, making systematic lists, eliminating possibilities, matrix logic, looking for patterns,, guess-and -check, solving easier related problems, physical representations, Venn diagrams, and finding finite differences. They will use math skills up to and including some pre-algebra skills.
7th Grade Math (Sutton) - (1 unit, grade 7)
Seventh Grade Math will solidify the knowledge of the four operations for fractions, decimals, and percents. The study of application problems using integers and real (rational and irrational) numbers will be pursued. Additional topics may include inverse proportions, consumer math, graphing and corrdinate plane, area, volume, similar figures, and trigonometry of the right triangle, probability, statistics, and absolute value. An introduction to algebraic topics such as order of operations, simplifying expressions, matrix operations, and solving equations and inequalities will be provided. Geometric topics will include translations, reflections, and rotations.
Pre-Algebra (Sutton) - (1 unit, grade 8)
Pre-Algebra will introduce the students to the tools of algebra and will utilize algebraic notations as students work with integers and rational and irrational numbers; equations and inequalities; ratio proportion, and percent; functions and graphing; statistics and probability; and polynominals and nonlinear functions. Students will also apply algebra to geometry in working with irrational numbers and in exploring the properties of right triangles, other two-dimensional figures, and three-dimensional figures.
Algebra I (Sutton) - (1 unit, grade 9)
Students in this course will study real numbers and their properties. Students will learn to solve and graph equalities and inequalities to show relations among numbers and their applications. Graphing will include both first and second degree equations, absolute value, and transformations of standard equations. Methods of solving second degree equations, matrices, and solving systems of a linear and non-linear equation will be introduced. Laws of exponents, simplifying radicals, completing the square, rational expressions and equations will be introduced. Algebra topics through the development of the quadratic formula will be covered. Terminology and structure will be emphasized. Optional topics may include irrational expressions and equations and exploration of matrices.
Prerequisites: for students who have received a "C-" or better in the Eighth Grade Mathematics and/or Pre-Algebra course. Required for graduation.
Geometry (Burch) - (1 unit, grade 10)
Students who have successfully completed Algebra I should plan to take Geometry. Geometry is the study of points, lines, planes, and their relationship to each other. Students will learn to write proofs in a step by step logical process, practice reasoning through logic, explore and generalize relationships between polygons, define applications of right triangle trigonometry and apply geometric concepts to real-life situations. Algebra I concepts will we applied in the Geometry course. Terminology, structure, problem solving, and the integration of geometry and algebra will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: "C-" or better in Algebra I.
Algebra II (Sutton)- (1 unit, grades 10-12)
Students who have successfully completed Algebra I and Geometry should plan to take Algebra II. Algebra II starts with a review of topics studied in Algebra I. Topics involving properties of real numbers will be developed and studied in more detail. Topics such as complex numbers, conic sections, finite sequences and series (with an introduction to infinite series), graphing in space, rational and irrational equations, logarithms, permutations, combinations, probability, and matrix algebra will be studied. Optional topics may include permutations, combinations and probability. Algebra II is a prerequisite for Pre-Calculus and is recommended as a prerequisite for or to be taken concurrently with Physics and/or Chemistry.
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry.
Pre-Calculus (Burch) - (1 unit, grades 11-12)
Students in this course will study functions, function transformation, and their application in solving problems involving coordinate geometry, additional advanced algebra, and pre-calculus concepts. Emphasis will be given to the theoretical analysis of polynomial equations. Infinite divergent and convergent series and their limits will be studied. One semester will emphasize trigonometry concepts and topics of elementary calculus. Upon successful completion of this course, students are encouraged to enroll in either beginning business or regular calculus.
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and teacher recommendation.
Statistics and Probability (Burch) - (1 unit, grades 11-12)
In Statistics and Probability, students will learn to collect data, analyze patterns and draw conclusions about real world issues. Basic descriptive statistics using stemplots, histograms, frequency distribution, measures of central tendency, boxplots, and exponential growth, scatterplots, fitting equations to data, correlation, chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA will be studied. Students will design experiments and study methods for selecting samples. Appropriate use, test of significance, and the question of causation will be discussed. Prerequisite: Algebra II or teacher recommendation.