Math Courses
Mathematics Courses
ALGEBRA 1
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits : Year/10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
This course is the foundation for upper level mathematics courses. It develops algebraic principles and problem solving skills. Topics include: writing, solving, and graphing one and two variable linear and non-linear equations and inequalities, slope, systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, exponents and radicals, factoring, and proportional reasoning. The emphasis in this course in not only to develop the basic skills related to these topics, but also to teach the student how to utilize these skills in combination to solve larger application problems. Success in this course requires consistency in doing nightly homework assignments and active participation in both class discussions and group assignments. Scientific calculators are used both in the classroom and for homework assignments.
GEOMETRY
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits : Year/10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Algebra 1
Geometry is the study of angles 2 and 3-dimensional figures, area, perimeter and volume. Other major topics include logical reasoning and formal proofs, congruency and similarity, quadrilaterals, trigonometry, probability, and geometric constructions. The geometric principles are developed through a variety of learning modalities including hands-on discovery lessons, pairs and small group whiteboard work, lecture, and projects. Students use and develop their algebra skills throughout the course, preparing them for Algebra 2 the following year. Scientific calculators are used throughout the course.
ALGEBRA 2
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits : Year/10
Credits UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in
Algebra I and in Geometry are strongly recommended. This course is designed to prepare students for the upper level mathematics courses of Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Topics include: solving equations and inequalities, factoring, analytic geometry, pattern recognition, graphing higher order equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, probability sequences and series. Applications and problem solving are highly emphasized to develop the higher order thinking skills necessary to succeed in more complex subsequent course. Fundamental ideas are developed through activities, explorations, and the use of a graphing calculator. Students use graphing calculators daily to complete both class work and homework assignments. The TI84 (or TI83 plus) calculator is required.
DATA SCIENCE AND STATISTICS: A MODELING APPROACH
Grade: 10-12 Duration/Credits: Year/10
UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry
This course combines statistics with computer science in analyzing and interpreting data. It fulfills the third year minimum requirement for UC/ CSUs (comparable to Algebra II). In this course, students explore taking variation in the world and turning it into data for analysis and mathematical modeling in order to answer interesting questions. By the end of this course students will be able to select an analytic strategy that is appropriate to the data at hand, organize and enter the data using the coding language R, and create data visualizations to help explain/ report results.
FINITE MATH & STATISTICS
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits : Year/10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Algebra II or teacher recommendation.
The Finite Math & Statistics course is a full year college preparatory course and is an alternative to Precalculus or Calculus. It is designed for students who are not planning to major in the sciences and will help those college-bound students maintain and continue to develop their math skills. Topics covered include set theory, logic, graph theory, finance, probability and statistics.
PRE-CALCULUS
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits : Year/10 Credits UC/CSU:
Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: Solid foundation of Geometry & Algebra II, with a grade of C or better or teacher recommendation.
This is a rigorous course designed to develop the skills necessary to advance to Calculus. The course includes the following topics: relations and functions, circular functions, trigonometry, limits, logarithmic and exponential functions, vectors, matrices and conic sections. Since this course extensively utilizes the graphing calculator to further develop the understanding of these advanced skills. TI 84(or TI83 plus) calculator is required.
AP CALCULUS
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits : Year/10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Pre-Calculus or teacher recommendation.
The class is designed to prepare students to take the AP Calculus AB exam in May. Topics include the limit of a function and limit properties, the derivative of a function and the definite integral. The course is a mix of independent and collaborative assignments and assessments. Homework is assigned daily, and students can expect to spend about 30 minutes per night completing the assignments. Students will be graded on their level of understanding of the material. The curriculum will be completed a few weeks before the actual AP exam, leaving the extra time to prepare for the test by taking practice exams and reinforcing student understanding of all the concepts taught throughout the course.
AP CALCULUS BC
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits: Year/10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in AP Calculus AB, or A+ in Precalculus.
This course is designed to prepare the student for the Calculus Advanced Placement Examination (Mathematics BC). With successful performance on this test, the student may place out of 2 Calculus courses at some colleges and universities. This course covers differential Calculus (derivatives and their applications including graphing optimization and related rates) and integral Calculus (anti-derivatives and their applications including area, volumes and simple differential equations) of polynomial and transcendental functions of a single variable. Additionally, the BC course covers techniques of integration, parametric equations, polar coordinates, conic sections, Taylor polynomials and Taylor’s formula and infinite series. The students should use an advanced graphing calculator such as the TI 84+ or TI89. Students should be prepared to do at least one hour of homework every night.
AP STATISTICS
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credits: Year/10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “c” - Mathematics
Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in Algebra II or C or better in Pre-Calculus.
This course is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Examination in Statistics. With successful performance on this test, the student may place out of a Statistics course at some colleges and universities. This course presents the basic concepts underlying statistical methods and covers descriptive statistics, probability, distributions, hypotheses testing, estimate and sample sizes, correlation and regression chi-square tests, analysis of variance and nonparametric statistics. Computer analysis of statistical data integrated into the course. Applications of statistics to business, life sciences and other areas are included.