Course Descriptions

Algebra: This year will be a very successful semester as we cover Algebra Standards – including learning about solving equations and inequalities, systems of equations, and statistical analysis  (measuring distribution, scatterplots, and line of best fit). Students in this class will develop algebraic thinking, problem  solving and analytical skills while building the necessary foundation for the upper level math electives, while preparing  them for Geometry. Saugus High encourages creative problem solvers who: a) understand that problem-solving takes  initiative and may require several attempts to find an effective solution; b) identify and implement resources to analyze  problems and use innovative strategies to solve them; c) understand and practice conflict resolution skills.  

Honors Algebra: See above description.  In addition, this course presents a formal approach to the development of algebra skills and concepts necessary for  students who plan to continue in Geometry, Algebra II, and other advanced college preparatory courses.  The honors course will also introduce Precalculus topics that will include Matrices and Complex Numbers. These topics will prepare students for advanced math classes.  

Geometry: Geometry 1A/1B is a year class open to students who have successfully completed Algebra I.  It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Euclidean geometry, and help students develop their skills in both deductive and inductive reasoning. Using a variety of tools, students will create their own geometric constructions and formulate the mathematics needed to describe relationships within the subject. Student attempts to explain the validity of their conjectures will lead to the development of proofs. Major course content will involve the concepts of congruence, similarity, and transformations. The 8 Mathematical Practices will be infused in facilitating these concepts. 

1.  Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them     

2.  Reason abstractly and quantitatively

3.  Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others   

4.  Model with mathematics

5.  Use appropriate tools strategically    

6.  Attend to precision    

7.  Look for and make use of structure

8.  Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning