Math Department Pathways
Course Descriptions
Pre-Algebra
ACP
*This course does not meet the NCAA requirements.
*This course does not meet the CD requirement.
*Eligibility for this course will be based on teacher/Content Coordinator approval.
This course is offered to grade 9 students to prepare them for Algebra 1. This course can be the first math in a 4 year sequence with Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 to follow. Students who have not successfully passed math inmiddle school may be encouraged to take this course to build their foundational skills.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
● have a strong understanding of the positive, negative and rational numbers
● be able to solve simple equations
● have a basic understanding of geometric figures and principles
● be able to appropriately manipulate ratios, proportions, and percentages
● have an understanding of the rules and principles of inequalities
● have a basic understanding of graphing linear equations in a coordinate plane
● have knowledge and understanding of the basic equations for area and volume
● perform basic statistical analysis and simple probability
Honors or ACP
The concepts of algebra are introduced with an examination of the structure and the techniques of algebra, linear
equations, factoring, systems of equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, graphing, radicals, rational functions,
probability, and statistics. Real-world applications are integrated throughout the course. Students who took Algebra 1 in grade 8, but struggled are encouraged to retake Algebra 1 in grade 9.
Honors or ACP
This course covers the definitions, postulates, and theorems of plane geometry using a rigorous approach. Plane geometry, deductive reasoning and logic, areas and volumes of the plane and solid figures are also covered. Solids and three-dimensional space is explored and developed including surface area and volume. There is a special emphasis on coordinate and transformational geometry. Right triangle trigonometry is introduced and explored. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 1. Students entering grade 9 who wish to take Honors Geometry must have successfully completed Algebra 1 in grade 8.
Honors or ACP
This course covers the definitions, postulates, and theorems of plane geometry using a rigorous approach. Plane geometry, deductive reasoning and logic, areas and volumes of the plane and solid figures are also covered. Solids and three-dimensional space is explored and developed including surface area and volume. There is a special emphasis on coordinate and transformational geometry. Right triangle trigonometry is introduced and explored. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 1. Students entering grade 9 who wish to take Honors Geometry must have successfully completed Algebra 1 in grade 8.
Honors or ACP
The concepts of algebra are expanded to include real and complex numbers, various functions, graphing, conic sections, all aspects of quadratic equations, varied applications of word problems, systems of equations, radical functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponentials and logarithms. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 1 and Geometry.
AP
This course is designed to cover the syllabus for Advanced Placement Statistics as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to take the AP Statistics exam in the spring when the course concludes. A TI-84 Plus CE is required for use in this course. Topics include exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Students should have successfully completed Geometry and should be taking or have taken Algebra 2.
ACP
It is in the Foundations of Algebra II course that students integrate and apply the mathematics they have learned from their earlier courses. The main focus is on four critical areas: (1) apply methods from probability and statistics to draw inferences and conclusions from data; (2) expand understanding of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions; (3) expand right triangle trigonometry to include general triangles; and (4) consolidate functions and geometry to create models and solve contextual problems. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Honors or ACP
The concepts of algebra are expanded to include real and complex numbers, various functions, graphing, conic sections, all aspects of quadratic equations, varied applications of word problems, systems of equations, radical functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponentials and logarithms. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 1 and Geometry.
In AP Precalculus, students explore everyday situations and phenomena using mathematical tools and lenses. Students study each function type through their graphical, numerical, verbal, and analytical representations and their applications in a variety of contexts. Students apply their understanding of functions by constructing and validating appropriate function models for scenarios, sets of conditions, and data sets, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the nature and behavior of each function type. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation.
Honors or ACP
This course includes a thorough study of functions, trigonometry, and other advanced topics. This course begins a study of mathematics that thoroughly combines algebra and geometry. Since functions are the foundation of calculus, the course covers rational, exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic functions. Other topics addressed include circular functions, identities, analytic geometry, complex numbers, polar coordinates, limits and series. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 2.
