Math

MISSION STATEMENT: It is the goal of the NHS Mathematics department to move forward from simply teaching students to recall facts and memorize procedures.  In order for students to be successful in higher education, the military, or in the workforce, they need to learn skills that will allow them to solve problems and use technology in appropriate ways. Although it is impossible to teach every topic that each student needs to know for their chosen career path, it is our goal that students will be able to apply what is learned in our classes at NHS to their future.

Please see each course description for specific calculator requirements. The following calculators will meet the requirements for most courses a student may plan to take.

Course Progression Flow Chart

Pre-Algebra (35100/35150)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 9, with qualifying criteria

Prerequisites: Middle school placement, or department chair recommendation                          

NOTE: In general, degree-granting institutions in the United States, including all Wisconsin public and private colleges and universities, will not accept this course as fulfilling a mathematics entrance requirement. Technical colleges will accept this course.

This course is an intervention level course designed for students who are below district benchmark levels and indicate a critical need for additional math support. It provides large group, small group, and individualized instruction and offers access to adaptive online learning tools and software. The course focuses on core skills across all math domains, with an emphasis on full preparation for future success in Algebra 1.

Activities: Lectures, small-group discussions, and individualized instruction.

Cost:  A scientific calculator is required. (A Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS is recommended.)

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Algebra 1 (35380/35390)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None                          

Algebra aims to deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations, and inequalities, and systems; extending these skills to solving quadratic and exponential functions; exploring functions, including sequences, graphically, numerically, symbolically and verbally; and using regression techniques to analyze the fit of models to distributions of data. 

On a daily basis, students in Algebra use problem solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments to justify their thinking. Students learn in collaboration with others, sharing information, expertise, and ideas. The course is well-balanced between procedural fluency (algorithms and basic skills), deep conceptual understanding, strategic competence (problem solving), and adaptive reasoning (extension and transference).  

Topics covered during this course include simplifying and solving systems of equations, sequences, modeling two-variable data, exponential functions, quadratic functions, quadratics and inequalities, solving complex equations, functions, and data.

Cost:  A scientific calculator is required. (A Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS is recommended.)

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Geometry (35720/35730)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 1                         

Geometry aims to formalize and extend the geometry that students have learned in previous courses.  It does this by focusing on establishing triangle congruence criteria using rigid motions and formal constructions, building a formal understanding of similarity based on dilations and proportional reasoning, developing the concepts of formal proof, exploring the properties of two- and three-dimensional objects, working within the rectangular coordinate system to verify geometric relationships, proving basic theorems about circles, and using the language of set theory to compute and interpret probabilities for compound events.  

On a daily basis, students in Geometry use problem solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking.  Students learn in collaboration with others, sharing information, expertise, and ideas.  The course is well balanced between procedural fluency (algorithms and basic skills), deep conceptual understanding, strategic competence (problem solving), and adaptive reasoning (extension and transference).  

Topics covered during this course include shapes and transformations, angles and measurement, justification and similarity, trigonometry and probability, trigonometry and triangle toolkit, congruent triangles, proofs and quadrilaterals, polygons and circles, solids and constructions, circles and expected values.

Cost:  A scientific calculator is required. (A Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS is recommended.)

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Computer Science 2 (35520)

.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: *AP Computer Science Principles or Computer Science Essentials 2. Geometry if taken for Math credit.

NOTE: This course may be taken to satisfy a portion of the Math requirements IF a student has completed Geometry.

NOTE: In Order for Computer Science 2 to qualify for CAPP, students must take both Computer Science 2 and AP Computer Science A in succession; in the same school year. 

NOTE: This course is equivalent to Computer Science 1 when taken prior to the 2023-2024 school year.

NOTE: Recommended for the Information Technology career cluster within the NHS Business and Information Technology Academy.

Students will learn to write, edit, debug, comment, and run computer programs using Java programming language. The software will be constructed using Netbeans 7 and the Java Developers toolkit. Emphasis will be on program planning and structure using the basic fundamentals of object-oriented design.

Activities: Writing, documenting and debugging basic software programs. Group work, individualized instruction, demonstration, stepping through existing programs, and problem-solving.

Cost: None

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FUSION Project Based Learning Academy

Open to Grades 9 & 10

Prerequisites: Application and Teacher Recommendation

Visit the FUSION Academy page for application and sign-up information.

