High School
Course Descriptions:
Course Selection Guide for High School
2540 Algebra 1 Topics (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course is designed for those students who have completed Pre-Algebra and who have demonstrated an understanding of arithmetic operations. The course addresses the major concepts of a traditional Algebra 1 course. Pre-Algebra topics are reviewed and extended. Additional topics may include studies in ratios, proportions, percents and some data analysis.
2640 Algebra 1 (18 weeks, 1 credit)
Algebra 1 applies previously learned arithmetic skills to expressions involving variables. The fundamental operations and their properties are studied. Topics include: factors, exponents, radicals, polynomial expressions, rational expressions and some data analysis. Students learn how to solve linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and word problems.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory achievement in previous mathematics course and/or teacher recommendation.
2645 Geometry Topics (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 Topics. The curriculum in this course provides a less rigorous treatment of Euclidean Geometry, emphasizing the applications of congruency, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and area/volume of common geometric figures. Constructions and modeling are emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Topics or Algebra 2 Topics.
2141 Algebra 2 Topics (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course is designed for the student who has successfully completed Algebra 1 Topics or Geometry Topics and includes a review of algebra, polynomials and factoring, exponents, radicals, sequences and series, matrices, and concepts of probability and statistics.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Topics or Geometry Topics.
2541 Applied Mathematics (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course is designed for the least competitive math students. Students will apply mathematics, algebra, and geometry to real-life situations. Typical workshop situations might include designing a landscape or home, tracking stocks, surviving a financial crisis, and planning for your financial future.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Topics or Algebra 1.
2549 Integrated Math 1 (18 weeks, 1 credit)
Integrated Math 1 is a course that teaches concepts from both Algebra 1 and Geometry. Topics covered include: solving equations and inequalities, patterns and linear functions, proportional reasoning, problem, solving, mathematical modeling, linear equations, area and perimeter, the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometric applications, and polynomials. Students will be exposed to mathematical software that differentiates the content for students and allows for immediate feedback on their understanding of the material. Approximately sixty percent of class time will be spent in the classroom and forty percent of the time will be in a computer lab. Students in this course should plan to take Integrated Math 2 next in sequence.
Entrance to the course will be by invitation only.
2548 Integrated Math 2 (18 weeks, 1 credit) I
Integrated Math 2 is a course that teaches concepts from both Geometry and our Algebra 2/Trig courses. Topics covered include: polynomials, systems of equations, statistics, probability, the geometry of parallelism and perpendicularity, properties of triangles and quadrilaterals, similarity and congruence, and quadratic functions. Students will be exposed to mathematical software that differentiates the content for students and allows for immediate feedback on their understanding of the material. Approximately sixty percent of the time will be in a computer lab.
Entrance to course will be by invitation only.
2520 Algebra 2/Trigonometry 1 (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This high school-level course is designed for those students with good mathematical ability and interest who have mastered the concepts and skills of Algebra 1. Algebra 1 concepts are reviewed and extended. The solutions of linear equations, linear inequalities, linear systems, and quadratic equations are addressed. Operations with rational, irrational, and complex expressions are stressed. Other topics include series and sequences, trigonometry of the right triangle, powers and roots, and basic variations.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 Topics, C- or better.
2122 Geometry/Trigonometry 2 (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra 2/Trigonometry 1. Geometry/Trigonometry 2 covers congruency, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, areas, and volumes. Concepts from coordinate geometry are reviewed with an emphasis on the integration of algebra and geometry. Trigonometry topics may include indirect measurement, the Law of Sines and Cosines, and theorems/applications relating to tangents, apothems, and inscribed polygons.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 /Trigonometry 1, C- or better.
2221 Intermediate Math Concepts (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course is intended for college bound students who have successfully completed Algebra 2/Trigonometry 1 and Geometry/Trigonometry 2, and who want a stronger math background before they are ready to advance to the next math course in sequence. This course includes topics from intermediate algebra, and introductory probability and statistics. Topics from algebra include direct and inverse variation, exponents and roots, quadratics, reflections, rotations and translations, functions, series and sequences and basic trigonometry. Some topics from probability and statistics include measures of central tendency, data plots, probability, odds, permutations and combinations. The fundamentals stressed in this course continue a student’s preparation for standardized tests in mathematics.
Prerequisite: C– or better in Algebra 2/Trigonometry and C-or better in Geometry/Trigonometry 2.
2111, 2110 Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry 3 (18 weeks, 1 credit)
Designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra 2/ Trigonometry 1 and Geometry/Trigonometry 2, Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry 3 is an extension of the concepts covered in the two prerequisite courses with an emphasis on the functional aspects necessary for preparation for the study of calculus. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions are addressed in this course. Trigonometric topics include the solution of trigonometric equations, identity manipulations, and transformation graphing, including work with amplitude, period, and phase shift. Combinatorics, probabilities, statistics, and data analysis will be introduced.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2/Trigonometry 1 and Geometry/Trigonometry 2, B- or better or Intermediate Math Concepts, C-or better.
2211 Advanced Mathematics Concepts (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course will explore advanced math concepts such as matrices and matrix operations, vectors and parametric equations, conic sections, iteration and fractals, combinatorics and probability, statistics, and data analysis. Extensive problem-solving and applications will be integrated throughout the course. This elective is recommended as an additional sequence course to Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry 3.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry 3, C- or better OR Intermediate Math Concepts, C- or better.
2101 Calculus 1 (18 weeks, 1 credit)
Calculus 1 is the study of limits and change with respect to time. Differential calculus and some integral calculus will be covered in the course. Topics include functions, derivatives and their applications, and integral calculus and its applications. Calculus 1 parallels the first-semester of most college calculus courses. Students must have an excellent command of algebraic processes to successfully complete this course. Note: Students requiring a complete study of calculus for college preparation should follow Calculus 1 with Calculus 2. Students electing these two courses are not expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination; consequently, no weighted grade credit is awarded for Calculus 1 and 2.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry 3, B- or better or Advanced Mathematical Concepts, C- or better.
2103 Calculus 2 (18 weeks, 1 credit)
Calculus 2 will continue the Calculus 1 course. Topics will include transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, and numerical approximations. Infinite series and polar coordinates will also be studied. This course parallels the second semester of most college calculus courses. Note: Students requiring a complete study of calculus for college preparation should follow Calculus 1 with Calculus 2. Students electing these two courses are not expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination; consequently, no weighted grade credit is awarded for Calculus 1 and 2.
Prerequisite: Calculus 1, C- or better.
2102 Advanced Placement Calculus AB (27 weeks, 1.5 credits)
This course provides a complete study of differential and integrated calculus. It is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Calculus AB Examination. The course outline completes the recommended topics described by the College Board at a fast and intense pace to guarantee time for practice testing exercises. Students selecting this course should plan to take the Advanced placement Calculus AB Examination in May.
AP weighted-grade course
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry 3 or Advanced Mathematical Concepts, B or better.
2200 Advanced Placement Calculus BC (27 weeks, 1.5 credits)
This advanced course reviews the concepts of calculus, emphasizing and extending introductory topics in differentiation and integration. It is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Calculus BC Examination. The course outline completes the recommended topics described by the College Board at a fast and intense pace to guarantee time for practice testing exercises. Students selecting this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement Calculus BC Test in May.
AP weighted-grade course
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB, B or better.
2625 Introductory Statistics and Data Analysis (9 weeks, .5 credit)
Introductory Statistics is the study of fundamentals of descriptive statistics. Topics include data descriptions using graphs, bivariate data, regression lines, probability and probability distributions, measures of center and variability, and relative standing.
The TI-83 graphing calculator is used extensively in this course and is necessary for students to successfully complete the course. Any graphing calculator will suffice provided it has statistical menus. The statistical menus should include mean, median, standard deviation, quartiles, lists and list commands, and distributions (binomial, geometric, normal, and Poisson).
