Math

MATH DEPARTMENT

Mission Statement

Graduates of Seymour High School will apply proficiently a range of numerical, algebraic, geometric and statistical concepts and skills to formulate, analyze, solve and facilitate inquiry and the exploration of real-world problems.  Such proficiency will also support continued study and appreciation of mathematics as a discipline.

Algebra IA - 417

1.0 Credit

Open to 9th graders

Below a 65 in 8th grade Math or teacher recommendation

Algebra IA introduces the students to the study of algebra with an emphasis on number sense, measurement and solving equations and inequalities.  Students will progress to the concepts of patterns, linear equations, and family of functions.

Algebra 1B - 418

1.0 credit

Offered to 10th graders

Successful completion of Algebra 1A

Algebra IB continues with the learning of algebra with systems of equations and exploring quadratic, polynomial, radical and exponential functions and their importance in modeling real world occurrences.  An understanding of basic statistics and proportional reasoning are incorporated in the curriculum.

Algebra I – 413

1.0 Credit

Open to grade 9 students

Algebra I introduces the student to functions, with an emphasis on linear equations and slope.  Students learn to solve multi-step equations using the properties of algebra.  Basic functions of the graphing calculator are taught.  Graphing with two variables, basic statistics, and proportional reasoning are covered.  Students solve real life problems with algebraic techniques.  

Geometry – 421, 425

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 9-10-11-12

425 – Honors is open to recommended students who meet the Honors course criteria.

The study of geometry helps students to visualize both plane and space figures while acquiring geometric facts by studying inductive/deductive reasoning and indirect proofs to develop logical reasoning skills. Algebra skills are reviewed and strengthened throughout the course through the application of geometric concepts.  Geometry enables students to appreciate the practical applications of geometry and its connection to the real world. 

Algebra II – 430, 426

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 10-11-12 

Prerequisite:  Completion of Algebra I and Geometry

426 – Honors is open to recommended students who meet the Honors course criteria.

Algebra II continues the study of functions.  Students learn operations with functions, graphing of different types of functions and equations, operations with exponents, matrices, and complex numbers.  Advanced features of the graphing calculator are incorporated into the curriculum as well as real life problem solving and applications of Algebra II in various fields such as engineering and other sciences. 

AP Calculus  – 445 

1.0 Credit

Offered to grade 11 and 12

Open to recommended students who completed Precalculus with a grade of B or better

AP Calculus is structured around three big ideas:  limits, derivatives and integrals.   The concept of limits is the foundational tool for students to develop a deep understanding of the major theorems of calculus including the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.   Students must be able to understand and use multiple representations of mathematical concepts and be able to effectively communicate their understanding clearly and accurately for success on the AP exam.  The expectation of this course is for students to successfully complete the AB portion of the Calculus AP exam.  

Calculus Honors– 447

1.0 Credit

Offered to grade 11 and 12 recommended students. 

Articulated course with the University of Bridgeport 

Calculus is a necessary course for those students interested in further studies in the sciences and business.  This course is geared for students who are not intending to take the AP exam but want to develop an understanding of the three big calculus ideas:  limits, derivatives and integrals.  Students will graphically and numerically explore many different types of functions.   In addition, students will be proficient in curve sketching, optimization, related rates and using integration to compute areas and volumes.

Math for Problem Solving – 400 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

SRBI placement – course is to be taken concurrently in addition to Math requirement.

400 is offered to grades 9-12

This course is a one-semester course that stresses the applications of basic mathematical concepts to real-life situations.  The course is designed as a supplementary course for students enrolled in Intermediate Math, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra 2 who have received a poor or failing grade the year prior or who have been identified as a student who requires supplementary services. Basic concepts covered in the course include estimation, measurement, graphing, percents, proportions, ratios, functions, equations, area and volume, and statistics and probability.  Problem-solving techniques, multiple representations of information, and number and spatial sense are all used to analyze, solve and present solutions to problems that arise from real-life applications.

Precalculus – 431, 435

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 10-12

Prerequisite: A grade of 75 or better in Algebra II

435 – Honors is open to recommended students who meet the Honors course criteria.