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College Mathematics (35950/35960)

1 credit (2 semesters) 

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry                      

Course content: College Math is designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics in the areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement and data. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections, and using calculators.  The following topics are covered during the course: algebra and equations, percents, measurement, geometry, statistics.

Activities: Lectures, group discussions, individual instruction.

Student Cost: $20 to support the cost of My Labs software. A scientific calculator is required. (A Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS is recommended.)

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Consumer Mathematics (36100/36150)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 1                      

NOTE: In general, degree-granting institutions in the United States, including all Wisconsin public and private colleges and universities, will not accept this course as fulfilling a mathematics entrance requirement. Technical colleges will accept this course.

This course will provide an opportunity for students to apply basic math and problem-solving skills to the real world. This course covers a variety of consumer-related topics including bank reconciliation, investments, earning money, recreation and sports, buying food and clothes, managing a household, home improvements, buying and maintaining a car, budgeting, traveling, paying taxes, simple probability, and basic math application in a variety of different professions.

Activities: Lectures, group discussions, individual instruction, in-class activities and projects.

Cost: None

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Algebra 2 (36220/36240)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry                         

Algebra 2 aims to apply and extend what students have learned in previous courses by focusing on finding connections between multiple representations of functions, transformations of different function families, finding zeros of polynomials and connecting them to graphs and equations of polynomials, modeling periodic phenomena with trigonometry, and understanding the role of randomness and the normal distribution in making statistical conclusions. 

On a daily basis, students in Algebra 2 use problem solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments to justify their thinking. Students learn in collaboration with others, sharing information, expertise, and ideas. The course is well balanced between procedural fluency (algorithms and basic skills), deep conceptual understanding, strategic competence (problem solving), and adaptive reasoning (extension and transference).  

Topics in Algebra 2 include investigations and functions, transformation of parent graphs, equivalent forms, solving and intersections, inverses and logarithms, 3-D graphing and logarithms, trigonometric functions, polynomials, using surveys to make inferences, series, sample-to-sample variability, and analytic trigonometry.

CostA scientific calculator is required. (A Texax Instruments TI-30XIIS is recommended.)

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Explorations in Data Science (36455/36446)

Open to:                                          Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Length:                                            2 Semesters

Credits:                                            1 Credit

Prerequisite:                                  Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2
(or Teacher recommendation)

Course content: In the age of big data, the ability to extract valuable insights and make data-driven decisions is essential. Explorations in Data Science will provide a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts, techniques, and tools that empower individuals to analyze, interpret, and visualize data for various applications.  This course will prepare students for future studies in data science, computer science, and related fields while also providing practical skills that can be applied in various careers and everyday life. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in data science and the ability to harness the power of data for informed decision-making.


Course Activities: Students will develop data literacy by collecting, analyzing, and preparing various data types for use in a wide variety of scenarios, including creating visualizations, collaborating with teammates, and utilizing a variety of tools and technologies.

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College Tech Math (35970/35980)

1 credit (2 semesters) 

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2                

Course Content: College Tech Math engages students in solving linear, quadratic, and rational equations; graphing; formula rearrangement; solving systems of equations; percents; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; right and oblique triangle trigonometry; trigonometric functions on the unit circle; and operations on polynomials. 

Emphasis will be on the application of skills needed to solve technical problems.  The following topics are covered during this course: whole numbers, fractions, and percent; measurement; signed numbers, scientific notation and exponents; linear equations, ratio, proportion, and variation; graphs of equations and functions; geometry; right triangle trigonometry; vectors and trig functions of any angle; systems of equations and formulas; polynomials and factoring; rational expressions; and quadratic equations.

Activities: Lectures, group discussions, individual instruction.

Student Cost: $20 to support the cost of My Labs software. A scientific calculator is required.

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*AP Pre-Calculus (36500/36550)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (or Teacher recommendation)                      

Content: AP Precalculus prepares you for other college-level mathematics and science courses. During the course, students will explore everyday situations using mathematical tools and lenses. Students will also develop an understanding of modeling and functions and examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework outlines the content and skills needed for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science.

Activities:  Lectures, small group discussions, individualized instruction.

Cost: It is required that all students purchase a Texas Instruments graphing calculator for this class. A TI-89   calculator is recommended for those students who plan to take calculus at NHS in the future.