Prerequisite: Geometry/Trigonometry 2, C- or better.
2601 Advanced Placement Statistics (18 weeks, 1 credit)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The course will expose students to four broad conceptual themes: (1) exploring data – observing patterns and departures from patterns, (2) planning a study – deciding what and how to measure, (3) anticipating patterns – producing probability and simulation, and (4) statistical inference – confirming models. The course outline covers the topics recommended by the College Board. The pace is fast and intense in order to assure time for practice testing exercises. Students who take this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement Statistics Test given in May.
AP weighted-grade course
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry 3, B or better.
MATH LAB
9101 Grade 12 Math Lab, (9 weeks A/B, .25 elective credit)
9103 Grade 11 Math Lab, and 9105 Grade 10 Math Lab (9 weeks .5 Math credit)
The goal of this lab class is that students will achieve proficiency on the math standards as measured by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). Math Lab is a high school level intervention program designed to help students improve their understanding of basic math concepts, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and the other PA “assessment anchors” (part of the PA mathematics standards). In addition, test-taking skills, open-ended problem-solving, and familiarity with the PSSA test are stressed. Students are identified for participation based on their grade 8 and 11 PSSA scores and participation is required each year until PSSA scores reach proficiency. This class replaces a scheduled elective or study hall in grades 10, 11, or 12.
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVE COURSES
All elective courses in Math are not for Math Credit. All elective courses in Math are only offered if there is sufficient enrollment.
2523 Visual Basic.NET (9 weeks, .5 credit)
Visual Basic.NET is designed for individuals who want to extend their knowledge of computers and programming. The language used is Visual Basic.NET. Emphasis is placed on language syntax and program structure. Content topics include fundamentals of programming in VB.NET, general procedures, iteration statements, and application problems. This course offers Computer Applications credit toward graduation.
Prerequisite: Geometry/Trigonometry 2, C- or better.
2004 Introduction to Java (9 weeks, .5 credit)
This course in an introduction to the programming language Java. Emphasis is placed on language syntax and program design and structure. Topics include computer history and architecture, software development life cycle, computer ethics, fundamentals of Java, and object oriented programming, data types, control statements, and strings. Students planning to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam in the spring should select this course. This course offers Computer Applications credit toward graduation.
Prerequisite: Geometry 2/Trigonometry, C- or better.
2005 Advanced Placement Computer Science A (18 weeks, 1 credit)
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science A Examination given in the spring. It is equivalent to a first-semester college course in Computer Science using the Java language. Students will learn problem solving by learning and applying a programming technique known as Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). The major points of emphasis are programming design and methodology, algorithm development, classes and methods, one- and two-dimensional arrays, and the Case Study. Students who take this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science A Test given in May. AP weighted-grade course This course offers Computer Applications credit toward graduation.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Java, B- or better.
2006 Advanced Placement Computer Science B (9 weeks, .5 credit)
The purpose of this course is to provide students who have successfully completed the Advanced Placement Computer Science A course with the opportunity to study more advanced topics in data structure and the formal analysis of algorithms. The course is equivalent to a second-semester college course in Computer Science using the Java language. It is not a substitute for Computer Science A, rather it is an extension. Students electing this course are strongly advised to take both AP Computer Science A and B in succession in the same year. Students who take this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science AB Test given in May. AP weighted-grade course. This course offers Computer Applications credit toward graduation.
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A with B- or better.
2623 SAT Math Preparation (9 weeks, .5 credit)
This course is designed as a review of previously learned mathematics to prepare students for the SAT and other standardized assessments. Students will also review problem-solving skills and learn effective testtaking strategies. Technology will be integrated throughout the course. An instructional fee will be charged to students who wish to use the SAT review book as a consumable workbook. This course may NOT be used for Math credit.
Prerequisite: Students taking this course must have COMPLETED courses in Algebra 2/Trig 1 or Algebra 2 Topics AND Geometry/Trig 2 or Geometry Topics.