Mathematics
The Mathematics Department offerings afford students the opportunity to interact with mathematics at the level most commensurate with their abilities.
The typical sequence of courses that Owen J. Roberts High School students select is presented in the chart below. The chart is divided into instructional levels and is intended to give an overview of the required courses from which students can choose. It is only a guide to assist students and families in the registration process. A student’s course selections are not limited to the sequences shown. Each student should consult his/her teachers, school counselor, and families to determine the appropriate courses and sequence that best supports his/her academic and career goals. The academic levels – Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB), Honors (H), College Prep (CP) and Standard (ST) - indicate the general level of instruction of the courses.
ALGEBRA PART 1
Grade(s): 9-11 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Traditional: 02122 Periods/cycle: 5
This course develops algebraic concepts. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and stresses Keystone Algebra topics. The selection of Algebra Parts 1 and 2 will place the student in a two year course that will cover topics of a first year algebra course. This course is not open to students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 or above.
ALGEBRA PART 2
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra Part 1 or Algebra 1 Part A (8th grade)
Traditional: 02132 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is a continuation of Algebra Part 1, and must be completed to fulfill an Algebra 1 requirement. The course stresses Keystone Algebra topics.
ALGEBRA 1
Grade(s): 9-10 Credit(s): 1.0 or 1.2 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Traditional: 02115 Periods/cycle: 5
02112 6*
This course organizes previously learned arithmetic concepts and provides students with the basic concepts, definitions, and fundamental skills necessary to understand Algebra 1. Students who plan to enroll in a post-secondary school program should consider this course. A graphing calculator is recommended for this course.
*An additional period of math support is incorporated to provide additional instruction, activities, and practice with course concepts.
COLLEGE PREP GEOMETRY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1B (8th grade) or Algebra 1 or Algebra Part 2
Traditional: 02222C Periods/cycle: 5
This course introduces topics of Euclidean geometry. The main emphasis is placed on applications of geometry and of algebra skills in geometry. College bound students should take this course before taking college entrance exams. Teacher-led discussions, with constant repetition, is the method of teaching used in the course. A scientific calculator is recommended.
COLLEGE PREP GEOMETRY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1B (8th grade) or Algebra 1 or Algebra Part 2
Traditional: 02222 Periods/cycle: 5
This course introduces topics of Euclidean geometry. Mathematical proof is introduced, but the main emphasis is placed on applications of geometry and of algebra skills in geometry. College bound students should take this course before taking college entrance exams. A scientific calculator is recommended.
HONORS GEOMETRY
Grade(s): 9-11 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1B (8th grade) or Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors (8th grade)
Traditional: 02211 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is an accelerated version of Geometry for students who demonstrate advanced mathematics ability. More emphasis is placed on the deductive proof than in College Prep Geometry. A scientific calculator is required.
IB MATHEMATICS: APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATION SL *YEAR 1
Grade(s): 11 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB/DE
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP Algebra 2 or H Algebra 2
Traditional: 02950 Periods/cycle: 5
This course caters to students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. This course focuses on topics that are needed to prepare students for calculus and statistic topics in an application to the real-world, such as algebraic concepts and theories, expansion on functions, problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, statistics and sequences. It meets the needs of students whose interest in mathematics is more practical than theoretical but yet seek challenging content. A graphing calculator is required for this class.
* The requirements of this course necessitate a two-year offering.
IB MATHEMATICS: APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATION SL *YEAR 2
Grade(s): 12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB/DE
Length: Year Fee: IB Exam fee
Prerequisite: IB Mathematics & Interpretation SL Year 1
Traditional: 02960 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is a continuation of IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL Year 1. The course caters to students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. This course will focus on topics that are needed to prepare students for calculus and statistic topics in an application to the real-world, such as algebraic concepts and theories, expansion on functions and equations involving exponential and logarithmic equations, trigonometry, and the unit circle, statistics and sequences. It is intended to meet the needs of students whose interest in mathematics is more practical than theoretical but seek more challenging content. This course is the second year of the two-year course and will focus more on the Calculus and Statistic components in application to the real-world. A graphing calculator is required for this class.
