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Course Descriptions for Mathematics Courses

The Mathematics Sequence:

Honors:

Int. Alg. H --

P/S Geom. H --

Col. Alg./Trig --

AP Calculus

Accelerated:

E/I Alg. R --

P/S Geom. R --

Alg. II/Trig. --

Pre-Calculus

Regular:

Algebra I --

Geometry --

Algebra II --

Trig/Adv Math

Basic:

Intro to Alg --

Basic Algebra --

Math Fund/Applications


Computer Courses: One Semester Each

  • Introduction to Programming
  • Computer Programming I
  • Computer Programming II
  • AP Computer Science I
  • AP Computer Science II


Course Descriptions:

Introduction to Algebra -- G12/G13

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Staff Placement

This course is designed to further develop study skills and reinforce operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents and applications. A gradual acquaintance with algebraic statements occurs throughout the course and prepares students for Algebra I.


Math Fundamentals -- G22

One Semester
Prerequisite: Staff Placement

The four fundamental operations of arithmetic will be revised and reinforced in depth. The major focus of this course will be to provide the student with a firm background to prepare him/her to effectively deal with the problems of everyday living and remediate any deficiencies in minimal competencies.


Math Applications -- G23

One Semester
Prerequisite: Math Fundamentals

This course stresses the applications of arithmetic to problem-solving appropriate to business, commerce, community, personal and family situations.


Basic Algebra -- G32/G33

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Intro to Algebra (grade of B or C)
Math Staff Placement

An Algebra preparatory course to review fundamental math skills and learn the concepts and skills needed to succeed in first year Algebra. Topics to be covered include the study of variables, equations formulas and polynomials. This course is intended for upperclassmen who have completed Introduction to Algebra or Fundamentals and Applications and who might experience difficulty with standard first year Algebra. This course is taught at a slower pace and is not equivalent to Algebra I. It is also not a prerequisite for Geometry.


Algebra I -- G14/G15

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Staff Placement

A traditional Algebra I course with sequential topics presented through quadratic equations. Students should have mastered whole numbers and decimal operations. Good study skills will be necessary. For students who have had little or no previous experience in Algebra and wish to pursue a four-year curriculum which ends with Trig/Adv Math.


Elementary/Intermediate Algebra (R) -- G16/G17

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Staff Placement

Topics of Algebra I are covered faster and in more depth in this red track course. A semester of topics from Intermediate Algebra (Algebra II) is also included. Good study skills will be necessary. For students who have had previous experience in Algebra and wish to pursue an accelerated curriculum which ends with Pre-Calculus.


Intermediate Algebra Honors -- G18/G19

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Staff Placement

A rigorous intermediate Algebra course for the student who has successfully completed a full year of Algebra I and desires to pursue an honors curriculum which ends with Advanced Placement Calculus.


Geometry -- G24/G25

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra I (grade of C or better)

Geometry is a course for students who have successfully completed Algebra I. The course includes traditional topics in Plane and Solid Geometry. The traditional concept of proof is generally de-emphasized except for work with congruent triangles. The bulk of the topics of this course are taught based on the student's previous background and real life applications.


Plane/Solid Geometry (R) -- G26/G27

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: E/I Algebra R (grade of C or better)

Plane and Solid Geometry is a course for students who have successfully completed E/I Algebra and whose Algebra skills are above average. Traditional Geometry topics such as points and lines, triangles, congruence and circles are covered. Logic, deduction, and proof are stressed during the first semester. Algebraic application of geometric topics is covered second semester.


Plane/Solid Geometry Honors -- G28/G29

Two Semesters Prerequisite: Int. Algebra Honors (grade of C or better)

A rigorous Geometry course stressing mathematical proof. Topics of P/S Geometry R are covered faster and in more depth. Additional topics in Geometry are investigated; transformations, vectors, and introduction to Trigonometry.


Algebra II -- G34/G35

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra I and P/S Geometry (grades of C or better)

Modern methods notation, and nomenclature are used in approaching traditional topics associated with a course in the subject. The understanding of fundamental concepts is stressed, however, manipulative techniques are not neglected. Topics included in the course are: review of fundamental concepts of Algebra, multiplication, division and factorization of polynomials, rational and irrational algebraic expressions, application of algebraic concepts to verbal problems, first degree equations, equations of higher degree, functions, graphs and inequalities, exponents, logarithms, and families of curves. It is recommended that students who have taken Basic Algebra instead of Algebra I take second semester Algebra I in Summer School before enrolling in Algebra II.


