Home
News
General Info
Sports
Homework
Clubs
Faculty
Research
About Us
Sister City
Site Map
Contact
TV Announcement System


 
  Staples High School

You are in INFO Course Descriptions >>


MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICS

 

                                      Grade 9                        Grade 10                            Grade 11                                         Grade 12

                                                                                                                                                                                   Pre-Calculus

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

NORMAL                      Algebra 1                     Geometry                           Algebra 2                                        Algebra 3

SEQUENCES                                                                                                                                                          Prob.& Stat. / Discrete    

 


                                      Geometry                     Algebra 2                            Pre-Calculus                                  Calculus Honors

                                               

ACCELERATED         Geometry Hnrs.          Algebra 2 Honors                                                                       A.P. Statistics

SEQUENCES            

                                                                                                                          Pre-Calculus Honors                  

                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                      Algebra 2                     Pre-Calculus Honors                                                                A.P. Calculus AB

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                          A.P. Calculus BC                           A.P. Calculus BC

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                   Multivariable Calculus

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

OPTIONAL                   Applied Math 1            Applied Math 2                  Algebra 1                                        Geometry

SEQUENCES

                                                                             Algebra 1                            Geometry                                        Algebra 2

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

ADDITIONAL                 Mathematics               Mathematics

COURSE                       Prob. Solving              Prob. Solving

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT HONORS CLASSES

 

Students in our Honors Program have demonstrated diligence and success in learning mathematics at an accelerated pace, and have a strong desire to continue with formal studies in mathematics or mathematics-related fields.  Successful Honors students have exhibited strong and consistent mathematics skills, problem-solving skills, and study skills in prior mathematics courses.

 

MATH PROBLEM SOLVING (087,088)                                                                                                                                            1/2 credit

                                                                                                                                                                                                   Either semester

 

This course is a one semester elective designed for ninth and tenth graders who have not yet taken the CAP test. This course is intended for students needing additional support and enrichment in math problem solving skills. The content of this course includes mathematical skills and concepts, problem solving strategies, as well as reading and writing skills specific to mathematics. The course is taught in the context of realistic problem scenarios resembling those on the CAP test.

 

APPLIED MATHEMATICS 1  (090)                                                                                                                                                      1 credit

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Full year

 

This course is for students who need additional practice with pre-algebra topics and problem-solving skills before enrolling in Algebra 1. Topics to be studied include dimensional analysis, geometry, probability, data analysis and graphs with graphing calculators and some algebraic concepts. The material will stress the use of hands-on activities. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation.

 

APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2 (092)                                                                                                                                                       1 credit

Prerequisite: Applied Math 1                                                                                                                                                              Full year

 

This course is a continuation of Applied Mathematics 1. The same strands that appear in that course will be continued and expanded. The focus is on problem solving, data organization and interpretation, and algebra. This course is intended to provide students with more exposure to beginning algebra topics to prepare them for a formal Algebra 1 course.

 

ALGEBRA 1A  (094)                                                                                                                                                                               1 credit

ALGEBRA 1B  (096)                                                                                                                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisite: Applied Math 1 or Math 8                                                                                                                                            Full year

 

This course is the first step of the College Preparatory sequence of mathematics courses. The following topics are studied: algebraic expressions, functions, linear equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations, systems of equations, polynomials, square roots, and quadratic equations. The course is application-driven and incorporates several strands including data analysis, coordinate geometry and probability. Technology, including the graphing calculator, is used throughout the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation. The A level and B level courses differ in pacing, topics covered, and depth of study.

 

ALGEBRA 1C (098)                                                                                                                                                                                1 credit

Prerequisite: Applied Math or equivalent                                                                                                                                         Full year

 

Topics to be covered include: Properties of the real number system, properties of order, exponents, operations with polynomials, square roots, linear functions including graphing, operations with fractions, solving equations, quadratics, and word problems. Extensive drill is provided through daily work in class and daily homework is required. Students entering this course should have competence in arithmetic skills. Technology, including the graphing calculator, is used throughout the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation.

 

GEOMETRY HONORS  (100)                                                                                                                                                                1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 Honors                                                                                                                              Full year

Guideline: Completion of Alg. 1 Honors with at least a B- and teacher recommendation

 

This course is a comprehensive examination of geometric concepts from deductive, transformational, and coordinate perspectives. Material is studied in depth and at an accelerated pace.  All topics from Geometry A are covered, as well as logic, formal proof, trigonometry, vectors, and additional work with three-dimensional geometry.  Technology, including calculators and geometry software, is incorporated into the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and independent or group projects.

