UPPER SCHOOL MATH
Students collaborate with classmates in small groups on problems as they share and explain their solutions. They begin with College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Foundations of Algebra in grades 6-8, while the upper school curriculum completes Algebra 2. Also offered are pre-calculus, AP calculus, discrete/finite math, statistics, AP statistics and math applications. The flexible program allows students to enroll at their current level of ability, focus on applications to real-life situations, and use math in solving problems.
MATH FACULTY
MATH OFFERINGS
COLLEGE PREPARATORY MATHEMATICS -- CPM
CPM is a seven-year curriculum that integrates algebra and geometry basics with conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. CPM courses reflect the NCTM standards and prepare students by presenting several ways to learn the mathematics they need to be successful in college and the workplace. The middle school courses prepare students for Algebra 1 and address core middle grade topics such as ratios, data analysis, integers, fractions, and number sense. The high school courses parallel Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and AP Calculus.
Full year 1 credit, prerequisite: Foundations of Algebra 1 & 2 or equivalent
ALGEBRA 1 is designed to assist students in making the transition to higher mathematics by doing problems that illuminate concepts in four major ways: numerically, symbolically, graphically, and verbally. Topics include: organizing data, area and sub-problems, patterns and graphs, writing and solving equations, numerical geometric, and algebraic ratios, graphing and systems of linear equations, slopes and rates of change, factoring quadratics, writing equations from diagrams, exponents and quadratic equations, functions and equality, problem solving, and inequality. Text: Algebra 1 (College Preparatory Mathematics - 2000).
Full year 1 credit, prerequisite: Algebra 1
GEOMETRY introduces geometric concepts through investigation and construction. Topics include perimeter, area, graphing and equations, beginning proofs, problem solving and geometry fundamentals, spatial visualization, congruence and triangles, further development of paragraph, flowchart and two-column proof, trigonometry, similarity, polygon investigations, circles and solids, geometric probability, 3D and circles, and constructions. Text: Geometry (College Preparatory Mathematics, 2000).
Full year 1 credit, prerequisite: Algebra 1
CPM ALGEBRA 2 continues the principles of algebra and attends to more complex systems of equations and inequalities, complex numbers, the quadratic formula, functions and their graphs, and rational expressions. The course introduces trigonometry and matrix operations. Text: Algebra 2 (College Preparatory Mathematics, 2002).
Full year 1 credit, prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
CPM PRECALCULUS emphasizes the sort of complex algebraic manipulations that are needed in all Calculus courses. Students become comfortable with trigonometric, exponential, and complex algebraic functions, logarithms, and polar coordinates. DCPM Precal develops concepts that help students to understand the big picture — limits, integrals, and derivatives. Text: Math Analysis (College Preparatory Mathematics).
AP CALCULUS AB prepares students to take the Calculus AB exam thorough an intensive study of functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, integration, and applications of antidifferentiation. Students learn techniques that will help them to solve typical AP calculus problems with and without the aid of technology. Texts: Calculus of a Single Variable (Houghton Mifflin 6th edition).
Full year 1 credit, 11th-12th grade, prerequisite: Algebra 2, strong writing and critical thinking skills, teacher recommendation
AP STATISTICS This full year course prepares students for the AP statistics exam. Data analysis is a constant theme, with reading and writing heavily emphasized. All calculations are performed with the aid of technology, and students are taught to read and interpret output from any statistical software package. Weekly quizzes and writing assignments provide frequent feedback on developing skills. Descriptive and inferential statistics are covered thoroughly with an emphasis on critical thinking and correct usage of statistical vocabulary and methods. Text: Stats Modeling the World (with supplementary CD: ActivStats with DataDesk). Bock et al, Pearson-Addison Wesley 2004.
Semester 1/2 credit, prerequisite: Algebra 1
STATISTICS is an introductory statistics course with a nontheoretical approach. Use of the TI-83+ graphing calculator is emphasized. Concepts are explained intuitively and are supported by examples and daily in-class work. Applications involving descriptive and inferential statistics cover such areas as agriculture, biology, business, economics, education, psychology, engineering, medicine, sociology, and computer science. There is no textbook. Handouts from a variety of sources are used.
Semester 1/2 credit, prerequisite: Algebra 1
MATH APPLICATIONS includes the study of statistics, probability, and the use of computer spreadsheets applied to practical topics. The course includes units on banking, budgeting and salary, financial planning and investments, household construction/ renovation calculations, financing a car or home, and federal and state taxes. Text: Applied Business Mathematics, 14E (Southwestern Mathematics, 1997).
Semester 12/ credit, prerequisite: Algebra 1
PROBLEM SOLVING develops strategies that can be used in everyday applications as well as in the work force. Problems are solved cooperatively to reinforce communication skills. Text: A Problem Solving Course: Crossing the River with Dogs (Key Curriculum Press, 1993).
Semester 1/2 credit, prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra 2
DISCRETE/FINITE MATH is a one-semester course. Topics covered may vary from year to year. Some will build upon skills and concepts learned in previous math courses, while others may introduce new material. Since the choice of topics is flexible, all attmepts will be made to reflect student interest. In particular, this course is aimed at students who will enter a liberal arts or life-sciences program in college. Possible topics include but are not limited to: election theory, fair division and apportionment, applications of matrices, graph theory, probabilty, recursion, linear regression, set theory, the mathematics of finance, truth-functional logic, and game theory. Texts: Discrete Mathematics Through Applications (W. H. Freeman & Company, 1994), Finite Mathematics (Addison Wesley, 7th ed.)
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