* The requirements of this course necessitate a two-year offering.
COLLEGE PREP ALGEBRA 2
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1/1B or Geometry
Traditional: 02312C Periods/cycle: 5
This course continues to develop concepts of Algebra 1 and Geometry with focus on developing concepts in a group setting. Teacher-led discussions, with constant repetition, is the method of teaching used in the course. It expands topics introduced in Algebra 1 and introduces more advanced algebra topics. A graphing calculator is recommended.
COLLEGE PREP ALGEBRA 2
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1/1B or Geometry
Traditional: 02312 Periods/cycle: 5
This course continues to develop concepts of Algebra 1 and Geometry. It expands topics introduced in Algebra 1 and introduces more advanced algebra topics. A graphing calculator is recommended.
HONORS ALGEBRA 2
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Honors Geometry
Traditional: 02311 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is an accelerated version of Algebra 2 for students who demonstrate exceptional ability in mathematics. It includes advanced topics in algebra. A graphing calculator is required.
APPLIED MATH TOPICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: ST
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Traditional: 02413 Periods/cycle: 5
This course focuses upon every day consumer problems where mathematics skills must be applied. The primary objective is to develop competency in solving consumer problems through exploration, discussion, application, the use of algebra, and special projects. A focus on life math skills such as budgets, taxes, loans, mortgages, and banking will be utilized in special projects.
COLLEGE PREP MATH TOPICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP Algebra 2 or CP Algebra 3/Trig
Traditional: 02412 Periods/cycle: 5
This course focuses on every day consumer problems requiring application of mathematical skills. The primary objective is to develop competency in solving consumer problems through exploration, discussion, application, the use of algebra, and special projects. A focus on life math skills such as budgets, taxes, loans, mortgages, banking will be utilized in the special projects.
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
Grade(s): 12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP Algebra 2 or CP Algebra 3/Trig
Traditional: 02442 Periods/cycle: 5
This course will focus on preparation for success on the college placement exams. The topics discussed in this course will go beyond high school math including matrices, probability and statistics (including permutations and combinations), right angle and non-right angle trigonometry, reciprocal trigonometric functions, sequences and series, logic, and set theory. Intertwined throughout the course will be regular practice of college placement assessments.
COLLEGE PREP ALGEBRA 3/TRIGONOMETRY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP Algebra 2 (02312) and CP ALGEBRA 2 (02312C)
Traditional: 02432 Periods/cycle: 5
This course takes the student through a thorough examination of fundamental algebraic operations, factoring, graphing, exponents, logarithms, linear equations, and inequalities and quadratic functions. Topics in trigonometry include applications of right and non-right triangles.
COLLEGE PREP PRECALCULUS
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP Algebra 2 or CP Algebra 3
Traditional: 02552 Periods/cycle: 5
Hybrid: 02541H Periods/cycle: 2
This course reviews and expands upon topics from Algebra 2 and introduces and develops concepts of trigonometry. In addition, elementary topics of calculus are introduced. A graphing calculator is recommended.
HONORS PRECALCULUS
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP or H Algebra 2 or CP Algebra 3
Traditional: 02541 Periods/cycle: 5
Hybrid: 02541H Periods/cycle: 2
Summer assignment required
This course is an accelerated and expanded version of Precalculus for students who demonstrate exceptional ability in mathematics and who plan to take either Honors Calculus or AP Calculus. Emphasis is placed on creating functions that model data sets, trigonometry including analytical trigonometry, and introducing elementary concepts of calculus. A graphing calculator is required.
COLLEGE PREP CALCULUS
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP or H Precalculus
Traditional: 02532 Periods/cycle: 5
This course introduces elementary topics of calculus including limits, continuity, curve sketching, differentiation, and integration. It is recommended for students who will need to take calculus in college. A graphing calculator is recommended.
