Math

Precalculus with Statistics focuses on mathematical applications and continues to build on the student’s quantitative reasoning skills. Students explore topics including functions, polynomials, logarithms, and trigonometry before shifting their focus to Statistics in the spring, which will help prepare them for AP Statistics. A major focus of this class is on applications, and the use of technology, to tackle challenging problems. Project-based learning is used extensively.

Having already begun the AP Statistics curriculum Precalculus with Statistics, we allow students to delve deeply into the subject matter during their senior year. Past AP problems are used extensively, as well as problem-based learning. The potential for the application of statistics is broad, and we see examples of this application in many different fields. Students develop analytical and critical thinking skills as they learn to describe data patterns and departures from patterns; plan and conduct studies; use probability and simulation to explore random phenomena; and estimate population parameters, test hypotheses, and make statistical inferences.

Honors Geometry is based on the traditional topics of Euclidean geometry. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and the development of logical arguments through deductive and inductive reasoning. Students learn and use the concepts of point, line, and plane in several dimensions. Through deductive reasoning, students learn to write valid proofs and solve problems, using critical thinking supported by definitions, postulates, and theorems as they study parallel lines, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similar polygons, right triangles, circles, and coordinate geometry. Students also investigate area and volume. Algebra skills are reinforced throughout the course.

The objective of this class is to build upon the skills developed in Algebra I and Geometry and to provide a solid foundation for higher levels of math and science. Topics covered will include: relations and functions, absolute value, quadratic functions, polynomials, rational expressions, logarithmic and exponential functions, conic sections, and other algebraic topics. This class will seek to make connections between our coursework and the real world while also applying uses of technology to our studies.

The Precalculus Honors course includes a review of second-year algebra; first- and second-degree equations with applications; inequalities including absolute values with applications; functions; graphs; polynomial and rational functions with applications; exponential and logarithmic functions with applications; and trigonometric functions with applications. In addition to several mathematical modeling projects, students also study sequences and series, permutations, combinations, and probability.

The Precalculus Advanced (Honors) course includes a review of second-year algebra; first- and second-degree equations with applications; inequalities including absolute values with applications; functions; graphs; polynomial and rational functions with applications; exponential and logarithmic functions with applications; and trigonometric functions with applications. In addition to several mathematical modeling projects, students also study graphing in polar coordinates, vectors and their applications, mathematical induction, sequences and series, permutations, combinations, and probability.

The underlying theme used throughout AP Calculus is to have students understand functions from the Rule of Four perspectives: graphic, numeric, algebraic and verbal. The material studied in this course includes limits; continuity; differentiation; applications of differentiation to increasing/decreasing functions, relative extrema, applications of extrema, concavity, inflection points, related rates, differentials, and local linearity; Rolle's theorem; mean value theorem for derivatives; indefinite and definite integration; the fundamental theorems of calculus; mean value of a function; mean value theorem for integrals; applications of integration to areas and volumes; definite integral as an accumulator; logarithmic and exponential functions including differentiation and integration; trigonometric functions including differentiation and integration; techniques of integration including algebraic and trigonometric substitutions, partial fractions (non-repeating linear factors) and integration by parts; solutions and applications of simple separable differential equations; numerical integration using Riemann sums and the trapezoidal rule; and L'Hopital's rule.

The underlying theme used throughout AP Calculus is to have students understand functions from the Rule of Four perspectives: graphic, numeric, algebraic and verbal. In the BC Calculus course, students study the topics listed in Calculus AB, and in addition they consider arc length and surfaces of revolution; applications of integration to work and to fluid pressure and fluid force; improper integrals; infinite series and the question of convergence; Taylor and Maclaurin series; power series, application of the ideas of calculus to functions given in parametric, polar and vector form; slope fields; numerical solution of differential equations using Euler's method; and solution of logistic differential equations and their use in modeling.

Students in Introduction to Computer Science Principles will join students in AP Computer Science Principles for the first term, learning programming, design thinking, and idea iteration. Students choosing to get a taste of computer programming in this course, without the fuller commitment required for the AP courses.

Computer Science Principles is a rigorous curriculum set designed to meet the standards of College Board’s AP Computer Science Principles framework. The course places a heavy emphasis on pair programming, design thinking, and encouraging students to iterate on their ideas, with the goal of creating intrinsic motivation in students while also giving them a solid understanding of what it’s like to work as a professional developer in the real world. To help foster student motivation and build confidence, the course makes clear that in addition to submitting their Create Task to the College Board for review, students can and should also submit their app for review to Apple, with the ultimate goal of putting their app on the App Store and getting real world users!

In AP Computer Science, students focus on developing the critical thinking and other necessary problem-solving skills that allow us to view the world in a different manner. We will do this through the study of the Java programming language, designing programs to solve real world problems, and rigorous preparation for the AP Computer Science examination. Students will not only develop basic competency in elementary computer science topics, but they will also develop the ability to see how computer scientists have the capacity to change the world.