The Ethel Walker School
Curriculum: Mathematics
This course is a survey of topics in Calculus from limits and continuity to basic differentiation and basic integration. It is an opportunity for students to integrate ideas from algebra and geometry, and to do analytical applications of trigonometry, rational functions, compositions, and logarithmic functions. It is a course geared toward deeper understanding of the material but without the focus on preparing for the standardized testing.
Prerequisite: Precalculus or Honors Precalculus
In addition to learning data modeling and statistical inferences, students will learn to code in the software environment R to run the statistical tests and generate the graphics, which they will then interpret and contextualize. R is a statistical software platform that is commonly used in the social sciences and follows a similar programming language to Python. It gives the user the ability to craft the output that they want and manipulate it accordingly, making it a very helpful and commonly used tool in the sciences. Throughout the course, students will collect and organize data and then use R to create graphics, build models, and run statistical tests. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and department approval.
This is an Honors level class that prepares students for the rigors of high school math. A full range of topics will be covered including all topics of elementary Algebra plus systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials and factoring and quadratic functions and equations. This course challenges students to continue to develop their mathematical fluency while going more in depth with Algebraic concepts. After successful completion of this course, students advance to Geometry or Honors Geometry.
This course begins the formal study of Algebra. Topics include algebraic properties and notations, real numbers, inequalities, number lines, variables, equation-solving and a thorough examination of linear functions and their graphs. Algebraic language, reasoning and tools are the focus of this course while students improve mathematical literacy and continue to strengthen their mathematical study skills.
This course is for students who have completed Foundations of Mathematics or an equivalent course. Topics include further exploration of decimals, factors, fractions, integers, exponents, ratios, proportions, and percents, as well as graphing on the coordinate plane, linear equations, algebraic expressions, and solving algebraic equations and inequalities. Prerequisite: Foundations of Math or Department Placement.
Basic computational skills are reviewed, and problem solving, patterns, estimating, and mental math skills are emphasized. Topics introduced include decimals, fractions, exponents, scientific notation, ratios, rates, proportions, percents, measurement, graphing in the coordinate plane, and an introduction to variables and solving algebraic equations.
This is a one-year course that will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will explore univariable and bivariable data, research methods, sampling, probability and simulation, and statistical inference. This course emphasizes the use of technology, critical analysis, and scientific writing as students build statistical understanding.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and departmental approval
Advanced Topics in Calculus
Open to Grades 11-12
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Advanced Calculus 1 and departmental approval
This course will build on the skills and topics introduced in Advanced Calculus 1 and introduce students to topics including but not limited to various techniques of integration, sequences and series, polar and parametric functions, and an introduction to college-level Calculus III. Students are expected to develop accurate recall of calculus topics previously covered and use multiple representations and mathematical connections in problem solving. Students will continue to learn new terminology and develop an understanding of new symbols in order to represent, solve, and justify the application of higher level mathematics. Students who take this course will have the option to take the Calculus BC Advanced Placement Test in the spring.
Prerequisite: Advanced Calculus 1 and departmental approval
Advanced Calculus 1
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Precalculus or Honors Precalculus and departmental approval
The methods and techniques of differential and integral calculus are developed and applied to algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Students are required to use a graphing calculator. This course is for the young mathematician looking to be challenged. Students who take this course will have the option to take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Test in the spring.
Prerequisite: Precalculus or Honors Precalculus and departmental approval
This course is for students who have a strong background in advanced algebraic topics. Students must make the challenging transition from a focus on algebraic skill building and processes to that of their application and conceptual analysis. In order to make connections and to contribute to class discussions and discoveries, students are expected to be quite proficient with a graphing calculator and to extract information from the textbook effectively. Topics reviewed and studied consist of various functions (including compositions, inverse, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic) and trigonometry.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or FTM
This course is for students who have a strong background in advanced algebraic topics and have demonstrated a good aptitude for mathematical reasoning and intellectual curiosity. Students must make the challenging transition from a focus on algebraic skill building and processes to that of their application and conceptual analysis. Precise arithmetic and algebraic skills are essential to ensure accurate data for proper analysis, and to attain a strong level of command and understanding of the concepts studied. In order to make connections and to contribute to class discussions and discoveries, students are expected to be quite proficient with a graphing calculator and to extract information from the textbook effectively. Topics reviewed and studied consist of several types of functions (including compositions, inverse, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and circular) and an introduction to limits.
Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2 and departmental approval
This course is for students who have a strong background in elementary algebra, including systems of equations, radicals, and quadratics. They must have demonstrated a good aptitude for mathematical reasoning. The course begins with an extension of Algebra 1 topics and continues with the study of complex numbers, quadratic functions, rational and polynomial functions, exponents, radicals, and logarithms.
Prerequisite: Honors Geometry and departmental approval
This course is for students who have completed a full year of elementary algebra and geometry. The year consists of a review and extension of Algebra 1 topics including inequalities, linear equations, operations with polynomials, and application of algebraic skills through verbal problems. Additional topics include functions, exponents, complex numbers, quadratic functions, and an introduction to statistics.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry
This course is for students who have a strong mathematical background, good insight, and solid problem-solving skills. Plane geometry relationships will be explored in depth with algebraic and numerical applications provided. Units on congruence, similarity, polygons, right triangles, trigonometry, circles, plane and solid figures, and coordinate geometry will be included.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and departmental approval
This course is for students who have completed a full year of elementary algebra. Plane geometry relationships are developed as part of a logical system, and the student learns to write short proofs based on these relations. Algebraic and numerical applications are provided, and units on right triangle trigonometry, three-dimensional figures, and coordinate geometry are included.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Students entering this class are expected to have studied positive and negative numbers, the basic properties of numbers, and simple equations. The course covers all topics of elementary algebra, including verbal problems, factoring, graphing of linear equations, radicals, solving linear and quadratic equations, and linear systems.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or department placement
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