MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Tappan Zee High School follows the recommendations set forth by the New York State Education Department and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics by offering courses in Mathematics and Computer Science for all students.

Math Electives

Math Analysis

Full Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Algebra II

This course provides a fourth year of mathematics for seniors who have completed the Algebra II Regents course or the Algebra II Non-Regents course. It provides an opportunity for students to develop and maintain college level math skills in their senior year. The topics include real number analysis, quadratic equations, inequalities and absolute value equations and polynomials. Students will use applications of trigonometry, systems of equations, the laws of exponents and logarithms. Additional topics include SAT review and real-life financial math.


Data Science (11, 12)

Full Year, 1 credit

There is a growing demand for students to learn how to effectively interact with data. This course will introduce students to the main concepts in data science. Students will explore data trends by applying their understanding of data analysis, sampling, correlation versus causation, bias and uncertainty, probability, and modeling with data. Students will also develop communication and collaboration skills to make the necessary data-based arguments to explain the data trends.


Linear Algebra

One Semester : ½ Credit

Linear Algebra is a challenging college level course that introduces the students to a variety of topics: matrix operations, systems of linear equations, determinants, Euclidean vector spaces, general vector spaces, inner product spaces, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and linear transformations. An emphasis will be placed on exploring the practical aspects and uses of Linear Algebra in relation to the real world and careers. Students will experience a sample of the type of math that they will experience as a math major in college.

Pre-Calculus

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra II Regents

This course would follow after successful completion of three years of Regents math courses. This course covers real number systems, analytic geometry, trigonometric functions, conics and transformations, parametric equations, functions, theory of polynomial equations including complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices and determinants, partial fractions, brief introduction to limits. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.


Pre-Calculus Honors

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors and Departmental Approval

This course would follow after successful completion of three years of Regents math courses. This course covers real number systems, analytic geometry, trigonometric functions, conics and transformations, parametric equations, functions, theory of polynomial equations including complex numbers, polar coordinates, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices and determinants, partial fractions, and sequences and series, vector analysis, and a brief introduction to differential calculus and applications. Approximately 20% of the course will cover the material in more depth or include additional topics. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.


Calculus

Full Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus and Departmental Approval
This course provides an introduction to the main concepts of Calculus, but it does not provide an opportunity for any college credit. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives and applications, integrals and applications, differential equations and slope fields. . This course is recommended for students who desire an introduction to college level Calculus. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

AP math Courses

Advanced Placement Calculus AB

Full Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus Honors and Departmental Approval

This rigorous and demanding college-level course in Calculus is equivalent to a one-semester course of first-year college level calculus. This course follows the College Board AP Calculus AB Course Exam Description, which is available for download at apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses. This limits, continuity, an in-depth study of the derivative including techniques of differentiation and applications of the derivative; the concept of the integral and applications of integration; the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; differential equations, and slope fields. This course meets for an additional class period every other day. Students are expected to take the AP Calculus AB examination in May. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course.


Advanced Placement Calculus BC

Full Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors and Departmental Approval

This face-paced and demanding course is the equivalent of a full first-year two-semester college level calculus course. This course follows the College Board AP Calculus BC Course Exam Description, which is available for download at apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses. This includes the topics of limits and continuity, differentiation, analytical and contextual applications of differentiation, integration and accumulation of change, differential equations, applications of integrations, parametric equations, polar coordinates and vector-valued functions, and infinite sequences and series. This course meets for an additional class period every other day. Students are expected to take the AP Calculus BC examination in May. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course.


Advanced Placement Statistics

Full Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors, Pre-Calculus (H) or department approval

This course introduces students to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data through observing patterns and departures from patterns, planning a study, anticipating patterns in advance, producing models using probability and simulation, statistical inference, and confirming models. All students enrolled are expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistical Examination in May. It is recommended that those students enrolled in the Science Research Course take the AP Statistics course. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course.

Computer science Electives

Intro to Gaming

Full Year: 1 Credit

This course will give students an introduction to coding and gaming through experiences with a variety of programs such as Scratch, Construct3, Unity, Piskelap, and Animations and Games (CS Discoveries through code.org). Students will learn from hands on experience the process of coding for games and apps.

Computer Science I

Half Year (Fall): ½ Credit

This introductory course will implement significant language features, programming practices and application programs using Python programming language. Topics covered include developing programs, logic, debugging code, graphics, variables, looping structures, lists, and dictionaries. Sophomores, juniors and seniors may elect to earn 3 college credits at reduced tuition rates from STAC.

Computer Science II

Half Year (Spring): ½ Credit

Prerequisite: Computer Science I

This course expands the programming practices explored in Computer Science I. Students write programs using the Java programming language. Topics covered include variables, conditional control statements, loops, Strings, methods, classes and arrays. Sophomores, juniors and seniors may elect to earn 3 college credits at reduced tuition rates from STAC.


Computer Science Capstone

Full Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science Java can be repeated

The focus of this course is to provide a broad range of programming experience in the exciting field of Computer Science. Students will produce a portfolio of projects. The course will be project based and include applications to design computer programs that solve practical computational problems by programming the Web and writing data analysis programs in a modern high-level languages. Students will learn languages, tools, and techniques for developing interactive, dynamic web content. Throughout the course you will learn many fundamental concepts vital in the study of computer science through learning multiple languages including Python, web programming, data programming, iOS, Android and Swift.






AP Computer science COURSES

AP Computer Science Principles

Full Year: 1 Credit

AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) curriculum is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Computing affects almost all aspects of modern life and all students deserve access to a computing education that prepares them to pursue the wide array of intellectual and career opportunities that computing has made possible. This course seeks to provide students with a “future proof” foundation in computing principles so that they are adequately prepared with both the knowledge and skills to live and meaningfully participate in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture.

AP Computer Science A (JAVA)

Full Year: 1 Credit

Advanced Placement Computer Science A is equivalent to a first semester, college level course in computer science. This course continues with key Java programming concepts including loop structures, strings, methods, classes, inheritance, constructors, encapsulation, polymorphism and instantiation. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data, algorithms and social implications of computing. The AP Computer Science A course includes a minimum of 20 hours of hands on structured lab experiences to engage students in individual or group problem solving.

co-curricular (Teams, clubs, honor societies)