Precalculus is a course that combines reviews of algebra, geometry, and functions into a preparatory course for calculus. The course focuses on the mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. The first semester includes linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, polynomial, and rational functions; systems of equations; and conic sections. The second semester covers trigonometric ratios and functions; inverse trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometry, including vectors and laws of cosine and sine; polar functions and notation; and arithmetic of complex numbers. Within each Precalculus lesson, students are supplied with a post-study “Checkup” activity, providing them the opportunity to hone their computational skills by working through a low-stakes problem set before moving on to a formal assessment. Unit-level Precalculus assessments include a computer-scored test and a scaffolded, teacher-scored test. The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and is aligned to state standards.
Probability & Statistics
The older we get, the more it seems like we are bombarded with data and information. In this class we will try to teach you to better interpret this information. If you are willing to work hard, use your time wisely, seek help when needed, and become involved, you should be able to find success in Probability and Statistics.
Functions, Statistics & Trigonometry
Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry is a curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. This course is primarily designed to target those students whose “home” school system offers this course. Students who are looking for a course that bridges Algebra 2/Advanced Algebra with Calculus should take Pre-Calculus.
Functions are correspondences or mappings that relate variables. Functions could be considered the most important topic in secondary school mathematics. Statistics and trigonometry are natural applications of functions that help students extend their mathematical skills and maturity as well as prepare them for future study in mathematics. The purpose of this course is to study many types of functions in great detail with a strong emphasis on statistics and trigonometry.
The course enables the student to display, describe, transform and interpret numerical information representations as data, graphs or equations. Using graphing software, the students will visualize functions, explore relations between equations and their graphs, simulate experiments, generate and analyze data and develop limit concepts.
NOTE: This is a textbook-based course with minimal digital activities. It was designed specifically for schools that require FST in their math sequence. You may want to consider Precalculus as the next course after Algebra 2 to prepare for Calculus. Please consult your counselor or NSO to determine the math sequence required for your school.
Geometry
This course includes a wide variety of activities that provide students with opportunities to discover real-world applications of geometry. The academic Math Standard V: Spatial Sense, Geometry and Measurement is embedded in the course.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 introduces students to advanced functions, with a focus on developing a strong conceptual grasp of the expressions that define them. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations.
This course supports all students as they develop computational fluency and deepen conceptual understanding. Students begin each lesson by discovering new concepts through text and video instruction, and then confirm their understanding in an interactive, feedback-rich environment.
Spanish 4
This fourth year of Spanish is a continuation of the first three years. The student will continue to sharpen listening, reading and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language instruction. Throughout the five units of material, students learn to express themselves using an ever increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, past-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Grammar is introduced and practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind.
Culture is sprinkled throughout the course in an attempt to help the learner focus on the Spanish speaking world and their culture, people, geographical locations and histories.
The course is aligned to the national Foreign Language standards.
Japanese 2
This course is a continuation of Japanese 1, and will introduce the student to a variety of areas of language learning. In this course, the student will learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language instruction. Throughout the five units of material (Daily Life, Animals, Activities, The Body and Descriptions), students learn to express themselves using an ever increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs and adjectives. Grammar is introduced and practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind. Culture is sprinkled throughout the course in an attempt to help the learner focus on the Japanese language and culture, people, life-style, geographical locations and histories. The course is aligned to the national Foreign Language standards.
Japanese 1
In Japanese 1, students will learn the basics of the Japanese language. Content is centered on learning how to learn to read and write Japanese. Specifically, Students will learn how to read and write the first Japanese alphabet (hiragana). Students will learn the fundamentals of Japanese grammar and sentence construction. By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation in the basics of the Japanese language, and be ready to expand your study into more complicated Japanese content.
Chinese 4
Students in this course will develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension skills at the advanced level. Students will read short stories and articles from magazines and newspapers and will write summaries, reviews, and letters. Students will develop advanced conversational skills in small-group settings, and comprehension of Chinese through films, TV, and radio programs.
A textbook Deposit of $75 will be collected at the start of the class and refunded when all books are returned.
Chinese 3
This course is structured for the student to continue the study and mastery of the basic skills of Chinese Language and Culture. Students will become more acquainted with contemporary Chinese life and the contributions of Chinese culture. The student will participate in such speaking activities as dramatizations, discussions, and narrations, will read contemporary short stories and newspaper articles, and will apply structural concepts and new vocabulary to the writing of descriptive passages. This course is aligned with the first year of college-level Chinese.