This course is designed to cover the syllabus for Advanced Placement Statistics as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to take the AP Statistics exam in the spring when the course concludes. A TI-84 Plus CE is required for use in this course. Topics include exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Students should have successfully completed Geometry and should be taking or have taken Algebra 2.
In AP Precalculus, students explore everyday situations and phenomena using mathematical tools and lenses. Students study each function type through their graphical, numerical, verbal, and analytical representations and their applications in a variety of contexts. Students apply their understanding of functions by constructing and validating appropriate function models for scenarios, sets of conditions, and data sets, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the nature and behavior of each function type. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation.
Honors or ACP
This course includes a thorough study of functions, trigonometry, and other advanced topics. This course begins a study of mathematics that thoroughly combines algebra and geometry. Since functions are the foundation of calculus, the course covers rational, exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic functions. Other topics addressed include circular functions, identities, analytic geometry, complex numbers, polar coordinates, limits and series. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 2.
This course is designed to cover the syllabus for Advanced Placement Statistics as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to take the AP Statistics exam in the spring when the course concludes. A TI-84 Plus CE is required for use in this course. Topics include exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Students should have successfully completed Geometry and should be taking or have taken Algebra 2.
Honors or ACP
This course is a multi-level offering with Advanced College Prep Statistics. The Honors section will have extra assignments and different assessments than the Advanced College prep course. This course specifically addresses the tenth and twelfth-grade Massachusetts Common Core Mathematics Frameworks in Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability. Students enrolled in this course are assumed to have mastered the concepts outlined in the Algebra 2 standards of the Common Core curriculum frameworks. The purpose of this course is to present basic concepts and techniques for collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and making predictions. This course will assist in the preparation for college and potential mathematics entrance/placement exams. There will be many projects and case studies to enhance student learning. A scientific calculator is recommended for this course. Students should have successfully completed Algebra 2 or Model Math III.
This course is designed to cover the syllabus for Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to take the AB exam in the spring when the course concludes. A TI-84 Plus CE calculator, or the equivalent is required for use in this course. Topics include functions, limits, derivatives and their applications, integrals and their applications, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and infinite series. The philosophy and goals of Advanced Placement Calculus will set the direction for the entire course. The Rule of Four will be used to develop students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus. The Rule of Four is shorthand for the multi-representational approach to mathematics that encourages all the topics, results and discussion to be done verbally, analytically, numerically and graphically. Some topics from the BC syllabus will be covered, but preparation for the (AB) AP Calculus exam will be given. Students should have successfully completed Honors Pre-Calculus and have a teacher recommendation.
INNOVATION PATHWAYS & PROJECT LEAD THE WAY COURSES
Upon successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2, students may enroll in one of these 3 computer science courses to fulfill their grade 12 math requirement. These classes may be taken anytime in high school, but in order to count as a math class, it must be taken in grade 12.
Computer Science Essentials (PLTW)
Grades 9-12 800201
Computer Science Essentials exposes students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence. Students use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python® to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.
AP Computer Science Principles (PLTW)
Grades 10-12 800202
Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. While this course can be a student’s first in computer science, students without prior computing experience are encouraged to start with Introduction to Computer Science Essentials.
Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet.
Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. PLTW isrecognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for AP®
Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). This endorsement affirms that all components of PLTW CSP’s offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CSP assessment. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PLTW CS Essentials, Robotic Engineering, or Video Game Creation.
AP Computer Science A (PLTW)
Grades 10-12 800203
Computer Science A focuses on further developing computational thinking skills through the medium of AndroidTM App development for mobile platforms. The course utilizes industry-standard tools such as Android Studio, JavaTM programming language, XML, and device emulators. Students collaborate to create original solutions to problems of their own choosing by designing and implementing user interfaces and Web-based databases. This course aligns with the AP CS A course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PLTW CS Essentials, Robotic Engineering, or Video Game Creation.