Program of Studies

               

Course Offerings

Math 1, CP1

Integrated Math 1 CP2

Integrated Math 2 CP2

Integrated Math 3 CP2

Integrated Math 4 CP2

Algebra 1 CP1

Algebra 1 CP2

Algebra 1  Part 2 CP2

Geometry  H

Geometry  CP1

Geometry CP2

Algebra 2 H

Algebra 2 CP1

Algebra 2 CP2

Advanced Mathematics  H

Advanced Mathematics CP1

Pre-Calculus CP2

Trigonometry  CP2

SAT Prep Math H

SAT Prep Math CP1

Creative Mathematics 1 H

Discrete and Finite Math CP1

Calculus BC AP

Calculus AB AP

Introductory Calculus CP1

Statistics 1 CP1

Statistics AP

Programming in C++  H

Introduction to JAVA Programming H

Scheme Programming H

Problem Solving H

 Problem Solving CP1

Computer Science AB  AP

 MCAS Mathematics

Topics in Calculus U

     In today’s society, it is imperative that a fundamental knowledge of mathematics becomes a part of everyone’s educational background. It is important for students to realize that their achievement in mathematics is not based solely on their ability but also on their persistence and effort. The study of mathematics will help develop logical thinking and reasoning skills that are crucial in our daily lives. All students will achieve mathematical competence through a comprehensive mathematics program that emphasizes the appropriate use of technology, problem solving, communicating, reasoning and proof, making connections and using representations.  To this end, students are encouraged to take four years (eight semesters) of mathematics. In order to comply with the requirements outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, CP1 and CP2 students are encouraged to double up in mathematics during their sophomore year. 

 

      The first year of algebra is critical.  It is a pivotal course that requires students to work diligently on the fundamental concepts of mathematics.  This background will help students achieve success in all subsequent courses.  Another course that our department sees as vital to student achievement is our Problem Solving course.  It is designed to develop and improve the problem solving strategies that will be utilized in all subsequent courses as well as on such standardized tests as the PSAT, SAT and MCAS.  We recommend that this course be taken during a student’s freshman or sophomore year.  

       Students will be expected to communicate their knowledge of mathematics through a variety of assessment tools. Students will be exposed to the many wonderful connections that exist among the varied disciplines of mathematics as well as to the real world. Students will then begin to see and understand the importance, beauty, and power of mathematics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

207 Integrated Math 1 CP2                                                                                                            1 credit

The course will cover material outlined in the Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks.  Students will use problem solving, communicating, reasoning and connecting to explore, develop, investigate and comprehend the “strands” of algebra and functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics.  These strands are connected across units by mathematical habits of mind such as visual thinking, recursive thinking, exploring patterns, making and checking conjectures, reasoning with multiple representations and providing convincing arguments.  Particular areas of emphasis include graphical displays of data, coordinate graphs, linear functions, recursive functions, solving linear equations and inequalities, vertex-edge graph models, geometry of two-and three-dimensional objects, exponential functions and simulation models.

(Full year course, open to grade 9)

 

215  Integrated Math 2 CP2                                                                                                            

1 credit

This course is a continuation of Integrated Math 1. Students will use problem solving, communicating, reasoning and connecting to explore, develop, investigate and comprehend the “strands” of algebra and functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics. These strands are connected across units by mathematical habits of mind such as visual thinking, recursive thinking, exploring patterns, making and checking conjectures, reasoning with multiple representations and providing convincing arguments.  Particular areas of emphasis include matrix models, geometric transformations, patterns of association, power functions, network optimization, trigonometry and probability distributions with their graphs.

Recommended:  Integrated Math 1

(Full year course, open to grades 10,11)

 

225  Integrated Math 3 (not offered 2006-2007) CP2                                                                                                           

  1 credit

This course is a continuation of Integrated Math 2. Students will use problem solving, communicating, reasoning and connecting to explore, develop, investigate and comprehend the “strands” of algebra and functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics. These strands are connected across units by mathematical habits of mind such as visual thinking, recursive thinking, exploring patterns, making and checking conjectures, reasoning with multiple representations and providing convincing arguments.  Particular areas of emphasis include multiple-variable models, symbol sense and algebraic reasoning, shapes and geometric reasoning, patterns in variation, discrete models of changes and families of functions.

