Course Descriptions
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics Dept. Calculator Policy:
To follow the Massachusetts Common Core Curriculum Frameworks and to meet our school’s academic expectations, it is necessary to utilize technology as an essential tool in the teaching of mathematics. In keeping with the school’s Core Values and Beliefs Statement, that each student come to school ready to learn, and to maximize learning success, appropriate calculators will be recommended for use at home and in school.
It is recommended that all students provide their own calculators and develop proficiency with them. Scientific calculators are not necessary for Algebra 1, but are sufficient for Geometry and Algebra 2 courses. Graphing calculators are encouraged for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Graphing calculators are required for AP Statistics. The TI-84+CE graphing calculator is recommended. Teachers will inform students of the appropriate calculator at the beginning of the school year.
In addition, students taking the math portion of the MCAS, ACT, PSAT and the SAT will be required to have their own calculators and be proficient with them. A minimum scientific calculator is required. A graphing calculator is required for taking the Calculus AP exam and the AP Statistics exam.
Mathematics Dept. Summer Packet Policy:
In order to have students maintain content knowledge, summer packets are assigned at the end of the school year. The summer packets are due the first Friday after school begins. There are no exceptions. The packets required for all math classes except Math Applications. All summer packets are on the math department website shsmath.webnode.com and can also be accessed at the Somerset Berkley Regional High School website somersetberkley.org.
Doubling Courses Policy:
Any student entering grade 10 that wishes to double up and take Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 at either concurrently must have a minimum average of A- in Algebra 1 AND have teacher recommendation.
COURSE OFFERINGS:
Honors Algebra I
Grade 9 110103
This course is an in-depth study of Algebra I, which proceeds at a quick pace. The concepts of algebra are introduced with an examination of the structure and the techniques of algebra, linear equations, factoring, systems of equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, graphing, radicals, rational functions, probability, and statistics. Real world applications are integrated throughout the course. Students should have a minimum average of C+ in level 1 Math in grade 8 and/or qualify according to skill level on a grade 8 placement test.
Advanced College Prep Algebra I
Grade 9 120103
The concepts of algebra are introduced with an examination of the structure and the techniques of algebra. Topics studied include: number lines, variables, functions, linear equations, systems of equations, factoring, radicals, quadratic equations, inequalities, graphing, probability, and statistics. Real world applications are integrated throughout the course. Students should show appropriate skill level to succeed in this course by taking a grade 8 placement test.
College Prep Model Mathematics I
Grade 9 130103
The fundamental purpose of the course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. This course is comprised of standards selected from the high school conceptual categories of the Common Core Frameworks, which were written to encompass the scope of content and skills to be addressed throughout grades 9–12 rather than through any single course. This is a course in which students learn mathematics in the context of real world applications and a wide variety of problems. The course is intended for students who have difficulty with the abstract nature of the traditional approach. Topics in Algebra, Geometry, Logical Reasoning, Measurement, Probability, Data Analysis, Statistics, Patterns, Relations, Number Sense and Operations are interwoven throughout. These topics are spiraled throughout the course to enhance learning. This course is part of a three-year sequence. Students should have successfully completed Pre-Algebra/Grade 8 Mathematics.
Honors Geometry
Grade 9/10 210103
This course covers the definitions, postulates, and theorems of plane geometry using a rigorous approach. Plane geometry, deductive reasoning and logic, areas and volumes of plane and solid figures are also covered. Solids and three-dimensional space is explored and developed including surface area and volume. There is a special emphasis on coordinate and transformational geometry. Right triangle trigonometry is introduced and explored. Students should have successfully completed Honors Algebra 1 with a final average of B- and/or achieved a qualifying score on the Algebra I final exam.
Advanced College Prep Geometry
Grade 10 Level 2 220103
This course emphasizes a more investigative approach to geometry. Students study plane geometry, deductive reasoning and logic. Solids and three-dimensional space are explored, including surface area and volume. There is a special emphasis on coordinate and transformational geometry. Right triangle trigonometry is also introduced. Students should have successfully completed Advanced College Prep Algebra 1 with a minimum final average of C-
College Prep Model Mathematics II
Grade 10 230103
The focus of the Model Mathematics II course is on quadratic expressions, equations, and functions; comparing their characteristics and behavior to those of linear and exponential relationships from Model Mathematics I. Topics covered will be from the same areas of mathematics but will build on knowledge from the previous year.
Students should have successfully completed Model Mathematics I
Math Applications
Grade 10 230203
This course emphasizes the Learning Standards of the six conceptual categoires of the Massachusetts Mathematics Common Core Curriculum Framework: 1.) Number and Quantity, 2.) Algebra, 3.) Functions, 4.) Modeling, 5.) Geometry, and 6. Statistics and Probability. The course is designed to prepare students for the mathematics portion of the MCAS test. Students are evaluated on the basis of their performance in previous math courses and prior MCAS scores for placement into this class. Requirement: This MCAS course must be taken in conjunction with another math course. IT CAN NOT BE TAKEN ALONE. This course does not count toward the mathematics graduation requirement.
