Math Department

The Department recognizes that it has a two-fold goal for students. Students should leave our program ready to handle mathematics at the collegiate level and in conducting business in everyday life. But we also know that we must prepare students for the standardized tests that are gateways to college and jobs. The preparation for these two goals is not precisely the same. Given that our students take math as one course in eight, we are challenged to fit preparation for testing into a curriculum already bursting with Hamilton County objectives for each course and the math we know they must master to be successful in college.

In the sixth and seventh grades, one teacher teaches both math and science in each grade. This configuration enables the teacher to teach math contextually as well as to devote extra time as needed. Because this year every student takes algebra 1 in the eighth grade, teachers in sixth and seventh grades are giving the students the normal grade level mathematics course plus strong pre-algebra emphasis. In both sixth and seventh grades there is heavy emphasis on problem solving and working in groups. Both use the Impact curriculum as a rich source of group-worthy problems that challenge student at all levels.

Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 are traditional courses. We use the Hamilton County adopted text known as Cognitive Tutor in Algebra 1 and 2 ad Geometry. We have two maths labs in which students spend thirty to forty percent of their time in a motivating practice environment. The materials contain many real world applications.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Algebra 1

This course covers the language of algebra, algebraic manipulations, and elementary functions. This year, the course includes more quadratic manipulations than in previous years, This course will change extensively next year as the new standards are implemented. Several topics currently taught in Algebra 2 will be taught in Algebra 1 , which will become a ninth grade course. That will require the addition of a course in eighth grade mathematics that will include strong pre-algebra plus topics in geometry and statistics. $5.00 class materials fee.

Geometry

This course focuses on "earth measurement," as the word implies. Students master the science of spatial relationships necessary to the underpinnings for calculus. Geometry figures predominantly on the college entrance tests. Beginning next year, the course will include a heavier emphasis on proof and the addition of new topics such as vectors. $5.00 class materials fee.

Algebra 2

This course continues the work begun in Algebra 1 but at a deeper level. Almost all of the vocabulary used in pre-calculus is introduced. New functions are introduced (exponential, logarithmic, rational, radical, and trigonometric), and relationships among them are developed. During this course, students complete all the mathematics that they will encounter on the ACT or SAT. Many pre-calculus topics will be included, and students will encounter more trigonometry, conics, and statistics. $5.00 class materials fee.

Pre-calculus

After Algebra 2, students may elect to continue in pre-calculus (for which everyone has been prepared) or take college-prep math. Pre-calculus does exactly as its name implies, preparing students for calculus. In addition to mastery of the basic functions, a quarter of trigonometry is included, plus initial work with sequences and series and probability and statistics. The course may include may include many early calculus topics.

College-Prep Math

This class reviews high school math, provides strong ACT preparation, and introduces students to trigonometry, probability, and statistics. The class will have a state-defined curriculum and will be a bridge to college-level mathematics.

AP Calculus

This course provides traditional AB Calculus usually to a small group of highly motivated and talented students. Many will take (and pass) the AP test. The curriculum includes limits and integration and their applications. This course will be offered next year again as AP Calculus.