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*Statistics & Probability (36400, CAPP)

.5 credit (1 semester) 

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 2    

Content: This course includes a study of elementary probability theory, binomial probability distribution, and normal distributions. Further topics include a study of sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation. 

Activities: Lectures, small group discussions, individualized instruction 

Cost:  A TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended for this course. Students without a graphing calculator are required to have a scientific calculator. A TI-30XIIS is recommended.

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*AP Statistics (36430/36440)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 2    

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.


College credit may be awarded for the successful completion of this course and for high achievement on the AP Exam.  To check the AP credit policy at your choice college(s), visit: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search/filters.  Search by college name and then navigate to the Academics Tab.


Content:  This course allows students to continue developing their quantitative, critical thinking and communication skills by introducing four major concepts: 

  (1) exploring & finding patterns in data

  (2) designing & analyzing results of experiments, surveys and studies

  (3) understanding randomness & probability

  (4) understanding & using statistical inference.  

Students will use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding of each concept.  This course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. 

 

Activities:   Lectures, group discussions, computer/calculator activities, individual instruction.

Technology Integration:  Students will use ChromeBooks, calculators, and online resources within this class.

Cost: AP exam fee if taken. Students are required to have one of the following graphing calculators for this course: TI-84 Plus or TI-Nspire CX CAS.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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*AP Calculus AB (36600/36630)

1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 10-11-12

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus    

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.

NOTE: Be advised that students are required to complete a basic review and set of assignments during the summer prior to taking this course.

Content: The course will include a brief review of trigonometry, analytic geometry, and theory of functions. Differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions,  with the application of each, comprise the main content of the course. Students who choose to take the AP exam will have covered the material on the AB Calculus exam.

Activities: Lectures, small group discussions, computer/calculator activities, individualized instruction.

Cost: There is an exam fee if the AP exam is taken. Students are required to have one of the following graphing calculators for this course: TI-84, TI-89 or TI-Nspire CX CAS.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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*AP Calculus BC (36700/36730)

1 credit (2 semesters) ; UW-Oshkosh CAPP credits: 4

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 2    

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP® class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.

NOTE: This course is approved for CAPP credit at UW Oshkosh. All CAPP classes are pending annual approval. To see how/if credits transfer to other UW schools check the transfer wizard at http://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/wizards/

Content: The material covered in this course is equivalent to that which is covered in two semesters of college calculus, Math 171 and 172, at UW-Oshkosh. Students who meet enrollment requirements and choose to take this course for CAPP credit will earn 4 college credits from UW-Oshkosh upon successful completion of the course. Students who choose to take the AP® exam will have covered the material on the Calculus BC exam. 

Activities:  Lectures, small group discussions, computer/calculator activities, individualized instruction.

Cost: There is a university fee if taken for CAPP credit, or an exam fee if the AP exam is taken. Students are required to have one of the following graphing calculators for this course: TI-89 or TI-Nspire CX CAS.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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*Calculus 3 (36800)

.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: AP Calculus BC. Students who have earned a 4or 5 on the AP Calculus BC test or have successfully completed UW-Oshkosh’s Math 172 through the CAPP program will be allowed to take this course for college credit.

NOTE: This course is approved for CAPP credit at UW Oshkosh. All CAPP courses are pending annual approval. To see how/if credits transfer to other UW schools check the transfer wizard at http://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/wizards/

Content: This course will be taught through a local university at Neenah High School through the CAPP program. The course will cover topics that include analytic geometry of three dimensions, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration and introduction to differential equations.

Activities:  Lectures,  small group discussions,  computer/calculator activities, and individualized instruction.

Cost: There is a university fee if taken for CAPP credit. Students are required to have one of the following graphing calculators for this course: TI-89 or TI-Nspire CX CAS.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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*Linear Algebra (36900)

.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Calculus 3

Content: An introductory course to linear algebra based on the study of matrices, with an emphasis on situations that can be interpreted geometrically in the plane or in space. Topics include: matrix operations, systems of linear equations, determinants, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, properties often with an emphasis on R2 and R3 and applications of each of these topics. Most computation will be done on TI-89 or equivalent technology.

Activities: Lectures, small group discussions, individualized instruction. 

Cost: Students are required to have one of the following graphing calculators for this course: TI-89 or TI-Nspire CX CAS.

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