Mathematics
MATHEMATICS
COURSE SEQUENCE
3
credits required for graduation
| Grade
9 |
Grade
10 |
Grade
11 |
Grade
12 |
| 1
Credit |
1
Credit |
1
Credit |
1
Credit |
|
Algebra
I
Honors Algebra I
Honors Algebra II |
Algebra
I
Geometry
Honors Geometry |
Geometry
Algebra
II
Honors
Pre-Calculus
Mathematical Applications
|
Algebra
II
Advanced Algebra
Honors Pre-Calculus
Honors Calculus
Statistics
Mathematical
Applications II
Trigonometry |
MATHEMATICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ALGEBRA I (1 credit)
Based on a real-world application of algebra, students will
develop an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics.
Algebraic skills and concepts are developed and applied in
a wide variety of problem-solving situations. The application
of mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces the
course curriculum. Students will learn to simplify algebraic
expressions, solve algebraic sentences, and to communicate
their procedures as well as defend their results. The study
and application of linear functions will be emphasized (graphing
and writing linear equations). Algebra I prepares students
to take the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) by
teaching key skills throughout the curriculum, as well as within
the Mathematics Literacy Labs. The use of a graphing
calculator is incorporated.
HONORS ALGEBRA I (1 credit)
This is an accelerated course that focuses on an in-depth understanding
of algebra. The course contains an in-depth study of
functions, linear and quadratic. Topics include solving,
graphing and interpreting linear models, (including systems
of equations), simplifying expressions containing exponents,
performing
operations with polynomials, basic trigonometry and topics
from discrete mathematics. Students are
prepared to take the Connecticut Academic Performance Test
(CAPT) by practicing key skills throughout the curriculum,
as well as within the Mathematics Literacy Labs. Statistics,
probability and geometry are integrated throughout this course. The
use of a graphing calculator is incorporated.
GEOMETRY (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra
I
Based on the real-life application of geometry, a student
will investigate the spatial relationships of polygons and
solids. The course is based on understanding the basic relationships
of congruence and similarity, the structures used to analyze
them, and the language used to communicate these ideas. Students
are taught basic geometric concepts, including applications
of areas, perimeters, lengths, circles, parallel lines, angle
measures and volumes of geometric figures to solve problems.
Geometry prepares students to take the Connecticut Academic
Performance Test (CAPT) by teaching key skills throughout
the curriculum, as well as within the Mathematics Literacy
Labs. The application of mathematical concepts to trade experiences
reinforces the curriculum. The use of a graphing calculator
is encouraged.
Honors GEOMETRY (1
credit)
Prerequisite: (Successful completion of Algebra I
This is an accelerated course that focuses on an in-depth
understanding of the relationships of congruence and similarity,
the structures used to analyze them, and the language used
to communicate these ideas. This course requires a greater
degree of independence and competence in critical thinking
and communicating mathematically. The application of mathematical
concepts to technology experiences reinforces the curriculum.
The use of a graphing calculator is encouraged.
ALGEBRA II (1 credit)*
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra
I
In Algebra II, the student’s knowledge of algebra
is reinforced and extended. Knowledge of functions is expanded
to quadratics and polynomials. Topics include algebraic vocabulary,
variations, solving systems of equations, understanding non-linear
function and graphs, with as many applications as possible.
The course sets the stage for a higher-level study of mathematics
(Advanced Algebra). Students are expected to communicate
their procedures, as well as defend their results. The application
of mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces
the curriculum. The use of a graphing calculator is encouraged.
ADVANCED ALGEBRA (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra
II
In Advanced Algebra, the student’s knowledge of algebra
is reinforced and extended. Knowledge of functions
is extended to include exponential, rational, trigonometric
and logarithmic. The purpose of this course is to prepare
students for the transition to college level math and solidify
their knowledge and skills in preparation to be successful
in a pre-calculus course. Students are expected to communicate
their procedures, as well as defend their results. The application
of mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces
the curriculum. The use of a graphing calculator is encouraged.
