| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra I (3,4.5) Geo/Trig (5) |
Geometry (3,4) Geom/Trig (5) *Visual BASIC.net (4) (Phase 4&5 students only) *Algeba II (5) |
Algebra II (3,4,5) *Intro to Calculus (5) *Visual BASIC.net (3,4) *Intro to Java Prog (4) |
*TrigTopics (3) *Pre-Calculus (4) *AP Calculus (5) *Visual BASIC.net (3,4) *Applications of Mathematics (3) *Intro to Java Prog (4) |
|
Introduction: The members of the department recognize the increasing
importance of mathematics in our students’ lives. Not only will they need math
skills and competency in the applied sciences, but they will also use math as an
indispensable language in such fields as business, economics, and the social
sciences. Our immediate aim therefore is to develop students’ proficiency in,
and understanding of, the mathematical techniques they will need in college and
their careers.
We recognize the specific need in today’s society for the development of
the appreciation of order, pattern, and precision as a means of stimulating
imagination and of developing the students’ powers of analysis and reasoning.
Students will use the TI-83 graphing calculator to enhance their powers of
analysis.
Freshman Advanced Placement Upon acceptance into Queen of Peace High School, any student who has successfully completed an Algebra I course in his/her grammar school will be given an internal placement exam to determine if he/she qualifies for the Geometry/Trigonometry Phase 5 advanced placement program. Algebra I (5) Grade 9 This course is a thorough study of first year algebra. It will cover all the topics listed in Algebra I Phase 4 at a depth and pace which will present a suitable challenge for students with superior ability in mathematics. Occasionally this class will make use of computers to discover and reinforce a variety of mathematical concepts. Some use will also be made of graphing calculators. Text: Algebra I, (Prentice Hall Mathematics) Algebra I (4) Grade 9 This course is a thorough study of the first year of algebra for students with good ability. Topics include the field axioms and other properties, number sets, linear equations, linear inequalities, absolute value, linear graphing, developing and solving systems of equations, operations with polynomials, simplifying rational and radical expressions, solving rational equations, and solving quadratic equations, including a study of the quadratic formula. Throughout the course, various applications are introduced with an emphasis on logic. Text: Algebra I, (Prentice Hall Mathematics) Algebra I (3) Grade 9 This course is designed for freshmen with average mathematical ability. The course begins with a basic review of operations with real numbers combined with an introduction to the use of variables. It includes: use of variables, solving linear equations and inequalities, the concept of absolute value, operations with polynomials, factoring, simplifying rational expressions, graphing linear equations, solving quadratic equations, and simplifying radicals. Various forms of word problems are included with emphasis on logic. Text: Algebra I, (Prentice Hall Mathematics) Geometry/Trigonometry (5) Grade 9,10 This course is a thorough study of Euclidean Geometry with emphasis on developing logical reasoning. Topics include: perpendicular and parallel lines and planes, congruent and similar polygons, right triangles, circles, perimeter, area and volume. The course also includes introductory topics in trigonometry: definitions of the trigonometric functions, unit circle, radian measure, use of tables, fundamental identities, and graphs of trigonometric functions. These topics will be covered at a depth and pace which will present a suitable challenge for students with superior ability in mathematics. The students will use computers on occasion to assist in their skills of observation. Text: Geometry, (Glencoe) Prerequisite: Minimum of 85% average in Algebra I (Phase 5) Co-requisite: Algebra II (Phase 5) Geometry (4) Grade 10 This course is a thorough study of Euclidean geometry with emphasis on developing logical reasoning through geometric proofs. Topics include: perpendicular and parallel lines and planes, congruent and similar polygons, right triangles, circles, perimeter, area and volume. The course also includes introductory topics in trigonometry: definitions of the trigonometric functions, unit circle, radian measure, use of tables, fundamental identities, and graphs of trigonometric functions. Text: Geometry, (Glencoe) Prerequisites: Algebra I (4) with an average of 85% or better, or Algebra I (5) Geometry (3) Grade 10 This course is designed to aid the student in the development of logical reasoning and creative thinking through the use of proofs and algebraic applications. This geometric system includes the basic elements of point, line, plane, perpendicular lines, parallel lines and planes, congruent and similar polygons, right triangles, Pythagorean Theorem, circles, and perimeter and area of familiar polygons. Network theory and geometric motion is introduced. SAT material is also reviewed. Text: Geometry Tools for a Changing World, (Prentice Hall) Prerequisites: Algebra I ( Phase 3) Algebra I ( Phase 4) - average of less than 85% Algebra II (5) Grade 10, 11 This course allows the superior student an opportunity to demonstrate a potential to take Advanced Placement Mathematics. An emphasis is placed on word problems to develop the student’s ability to translate physical situations into mathematical sentences. The field axioms and other properties will be studied with an introduction to the concept of proof. The student will be able to solve equations involving rational expressions, radical expressions, quadratic functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Additional topics include a study of functions, graphs in two and three dimensions, conic sections, and introductions to matrices, and sequences and series. SAT material is also reviewed. Text: Algebra II, (Prentice Hall Mathematics) Prerequisite: Minimum of 85% average in Algebra I (Phase 5) or Permission of Department. Co-requisite: Geometry/Trigonometry (Phase 5) Algebra II (4) Grade 11 This course is designed to challenge the above average student. Linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants begin the curriculum path. Working with quadratic equations, functions, powers roots and radicals are skills that are introduced and worked with intensely in this course. As a continuance in the curriculum, exponential and logarithmic functions, polynomial and rational functions are included. The final semester will reinforce and expand the student’s knowledge of the trigonometric functions, equations and identities. SAT material is also reviewed. Text: Algebra II, Larson (DC Heath) Prerequisite: Algebra I (phase 4) and Geometry (phase 4) with a grade average of at least 75% Algebra II (3) Grade 11 This course is a study of intermediate algebra for the average student. An emphasis is placed on the study of equations and inequalities, including linear, rational, radical, and quadratic. Throughout the course there is an application to word problems involving rate, variation, and proportions. Additional topics include functions and their graphs, complex numbers, and introductions to logarithms and conic sections. SAT material is also reviewed. Text: Algebra II, Larson (DC Heath) Prerequisite: Algebra I (Phase 3) and Geometry (phase 3) with a grade average of at least 75% *Introduction to Calculus (5) Grade 11 This course provides a background in function theory necessary for the study of calculus. This includes basic graphing techniques, transformations, combinations, and properties of functions. The concept of limit will be discussed from both a graphical and arithmetic viewpoint and used in the development of the derived function, slope of a curve, and the determination of tangents and normals to curves. Types of functions studied are: polynomial, rational, general algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Sequences, polar coordinates, polar graphs and vectors will also be studied. Fundamental and supplemental concepts, as well as applications, will be explored through the use of graphing calculator and/or computer-based projects and assignments. NOTE: Introduction to Calculus is designated as the first half of the Advanced Placement course in calculus. Students choosing Introduction to Calculus should have the desire, willingness, and motivation to continue with the second half of the sequence which is Advanced Placement Calculus. A graphing calculator is required for this course. Text: Precalculus, a Graphing Approach, (Houghton Mifflin) Prerequisite: Geo/Trig (5), Algebra I (4, 5), Algebra II (5) with an average of 80 in each. *Advanced Placement Calculus (5) Grade 12 This course is a study of differential and integral calculus with applications. It is the continuation of Introduction to Calculus. Topics include “max-min” problems, rate of change and related rates, area between curves, volumes of revolution and solids of known cross-section, surface area, Mean Value Theorem, and techniques of integration. The course is the equivalent of the first two semesters of a college calculus course. Students will take the standardized Advanced Placement exam in May and may receive college placement and/or credit for the course depending on the test results and the policy of the receiving college. As with Introduction to Calculus, graphing calculator and/or computer-based projects and assignments will be used to broaden the scope of topics discussed in class. A graphing calculator is required for this course. Text: Calculus of a Single Variable, Larson (Houghton Mifflin) Prerequisite: Introduction to Calculus (5) with an average of at least 80%. *PreCalculus (4) Grade 12 This course deals with the study of functions and other topics necessary for the study of calculus. Properties of functions and basic graphing techniques are examined. Types of functions studied are polynomial, rational, general algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric. In addition, polar coordinates and polar representations of complex numbers will be studied. Applications, concepts and properties of functions will be examined through the use of graphing calculator and/or computer-based assignments and projects. The course also contains an introduction to the concept of limit and derived function. A graphing calculator is required. Text: Precalculus, a Graphing Approach (Houghton Mifflin) Prerequisites: Geometry (4) and Algebra II (4) with an average of 80 in each.
*Trigonometry and Topics (3) Grade 12 This course is designed to help the students put their math skills to work in practical, everyday, real-life situations. The course will deal with such topics as: Income, Checking Accounts, Types of Insurance, Loans, Buying Automobiles, Investments, Budgets, and the use of Credit Cards. Text: Mathematics with Business Applications, Lange, Rousos, Mason (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill) This course emphasizes good problem-solving and programming skills. Object-oriented programming is introduced from the very start. The course incorporates Visual Basic controls in programs that demonstrate important programming concepts.The course covers topics such as built-in classes, properties and methods, as well as creating classes and understanding instantiation, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. This course is an excellent programming course in a sequence leading to Java. The text includes an academic version of Visual BASIC.NET for use on the student's home computer. (Lab Fee) Text: An Introduction to Programming Using Microsoft Visual BASIC.net, Brown and Presley (Lawrenceville Press) *Introduction to Java Programming (4) Grade 11, 12 In this course, students will gain experience with the fundamentals of the Java programming language and its object oriented features. They will learn to write, compile, and execute Java programs. Topics include (but are not limited to): obtaining and installing the Java Software Development Kit, source code, byte code, libraries, variables, data types, constructors, arrays, strings, conditionals and loops, and program documentation. (Lab Fee) Recommended Prerequisite: Visual BASIC Programming |