HONORS CALCULUS
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP or H Precalculus
Traditional: 02521 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
This course introduces elementary topics of calculus including limits, continuity, curve sketching, differentiation, and
integration. It is recommended for students who will need to take calculus in college. A graphing calculator is required.
AP CALCULUS AB
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB/DE
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: CP or H Precalculus or H Calculus
Traditional: 02510 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) is a college level course designed for students with exceptional talent in mathematics. This course covers one semester of college calculus. Students in this course are expected to take the AB level AP Calculus examination. A graphing calculator is required.
AP CALCULUS BC
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB/DE
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB or H Calculus with a 4 or a 5 on the AP Calculus AB Exam
Traditional: 02520 Periods/cycle: 5
Advanced Placement Calculus (BC) is a college level course designed for students with exceptional talent in mathematics. This course covers one semester of college calculus. Students in this course are expected to take the BC level AP Calculus examination. A graphing calculator is required.
COLLEGE PREP STATISTICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP Algebra 2
Traditional: 02632 Periods/cycle: 5
This course will cover topics in statistics, probability and experimental design and will introduce topics related to inference and hypothesis testing. A graphing calculator is required.
AP STATISTICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB/DE
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: CP or H Precalculus or H Calculus
Traditional: 02610 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
This is a college level course intended for the student who shows exceptional aptitude and interest in statistics. Topics will cover a semester of college statistics. Students in this course are expected to take the AP Statistics exam. A graphing calculator is required.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB/DE
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Foundations of Programming (or passing score on District Programming Concepts Exam).
Traditional: 02730 Periods/cycle: 5
The AP Computer Science A course is an introductory course in computer science. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development, and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. Because the design and implementation of computer programs to solve problems involve skills that are fundamental to the study of computer science, a large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs, using the Java programming language, that correctly solve a given problem. There are no computing prerequisites for this AP course.
This course complements AP Computer Science Principles; students can take these courses in either order.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB/DE
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and one high school science class.
Traditional: 02740 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is equivalent to a college level introductory course in computing. The course is built around fundamentals of computing including analysis of computing innovations, problem solving, working with data, understanding the internet, cybersecurity and programming, and mobile app development. The AP assessment consists of two components: a multiple choice exam and a performance task for which students develop a working mobile app with a purpose. There are no computing prerequisites for this AP course.
This course complements AP Computer Science A; students can take these courses in either order.
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVES
FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING (PYTHON)
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: CP*
Length: Semester
Traditional: 02763 Periods/cycle: 5
This course introduces programming using the Python programming language. Students learn fundamental programming strategies and practices including learning to develop algorithms that incorporate sequence, selection, and iteration (looping). Students learn to work with variables, data types, conditional statements, and predefined methods. Also covered are programming strategies to avoid errors, documenting code, common kinds of exceptions and causes, working with strings and lists, including using loops to iterate over strings and lists, using boolean expressions and conditional statements to control program flow, methods used to transform lists and strings, procedural abstraction with functions and parameters, and an introduction to object oriented programming, including classes, constructors, instance variables, and methods.
Through interactive lessons and programming exercises, students gain basic programming skills and problem solving abilities. This course equips students with the foundational programming knowledge required to succeed in higher level programming activities and courses such as Game Design and AP Computer Science A.
*This course has been endorsed by West Chester University and has therefore been weighted at College Prep level.
GAME DESIGN
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: ST
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Foundations of Programming (or passing score on District Programming Concepts Exam).
Traditional: 02753 Periods/cycle: 5
Video Game Design teaches the foundations of computer science and programming through the development of video games. Students will combine many concepts of computer science to build several of their own games from scratch using JavaScript.
SAT MATH PREPARATION
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 0.17 Weight: No weight
Length: Term
Online/Asynchronous: 02813O Periods/cycle: 0
This course provides an opportunity for students planning to take the SAT to refine their test-taking skills, focus on sample questions, and practice in the area of mathematics only.