Honors ALGEBRA II (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completions of Honors Algebra
I (self-selection by student)
This is an accelerated course that focuses on an in-depth
understanding of algebra. The course continues an in-depth
study of functions, which is extended to quadratics, exponential,
rational and trigonometric functions. Topics include algebraic
vocabulary, variations and graphs, complex numbers, sequences,
probability, and trigonometry, with as many applications
as possible. The course sets the stage for a higher-level
study of mathematics. This course requires a greater degree
of independence and competence in critical thinking and communicating
mathematically. The application of mathematical concepts
to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. The use of
a graphing calculator is encouraged.
Honors
PRE-CALCULUS (1
credit)*
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II Honors
(self-selection by student)
This course will enable students to develop an in-depth
understanding of graphs of relations, algebraic and trigonometric
functions. Special focus is placed on the use of models
to solve real-life problems. The course is taught as a
preparation for the study of calculus. In addition, students
convert real-world data into numerical or algebraic models.
Students also use these models to analyze and predict behavior
of data and effectively communicate those results. This
demanding course requires a great deal of independence
and competence in critical thinking and communicating mathematically. The
use of a graphing calculator is highly integrated into
instruction and learning.
HONORS CALCULUS (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Pre-Calculus
This course includes the study of real numbers and the
creation and use of graphs, relations, functions, trigonometric
functions, limits, derivatives and integrals. These concepts
will be used to model, solve problems and convert real-world
data sets into limits, derivatives, and integrals as graphical,
numerical and algebraic models. This demanding course requires
a great deal of independence and competence in critical thinking
and communicating mathematically. The use of a graphing
calculator is incorporated.
MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS I (1 credit)
Electives for Juniors only. Prerequisite: Successful
completion of Algebra I and Geometry
The purpose of this course is to explore new areas of mathematics
and reinforce them through the application of algebraic and
geometry concepts. Areas of study include topics such
as discrete math (graph theory, simulations and optimizations),
simple statistics and data analysis, application of the Pythagorean
Theorem and linear programming. The application of
mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces this
curriculum.
MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS II (1 credit)
Electives for Seniors only. Prerequisite: Successful
completion of Algebra I and Geometry
The purpose of this course is to explore new areas of mathematics
and reinforce them through the application of algebraic and
geometry concepts. Areas of study include topics such
as the study of two-dimensional geometry, Tessellations,
three-dimensional geometry, indirect variation, proportionality,
three-dimensional coordinate and topographical maps, and
systems of equations/inequalities. The application
of mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces
this curriculum.
STATISTICS (1 credit)
Electives for Seniors only. Prerequisite: Successful
completion of Algebra II
This course will use the standard approaches to statistical
analysis, exploratory data analysis, exploratory data analysis,
elementary probability, sampling distributions and estimation.
The application of mathematical concepts to trade experiences
reinforces the curriculum. The use of a graphing calculator
is incorporated.
TRIGONOMETRY (1 credit)
Elective for Seniors only. Pre-requisite: Successful
completion of Algebra II or more advanced course
Applied Trigonometry is designed for students wishing to
take a fourth or fifth credit in math. Students who
successfully complete Algebra II and want a fourth year can
select this course as senior math. Some student may
wish to take Applied Trigonometry concurrently with Advanced
Algebra, Pre-calculus or Statistics. This course is
designed primarily as an application of trigonometry and
the study of the unit circle. A thorough examination
will be conducted of the sine, cosine and tangent functions,
including their inverses, with respect to a variety of application
specific to the trades. Both the right triangle and
oblique triangle cases will be considered in detail. Traditional
methods of instruction and the examination of the unit circle
in conjunction with the use of graphing calculator will be
employed. Topic in analytical trigonometry will also
be touched upon and certain students may delve deeper into
the study of analytically trigonometry.
*College Career Pathways – Students
may qualify to earn college credit for a total of one math
course.