This course is designed to provide a strong foundation of Precalculus concepts, techniques, and applications to prepare students for more advanced work.  It places appropriate emphasis on discrete mathematics and data analysis as the mathematical framework for many important contemporary applications.  Units covered include functions, graphs, and applications, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, data analysis and introduction to calculus. 

AP/ECE Statistics –  444 

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 10 - 12

Open to recommended students

Students will see how probabilities may be interpreted and how they may be used to make choices, which promise to be profitable or desirable.  Permutations, combinations, Pascal's productive pattern, conditional probability and distribution and multinomial probability will all be studied in depth.  Students will deal with the collection, analysis interpretation and presentation of masses of numerical data.  The following will be stressed: averages, variability, confidence intervals for means, differences between and among several means, correlations and comparing frequency distributions.

 Students who complete this course who have participated in the UCONN cooperative will be eligible to receive transferable UCONN college credit and or the students have the opportunity to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam for college credit.

In order to earn credit in these courses the students must complete the proper registration packets including UCONN fees and meet the standard of the college level assessments integrated into the courses. All students who take any of the UCONN ECE Courses are required to apply to the ECE program and will incur an application cost payable to UCONN.

Statistics – 441 

 0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 11-12 and not enrolled in or have received credit for AP/UCONN Probability & Statistics (442)

Prerequisite:  Completion of Algebra II

This course will enable the students to develop a strong understanding of the concepts used in an introductory college level Statistics class. The course will have a balance between computation, decision making, and conceptual understanding.  A large variety of real-world applications will illustrate to students the relevance of the material they are learning and build the case for “statistical literacy.” Students will be asked on a regular basis to interpret and reflect on questions in order to generate conclusions.  Topics include descriptive statistics, data analysis, probability, the normal distribution, and data collection (sampling).  The TI-84 graphing calculator will be used as a tool to enhance learning on all topics.

Trigonometry – 443 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 11-12 not enrolled in or have received credit for honors Precalculus (435) 

Prerequisite:  Completion of Algebra II

This course includes a complete development of all facets of trigonometry.  Topics include radian and degree measure, the unit circle, special angles, right triangles, Law of Cosines & Law of Sines, Heron’s formula and related areas formulas, graphing the trigonometric functions, calculator conversions and use, trigonometric identities and equations.  Applications using the graphing calculator as well as other types of technology will be emphasized.  The graphing calculator will be used as a tool to enhance learning on all topics.

Discrete Mathematics  - 410

0.5 Credit - Semester Course

Prerequisite:  A grade of  an 80 or better in  Precalculus 

This is an introductory course in discrete mathematics. The goal of this course is to introduce students to ideas and concepts not covered in traditional high school math courses; but are necessary in science, engineering and computer science. This course teaches the students techniques in how to think logically and mathematically and apply these techniques in solving problems. To achieve this goal, students will learn logic and proof, sets, functions, as well as algorithms and mathematical reasoning. Key topics involving relations, graphs, and trees are covered in this course.  Technology, in the form of calculators and computers, is an integral component of the course.

Linear Algebra - 411 

0.5 Credit - Semester Course 

Prerequisite:  A grade of  an 80 or better in  Precalculus

This one-semester course in linear algebra stresses the theory and applications of solving systems of equations that can be found in such areas as business, engineering, physics, and health sciences.  Topics to be studied include linear equations, vector and matrix algebra, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, orthogonality, diagonalization, least squares, and transformations.  This course will not only focus on the solving of problems and applications, but also the definitions and theorems that justify drawn conclusions.  Technology, in the form of calculators and computers, is a major component of the course.

SAT Preparation - 020

.05 Credit - Semester Course

The SAT Prep program is specially designed to help high school juniors and seniors study for the SAT exam. Students will receive one marking period of Math instruction and one period of English instruction. The SAT Math Course is broken up into the four main categories: (1) Numbers and Operations, (2) Algebra and Functions, (3) Geometry and Measurements, and (4) Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability. During the English focused marking period, Students will also focus on strategies for the question types (sentence completion, vocabulary, critical reading, and writing – finding errors / revision).