Download MCDS High School: Mathematics Courses

MCDS High School: Mathematics Courses
Learn the power of numbers in everyday life.
Course Name
Brief Description
Geometry
Geometry helps students develop a strong spatial understanding as they explore twodimensional shapes in Euclidean geometry. Congruence, similarity, transformational
geometry, circles, constructions, and three-dimensional solids are the core topics of
this course. Deductive reasoning is motivated by investigations using GeoGebra, and
both direct and indirect proofs are utilized throughout the course. Algebra I skills are
integrated into all applications of the concepts studied.
Honors Geometry
This course leads students to investigate complex geometric concepts and proofs,
and develop a foundation in deduction and problem-solving. Congruence, similarity,
transformational geometry, circles, constructions, and three-dimensional solids are the
core topics of this course. Honors Geometry assumes that students possess strong
problems solving skills and are ready to think and work independently.
Algebra II
Algebra II continues with the study of algebraic concepts learned in Math 7 and
Math 8. It develops understanding of advanced Algebra concepts such as functions,
simultaneous equations, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, absolute
value, and complex numbers. Students will factor, describe and translate functions, and
represent algebraic ideas on the coordinate plane. Students will be expected to read,
write, discuss, and understand mathematical proofs.
Honors Algebra II
Honors Algebra II builds upon the concepts studied in mathematics the three years prior
and has a strong component of mathematical proof. Core concepts of Honors Algebra
II include functions, simultaneous equations, inequalities, absolute value, and complex
numbers. While the concepts of this course are similar to those in Algebra II, students
approved for Honors will need to have demonstrated strong technical and analytical
skills, as well as an ability to work and learn independently.
IB Mathematical
Studies SL
IB Mathematical Studies SL is a two-year course . Year A and Year B may be taken
in either order. Year A topics: Sets and Venn diagrams, logic, probability, descriptive
statistics, the normal distribution, two-variable statistics, right triangle trigonometry,
and preparation of the Internal Assessment (a statistics project). Year B topics: Algebra,
coordinate geometry, functions (linear, quadratic, exponential), sequences and series,
right triangle trigonometry, and introduction to differential calculus. Right triangle
trigonometry is included in both years in May, in order to accommodate juniors who wish
to take the June ACT or SAT.
IB Mathematics
SL I
IB Mathematics SL I is the first course in a two-year progression. The SL level is
designed for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts
and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply these techniques accurately and
efficiently. The core topics of IB Mathematics SL I are Algebra, functions, trigonometry,
statistics, and probability.
Course Name
Brief Description
IB Mathematics
HL I
IB Mathematics HL I is the first course in a two-year progression. The HL level is
designed for students with a strong mathematical background and a proven record of
success in a range of technical and analytical skills. Students taking the HL level should
be prepared for a rigorous and fast-paced course that requires independent learning.
The core topics of IB Mathematics HL I are Algebra, functions, trigonometry, statistics,
probability, and vectors.
IB Mathematics
SL II
IB Mathematics SL II is the second course in a two-year progression. The SL level is
designed for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts
and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply these techniques accurately and
efficiently. The core topics of IB Mathematics SL II include vectors, as well as differential
and integral calculus.
IB Mathematics
HL II
IB Mathematics HL II is the second course in a two-year progression. The HL level is
designed for students with a strong mathematical background and a proven record of
success in a range of technical and analytical skills. Students taking the HL level should
be prepared for a rigorous and fast-paced course that requires independent learning.
The core topics of IB Mathematics HL II are limits, derivatives, integrals, differential
equations, and infinite series.
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus BC is a full-year course in the calculus of functions of a single variable. This
course will build off of students’ prior knowledge of differential and integral calculus
that was developed in IB Mathematics HL II. Students will study vector functions,
parametrically defined functions, the area bounded by polar curves, logistic growth
functions, and Taylor polynomials. The course is designed to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam at year’s end, but also to expand upon and
connect the various areas of mathematics that students have studied in previous years.
Lynn Schweber
Brittany Judkins
Laura Soden
Math Department Chair
Ray Tenebruso