Secondary Curriculum: Mathematics
Mathematics 6
Grade 6
10 credits
Students further their understanding of basic mathematics
while honing their arithmetic skills. The course pays particular attention
to orders
of operations and beginning equations. Students spend time with word
problems and are introduced to mathematics-in-real-life scenarios.
The course includes a survey of statistical methods and graphing.
Pre Algebra A
Grade 7
10 credits
This course, intended for students who are not yet ready for a full-fledged
Pre Algebra course, gives students a solid computational background.
Students work simultaneously with all types of real numbers while paying
careful attention to the orders of operation. An arduous introduction
to single variable linear equations is also covered.
Pre Algebra B
Grade 7
10 credits
Designed to prepare any student for a first course in algebra, students
work consistently to master basic computational skills involving
all types of real numbers, as well as to understand the orders of operations.
From there, students move on to work extensively with first order
linear
equations and are introduced to polynomials and their arithmetic.
Algebra
I
Grade 8
10 credits
Students master the basic concepts of an elementary algebra course.
Linear and second order equations, polynomials and their arithmetic,
rational
expressions and an introduction to the coordinate plane are the
fundamentals of the course. Wherever possible, emphasis is placed on
the role
mathematics plays in modeling and solving real world problems.
Prerequisite: Pre Algebra
Geometry
Grade 9
10 credits
A complete overview of Euclidean geometry, this course stresses
deductive reasoning and proof techniques, with particular emphasis
placed on
two-column proofs. Students spend time on geometric constructions
and learn to use
Euclidean geometry to model real life problems.
Toward the end of the course, students engage in a thorough review
of algebra.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Grade 10 & 11
10 credits
This fast paced course is intended for students who have not only demonstrated
considerable mathematical aptitude but also a genuine love of mathematics.
This course offers an extensive coverage of polynomial functions and
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, rational functions as well as an
introduction to the basic transcendental functions: exponential, logarithmic
and trigonometric functions. Students receive a strong introduction to
linear algebra as well as sequences and series. A TI-86 graphics calculator
is required.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Pre Calculus
Grades 11 & 12
10 credits
This course is designed not only to prepare students for college mathematics
but also for students who intend to take Advanced Placement Calculus
their senior year. In addition to offering an extensive review of the
concepts learned in Algebra 2, the course provides a rigorous overview
of analytic geometric, sequences and series. Trigonometry, De Moivre’s
Theorem and polar coordinates are among the special topics covered. The
concept of the limit and the derivative are introduced and explored thoroughly
toward the end of the course. Students spend extensive time studying
the basics of transcendental functions: exponential, logarithmic and
trigonometric functions.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Grades 11 & 12
10 credits
Students complete the College Board’s AB Calculus rubric, which
is akin to most first semester courses in Calculus offered at the university
level. Limits and continuity, derivatives—their techniques and
applications—single variable integration, computation of areas
as well as the volumes of solids of revolution are covered. Among the
theorems stressed in the course are the Intermediate Value Theorem, the
Squeeze Theorem, Rolle’s Lemma, The Mean Value Theorem, and The
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students in the course also spend about
one month reviewing for the AP Exam in May.
Prerequisite: Honors Pre Calculus and permission of the instructor and the Academic Dean
Economics
Economics is a two-term course that introduces students to the principles
of both macroeconomics and microeconomics. The macroeconomics portion
of this course provides students with an introduction into the workings
of the national economy. Students will learn basic economic concepts
such as the price system, supply and demand, and elasticity. Beyond this,
students will build economic models to analyze the determinants of a
country’s income, employment level, and price level. The models
will also be used to show the means through which governments pursue
economic policy through taxes, spending, and controlling the money supply.
The microeconomics portion of this course focuses on how economic decisions
are made by individuals, firms, and organizational structures. Topics
include the structure of markets, the theory of the firm, product-market
models, the factor market, market failures, specialization based on comparative
advantage, and international trade. By the end of the year, students
will have also gained a basic understanding of financial markets by participating
in a state-wide stock market competition. This year-long course serves
as a preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in Macroeconomics
and Microeconomics.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the Academic Dean
