MATH

Empowering students with the opportunities to develop mathematical/computer science skills to become skillful problem solvers in the world around them.

​“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” -Albert Einstein

Algebra 1                                               

CPS/Honors 1 Credit Grade 9

Where in the world does “X” come from? This course inspires students by analyzing the places where we can find linear, exponential, and quadratic functions in our everyday lives. Examples of this include testing the strength of an object in order to predict the load capacity of a bridge, determining the costs of materials and analyzing profit to create a successful business, and modeling bacteria growth through probability. (The honors level course provides a more in-depth study of Algebra with faster pacing.)

Geometry                                                

CPS 1 Credit Grade 10

One element of mathematics that can be found in almost every aspect of our world is geometry. Whether it’s a man-made construction that involves the use of Pythagorean Theorem, or the symmetry of regular polygons that we see in road signs and other aesthetics in our environment, or parallel and perpendicular lines like the streets of major cities in the United States such as New York City, we have Geometry all around us and in this course we will learn to recognize these Geometric properties in our environment and how to use them to solve problems. This course is an integrated study of plane and coordinate geometric concepts of two- and three-dimensional figures. The students will use inductive and deductive reasoning and logic to prove geometric concepts, and will apply formulas to solve various geometric problems. We have a few culminating hands-on projects that include using indirect measurement and right triangle trigonometry to measure tall objects around the school campus. Students should successfully complete Algebra 1 prior to enrolling in this course.

Geometry                                                

Honors 1 Credit Grade 10

Geometric structures are fundamental to life from atoms to plants to our universe.  Did you know about the Golden Ratio and how this design is used in art and architecture?  Do you want to think logically? Geometry is an integrated study of plane and coordinate geometric concepts of two- and three-dimensional figures. Through simulations, students will learn some of the key geometric concepts.  Students will use logical reasoning to prove geometric concepts, and will apply formulas to solve various geometric problems. The pace is faster than the CPS course and the scope is more in-depth with the students being presented with more difficult and challenging problems, including, but not limited to, geometric proofs. We have a few culminating hands-on projects, one of which includes using indirect measurement and right triangle trigonometry to measure tall objects around the school campus. Students should successfully complete Algebra 1 Honors prior to enrolling in this course.

Algebra 2                                                                           

CPS 1 Credit Grade 11

There is math in all real world problems.  In this class we will model projectile motion by launching a marshmallow from a catapult and then calculate the related quadratic equation;  we will also explore exponential growth and decay by researching a vehicle to purchase, then calculating loan interest and depreciation. Learning the associated math for each of these real world problems will allow you to be better prepared to work through those problems.  In this course students will extend topics introduced in Algebra 1 and learn to manipulate and apply more advanced functions and algorithms.  In addition to the above topics, other topics covered will include: Quadratic Functions, Graphing, Polynomials, Radical Functions, Exponential Functions, Logarithmic Functions and Rational Functions.  Students should successfully complete Algebra 1 and Geometry prior to enrolling in this course. 

Advanced Algebra 2                                                      

Honors 1 Credit Grade 9-11

There is math in all real world problems.  In this class we will model a system of linear equations through calculating the optimal minimum wage; we will model projectile motion through shooting a marshmallow from a catapult and then calculate the related quadratic equation;  we will use systems of inequalities to solve a Cookie Bake Shop dilemma of determining how to achieve the highest profit; we will model polynomials through building a container with the maximum volume for the amount of material given; Students will develop exponential models to analyze human population growth and explore the impact this growth will have in areas around the world.  Learning the associated math for each of these real world problems will allow you to be better prepared to work through those problems.  In this course students will extend topics introduced in Algebra I Honors and learn to manipulate and apply more advanced functions and algorithms.  In addition to the above topics, other topics covered will include: Linear Functions and Relations, Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities, Quadratic Functions, Graphing, Polynomials, Radical Functions, Rational Exponents, Exponential Functions, Logarithmic Functions and Rational Functions.   Students should successfully complete Algebra 1 Honors prior to enrolling in this course.

