MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

General Recommendations:

In our  present and future society all workers will need to have basic skills in mathematics.  Therefore, it is recommended that students consider the following guidelines:

For those planning to work directly or take a non-technical course at Voc-Tech:

            Algebra IA  - Grade 9

            Algebra IB  - Grade 10 or 11

            Consumer Math - Grade 12

For those planning on college or a technical career in Voc-tech:

            Algebra I - Grade 8 or 9

            Geometry - Grade  9 or 10

            Algebra II - Grade  10 or 11

            Pre-Calculus - Grade  11 or 12   OR   Consumer Math - Grade 12

            Calculus - Grade 12

It is required that at least two years of mathematics be completed for graduation, but remember that if you take only the minimum you are prepared for only the minimum.

ALGEBRA IA

Course Type:         

Credit:                       1.0

Course Length:      Year

Pre-requisite:           None                                      Grade 9-11

*It will be determined by the Math & Guidance Departments as to placement in Algebra IA or Algebra.

Description:

This class is open to students who would benefit from learning algebra concepts at a slower pace.  The emphasis is on developing problem solving techniques and skills for everyday problems.  Beginning algebra and geometry concepts will be practiced.

Algebra IA and Algebra IB provide a two year stretch alternative for students.  Topics include fractions and fractals, data exploration, proportional reasoning, probability, direct and inverse variation, graphing, linear equations, slope and line fitting, systems of equations and inequalities.

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ALGEBRA I

Course Type:         

Credit:                       1.0

Course Length:      Year

Pre-requisite:           *                                               Grades 8-12

*It will be determined by the Math & Guidance Departments as to placement in Algebra IA or Algebra.

Description:

Algebra I is suggested for freshmen with good math ability.  This is the fast track Algebra option.  However, students who plan to go to technical school or college are advised to take Algebra I even though they may be sophomores, junior or seniors.  This class will incorporate the use of graphing calculators.  Topics covered are:

             1)                                Fractions and Fractals

             2)                                Data Exploration

             3)                                Proportional Reasoning

             4)                                Probability

             5)                                Direct and Inverse Variation

             6)                                Graphing

             7)                                Linear Equations

             8)                                Slope and Line Fitting

             9)                                Systems of Equations and Inequalities

            10)                              Exponents

            11)                              Functions

            12)                              Quadratic Equations

            13)                              Intro to Geometry

GEOMETRY

Course Type:         

Credit:                       1.0

Course Length:      Year

Pre-requisite:           Algebra I, Algebra IA or Algebra IB          Grades 9-12

Description:

This course will focus on the study of shapes, space and measurement in the real world.  Topics include:  the language of geometry, proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruence, similarity, 2-D and 3-D shapes, trigonometry, area and volume.  Connections will be made to construction, architecture, quilting, art, nature and science.  Activities will include cooperative learning, using  manipulatives, and individual projects.  Algebra I skills will be practiced and reviewed throughout the year.

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ALGEBRA IB

Course Type:         

Credit:                       1.0

Course Length:      Year

Pre-requisite:           Algebra IA                                         Grades 10-12

Description:

This course is the follow-up to Algebra IA.  Concepts covered include exponents, functions, quadratic equations, intro to Geometry.  After completion of Algebra IB, students may enroll in Geometry or Algebra II.

ALGEBRA II

Course Type:         

Course Length:      Year

Pre-requisite:           At least a C average in Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra IB

                                                            Grades 10-12

Description:

Algebra II is a course which gives a strong math background necessary further education in science, engineering, medicine, nutrition, math, economics, psychology, business, and many more areas. Students will be using graphing calculators extensively in this course.  Topics include:

             1)                                Patterns and Recursion

             2)                                Data Displays

             3)                                Linear Models and Systems

             4)                                Transformations of Functions

             5)                                Exponential, Power and Logarithmic Functions

             6)                                Matrices

             7)                                Quadratic Functions

             8)                                Parametric Equations and Trigonometry

             9)                                Conic Sections and Rational Functions

            10)                              Series

            11)                              Probability

            12)                              Statistics

CONSUMER MATH

Course Type:         

Credit:                       .5

Course Length:      Semester

Pre-requisite:           None                                                              Grade 10-12

Description:

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This course focuses on teaching students how to be responsible consumers.  Topics discussed include credit and installment charges, checking and savings accounts,  long-term loans, cost of owning a car, insurance (health, life, auto, liability), cost of renting, owning and building a home, repair costs, taxes (income and sales), salaries, commission, investments, real estate transactions and economics.  Students will be assigned hands-on projects and simulations to help learn these real-life skills.  All students will benefit from this class no matter what their career plan.

PRE-CALCULUS

Course Type:          Elective

Credit:                       1.0

Course Length:      Year

Pre-requisite:           Algebra II and Geometry with a B average          Grade 11-12

Description:

This is a college prep class for students who intend to enter college or technical school in the areas of science, business, mathematics, electronics, engineering, architecture and medicine among others.  Students will explore functions algebraically, numerically, graphically and verbally.  Topics discussed include trigonometry, data analysis, function analysis, parametric equations, probability, vectors and matrices.  This course is a pre-requisite for Calculus.

CALCULUS

Course Type:          Elective

Credit:                       1.0

Course Length:      Year

Prerequisite:            Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, graphing calculator                                                   TI-83 or better

Description:

Calculus is the study of the dynamic changes that happen to functions.  Students will explore the concepts of calculus through analytic, algebraic, numerical, graphical and verbal/written methods of representing problems.  Technology will be integrated in to     the curriculum.  This course provides a strong base in calculus and prepares students for more rigorous study of calculus in college.  Students interested in careers in science, math, computer programming, engineering, and business would benefit from this course. 

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TECHNICAL MATH

Course Type:                      Elective         

Credit:                                   .5

Course Length:                  1 semester

Pre-requisite:                       Algebra 1B or Geometry

Technical Math includes topics such as fractional reasoning, measurement in applied situations, statistics and data analysis, spreadsheet applications, applied trigonometry, applied geometry and test preparation.  The intent of the course is to provide review and extension of applied math topics.  Students who plan on entering the work force directly after school would benefit from these topics, as well as those needing to take placement tests to enter a technical program or college.  Technology plays an important role in the class.  The class focuses on skills that transfer to careers like nursing, farming, business, manufacturing, carpentry, computer science and architecture.