Algebra II/Trigonometry (R) -- G36/G37

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: E/I Algebra and P/S Geometry R
(grades of C or better)
Staff Recommendation

This is a course for self-motivated and industrious students who have successfully completed E/I Algebra. The various sets of numbers from the natural numbers through the complex numbers are carefully distinguished and used throughout the course. The traditional topics of Algebra II and Trigonometry are combined with emphasis placed on the analytic aspects of these topics.


College Algebra/Trigonometry (H) G38/G39

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra H and Geometry H
(grades of C or better)
Staff Recommendation

Topics of College Algebra and Trigonometry are taught together in a form that will make them useful for later study of Analytical Geometry, Calculus and Advanced Mathematics. Mathematical rigor is stressed and students are encouraged to pursue original mathematical ideas. This is part of the Honors sequence and prepares students for Calculus.


Trigonometry/Advanced Math -- G44/G45

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry (grades of C or better
Staff Recommendation

Trigonometry taught by use of circular function. Emphasis will be placed on Analytic Trigonometry. Advanced Math will include topics from Algebra such as sequences and series, polynomial functions, matrices and determinants, complex numbers, permutations, combinations and probability, conic sections, math induction and the intuitive study of limit.


Pre-Calculus (R) -- G46/G47

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trig (grade of C or better)
Staff Recommendation

This course is designed to prepare students for a first course in Calculus. Topics include a review of intermediate Algebra and Trigonometry, vectors, Analytic Geometry, graphing techniques, polar coordinates, sequences and series, limits and an introduction to differential and integral Calculus.


Advanced Placement Calculus (H) -- G48/G49

Two Semesters
Prerequisite: College Algebra & Trigonometry
(grades of C or better)
Staff Recommendation

This course is intended to serve the needs of high ability students of mathematics. The topics usually taught in a first course of College Calculus and Analytic Geometry will be presented - rate of change of function, limits, derivatives of algebraic functions and their applications, integrations and application of definite integral (area under curve, surface area and volume length of plane, curve, etc.) Plane Analytic Geometry (study of straight line, conics, polar coordinates and higher degree curves). Vectors and parametric equations are optional. Students successfully completing this course will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Test in mathematics.


Introduction to Computers -- G50

One Semester
Prerequisite: Algebra I (grade of C or better)

In this introductory course, students are taught the history of computers, parts of a computer, applications of computers in society, low resolution graphics and elementary programming in the languages of LOGO and BASIC and word processing. Students will also gain experience in the process of interacting with a microcomputer. It will be necessary for students to schedule computer time outside the normal class period (before and after school) and they must make arrangements in their personal schedule to do so.


Computer Programming I -- G52

One Semester
Prerequisite: Red or Honors Placement or
Algebra II or Staff Placement

An introduction to computer programming using the BASIC language. Students are taught programming skills through long range assignments dealing with applications in mathematics and business. Strong language arts and math skills are required. It will be necessary for students to schedule computer time outside the normal class period (before and after school) and they must make arrangements in their personal schedule to do so.


Computer Programming II -- G53

One Semester
Prerequisite: Computer Programming I
or Staff Placement

An advanced BASIC programming class emphasizing arrays, files and structured programs. Applications involve advanced problems in mathematics, business, and recreation. It will be necessary for students to schedule computer time outside the normal class (before and after school) and they must make arrangements in their personal schedule to do so.


AP Computer Science I (Honors) -- G56

One Semester
Prerequisite: Staff Placement

AP Computer Science I is the first semester of a two semester sequence in problem solving with computers, and could be the initial computer science course for advanced students. This course will concentrate on the problem analysis, algorithm design, implementation using the Pascal language and verification and modification. The student will be instructed in the writing of clear, readable programs which utilize well-articulated independent modules that together solve the given problem. This is an honors level college preparatory course that will require that the student have symbol manipulation skills and understanding of semantic differences and a maturity level commensurate with a quick pacing of the delivery of materials. It will be necessary for students to schedule computer time (before and after school) and they must make arrangements in their personal schedule to do so.


AP Computer Science II (Honors) -- G57

One Semester
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science I
or Staff Placement

AP Computer Science II is a continuation of the two semester sequence in problem solving with computers. This course will strengthen and build on the conceptual foundations developed in AP Computer Science I and give particular attention to the structuring of data types (sets, records, files, linked lists, stacks and queues) and recursive techniques. A student who successfully completes this sequence may be prepared to attempt the Advanced Placement Test in Computer Science. It will be necessary for students to schedule computer time outside the normal class period (before and after school) and they must make arrangements in their personal schedule to do so.


Independent Study Mathematics -- G99

One Semester
Prerequisite: Arrangements are to be made with
Instructor and Division Chairperson

The District guidelines for Independent Study must be met in order to enroll in this course. The student is responsible for working out an appropriate program with an instructor and submitting it to the Division Chairperson for approval.

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