Pre-Calculus                                                                        

CPS 1 Credit Grade 11-12

Do you think Calculus is in your future?  This course will prepare you to take Calculus 1 in college.  The first part of the course covers trigonometry from right to oblique triangles and circles to sound waves, including unit circle trig, solving trig equations, trig identities, proofs and analyzing periodic functions.  The second part of the course provides graphic and algebraic exploration of exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions as they apply to financing a mortgage or auto loan, and future values of savings and retirement accounts.  Students should successfully complete Algebra 2 prior to enrolling in this course.

Pre-Calculus                                                                        

Honors 1 Credit Grade 11-12

Do you think Calculus is in your future, either in high school or college?  This course will prepare you to take Calculus A/B as a Nipmuc senior or Calculus 1 in college.  The first part of the course covers trigonometry from right to oblique triangles and circles to sound waves, including unit circle trig, solving trig equations, trig identities, proofs and analyzing periodic functions.  The second part of the course provides graphic and algebraic exploration of exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions as they apply to financing a mortgage or auto loan, and future values of savings and retirement accounts.  This honors level course covers material at a more rigorous pace than the CPS level course.  Students should successfully complete Algebra 2 and Geometry prior to enrolling in this course.

Statistics                                                                                  

CPS/Honors 1 Credit Grade 10-12

Statistics is much more than making graphs and calculating the mean, median, and mode.  Rather, it is using data to evaluate claims and make predictions. You will answer such questions as “Does drinking caffeine affect your pulse rate?” (experimental design); “How do the characteristics of an interviewer affect the responses to a survey?” (bias); and “Do the majority of couples kiss to the right?” (statistical inference).  This isn’t a typical math class. You don’t need to remember how to factor a polynomial, graph a sine curve, or prove that triangles are congruent. However, this doesn’t mean the class will be easy! In this course you will need good critical thinking and communication skills. You will NEVER ask: “When will we ever use this?”  Problems are almost always based on real-world studies in a variety of fields.  Statistics is required for many majors in college -  do some research for yourself and see. Students should successfully complete Algebra 2 prior to enrolling in this course. 

Advanced Placement Statistics                                                   

AP 1 Credit Grade 11-12

Statistics is much more than making graphs and calculating the mean, median, and mode.  Rather, it is using data to evaluate claims and make predictions. You will answer such questions as “Does drinking caffeine affect your pulse rate?” (experimental design); “How do the characteristics of an interviewer affect the responses to a survey?” (bias); and “Do the majority of couples kiss to the right?” (statistical inference).  This isn’t a typical math class. You don’t need to remember how to factor a polynomial, graph a sine curve, or prove that triangles are congruent. However, this doesn’t mean the class will be easy! In this fast-paced AP course you will need good critical thinking and communication skills. You will NEVER ask: “When will we ever use this?”  Problems are almost always based on real-world studies in a variety of fields.  Statistics is required for many majors in college do some research for yourself and see.  Curriculum, pacing and rigor will follow the College Board guidelines.  Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May in order to receive AP credit for the course.  Students should successfully complete Algebra 2 prior to enrolling in this course.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB                                             

AP 1 Credit Grade 12

Learn to model aspects of the physical world through the language of math.  In this class we will go on the same journey that Newton and Leibniz undertook in the discovery of calculus.  The AP Calculus course is designed to prepare the student to pursue calculus at a higher level in college as well as prepare the students for the AP Calculus AB Exam. The preparation includes learning the mathematical concepts and preparing for the difficulty level and style of the AP Calculus AB Exam. Students will work in a variety of formats that will challenge their ability to apply and explain the concepts in addition to being able to compute answers. The quizzes, tests, and review sessions at the end of the course are designed to assess the student’s knowledge in a manner consistent with the AP Exam.   Curriculum, pacing and rigor will follow the College Board guidelines.  Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May in order to receive AP credit for the course.  Students should successfully complete Pre-Calculus Honors or Calculus A with Pre-Calculus prior to enrolling in this course.