GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

4 credits in Mathematics and should include at least one unit of Algebra 2.

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COURSES

Freshman
Geometry
Academic Pathway: Honors
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

This course is designed to build students’ understanding of mathematics from a holistic perspective, weaving together algebraic, analytic, and visual/spatial problem-solving techniques -- as well as preparing students for the rigors of the IB SL Mathematics course junior year. Emphasis is placed on applying concepts and techniques to solve challenges that model situations encountered in the world. Topics covered include simplifying expressions, the properties of exponents, writing and solving equations, modeling situations with equations, extensive exploration of linear algebra, exponential growth and decay, functions and relations, transformations, inequalities, systems of equations, quadratic equations, and elementary data analysis. As the first course in the advanced mathematics track, students are encouraged to purchase a TI – 83 Plus calculator for personal use.

Algebra I
Academic Pathway: Advanced College Prep
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

This course builds students’ understanding of mathematics from a holistic perspective, weaving together algebraic, analytic, and visual/spatial problem-solving techniques. Emphasis is placed on applying concepts and techniques to solve challenges that model situations encountered in the world. Topics covered include simplifying expressions, the properties of exponents, writing and solving equations, modeling situations with equations, extensive exploration of linear algebra, exponential growth and decay, functions and relations, transformations, inequalities, systems of equations, quadratic equations, and elementary data analysis.

Algebra 1 Part A
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

This course builds students’ understanding of mathematics from a holistic perspective, weaving together algebraic, analytic, and visual/spatial problem-solving techniques. Emphasis is placed on applying concepts and techniques to solve challenges that model situations encountered in the world. This course begins with an extensive review of pre-algebra topics, including the number system, using inverse operations to solve simple equations and substitution. Algebra 1 Part A, the first year of the course, will cover simplifying expressions, the properties of exponents, writing and solving equations, modeling situations with equations, and concludes with an extensive exploration of linear algebra. 

Sophomore
Algebra II
Academic Pathway: Honors
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

The Pre-IB Math II course will cover topics of Algebra 2 and Geometry. Algebra 2 topics will include, but not be limited to, Quadratic and Power Functions, Complex Numbers, Rational Expressions, and Logarithms. Topics in Geometry will include but are not limited to, Inductive and Deductive reasoning, Properties of Congruence, Perimeter, Area, Volume, and Trigonometry. This course is fast-paced and designed to prepare students for the rigors of the IB curriculum. Students should expect nightly work in this course. A focal point of this course will be having students understand “why” things work the way they do and not just “how.”

Geometry
Academic Pathway: Advanced College Prep 
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

This class is typically taken after Algebra 1. Students will study geometry as a mathematical system through the deductive development of relationships in the plane and in space. Topics covered in this course include congruence and similarity of polygons, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, angle measures, transformations, geometric constructions, circles, and volume and area. Logic is a driving force behind all that is studied in this course as students learn to explore various concepts through geometric proof.

Algebra 1 Part B
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

CP Algebra 1 Part B, the second year of the course, will cover the following topics: exponential growth and decay, functions and relations, transformations, inequalities, systems of equations, quadratic equations, and elementary data analysis.

Junior
SL IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Year 1
Academic Pathway: IB 
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

The IB mathematics standard level (SL) course introduces important mathematical concepts through developing mathematical techniques. These techniques will cover Linear, Quadratic, Exponential functions, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Probability and statistics will also be heavily emphasized. This course will focus on the application of these techniques in realistic settings and how these settings may differ around the world.  A focal point of this course will be having students understand “why” things work the way they do and not just “how.” 

Algebra II
Academic Pathway: Advanced College Prep
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

This course is designed for students who have completed Algebra I and Geometry. The course includes a review of Algebra I concepts and then continues with studying quadratic, polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The study includes the complex number system, matrices, sequences and series, and probability and statistics.

Geometry
Academic Pathway: College Prep 
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

This course is typically taken after completing Algebra 1 Part A AND Part B. It is designed for students who want an understanding of the basic structure of geometry. Topics include plane and solid Euclidean geometry and finite and analytic geometries. The Geometry course is designed to help the students to a) understand the basic structure of geometry, b) develop powers of visualization while building their knowledge of the relationships among geometric elements, c) develop an understanding of skills in the deductive method, and d) develop a basic understanding of trigonometry used in right triangles and on the unit circle.

Senior
SL IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Year 2
Academic Pathway: IB 
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

The IB mathematics standard level (SL) course (Year 2) extends the concepts of functions, probability, and statics. Through the course, students will choose a mathematical topic to investigate using the concepts and ideas from the course. This exploration offers students the opportunity to develop independence in their mathematical learning. Students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical activities and to explore different mathematical ideas. The exploration also allows students to work without the time constraints of a written examination and to develop the skills they need for communicating mathematical ideas. Additionally, this course will focus on introducing calculus to students. The concepts of limits, derivatives, integrals, related rates, and optimization will be emphasized as a way to apply mathematics to solve problems and understand our world. A focal point of this course will be having students understand “why” things work the way they do and not just the “how.”

Algebra II
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Term: year-long course 
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit

This course is designed for students who have completed Algebra I and Geometry. The course includes a review of Algebra I concepts and then continues with studying quadratic, polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The study also includes the complex number system, matrices, sequences and series, and probability and statistics.

FACULTY

Kyle Nobbe
Math Teacher/IB Team/Teacher Coach

VIEW PROFILEknobbe@purcellmarian.org513.751.1230 ext. 221

Brandon Porter
Math Teacher

bporter@purcellmarian.org513.751.1230

Marian Johnson
Mathematics Teacher/Cincinnati Public Schools

VIEW PROFILEmjohnson@purcellmarian.org513.751.1230 ext. 408