Mathematics

Level: CP

Modeling and problem solving are at the heart of the curriculum. Mathematical modeling consists of recognizing and clarifying mathematical structures that are embedded in other contexts, formulating a problem in mathematical terms, using mathematical strategies to reach a solution and interpreting the solution in the context of the original problem. Students must be able to solve practical problems, representing and analyzing the situation using symbols, graphs, tables or diagrams. They must effectively distinguish relevant from irrelevant information, identify missing information, acquire needed information and decide whether an exact or approximate answer is called for, with attention paid to the appropriate level of precision. After solving a problem and interpreting the solution in terms of the context of the problem, they must check the reasonableness of the results and devise independent ways of verifying the results.

Primary topics of study include multiple representations of linear and non-linear functions, mathematical concepts for working with rational numbers, various expressions, analyzing and solving linear equations & inequalities, data analysis, probability, statistics, and polynomials.

Level: Honors

The Algebra I Honors course is designed to provide students with an in-depth level of instruction, an accelerated pace and a cooperative learning environment. The course guides students in the development of critical thinking skills and algebraic problem- solving skills which provide the foundation for real world problem-solving. It is targeted to highly motivated students who have previously had some algebra.

Modeling and problem solving are at the heart of the curriculum. Mathematical modeling consists of recognizing and clarifying mathematical structures that are embedded in other contexts, formulating a problem in mathematical terms, using mathematical strategies to reach a solution and interpreting the solution in the context of the original problem. Students must be able to solve practical problems, representing and analyzing the situation using symbols, graphs, tables or diagrams. They must effectively distinguish relevant from irrelevant information, identify missing information, acquire needed information and decide whether an exact or approximate answer is called for, with attention paid to the appropriate level of precision. After solving a problem and interpreting the solution in terms of the context of the problem, they must check the reasonableness of the results and devise independent ways of verifying the results.

Primary topics of study include multiple representations of linear and non-linear functions, mathematical concepts for working with rational numbers, various expressions, analyzing and solving linear equations & inequalities, data analysis, probability, statistics, and polynomials.

Level: CP

Geometry is the study of shapes and their properties. Beginning with the fundamental concepts of geometry (points, lines and planes), definitions and properties of other figures including angles, circles, and polygons will be developed and studied. Logic forms the foundation of this course with an emphasis on precision, explanation and using both inductive and deductive reasoning. Formulas for perimeters, area, surface area, and volume will be studied. The idea of proof, as it relates to logical thinking, will be examined.

Prerequisite:  You must successfully complete Algebra I.

Level: Honors

Geometry is the study of shapes and their properties. Beginning with the fundamental concepts of geometry (points, lines and planes), definitions and properties of other figures including angles, circles, and polygons will be developed and studied. Logic forms the foundation of this course with an emphasis on precision, explanation and using both inductive and deductive reasoning. Formulas for perimeters, area, surface area, and volume will be studied. The idea of proof, as it relates to logical thinking, will be examined. At the Honors level, the course moves more quickly while also examining additional topics, as well as certain topics being explored with more depth and rigor.

Prerequisites:  An 88% or higher in Algebra 1 Honors, or a 93% or higher in CP Algebra 1 must be achieved, and a teacher recommendation.

Level: CP

Algebra II builds upon the concepts in Algebra I. Topics of study include systems of equations and inequalities, linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions. Families of graphs are also addressed. In addition, the study of methods of solutions and their applications are explored.

Prerequisites:  You must successfully complete Algebra I and Geometry.

Level: Honors

Algebra II builds upon the concepts in Algebra I. Topics of study include systems of equations and inequalities, linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions. Families of graphs, matrices, and conic sections are also addressed. In addition, the study of methods of solutions and their applications are explored. A brief explanation of trigonometric functions is included. This course is the same as Algebra II CP, with the exception that the workload is more rigorous.

Prerequisites: You must achieve; an 88% or higher in Geometry Honors, or a 93% or higher in Geometry CP, and a 90% or higher in Algebra I. You also need a teacher recommendation.

Level: Honors

Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry is a combination of a full-year of Accelerated Honors Algebra II and one semester of Honors Trigonometry. This pairing of courses is uniquely designed for eligible Sophomores interested in majoring in Engineering or other subjects requiring a highly developed knowledge of Mathematics. The courses must be taken concurrently as the topics in each class are often related, tests are sometimes given on topics from both subjects, and often times the classes overlap on a day to day basis in the second semester.

The Algebra II class differs from Honors Algebra II in its content and pace. Many topics covered are either in addition to the standard Algebra II curriculum or are covered in greater detail and with a higher level of rigor. Some such topics are Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Conic Sections, Parametric functions, Polar Function, Sequences, and Series.

The one-semester Trigonometry course covers the same topics covered in the full-year PreCalculus course.

Prerequisites:  You must achieve a 96% or above in Honors Geometry and teacher recommendation is required.

Level: CE

This is a college equivalency course offered through the University of Pittsburgh (MAT0120) that gives students the opportunity to earn 4 college credits. The course provides an introduction to calculus for students interested in managerial or social science. Topics include functions, limits and continuity, differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, exponential and logarithmic functions, and an introduction to multivariable calculus. The grade is determined by the student's performance on three exams and a comprehensive final written by the university.

Note: Students taking this course must enroll with the University of Pittsburgh for credit and pay CE registration fees. Some material and text fees may also apply.

Prerequisites: An 85% or higher in Honors Trigonometry/Precalculus or Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry (both components), a score of 61 or higher on the ALEKS placement examination, and teacher recommendation.

Level: AP

Level: CE

Students will earn 3 college credits from the University of Pittsburgh for this course. The principle topics of the course include vectors, matrices, determinants, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and selected applications. Students are required to enroll with the University of Pittsburgh and there is a fee of $225.

Prerequisite: is successful completion of AP Calculus AB with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Exam.

Level: CP

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python programming language. Students will learn to design, code, and test their programs while applying mathematical concepts. Topics include basic Python and console interaction, conditionals, looping, and more. By the end of this course, students will be able to write basic programs using Python 3.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I and an interest in technology.