 

GEOMETRY A  (102)                                                                                                                                                                              1 credit

GEOMETRY B  (104)                                                                                                                                                                              1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1                                                                                                                                                                       Full year

 

This course studies the basic properties of plane and solid geometric figures. Topics studied include parallel lines, congruence, area, similarity, triangles and polygons, circles, and volume. Technology, including calculators and geometry software, is incorporated into the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation. The  A level and B level courses differ in pacing, variety of topics covered, and depth of study.

 

GEOMETRY C (106)                                                                                                                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1                                                                                                                                                                       Full year

 

This course presents Geometry through a more intuitive approach using exploration rather than more formal logical arguments to draw conclusions.  Topics include two and three-dimensional figures in real-world applications as well as transformations and coordinate geometry. The development of relations between figures is explored through use of Cabri Geometry software. Technology, including calculators and geometry software, is incorporated into the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation.

 

ALGEBRA 2 HONORS  (108)                                                                                                                                                                1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry Honors                                                                                                                             Full year

Guideline: Completion of Geom. Hnrs. with at least a B- and teacher recommendation

 

This course examines advanced algebra topics in depth and at an accelerated pace. Topics include modeling and graphing, matrices, linear and quadratic functions, systems, real and complex numbers, coordinate geometry, variation and exponents, and sequences and series. Problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and use of technology is stressed. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and independent or group projects.

 

ALGEBRA 2A  (110)                                                                                                                                                                               1 credit

ALGEBRA 2B  (112)                                                                                                                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry                                                                                                                                                   Full year

 

This course reviews and extends topics from Algebra 1, and also examines more advanced material. Topics include linear equations and inequalities, graphing in the coordinate plane, systems, quadratic equations, conic sections, exponents, radicals, and complex numbers. Some topics in elementary probability and statistics may also be covered. This course is applications-driven, and incorporates several strands including data analysis and coordinate geometry. Technology, including the graphing calculator, is used throughout the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation. The A level and B level courses differ in pacing, variety of topics covered, and depth of study.

 

ALGEBRA 2C (114)                                                                                                                                                                                 1credit

Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry                                                                                                                                                 Full year

 

This course reviews and maintains skills from algebra 1 using an incremental approach to build fundamental skills. Topics to be covered include: properties of real numbers, exponential expressions, solving and graphing linear equations, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, radicals, and solving quadratic equations. Technology, including calculators, is incorporated into the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation.

 

ALGEBRA 3C(116)                                                                                                                                                                                 1 credit

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra 2                                                                                                                                       Full year

 

This course reinforces, maintains, and extends algebraic skills with an emphasis on real-life applications where appropriate. Connections will be made, where possible, to geometry, probability, and data analysis. Technology, including the graphing calculator, is used throughout the course. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and classroom participation.

 

PRE-CALCULUS HONORS (118)                                                                                                                                                         1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 Honors                                                                                                                              Full year

Guideline: Completion of Alg. 2 Hnrs. with at least a B- and teacher recommendation

 

This course focuses on the concept of functions and emphasizes function theory. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions are discussed in detail. Material covered also includes polar coordinates and equations, complex numbers, sequences, series and induction. Introductory work in Calculus will be covered if time permits.  Problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and use of technology is stressed. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework, and projects. This course will require a summer assignment.

 

PRE-CALCULUS HONORS COLLABORATIVE   (120)                                                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 Honors                                                                                                                              Full year

Guideline: Completion of Alg. 2 Hnrs. with at least a B- and teacher recommendation                                                                      

 

This course is essentially the same as Pre-Calculus Honors with regard to content. The sequencing of topics has been altered to allow more connections to be made with Physics. Students intending to register for this course must also register for Physics Collaborative.

 

PRE-CALCULUS A  (122)                                                                                                                                                                      1 credit

PRE-CALCULUS B (124)                                                                                                                                                                       1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2                                                                                                                                Full year

 

This course is a technologically based approach to advanced high school algebra and trigonometry. Topics are introduced and studied through the function concept. After an introduction to general function properties, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions are covered. Evaluation of student performance may involve tests, quizzes, homework and classroom participation. The A level and B level courses differ in pacing, variety of topics covered, and depth of study.

