Mathematics

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 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 is aligned to the Common Core State Standard. The structure of the course and district assessments will prepare students for the Smarter Balanced Assessment, an assessment during their junior year.

This course is a supplement for ninth grade students who performed at the basic and below basic levels on the Connecticut Mastery Test in Mathematics.  Students enrolled in Algebra I will be concurrently enrolled in Foundations in Mathematics. Foundations in Mathematics will provide these students additional support and intervention to successfully complete Algebra I and address specific needs identified on CMT results. Students will receive an individualized profile based on their CMT results. Teachers will instruct students on the identified concepts and skills. Interactive software will help diagnose student needs and monitor progress as students work at their own pace. They will build the necessary background knowledge to enable them to be successful in Algebra I and their chosen trade.

This is an accelerated course that focuses on an in-depth understanding of algebra. The course contains an in-depth study of functions, both linear and non-linear. Topics include solving, graphing and interpreting linear models, simplifying expressions containing exponents, performing operations with polynomials, basic trigonometry and topics from discrete Mathematics. Students are prepared to take the Smarter Balanced Assessment in their junior year. Statistics, probability and geometry are integrated throughout this course.

Based on the real-life application of geometry, a student will investigate concepts in geometry such as congruence and similarity; apply that knowledge when conducting proofs and constructions. Coordinate geometry is also used, which integrates algebra from the previous year. Critical thinking and problem-solving is emphasized as well as developing the skills to communicate mathematical ideas.

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. Constructing proofs, use of coordinate geometry and the study of conic sections are included. This course requires a greater degree of independence and competence in critical thinking and communicating mathematically.

Prerequisite: 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.

Prerequisite:  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.

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra I or teacher recommendation
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.

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II or teacher recommendation
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.

Prerequisite: 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.

Prerequisite: 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 geometric 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.

Prerequisite: 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 geometric 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.

Prerequisite: At least two math credits, one must be Algebra I
The purpose of this course is to solidify foundational skills in math and apply Mathematics to the business world. Applications of percent including discounts, payroll and taxes will be explored as well as simple and compound interests. Personal financing including banking, owning a home and investment will be covered. Business finance includes interpreting reports, depreciation and maintaining inventory and overhead.

Prerequisite: 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.

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II
This course will use standard approaches to understand descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression and correlation, as well as distributions of data. Probability and random variables are also included in the course expectations.

Prerequisite: Algebra II
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 students 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 applications 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. Topics in analytical trigonometry will also be touched upon and certain students may delve deeper into the study of analytical trigonometry.

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II
Honors Trigonometry is designed for students wishing to take a fourth or fifth credit in math. This is a very traditional trigonometry course and include the following topics; trigonometry functions, right triangle trigonometry, circular functions and radian measure, trigonometric identities, inverse circular functions, applications of trigonometry and vectors as well as polar and parametric equations. Topic in analytical trigonometry will also be touched upon and certain students may delve deeper into the study of analytically trigonometry.