The Mathematics Department recognizes that Hill Regional Career High School serves a diverse student body with a wide variety of needs and abilities, interests and learning capacities. We believe it is our responsibility to prepare these students academically and to present them with opportunities and experiences in the classroom that meet their individual needs. Since it is difficult to determine which specific skills will be needed in our rapidly changing technological world, we believe it is important that students learn how to learn and develop a willingness to continue learning. We believe mathematics instruction should be a blend of concrete and abstract skills and concepts, applications and theory. We also believe it is important to establish an appropriate learning climate in order to supervise, instruct and prepare students for the mathematics of daily life, mathematics of careers and higher level mathematics. To that end, it is assumed that every successful student will participate actively in class discussion, and put forth his or her best effort in the completion of all assigned classwork. All students are strongly urged to purchase a TI-82, 83, or 83 Plus graphing calculator, which will be required for all courses. Graphing calculators will be available for use in class. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
# 209 ALGEBRAIC CONCEPTS GRADE 9
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
(Elective credit – cannot be used as one of the four required math credits.)
Prerequisites: None
This course is taken concurrently with Algebra I and is intended for Grade 9 students who need math support based on CMT scores and math grades.
Course Description: Students learn important mathematical ideas by taking an active part in solving interesting problems and completing projects. Emphasis will be placed on: data collection and analysis, tables and graphs, linear regression, and interpolation and extrapolation of data points. TI-83+ calculator skills appropriate for the grade 9 curriculum will be stressed. Basic mathematical skills utilized in Grade 9 math and science classes will be reinforced as needed. Preparation for the CAPT examination is stressed. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework; 25% Class Work; 10% Participation; 40% Quizzes/Tests.
#221 HONORS ALGEBRA I GRADE 9
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Grade 8 math grades and CMT scores will be used to place entering students into the Honors program.
Course Description: Students will study mathematical notation and the use of variables in expressions and equations. The concepts of function and domain will be introduced. Students will learn to create, graph and solve linear models and systems, by hand and using technology. Intensive preparation for the CAPT mathematics exam will be provided. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework/Classwork; 35% Quiz grades; 40% test grades.
#222 ALGEBRA I GRADE 9
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: None
Course Description: Students will learn to assign and evaluate variables in algebraic expressions and equations. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division of variables will be explored in depth. Students will write, graph and solve linear models and systems, by hand and using technology. Emphasis will be given to preparation for the CAPT mathematics examination. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework/Classwork; 35% Quiz grades; 40% test grades.
#230 IS MATH GRADES 11-12
Level 1 Credit: 0.5-1.0 HALF/FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Recommendation by a teacher and personal interview with the ISSP teacher/facilitator.
Course Description: The material covered in an Independent Study Mathematics (IS Math) course is determined by the student in conjunction with his/her independent study (IS) teacher or advisor. Although most courses in mathematics could be taken on an independent study basis with permission from the ISSP teacher/facilitator, the guidance department, and the IS teacher or advisor, some courses are better taken in a structured classroom setting. The credit a student receives is determined by the level of difficulty of the course and the time expended by the student. Students who take college courses such as Calculus or College Algebra at neighboring colleges may also receive IS Math credit for successful completion through IS 700 course numbers. A graphing calculator is required for all IS mathematics courses. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: To be determined by goals set by student and instructor at the beginning of the course and a final exam.
#231 HONORS GEOMETRY GRADES 9, 10
Level 1 Credit: 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: A or B in Algebra I (Freshmen must have completed a full year of Algebra I)
Course Description: In this course, the students study the concepts of plane, solid and coordinate geometry through a structured deductive approach. Some experience with geometric proof is provided. Topics covered include lines, planes, triangles, quadrilaterals and circles, as well as area and volume and the principles of congruence and similarity. Students will use an inductive approach to discover many geometric principles. Students will explore some topics using the Geometer’s Sketchpad. Intensive preparation for the CAPT mathematics examination will be provided. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: 33% Homework/Classwork; 33% Quiz grades; 33% test grades.
Grade 10 students who wish to take AP Calculus as seniors are strongly encouraged to seek approval from their current mathematics instructor to take this course concurrently with Honors Algebra II.
#232 GEOMETRY GRADES 10, 11, 12
Level 2 Credit: 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I
Course Description: In this course, the students study the concepts of plane and solid geometry through theory and application. Algebraic applications are emphasized. Students are asked to express ideas and relationships and to formulate generalizations. The course highlights logical thinking, and geometric and algebraic problem solving. Emphasis will be given to preparation for the CAPT mathematics examination. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: 33% Homework/Classwork; 33% Quiz grades; 33% test grades.
#235 FUNCTIONS, STATISTICS, AND TRIGONOMETRY GRADES 10, 11, 12
Level 2 Credit 1 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: A, B or C Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
(May be taken simultaneously with Algebra II)
Course Description: This is a Precalculus- level course which involves the study of Elementary Statistics, and transformations of data and standard functions. The fundamental characteristics of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, logarithmic and trigonometric functions are investigated. A brief review of right triangle trigonometry is provided. Trigonometric identities and applications are explored. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
This course is strongly recommended as an elective for Honors students interested in pursuing mathematics or science college majors.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework/Classwork; 35% Quiz grades; 40% test grades.
#241 HONORS ALGEBRA II GRADES 10,11,12
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: A or B in Algebra I and Geometry.
Course Description: Algebra II emphasizes using algebra rather than memorizing manipulative skills. The course features and utilizes database applications, families of functions, transformations, modeling, simulations, experimentation and connections. Geometric evidence and computational power provided by the graphing calculator encourages a spirit of exploration and generalization. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Grade 11 students who wish to take AP Calculus as seniors are strongly encouraged to seek approval from their current mathematics instructor to take this course concurrently with Precalculus and Discrete Math.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework/Classwork; 35% Quiz grades; 40% test grades.
#242 ALGEBRA II GRADES 11,12
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I.
Course Description: A brief review of important concepts of linear functions, systems and applications will be provided. The emphasis of this course is on quadratic and exponential functions: modeling, solutions, graphing and applications. Fundamental skills in factoring and simplification of exponential and radical expressions will be developed. Complex numbers will be introduced. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework/Classwork; 35% Quiz grades; 40% test grades.
#246 SAT MATH GRADES 11, 12
Level 2 Credit .5 HALF YEAR
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry
Course Description: Students may take this course for math elective credit only. Students will review previous math courses. They will learn certain test taking skills to help them with their speed on taking the test and how to make educated guesses. Students take practice tests for the SAT. They also work in the computer lab with SAT Math programs.
Course Assessment: Tests and Quizzes- 40%; Homework- 20-40%; Classwork 10-20%.
#252 MATHEMATICS 119 GRADE 12
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II
Course Description: Students will review and reinforce aspects of algebra previously studied. Other algebra topics to be studied are radicals, rational expressions, exponential and logarithmic functions. All topics will be considered with practical applications. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend. Successful completion of this course will qualify the student to receive 1 college credit from Gateway Community College.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework/Classwork; 35% Quiz grades; 40% test grades.
#261 PRECALCULUS AND DISCRETE MATH GRADES 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: A or B in Honors Algebra II, or Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry or
recommendation of current mathematics instructor
Course Description: This course is a comprehensive study of the algebraic and graphical properties of linear, polynomial, quadratic (including inequalities), rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their applications. An introduction to the derivative and the integral in calculus will be provided. Attention will be given to preparation for the SAT mathematics examination. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework/Classwork; 35% Quiz grades; 40% test grades.
#271 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS A/B GRADES 11, 12
Level AP Credit 2.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: A or B in Precalculus or permission of AP teacher (MEETS EVERY DAY)
Course Description: AP Calculus is an intensive study of the derivative and the integral, primarily concerned with an intuitive understanding of the fundamental structures and concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. To gain understanding, the student will represent and manipulate calculus ideas and objects graphically, numerically and algebraically. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend. Students take the nationally standardized AP Calculus Exam in early May and may receive college credit for the course.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework; 25% Quiz grades; 25% Test grades; 25% Projects.
#291 ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS GRADES 11, 12
Level AP Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: A or B in Algebra II
Course Description: AP Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. A graphing calculator is required for this course. A math teacher is available after school every class day except Monday; students who are seeking extra help or who wish to use the school calculators to complete homework assignments are welcome to attend. Students take the nationally standardized AP Statistics Exam in early May and may be eligible to receive college credit for the course.
Course Assessment: 25% Homework; 25% Quiz grades; 25% Test grades; 25% Projects.
#299 TEACHER’S AIDE GRADE 12
Level None HALF / FULL YEAR*
Prerequisites: Teacher approval, placement by Guidance
Student must have completed all junior course requirements
Course Description: Students enrolled as a teacher’s aide will be required to be an advocate for success and demonstrate a desire to go beyond the basics. This course is suited for the student who expresses an interest in the teaching field. Students will be given assignments to assist teachers or classes according to their particular abilities or talents. Some examples of assignments include: acting as a mentor, role model, or tutor to other students, assisting the teacher in preparing for lessons or in organizing classroom activities or in creating bulletin boards.
Students will sign a contract that states their expected role as a teacher’s aide. Student’s have the opportunity to earn work credit.
*Dependent on course length
Course Assessment: Students are assessed based on attendance, performance, and productivity as stated in the teacher’s aide contract. This is a pass/fail course.