MATHEMATICS

 

The mathematics program is designed to accomplish five general goals for all students:  (1) that they learn to value mathematics, (2) that they are confident in their ability to do mathematics, (3) that they will be able to communicate mathematically, and (4) that they learn to reason mathematically.

The mathematics Program at Hillhouse High School offers a wide variety of courses that are designed to meet the need of all students.  These courses provide the necessary prerequisites for mathematics at the college level, and also provide students with the mathematical skills that prepare them for the world of work.

The curricula for all the mathematics courses are consistent with the city wide requirements.  Each course curriculum consists of the following sections: 1) the power Standards, 2) the course specific Content, 3) Significant tasks, and 4) Assessments and Rubrics.

The students’ performance in each of the mathematics curriculum is assessed using a variety of assessment methods.  These include but are not limited to teacher made tests and quizzes, city-wide assessments, departmental mid year, and final examinations, performance based tests, projects, reports and a portfolio of students work.  The final assessment grades are based on the school wide rubrics or the teacher made rubric for the specific task.

                                                                                                                                               

Consumer Mathematics                         Grade(s) 11, 12                                         1 credit

Level:  3                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of 3 mathematics courses

                        Description:   Students will study applications of mathematics in such consumer areas as:  earning money, banking, buying a house, buying a car, taxes, investments, and buying insurance.  Probability and statistics as it relates to the consumer will be explored.  The emphasis of the course will be on consumer applications.  Students will be encouraged to use a calculator for all activities.

                                                                                                                                               

 

Algebra I                                          Grade(s)9                                 1 credit

Level:  Honors and College         Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  C or above in grade 8 course

Description: The content of this course is devoted to the study of the basic concepts in algebra, equations inequalities, the introduction to the language of functions, and linear functions and their application.  These concepts of basic algebra include: the study variables, evaluation and simplification of algebraic expressions, the application of the properties of real numbers, and solving linear equations and inequalities.  In the study of linear functions and its application emphasis is placed on the behavior of the function in the plane, the relation of the x and y intercepts, and the slope to real world problems.  The study of linear functions is extended to include a system of linear functions their graphs and application. 

Students are encouraged to use the mathematical language and to solve mathematical problems numerically, algebraically, and graphically.

                                                                                                                                               

Algebra II                                                 Grade(s) 11                                         1 credit

Level:  Honors and College         Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite: The completion of Algebra I and Geometry

Description:  The course provides students with a rigorous study of algebraic functions and the behavior of their parent graphs in the plane.  For all functions their application to real world situations are explored.  The topics include: absolute value functions, piecewise functions, systems of equations ( in more than two variables), systems of inequalities, the quadratic function, polynomial functions, rational functions, radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions and the introduction to trigonometric functions.  The curriculum also offers students the option to extend their study to conic sections. Emphasis is placed on the use of mathematical language, and the extensive use of the graphing calculator as a tool for problem solving.

                                                                                                                                                           

 

Trigonometry (Trig ++)                           Grade(s) 10,11                                         1 credit           

Level:  1                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  Algebra I, Geometry

Description:  (This course can be taken concurrently with Geometry or Algebra II for 2007-2008 school year).  Presently the course is taken concurrently with Integrated III.  This course is given in conjunction with Honors Integrated III to accelerate students into AP Calculus in the senior year.  The purpose of this course is to give students a good understanding of trigonometry and how trigonometry can be used as a modeling language for real world problems.  Students will be introduced to the topics from calculus such as limits and continuity of a function.

                                                                                                                                               

 

Pre-Calculus                                            Grade(s) 11, 12                                         1 credit

Level:  1                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  Grade of B- or above in Honors Algebra II and teacher recommendation.

                        Description:   This course provides students with a study of algebra, algebraic functions, trigonometry, and trigonometric functions.  Emphasis is placed on using algebra as a problem solving tool. The course integrates the three problem strategies.  Students will solve problems algebraically and confirm solutions graphically and numerically.  The graphing calculator is used extensively in this course. 

                                                                                                                                               

 

Advanced Placement Calculus                    Grade 12                                             1 Credit

Level:  1                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite: B or above in Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendations

Description:  This course will provide students with a full year of college calculus and will prepare the students for the AP examinations given near the completion of the school year. Topics include the study of limits, differentiation of functions and integration of functions with appropriate application.

                                                                                                                                               

Principles of Algebra & Geometry             Grade(s) 9                                             1 credit

Level:  3                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  Students with a grade below C in Grade 8 mathematics

Description:   This course is intended for students that arrive in grade 9 but are lacking some of the basic skills in arithmetic.  The topics run parallel to the Algebra I curriculum and give students a chance to perfect their skills in basic calculations.  The topics include the order of operations on the set of real numbers, evaluation and simplification of algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, the exploration of the graphs of linear functions and linear inequalities, system of equation the introduction of geometric shapes.  Topics for problem solving include percents ration, and proportion, area and perimeter, similar figures.  Students are exposed to the numerical method of problem solving (use of charts and tables). 

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Transitional Mathematics                          Grade(s) 9                                             1 credit

Level: 1                                         Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  None

Description:  This course is designed for students without the basic skills in arithmetic.  The course will provide a full year of study in basic arithmetic.  The topics covered include operation on the set of whole numbers, operation with fractions, the order of operation, operations with decimals, measurement, uses of variables, solving simple equations, area and volume, and graphing in the coordinate plane.  Although much emphasis will be placed on students gaining acuity in the performance of the basic skills, importance will also be placed on the students gaining the necessary problem solving skills.

                                                                                                                                               

CAPT Math Grade(s) 9                                1/2 credit

Level:                                   Length of Course:  one marking period

Prerequisite:  None

Description:  This course is designed for all grade nine students.  The course gives students a quick overview of the content of the CAPT Test.  Emphasis is placed on getting students familiar with the type of problems expected on the CAPT Test.  Students are given practice in how to accurately bubble in their responses to questions and are also given anchor papers so that they can model how to write their responses to the open ended questions.

                                                                                                                                               

 

Intermediate Algebra Math 137               Grade(s) 12                                            1 credit

Level:  2                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite: Algebra II Geometry

Description:   This course is offered in collaboration with Gateway Community College.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to do a common final exam with students enrolled in the same course offered at Gateway Community College.  On completion of the course students receive 3 credits from the community college.

 

The topics covered in the course include: Linear function, quadratic functions, operation of functions, inverse function, polynomial functions, rational functions, radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions.

                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

  

Beginning Algebra   Math 095                                                                              1credit                            

Level:  2                                        Length of Course:  Full Year                                         

Prerequisite:  Algebra II, Geometry

                        Description:   This course is offered in collaboration with Gateway Community College.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the common final examination set by Gateway Community College.  On completion of the course students receive 3 credits from the college.

The course offers students a rigorous study of the basic concepts of algebra. The topics include: operations on the set of real numbers, operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations and its applications, linear functions and their graphs, and the introduction to the quadratic equations and its application.  

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SAT Math                  Grade(s) 10, 11,12     1/2 credit

Level:  1                                       Length of Course:  Semester

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I and concurrently in Geometry

Description:   The purpose of the course is to get students prepared for the SAT Mathematics test.  Test taking strategies are discussed and reinforced.  Students are given SAT tests as practice.  Topics of mathematics that are covered on the SAT are presented.                                               

                                                                                                                                               

 

Geometry                                                 Grade(s) 10,11                                         1 credit

Level:  2                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  Algebra I

Description:  This course is designed to give students a thorough understanding of Euclidean Geometry.  The discovery techniques where students do hands on and problem solving activities to develop the properties of plane and three-dimensional figures are employed.  The topics include: define terms (postulates and theorems), lines and line segments, angle measure, triangles, polygons, similarity and congruency, transformations, circles and area and volume.  Emphasis is placed on the application of these concepts to real world situations. 

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Basic Geometry                                      Grade(s) 10, 11                                         1 credit

Level:  3                                        Length of Course:  Full Year

Prerequisite:  Algebra I

Description:   This course is designed for students for whom abstract and logical reasoning pose a difficulty.  In place of proof in a standard geometry course, a discovery and application approach is utilized.  Topics include:  congruence, similarity, properties of polygons, congruence, similarity, transformations, rotations, Pythagorean Theorem, perimeter and area.

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Macy Skill Science-Math                           Grade(s) 9                                            .5 credit

Level:  1                                       Length of Course:  Semester

Prerequisite:  Macy Program Participant

                        Description:  The purpose of the course is the development of strategies that people in the world of work use to solve problems.  Students will develop specific problem-solving strategies, communication skills, and attitudes.  The problem solving strategies learned will help students improve their performance in the regular mathematics class, as well as on the SAT and CAPT.

                                                                                                                                            

Computer Applications                        Grade(s) 10, 11, 12                                      1 credit

Level:  2                                        Length of Course: Full Year

Prerequisite:  Macy Program participant or college bound student

                        Description:   This course is designed to introduce college-bound students to computer usage.  In addition to comfort with the technology, the emphasis is on word processing, databases and spreadsheets.  The use of graphic clip art and original drawings/paintings is encouraged.  Both Print Shop and Mavis Beacon Typing programs are used to enhance computer skills.  Students gain experience on the World Wide Web as well as create their own web page(s).