Recommended:  Integrated Math 2

(Full year course, open to grades 11,12)

 

227  Integrated Math 4  (not offered 2006-2007) CP2                                                                                                            

1 credit

This course is a continuation of Integrated Math 3.  Students will use problem solving, communicating, reasoning and connecting to explore, develop, investigate and comprehend the “strands” of algebra and functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics. These strands are connected across units by mathematical habits of mind such as visual thinking, recursive thinking, exploring patterns, making and checking conjectures, reasoning with multiple representations and providing convincing arguments.  Particular areas of emphasis include rate of change, modeling motion, logarithmic functions, counting models, binominal distributions, polynomial functions and rational functions.

Recommended:  Integrated Math 3

(Full year course, open to grade 12)

 

203  Algebra 1  CP1                                                                                                                              

1 credit

This is a rigorous course in algebra, which introduces abstract concepts by the use of symbolism in which quantitative relationships can be stated in general terms.  Emphasis is on the relationships of the real number system.  Manipulation of symbols according to mathematical laws requires a thorough understanding of fundamentals.  Particular areas of emphasis include factoring, graphing, powers, functions, and the solution of linear, simultaneous, and quadratic equations.  Related word problems will be stressed.

(Full year course, open to grade 9)

 

204  Algebra 1  CP2                                                                                                                            

1 credit

The CP-2 Algebra 1 courses emphasize a conceptual understanding of algebra as a means of representation and of algebraic methods as a problem-solving tool.  Particular areas include the language of algebra, solution of open sentences, axioms of the real number system, operations with real numbers and with polynomials, order in the set of real numbers, factoring, graphing, relations, functions, irrational numbers, and quadratic equations.

(Full year course, open to grades 9,10)

 

201  Geometry  H                                                                                                                                   1 credit

This course is for students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 in the eighth grade.  It emphasizes logical arguments in plane geometry, geometric applications of algebra, solid and coordinate geometry, and an introduction to trigonometry.  It is the first course for students wishing to enroll in our challenging course work in mathematics, culminating with calculus in the twelfth grade.

Recommended:  Pass Algebra 1 in Grade 8 (85% recommended)

(Full year course, open to grade 9)

 

202  Geometry  CP1                                                                                                                            

1 credit

This is the sequential course to Algebra 1 for capable mathematics students preparing for college.  It precedes Algebra 2 and Advanced Math.  The course develops techniques of logical reasoning through the study of geometric figures.  Plane and solid geometric facts are determined through inductive and deductive processes, which stress original and creative thinking.  Coordinate geometry and trigonometry are introduced.

Recommended:  Pass Algebra 1 (80% in CP1 Algebra recommended) 

(Full year course, open to grades 9,10,11)

In order to comply with the requirements outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, 10th grade students should also be enrolled in Algebra 2.

 

213  Geometry  CP2                                                                                                                           

1 credit

This course includes the study of plane and spatial geometric figures.  Algebraic applications and coordinate methods are included along with inductive and deductive reasoning.  Topics include area, similarity, circles, regular polygons, geometric solids, as well as an introduction to trigonometry.

Recommended:  Pass Algebra 1

(Full year course is open to grades 10,11,12)

In order to comply with the requirements outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, 10th grade students should also be enrolled in Algebra 2.

 

211  Algebra 2  H                                                                                                                                    1credit

This course provides in-depth preparation for Advanced Mathematics H.  It continues the study of the properties and structure of the real number system.  The use of symbolism is emphasized and applied to problem solving.  Stress is placed on the ability to derive formulas and prove assertions.  Irrational and complex numbers as expansions of our number system, systems of quadratics, graphs of conic sections, introduction to trigonometry, sequences, series, and the binomial theorem are included as topics.  Students are required to participate in Mathematics Olympiad competition, which will be scheduled during the academic day.

Recommended:  Honors Geometry (85% recommended)

(Full year course, open to grade 10)

 

212 Algebra 2  CP1                                                                                                                                1 credit

This course continues the study of the properties and the structure of the real number system.  The use of symbolism is emphasized and applied to problem solving.  Irrational and complex numbers as expansions of our number system, logarithms, variation, analytic geometry of the straight line, systems of quadratics, graphs of the conic sections, introduction to trigonometry, sequences, series, and the binomial theorem are included as topics.

Recommended:  Algebra 1 and Geometry (80% in CP1 recommended)

(Full year course, open to grades 11,12)

 

223  Algebra 2  CP2                                                                                                                             

1 credit

The CP-2 Algebra 2 course include topics such as operations with rational and complex numbers, factoring, solutions of equations and inequalities, coordinate geometry, relations and functions, quadratic functions, systems of equations, exponents, logarithms, and conic sections.  Concepts of problem solving will be introduced.  This course treats the Algebra 2 curriculum in a less rigorous manner than Algebra 2 CP1.

Recommended:  Pass Algebra 1 and Geometry

(Full year course, open to grades 11 and 12)

 

221 Advanced Mathematics  H                                                                                                        

1 credit

This is a pre-calculus course for those students in the junior year that have strong motivation in mathematics.  It is a rigorous treatment of elementary functions with emphasis on mathematical analysis.  Analytical geometry and higher algebra topics such as series and limits will be included.  Students are required to participate in New England Math League and Math Olympiad competitions, which will be scheduled during the academic day.

Recommended:  Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 Honors (85% in Honors recommended)

(Full year course, open to grade 11)

 

222  Advanced Mathematics  CP1                                                                                               

1 credit

This is a course for students who wish to acquire a deeper and more expanded knowledge of mathematics.  It will include mathematical analysis based on the algebraic, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions. Advanced algebra and introductory probability will be considered.  Emphasis will be placed on abstract concepts as well as on skill in practical applications.

Recommended:  Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 CP1 (80% or higher recommended in CP1)

(Full year course, open to grades 11,12)

 

234  Pre Calculus  CP2                                                                                                                       

.5 credit

This is a first semester course for seniors, and when taken with Trigonometry (second semester) is similar to Advanced Math.  Its treatment of pre-calculus topics is not as rigorous as that in Advanced Math Honors or Advanced Math and will be paced to meet the need of students fulfilling the prerequisites. 

Recommended: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2  CP2 (80% or higher recommended in CP2)

(Semester course, open to grade 12)

 

236  Trigonometry  CP2                                                                                                                     

.5 credit

This second semester course in trigonometry includes the definition of the six fundamental trigonometric functions, simplification of trigonometric expressions, angle formulas, identities, equations, graphs, and application problems.

Recommended:  Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus

(Semester course, open to grade 12)

 

252  SAT Prep Mathematics H                                                                                                     .5 credit

253  SAT Prep Mathematics CP1                                                                                               

.5 credit

This first semester course will focus on preparing students for the College Board’s SAT 1 examination in Mathematics.  If students are planning on taking the exam in January, April or May, they should enroll in this course during the first semester.  If students are planning on taking the exam in October, November, December or June, they should enroll in this course during the second semester.  Students will have the opportunity to take several full-length practice SAT tests.  Hints, test taking strategies and exercises for improving test scores will be addressed.

 

244 Creative Math 1 H                                                                                                                        

.5 credit

This course covers the techniques and strategies of both problem solving and problem posing.  Following this process students will begin open-ended investigations dealing mainly with geometry, elementary number theory, sequences and series, and other topics from high school mathematics.  Emphasis will be on originality, creativity, and the discovery of patterns and relations.  In addition, there will be discussion on the nature of mathematics, its relationship to the physical and social sciences, and the role that induction, deduction, and the human imagination play in its growth.

Recommended:  Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 and the ability to work independently

(Semester course, open to grades 10,11,12)

 

246  Discrete and Finite Math CP1                                                                                             

.5 credit

This course is designed for the student whose freshman college course will not be calculus, but will include topics from finite and discrete mathematics.  Students planning to major in business, computers, or liberal arts should take this course.  Topics include sets, logic, combinatorics, probability, matrices, determinants, and linear programming.

Recommended:  Pass Algebra 2

(Semester course, open to grades 11,12)

 

231 Calculus BC  AP                                                                                                                         

1 credit

This course follows the Advanced Placement BC syllabus of the College Board.  This is a college level course, which is offered to qualified students to prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination (Level BC) in calculus.  It will give substantial training in differential and integral calculus and related analytic geometry.  As a college level course, the teaching and assignments will be of college depth and length.  Students are required to participate in the New England Math League and Math Olympiad competitions that will be scheduled during the academic day.

Recommended:  Honors Advanced Mathematics (85%)

(Full year course, open to grade 12)

 

232 Calculus AB  AP                                                                                                                         

1 credit

This course follows the Advanced Placement (Level AB) syllabus of the College Board.  Included in the course are the study of elementary functions, limit theory, and the methods of differential and integral calculus together with applications.  Students are required to participate in the New England Math League and Math Olympiad competitions that will be scheduled during the academic day.

Recommended:  Honors Advanced Mathematics (75%) or Advanced Mathematics (85%)

(Full year course, open to grade 12)

 

233  Introductory Calculus  CP1                                                                                                    1 credit

This course in the accelerated series provides an introduction to calculus.  It is intended to prepare students for more rigorous college calculus courses.  The review of some aspects of pre-calculus is included.  Course topics also include analytic geometry, elementary functions, limit theory, and methods of differential and integral calculus with applications.

Recommended:  Advanced Mathematics

(Full year course is open to grade 12)

 

247  Statistics 1  CP1                                                                                                                        

.5 credit

This is a basic course in statistics, which introduces the student to the art of collecting and analyzing data and making inferences from the data.  Most students will take statistics in college, and this is an excellent introduction to statistics.  Topics from probability will also be included.

Recommended:  Algebra 2 or concurrently taking Algebra 2

(Semester course, open to grades 11,12)

 

238  Statistics  AP                                                                                                                                1 credit

Advanced Placement Statistics acquaints students with the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data.  Students will frequently work on projects involving hands-on gathering and analysis of real world data.  Ideas and computations presented in this course have immediate links and connections with actual events.  Computers and calculators will allow students to focus deeply on the concepts involved in statistics.  This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in Statistics. Students are required to participate in the New England Math League and Math Olympiad competitions that will be scheduled during the academic day.

Recommended:  Algebra 2 Honors (85%)

(Full year course, open to grades 11,12)

 

243  Programming in C++  H                                                                                                               

1 credit

239  Programming in C++  CP1                                                                                                        

1 credit

Programming in C++ is for the new computer student.  Concepts and theory will start from the very beginning and build to the more complicated structures for which this language is noted.  Top-down design (planning the solution of a problem in detailed steps before putting it into computer code) will be stressed.  Problems used will be taken from a wide background including math, business, and other areas.

 

During the second semester, topics covered will include such advanced programming topics as classes, inheritance and pointers.  Due to the difficulty of some of these topics, only students who are serious about computer programming should consider taking this course.

 

Because CP1 students will not complete such topics as inheritance and pointers, they will not be prepared to take our AP Computer Science course.

(Full year course, open to grades 9,10,11,12)

 

240  Introduction to JAVA Programming  H                                                                             

1 credit

This course is for those students who have successfully completed at least one semester of C++ programming and who want to learn something about one of the most useful and powerful computer languages.  The student is introduced to JAVA programming techniques and shown how they are similar to and yet very different from those used to program in C++.  In particular, the student will learn how to use libraries to build larger programs that are very powerful.  This is a challenging course, and only those students who are serious about computer programming should consider taking it.  Second semester, topics covered will include arrays, searching and sorting.

Recommended:  Computer Programming in C++ (85%)

(Full year course, open to grades 10,11,12)

 

226  Scheme Programming  H                                                                                                             

.5 credit

Computer programming is both a skill and an art.  This course focuses on developing in the student an appreciation of the art of creating beautiful computer programs.  Such programs are concise in their expression, general in their application, and easily understood.  The language used for this course is Scheme, a simple yet powerful Lisp dialect.  The course will concentrate on using the unique features of this language to teach students how to design and build good programs.

Recommended:  At least one semester of a programming language

(Semester course, open to grades 10,11,12)

 

262  Problem Solving H                                                                                                                        

.5 credit

263 Problem Solving CP1                                                                                                                   

.5 credit

This course is designed to develop and improve the problem solving strategies that are utilized in educational course work and also in the world of work.  Students will learn how to work cooperatively in groups.  They will develop communication skills.  They will learn problem solving techniques such as diagrams, systematic lists, eliminating possibilities, matrix logic, pattern searches, guess and check, sub-problems, solving an easier related problem, physical representations, working backwards, Venn diagrams, using algebra, and finite differences.  This course does not require any previous mathematics background beyond Algebra 1 and should not be thought of as a “math” course.  It is a thinking improvement course.  PSAT, SAT and MCAS test scores should improve as a result of this course.  Students who fail the math portion of the 8th grade MCAS will be encouraged to take this course during their sophomore year.

 

Students will be given the opportunity to take this course at Honors or CP1 level.  Students will sign a contract at the beginning of the semester to designate the level at which they will be taking the course.  Modifications will be made with regard to students’ workload on problem sets to distinguish between the two levels.

(Semester course, open to grades 9-12)

 

241  Computer Science AB  AP                                                                                                  

.5 credit

This is a one-semester course for students who have completed one year of C++.  The course covers remaining topics needed for the Advanced Placement AB Examination in Computer Science.  These include recursion, linked lists (single, double and circular), binary trees and the AP classes:  vector, matrix, string, stack and queue.  The AP case study will also be examined.  Additional topics as time allows are Boolean Algebra, hashing, prefix, infix and post fix notations, quadratic sorts, big 0 notation, worst case and average case time, worst case and average case space, approximation methods and Monte Carlo methods.  Due to a very demanding curriculum, this is a course only for students who are serious about programming.

Recommended:  C++

(Semester course, open to grades 11,12)

 

251  Topics in Calculus  U                                                                                                                 

.5 credit

This course is designed to be taken in conjunction with any of our Calculus courses.  Students will be offered an opportunity to review many of the major concepts that are presented in our Calculus curriculum for the purpose of remediation and/or reinforcement.  Topics that will be discussed will include:  limits and continuity, derivatives, applications for derivatives, integration, applications of definite integrals, transcendental functions, and infinite sequences and series.  It is our belief that students gain most in the study of mathematics by being involved with it.  Toward this end, students will be given many opportunities to work in a cooperative learning environment to solve and then present their solutions to a variety of open response problems.  The course is designed for students who feel that additional practice would be beneficial to their understanding of the Calculus curriculum.

Required:  Enrollment in AP Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, or Introduction to Calculus

(Full year course, open to grade 12. Course will meet twice during a seven-day cycle)

 

991  MCAS Mathematics                                                                                                                

1 credit

This course helps prepare students for the MCAS, an exam all students must pass to graduate.  The course, which is funded through a Department of Education grant, aims to assist those students who have not yet passed or are in danger of not passing the MCAS.  Students will be exposed to the five major strands of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in Mathematics  (Number Sense and Operations; Patterns, Relations and Algebra; Geometry; Measurement; and Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability.)  Students will achieve mathematics competence in these strands through a program that emphasizes problem solving, communicating, reasoning and proof, making connections and using representations.  Because the course is available through a grant from the Department of Education and space is limited, the grade administrator determines enrollment eligibility.

 

This course does not count towards fulfilling the three-year Mathematics requirement.