Math

Middle School: Algebra Essentials

This course is appropriate for students who will benefit from review of pre-algebra topics in order to prepare the foundation for the more advanced topics of algebra. Students will work extensively with linear expressions and equations — simplifying, solving, graphing, interpreting and applying. Extra instructional time is devoted to such algebraic foundations as working with integers, pattern-recognition, synthesizing multiple skills in a single problem, and representing word problems in mathematical symbols and language. The extended pace of this course allows for review of previously discussed material and frequent reinforcement of new material.

Algebra Essentials is not open to students in 7t h Grade, and should not be viewed as a form of “partial acceleration” for capable 7th Graders.

Middle School: Algebra I

Topics in Algebra I include properties of the real number system, variables, functions, graphing, solving first degree equations and inequalities, basic operations on polynomials and rational expressions, systems of linear equations in two variables, exponents, radicals, quadratic equations, and solving word problems. Graphing calculators are used to strengthen students’ understanding of concepts that are first introduced via pencil-and-paper exercises.

Prerequisite: B- or better in Pre-Algebra or an equivalent course.

Middle School: Geometry

This course examines the topics of Euclidean geometry. Throughout the year the emphasis is on learning to reason logically, accurately, abstractly and creatively. Students learn to develop and present deductive proofs and to solve problems dealing with lines, angles, polygons, circles, and some three-dimensional figures. Hands-on manipulatives, along with the computer application “The Geometer’s Sketchpad,” are used to enrich our study of theorems and postulates.

Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Algebra I is expected, prior to beginning Geometry. Students who have earned a C- or below in Algebra I are strongly encouraged to enroll in Intermediate Algebra.

Middle School: Intermediate Algebra

Intermediate Algebra begins with a condensed review of solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities. It is expected that students will have had considerable experience with these skills in a previous course. Students then proceed to the study of exponents, radicals, polynomials, rational expressions, and quadratic equations and graphs. More time is devoted to these topics than would be practical in a single-year algebra 1 course. Graphing calculators are used to strengthen students’ understanding of concepts that are first introduced via pencil-and-paper exercises. The completion of Algebra Essentials and Intermediate Algebra, as a two year sequence, will be considered as equivalent to our Algebra 1 course.

Prerequisites: A passing grade in Algebra Essentials (this course is strongly encouraged for students who earned a grade of C- or lower in a previous Algebra I course).

Middle School: Mathematics

Mathematics is a course designed to strengthen and extend skills and reasoning in arithmetic and number theory, operations with whole numbers, decimals and fractions, as well as ratio, proportion, and percent problems. Measurement skills, geometric concepts, and area and volume formulas also are included. Students explore a variety of problem-solving strategies throughout the year.

Middle School: Pre-Algebra

Pre-Algebra has a dual emphasis: firmly establishing the quick and accurate computation skills required for the study of Algebra I, and beginning to represent quantities and situations with variable expressions. Concepts studied are fractions, decimals, percents, coordinate graphing, formulas, probability, simple statistics, operations with signed numbers, exponents, and factoring. Throughout the year, students work with variables, variable expressions, simple algebraic equations, and a variety of problem-solving strategies.

(P/F) Geometry

No course description available at this time.

Adv Algebra II

Advanced Algebra II is designed for students who enjoy more in-depth discussions of the mathematical concepts presented in the regular course. Additional topics include three-dimensional space, matrices and determinants, and further work with series and sequences. Graphic display calculators are used to promote student exploration and assist in visualizing relationships.

Prerequisites: A- or better in both Geometry and Algebra I and Department approval.
Supplies: Students enrolled in Advanced Algebra II are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

Advanced Pre-Calculus

This course prepares students for Advanced Placement Calculus in the following year. At the outset, the function concept is introduced and polynomial and rational functions are quickly reviewed. The exponential and logarithmic functions are introduced next, followed by a comprehensive study of trigonometry. Other topics include mathematical induction, complex numbers, parametric equations, and an introduction to series.

Prerequisite: A- or better in Algebra II, B+ or better in Advanced Algebra II, or the equivalent, and departmental approval.
Supplies: Students enrolled in Advanced Pre-Calculus are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

Algebra Essentials

Algebra Essentials is not open to students in 7t h Grade, and should not be viewed as a form of “partial acceleration” for capable 7th Graders.

Algebra I

Prerequisite: B- or better in Pre-Algebra or an equivalent course.

Algebra II

This year-long course reinforces and develops the concepts introduced in Algebra I. Additional topics include complex numbers, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and the binomial theorem. Graphic display calculators are used to promote student exploration and assist in visualizing relationships.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Algebra I and successful completion of Geometry are required, prior to beginning Algebra II. Students who have earned a C- or below in Algebra I are strongly encouraged to enroll in Algebra IB.

AP Calculus AB

This course follows the curriculum established by the CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) Advanced Placement Committee in mathematics and is designed to parallel a first semester university-level calculus course. The emphasis is on the concepts, techniques, and applications of differential calculus and basic integral calculus. Students explore functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals using traditional algebraic methods, while the understanding of these topics is enhanced by numerical and graphical explorations with a graphic display calculator. Throughout the year, students engage in AP Exam-type problem solving and practice tests in preparation for the AP Examinations in May. Students who are successful on the AP Examination may be eligible to earn college credits for a first semester calculus course.

Prerequisites: A- or better in Pre-Calculus or B- or better in Advanced Pre-Calculus, and departmental approval.
Supplies: Students enrolled in Advanced Placement Calculus AB are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

AP Calculus BC

This course follows the curriculum established by the CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) Advanced Placement Committee in mathematics and is designed to parallel a second semester university-level calculus course. A significant part of the first term is used to review and enhance concepts covered in AP Calculus AB. Topics specific to the Calculus BC curriculum include a variety of integration techniques and applications, first order differential equations, infinite series, parametric functions, and polar coordinates and functions. Throughout the year, students will be practicing AP Exam-type problem solving and practice tests in preparation for the AP Examination in May. Students who are successful on the AP Examination may be eligible to earn college credits for a second semester calculus course.

Prerequisites: B or better in AP Calculus AB and 3 or better on AP Calculus AB Exam.
Supplies: Students enrolled in Advanced Placement Calculus BC are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

AP Statistics

This course follows the curriculum established by the CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) Advanced Placement Committee in statistics. AP Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes, with appropriate emphasis given to each:

Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.

Students who are successful on the AP Examination may be eligible to earn college credits for an introductory statistics course.

Prerequisites: B or better in Pre-Calculus and departmental approval.
Supplies: Students enrolled in AP Statistics are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

C++ Programming and Development
(year-long course)

This course provides an introduction to the structure and creation of computer software, using the C++ programming language and emphasizing object-oriented programming and software life-cycle methodology. Concepts and skills are applied in a team project based on the waterfall model of software development. Topics include object-oriented programming, specification, high-level memory management, indirect addressing, formal methods, tools including UML, team software process, requirements analysis, software design strategies, and elementary ethical analysis of software systems.

Calculus

Although time will be taken as needed to review topics in algebra, trigonometry, and functions, this class presents the foundation of differential and integral calculus. This Calculus course does not prepare the student for the Advanced Placement examination in May, but rather provides the bridge from advanced algebra and elementary functions, to beginning calculus in college. Throughout the year students explore functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals using traditional algebraic methods, while the understanding of these topics is enhanced by numerical and graphical explorations with a graphic display calculator.

Prerequisite: C or better in Pre-Calculus.
Supplies: Students enrolled in Calculus are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

College Prep Algebra & Trig

This course provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their understanding of Algebra II and basic trigonometry before tackling Pre-Calculus. It is designed for students who have found that they benefit from frequent reinforcement in previous mathematics courses. The course begins with a thorough review of essential topics from Algebra II and goes on to examine the behavior of elementary functions (quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic). Trigonometric functions are introduced, and students examine their properties, graphs and applications.

Prerequisite: Algebra II
Supplies: Students enrolled in College Prep Algebra and Trigonometry are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

Geometry

Intermediate Algebra

Prerequisites: A passing grade in Algebra Essentials (this course is strongly encouraged for students who earned a grade of C- or lower in a previous Algebra I course).

Pre-Calculus

Methods of graphing as well as the solving of equations are reviewed and extended. The course emphasizes applications of trigonometry to the real world using the Law of Sines, the Law of Cosines and other theorems. Polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions introduced in previous algebra courses are re-examined from a more unified, sophisticated point of view. Elementary concepts and applications of differential and integral calculus are also introduced.

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra II.
Supplies: Students enrolled in Pre-Calculus are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

Statistics

This Statistics course is designed as an alternative for students not taking advanced courses such as Calculus or AP Statistics, and who are interested in an introduction to the important topics of statistical analysis. Students will study sampling, surveys, designing of experiments, normal distributions, chance, probability, simulation, and inference. This course will include hands on experiments as well as several projects designed to reinforce the concepts being discussed.

Prerequisites: College Prep Algebra or Pre-Calculus (or Geometry and Algebra II with department approval).
Supplies: Students enrolled in Statistics are required to have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator.

Topics in Advanced Math

In this advanced level course, highly motivated students of mathematics will have the opportunity to explore problems and topics that are not covered in our other advanced level courses. Students will work on challenging problems from the Minnesota Math League, The American Mathematics Examination, and the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. Other topics may include polar graphing and polar representations of complex numbers, proof by induction, recursion, modular arithmetic, matrices and linear algebra. The focus and topics will vary from term to term so that a student could take this course for a single term, two terms, or a full year.

This course is in addition to, not a replacement of, other advanced level math courses.

Prerequisites: Completion of Advanced Algebra 2 and departmental approval.