Honors Algebra II
Grades 10/11 310103
The concepts of algebra are expanded to include real and complex numbers, various functions, graphing, conic sections, all aspects of quadratic equations, varied applications of word problems, systems of equations, radical functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponentials and logarithms. Students should have successfully completed Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 1 with an average of B- or better.
Advanced College Prep Algebra II
Grades 11/12 320103
This course in Algebra continues the study of the structure of algebra, reinforcing the topics of Algebra I. The concepts of algebra are expanded to include real and complex numbers, various functions, graphing, special functions, all aspects of quadratic functions, polynomial functions, varied applications of word problems, systems of equations, radical functions and rational functions. Students should have successfully completed Geometry and Algebra I.
College Prep Model Mathematics III
Grade 11 330103
It is in the Model Mathematics III course that students integrate and apply the mathematics they have learned from their earlier courses. The main focus is on four critical areas: (1) apply methods from probability and statistics to draw inferences and conclusions from data; (2) expand understanding of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions; (3) expand right triangle trigonometry to include general triangles; and (4) consolidate functions and geometry to create models and solve contextual problems. Students should have successfully completed Model Mathematics I and Model Mathematics II.
Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry
Grades 11/12 410103
This course includes a thorough study of functions, trigonometry, and other advanced topics. This course begins a study of mathematics that thoroughly combines algebra and geometry. Since functions are the foundation of calculus, the course covers rational, exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic functions. Other topics addressed include: circular functions, identities, analytic geometry, complex numbers, polar coordinates, limits and series. Students should have successfully completed Honors Algebra II with a B- average or higher.
Advanced College Prep Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry
Grade 12 420103
This course includes a thorough study of functions, trigonometry, and other advanced topics. This course begins a study of mathematics that thoroughly combines algebra and geometry. Since functions are the foundation of calculus, the course covers rational, exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic functions. This course will go through topics at a slower pace than the Honors course. Students should have successfully completed Advanced College Prep Algebra II with a C+ average or higher.
AP Statistics
Grades 10, 11, 12 390203
This course is designed to cover the syllabus for Advanced Placement Statistics as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to take the AP Statistics exam in the spring when the course concludes. A TI-84 Plus CE is required for use in this course. Topics include exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Students should have successfully completed Geometry and should be taking or have taken Algebra 2.
Honors Statistics
Grade 12 410203
This course is a multi-level offering with Advanced College Prep Statistics. The Honors section will have extra assignments and different assessments than the Advanced College prep course. This course specifically addresses the tenth and twelfth grade Massachusetts Common Core Mathematics Frameworks in Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability. Students enrolled in this course are assumed to have mastered the concepts outlined in the Algebra 2 standards of the Common Core curriculum frameworks. The purpose of this course is to present basic concepts and techniques for collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and making predictions. This course will assist in the preparation for college and potential mathematics entrance/placement exams. There will be many projects and case studies to enhance student learning. A scientific calculator is recommended for this course. Students should have successfully completed Algebra II.
Advanced College Prep Statistics
Grade 12 420203
This course specifically addresses the tenth and twelfth grade Massachusetts Common Core Mathematics Frameworks in Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability. In addition, the course will also cover some standards in Patterns, Relations and Algebra, as well as Number Sense and operations. Students enrolled in this course are assumed to have mastered the concepts outlined in the Algebra 2 standards of the Common Core curriculum frameworks. The purpose of this course is to present basic concepts and techniques for collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and making predictions. This course will assist in the preparation for college and potential mathematics entrance/placement exams. There will be many projects and case studies to enhance student learning. A scientific calculator is recommended for this course. Students should have successfully completed Algebra II or Model Mathematics III.
AP Calculus
Grade 12 490303
This course is designed to cover the syllabus for Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are expected to take the AB exam in the spring when the course concludes. A TI-84 Plus CE calculator, or the equivalent is required for use in this course. Topics include functions, limits, derivatives and their applications, integrals and their applications, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and infinite series. The philosophy and goals of Advanced Placement Calculus will set the direction for the entire course. The Rule of Four will be used to develop students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus. The Rule of Four is shorthand for the multi representational approach to mathematics that encourages all the topics, results and discussion be done verbally, analytically, numerically and graphically. Some topics from the BC syllabus will be covered, but preparation for the (AB) AP Calculus exam will be given. Students should have successfully completed Honors Pre-Calculus and have teacher recommendation.
Honors Calculus
Grade 12 410303
This course is organized and presented specifically for the high school senior. It will begin with a review of number theory, linear & quadratic functions, trigonometric functions & conics. All standard topics of elementary calculus will be covered, including limits, continuity, techniques of differentiation and integration. Differential equations will be applied to the solution of practical problems regarding maxima, minima, rates of change, and motion. Integration will be applied to problems of area and volume. Graphing calculators are recommended for this course. Students should have successfully completed Pre-Calculus.
Math Department
MATHEMATICS Course Descriptions: