Academics Curriculum 2008-09

Mathematics

Recognizing that students differ in ability, background, interest, and rate of learning, the mathematics program offers different levels within many of its courses to fit the needs of the individual. Recommendations, records of aptitude, placement tests, and previous achievement are used to place students appropriately. In general, honors courses are for students with a very strong mathematical background, and basic courses are for students with a weak background in mathematics.

Available technology enables deeper understanding, enriches instruction, and eliminates much tedious computation. Graphing calculators are used extensively and are required in all courses after Geometry. The required calculator is a TI-89. This calculator supports a robust computer algebra system, which supplements and enriches instruction. The school does not support the use of any other graphing calculator. Students in Geometry use a program called The Geometer’s Sketchpad, which is available on the NMH computer network.
     
Two opportunities are provided for students to advance outside the limits and demands of formal classes: 1) credit by examination, which allows students to earn credit for a course in which they are not enrolled by taking and passing an examination in the course; and 2) taking more than one mathematics course in the school year. Advanced placement courses have extended classes once a week and assign at least 90 minutes of homework a night.

Click here for graduation requirements.

Algebra I
MAT/PHY 1  Introductory Physics with Algebra I (part one) MAT/PHY 2  Introductory Physics with Algebra I (part two)
Two credits upon completion of MAT/PHY2, one in science and one in mathematics. Open to ninth graders. Prerequisite: None.
The ninth-grade Introductory Physics with Algebra I course introduces students to the ideas of physics as they learn and apply the tools of algebra. Laboratory experiments and research projects supplement the topics, and technology is used extensively. Students who do poorly in or fail MAT/PHY1 will be asked to take MAT 101, Basic Algebra I, in the second semester.

MAT 101  Basic Algebra I
One credit. Prerequisite: None. For students who have either done poorly in the first term of MAT/PHY or whose previous record indicates a difficulty in mathematics.
The course examines basic operations with expressions and equations, including a study of the properties, graphs, and equations for linear functions, quadratic functions, and exponential functions.

Geometry
MAT 211  Geometry
One credit. Prerequisite: Algebra I.
The study of geometry examines relationships in geometric figures in a plane and in space: congruence, similarity, other properties of triangles and polygons, parallel and perpendicular lines and planes, circles, areas and volumes, and transformations. Methods of deductive proof are stressed. Algebraic methods are reviewed and used throughout the course.

MAT 221  Honors Geometry
One credit. Prerequisites: Algebra I and teacher recommendation. For students with keen interest and demonstrated success in mathematics. Placement based on screening process.
The Honors Geometry course places more emphasis on language and mathematical structure than MAT 211. Additional topics may include analytic representation of Euclidean transformations, and introduction to non-Euclidean geometries.

Algebra II
MAT 301  Basic Algebra II
One credit. Prerequisite: Algebra I. Placement based on screening process.
This course includes a basic review of the important topics of Algebra I. It also covers the most important topics listed in MAT 311 at a measured pace.

MAT 311  Algebra II
One credit. Prerequisite: Algebra I. Placement based on screening process.
Algebra II includes a review of important topics of Algebra I and covers rational number exponents; functions and their graphs; quadratic functions and complex numbers; solution of linear and quadratic equations and systems of equations; properties and graphs of polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions; complete solution of polynomial equations (rational, irrational, and complex roots); and inequalities.

MAT 321  Honors Algebra II
One credit. Prerequisites: Algebra I and MAT 211 or MAT 221. For students with keen interest and demonstrated success in mathematics. Placement based on screening process.
Honors Algebra II covers the same topics as MAT 311, including sequences and series, but in greater detail.


Elective Courses in Mathematics
MAT 410  Algebra Survey
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 311 or equivalent. Placement based on screening process.
This course is designed for those students who have completed the graduation requirement in mathematics but are not ready for precalculus. Topics include a thorough review of algebra, graphing and transformations, and probability with emphasis
on problem-solving skills and real-world problems.

MAT 411  Precalculus
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 311 or equivalent. Placement based on screening process.
This course provides a thorough study of the elementary functions: trigonometric functions, polynomial and rational functions, and logarithmic and exponential functions.
Additional Offerings in Mathematics
These courses are not offered if registration is insufficient.

MAT 413  Statistics (Not offered in 2008-09)
One credit. Prerequisite: Algebra II.
This course provides a study of discrete probability and statistics. Data from a variety of sources are gathered, analyzed, and presented.

MAT 421  Honors Precalculus
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 321 or equivalent. For students with a strong interest and proven success in mathematics. Placement based on screening process.
This course covers the same topics as those covered in MAT 411 and includes other selected topics of interest as well, including but not limited to such topics as polar equations and conic sections.

MAT 431  Calculus
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 411 or MAT 421. Placement based on screening process.
This course is designed for students who wish to begin a study of calculus but who are not ready for or are not interested in an advanced placement course. Topics to be covered include differentiation and integration of the elementary functions, with an emphasis on problem solving.

MAT 511  Advanced Placement AB Calculus
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 411 or MAT 421. Placement based on screening process.
Advanced Placement AB Calculus prepares students to take the AB-level advanced placement examination in May by introducing them to the differentiation and integration of polynomial, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions, and to applications.

MAT 513 Advanced Placement Statistics
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 411 or MAT 421. Placement based on screening process.
This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Statistics. The first half of the semester covers the exploratory analysis of data, including methods of datacollection (sampling) and interpretation of those data using graphical and numerical techniques. The second half of the course includes probability and simulation as tools for producing or analyzing models, various probability distributions(binomial, geometric, random, and normal) and their importance and use, and finally, statistical inference, confidenceintervals, and tests of significance.

MAT 521  Advanced Placement BC Calculus
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 421. Placement based on screening process.
This course prepares students to take the BC-level advanced placement examination in May. In addition to the topics from AB Calculus, additional topics include techniques of integration, differential equations, sequences and series, Taylor series, and polar, parametric, and vector functions.

MAT 611  Multivariable Calculus
One credit. Prerequisite: MAT 511 or MAT 521. Placement based on screening process.
The differential and integral calculus of several real variables and its application to scalar and vector fields are the principal topics in this course. Other topics are determined by student and teacher interest.