Mathematics

MATHEMATICS


Students in Mathematics will strategically apply mathematical concepts and skills by working with complex problems in order to develop their logical reasoning and ability to create expressions that are both concrete and abstract.


The Mathematics Department offers courses that meet a range of needs, from math for successful daily living to preparation for a career in mathematics. All math courses foster the development of problem-solving and critical thinking as well as computational skills.


Required Courses: All students are required to earn 4.0 credits in mathematics. In addition all students are required to meet the mathematics performance standard and successfully complete a minimum of one year of Algebra I.


Recommended Courses: The Mathematics Department recommends that you consult the charts below to determine the most appropriate course for you to select. Remember that all prerequisites listed in the course descriptions including minimum grade requirements and teacher recommendations must be met. NOTE: If students would like to accelerate their sequence in Mathematics, to access Advanced Placement courses, students may double up with Geometry and Algebra II.


Advanced Placement: The Mathematics Department offers three Advanced Placement Courses – Advanced Placement Calculus AB, Advanced Placement Calculus BC, and Advanced Placement Statistics. Advanced Placement courses are nationally recognized programs of study that prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination and to receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.


MATHEMATICS COURSES

NOTE: If students would like to accelerate their sequence in Mathematics, to access Advanced Placement courses, students may double up with Geometry and Algebra II.



MATHEMATICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ALGEBRA I

Grade 9 (1.0 Credits) Level 2

Levels: 2-402100, 3-403102

This course formalizes and extends the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. Students will deepen and extend their understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Students also engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. The Level 3 Algebra 1 is 1.5 credits as it includes additional periods – 1.0 of these credits count towards the Mathematics requirement.

ALGEBRA II

Grade 9,10,11 (1.0 Credits)

Levels: 1-401105, 2-402105, 3-403330


Building on their work with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, students extend their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions. Students work closely with the expressions that define the functions and continue to expand and hone their abilities to model situations and to solve equations, including solving quadratic equations over the set of complex numbers and solving exponential equations using the properties of logarithms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of or enrollment in Geometry.

GEOMETRY

Grade 9, 10 (1.0 Credits) Level 1 & 2

Levels: 1-401200, 2-402200, 3-403202


This course formalizes and extends students’ geometric experiences. Students explore complex geometric situations and deepen their explanations of geometric relationships, moving towards formal mathematical arguments. Transformations are emphasized early in this course. Prerequisite: Algebra I or II. The Level 3 Geometry is 1.5 credits as it includes additional periods – 1.0 of these credits count towards the Mathematics requirement.

PRECALCULUS

Grade 11,12 (1.0 Credits)

Levels: 1-401300, 2-402300


Students will transform and investigate a wide variety of functions, including polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions. An introduction to sequences and series will transition naturally to calculus. Dynamic/cognitive software is used in homework and practice with seamless integration of math technology. Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II.

STATISTICS WITH PROBABILITY

Grade 11,12 (1.0 Credits)

Level: 2-402316


This course begins with collection, organization, analysis and interpretation of raw data and then introduces the student to probability theory, extending through permutations, combinations, and successive events. It then continues with an introduction of Distribution and Sampling Theory including measures and correlation. Prerequisite: Algebra II.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS

Grade 11,12 (1.0 Credits)

Level: AP-400300

This course will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The course is organized around four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and statistical inferences. Students will learn to effectively communicate solutions to open-ended problems using the appropriate statistical terminology, and will use the statistical functions on the TI-84 graphing calculator daily. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam given in the spring. Prerequisite: Algebra II. If taken during sophomore or junior year, student must enroll in an additional math class.


ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB

Grade 12 (1.0 Credits)

Level: AP-400400

Advanced Placement Calculus AB is primarily concerned with developing the students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically and verbally. The connections among these representations also are important. All topics on the AP Calculus AB exam are covered. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam given in the spring Prerequisite: Precalculus Level 1.


ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC

Course Grade 12 (1.0 Credits)

Level: AP-400401


This class is for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in prior math courses. This course is equivalent to two semesters of college-level calculus. Topics include limit theory, differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions and applications of derivatives and integrals. Parametric and polar equations, advanced techniques of integration, differential equations and infinite series will also be covered. The graphing calculator is used extensively in this course. The course requires a summer assignment and independent work on the part of the student. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam given in the spring. Prerequisite: Level 1 Precalculus. Course offered for UCONN ECE credit for Math 1131/Math 1132 at Foran High School.



CALCULUS

Grade 12 (1.0 Credits)

Level: ES-40E400


This course will cover differential and integral calculus of polynomial, exponential and trigonometric functions. Both theory and application are included.

Prerequisite: Precalculus.

ADV. MATHEMATICS DECISION MAKING A (AMDM A)

Grade 12 (.5 Credits)

Level: 2- 402210


Throughout this course, students will be completing activities that extend the mathematical skills from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. This course will focus on the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice while analyzing numerical data, using probability and looking at statistical studies. A variety of real-world applications will be examined. The course emphasizes statistics and financial applications and it prepares students to use algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and discrete mathematics to model a range of situations and solve problems. The modeling focus will prepare students to use mathematics skills and quantitative approaches to problem solving in various disciplines. Prerequisite: Algebra II.

ADV. MATHEMATICS DECISION MAKING B (AMDM B)

Grade 12 (.5 Credits)

Level: 2- 402211

Throughout this course, students will be completing activities that extend the mathematical skills from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. This course will focus on the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice while using recursion in models and decision making, using function in models and decision making, decision making in Finance and looking at Networks and Graphs. A variety of real-world applications will be examined. The course emphasizes statistics and financial applications and it prepares students to use algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and discrete mathematics to model a range of situations and solve problems. The modeling focus will prepare students to use mathematics skills and quantitative approaches to problem solving in various disciplines. Prerequisite: Algebra II.

MATHEMATICS OF SPORTS AND GAME THEORY

Grade 12 (0.5 Credits)

Level: 2-402415


Students will investigate the connection between mathematical models and sports. Students will apply concepts from physics including projectile motion and measurement, and also statistical concepts such as those used in tracking player performance. Students will apply laws of probability, statistics and game theory through the models of well-known games and sports. Fundamental laws of probability will be developed and applied to games.

MATH FOR TECHNICAL CAREERS

Grade 12 (.5 Credits)

Level: 2- 402410

Mathematical applications related to skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical, construction, HVAC, automotive and design. Independent units dedicated to each trade focusing on the mathematical thinking behind day to day skills for potential career paths. Guest speakers and application projects will be utilized throughout the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2.

SAT MATH

Grade 11,12 (.5 Credits)

405164

SAT Review is an interactive course designed for students who are preparing for the PSAT or SAT. The course stresses self-motivation and consistent application to improve math skills and problem-solving techniques. This course is recommended for Juniors in their Second Semester and Seniors in their First Semester. Pass/Fail. (4 days)