 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS (126)                                                                                                                                   1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors                                                                                                       Full year

Guideline: Completion of Alg. 2 with at least an A- or Alg.2 Hnrs. with at least a B-                                                                             

 

This course is designed for students who plan on taking the Advanced Placement Statistics exam. The course centers around exploring data, using simulation and probability theory to anticipate patterns, planning a study, and using statistical inference to confirm hypothesis. Evaluation will be based on tests, quizzes, homework, and projects.

 

STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY A (127)                                                                                                                                       1/2 credit

Prerequisite: B or higher in a B level course or C or higher in an A level course                                                        First semester

 

The course begins with an in-depth study of probability and relates those concepts to real world applications and games. Statistical topics include: uses and abuses of statistics; displaying data graphically; calculating mean, median, variance and standard deviation; the normal distribution; Empirical rule; z scores; and percentiles. Evaluation will be based on tests, quizzes, homework, and projects.

 

DISCRETE  MATHEMATICS  A (128)                                                                                                                                               1/2 credit

Prerequisite: B or higher in a B level course or C or higher in an A level course                                                  Second semester

 

This course will include a variety of topics not found in traditional high school math courses. The course is designed for students who have demonstrated the analytical and logical thinking required of a successful math student. The intent is to demonstrate a connection between contemporary mathematics and modern society. Topics studied include graph theory, scheduling, logic, recursive functions, mortgage tables, chaos theory, fractal dimension, and matrices. Evaluation will be based on class work, tests, quizzes, homework, and projects.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC  (130)                                                                                                                              1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Pre-Calculus Honors                                                                                                                       Full year

Guideline: Completion of Pre-Calc. Hnrs. with at least a B- and teacher recommendation

 

This course is designed for students who plan to take the Advanced Placement Calculus examination, level BC. Independent work on the part of the student, in addition to regular class work, is expected to achieve that goal. This course is considerably more extensive than Calculus AB, covering all AB topics as well as infinite series, advanced methods of integration, polar coordinates, and differential equations. Evaluation of student performance is based on tests, quizzes, homework, and outside assignments.  This course is an intensive course for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in prior math courses. This course will require a summer assignment.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB  (132)                                                                                                                              1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus Honors                                                                                         Full year

Guideline: Completion of Pre-Calc. A with at least an A- or  Pre-Calc Hnrs. with at least a B-                                                           

 

This course is designed for students who plan to take the Advanced Placement Calculus examination, level AB. The course includes limit theory, differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions, as well as some of their applications.  Areas of analytic geometry and polar coordinates are also usually covered.  Evaluation of student performance is based on tests, homework, and quizzes. Projects, presentations and written work are incorporated in the evaluation of student performance. This course will require a summer assignment.

 

CALCULUS HONORS  (134)                                                                                                                                                                 1 credit

Prerequisite:  Completion of Pre-Calculus A or  Pre-Calculus B                                                                                               Full year

Guideline: Completion of Pre-Calc A with at least a B- or Pre-Calc. B with at least an A-

 

This course is intended for students who want to learn the important concepts and skills of calculus but do not want to take the AP test. The materials used are the same, and the learning outcomes are similar to those of AP courses. The pace is slower, and some of the topics are studied in less depth than the AP courses. Evaluation of student performance is based on tests, homework, and quizzes. Project, presentations and written work are incorporated in the evaluation of student performance.

 

MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS AND ADVANCED TOPICS  (136)                                                                                                    1 credit

Prerequisite: Calculus & Department permission                                                                                                                        Full year

 

This course is offered to students who have completed calculus. Major topics will include solid analytic geometry, vectors in three space, elements of infinite series, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and other advanced mathematical topics of discrete mathematics such as dynamic programming, graph theory, geometric and linear programming, and other optimization techniques, game theory and strategy, probability and statistics. Projects, presentations and written work are incorporated in the evaluation of student performance.




Copyright 2001 Staples Online. No text, graphic or file may be reproduced or copied without the expressed written permission of Staples Online and The Westport School District.


Email
Contact the webmaster!

Inklings on the Web
Check out this month's issue!

Sports Schedules
Check out when our teams are playing this season!

Staples Players
See what the Staples theater department is up to! Check out their current plays and other information.

Weekly Announcements
See what's up this week on the Staples Announcement system!

Alumni
Looking for old, Staples classmates? Click the link above or you can also try Staples '78 or Staples '70.

blue fade
Log on to your Y-drive!
Log on to Blackboard!