The Math curriculum for West Ottawa Virtual Academy is created by teachers at West Ottawa Public Schools. 

Algebra I

• 9th grade

• Required

• Two Semesters

• Prerequisite:  Completion of Pre-Algebra or 8th grade Math

Algebra is the foundation of all mathematics to follow. Students will study the following topic areas: number systems and number sense; expressions, equations, and inequalities; functions; linear functions; quadratic equations and functions; exponential and log functions, and polynomial functions.  This course improves a student’s development of problem-solving skills and effective communication of possible solutions.

Geometry

• 10th grade

• Required

• Two Semesters

• Prerequisite:  Successful completion (D- or better) of both Algebra 1A and 1B

Geometry is the second year in the required mathematics program of study.  Students will study the following topics:  mathematical reasoning and proof; lines and angles; triangles and trigonometry; quadrilaterals; circles; solids, and transformations.  Emphasis will be on both plane (two-dimensional) and solid (three-dimensional) geometry, and students will advance their understanding of the relationships between algebra and geometry in problem solving.

Algebra II

• 11th grade

• Required

• Two Semesters

• Prerequisite:  Geometry

Algebra II – A&B is a one-credit, two-semester course that will further develop and reinforce algebraic and geometric concepts, continuing the required sequence in mathematics study.  Students will focus on the following topics:  polynomials; functions; trigonometric functions; systems; matrices; sequences and series; counting principles and probability; and statistics.  Students will gain an in-depth understanding of problem solving and sound mathematical communication of ideas.

Algebra 2 Extended 

• 11th grade

• Required

• Four Semesters

• Prerequisite:  Geometry and teacher-parent recommendation.

Algebra 2 Extended – is a two-credit, four-semester course that will further develop and reinforce algebraic and geometric concepts, continuing the required sequence in mathematics study.  This course is sequenced over a two-year period, allowing learners to study at an extended pace that provides the opportunity for additional practice. Students will focus on the following topics:  polynomials; functions; trigonometric functions; conics; sequences and series; counting principles and probability; and statistics.  Students will gain an in-depth understanding of problem solving and sound mathematical communication of ideas.

Discrete Mathematics

• 12th grades

• Elective

• One Semester

• Prerequisite: Algebra 2.  It is highly recommended that students have earned a “C” or better in both sections of Algebra 2".

Discrete math is designed to make mathematics more meaningful and compelling by focusing on familiar, real-life events and situations.  Students will be doing reasoning, problem solving, game theory, logic, combinatory, counting and relations, and computability.  By emphasizing reasoning, problem solving, and connections among math topics, students will be able to explore the impact of math on the world around them and in their own lives.

AP Calculus AB

• 11th-12th grades

• Elective

• Two Semesters

• Prerequisite: Advanced Math or IB Math AA SL with a “C” or better or teacher recommendation

• Students taking this course will be a "split" enrollment since this course is offered through WOHS

Upon completion of AP Calculus AB, students will understand how to use mathematical language to describe concepts and relationships between concepts. Throughout their coursework, students will use the “Rule of Four” for problem-solving. Students will be asked to solve problems algebraically or analytically, support our results graphically and numerically (with and without a calculator), and then interpret the results in the context of the original problem verbally and in writing. Students will use technology to enhance and support their proofs and problem-solving techniques, but will also recognize that the calculator itself does not give proof of a concept. The concepts that will be studied include functions and equations, limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, integrals and their applications, and differential equations and mathematical modeling.

AP Calculus BC

• 11th -12th grades

• Elective

• Two Semesters

• Prerequisite: Advanced Math or IB Math AA SL with a “B+” or better or teacher recommendation

• Students taking this course will be a "split" enrollment since this course is offered through WOHS

 This course presents a college-level introduction to calculus. The study first covers the foundational pre-requisites, including slope, limits, and functions before introducing the concept of the derivative. The AP portion of the course then begins with the idea of an integral, studies its uses in the analysis of physical and theoretical situations, and concludes with a look at infinite series, and parametric, vector, & polar applications. Upon completion of AP Calculus BC, students will understand how to use mathematical language to describe concepts and relationships between concepts. Throughout their coursework, students will use the “Rule of Four” for problem-solving. Students will be asked to solve problems algebraically or analytically, support our results graphically and numerically (with and without a calculator), and then interpret the results in the context of the original problem verbally and in writing. Students will use technology to enhance and support their proofs and problem-solving techniques, but will also recognize that the calculator itself does not give proof of a concept.

Statistics in Sports

• 11th -12th grades

• Elective

• Two Semesters

• Required background course: Completion of both semesters of Algebra 2 with a grade of at least C+.   This course may be taken concurrently with Advanced Math, IB Math AA SL or AP Calculus AB/BC. 

Students will learn the principles of statistical reasoning in a way that helps prepare them for college and careers in a data-saturated world.  This course will cover many of the same topics as AP Statistics but through the context of sports.  Topics covered will go well beyond batting averages; students will analyze real, current sports data and use critical thinking skills to answer questions like, "Is there a home-field advantage in the NFL?' or "What is LeBron James' TRUE ability?"

AP Statistics

• 11th-12th grades

• Elective

• Two Semesters

• Prerequisite: Completion of one or more of the following courses with a grade of B- or better: Statistics & Probability, Statistics in Sports, Advanced Math (Pre-Calculus), IB Math AA SL

AP Statistics is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college statistics course. Students study the following four main topics: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and statistical inference. Students who are successful in this challenging applied mathematics course tend to be highly self-motivated and have a strong work ethic. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam in May. A graphing calculator is required for this course.

Advanced Math (Pre-Calculus)

• 11th-12th grades

• Elective

• Two Semesters

• Prerequisite:  Algebra 2 STEM; “C” or better highly recommended or Algebra 2 Regular; "B" or better.

Advanced Mathematics will focus on preparing college-bound students for the study of calculus.  Areas of concentration include linear relations and functions, systems, families, polynomial and rational functions, conic sections, angles, degree measure, trig functions, and inverse trig functions, trig identities and equations, vectors, parametric equations, polar coordinates and complex numbers, exponential and log functions, sequences and series, math inductions, combinatorics and probability, statistics and data analysis, and introduction to calculus.  The emphasis in this course is on college entry and preparation for a rigorous college-level math course.