The Purcell Marian Mathematics Department aims to develop creative problem solvers, reflective thinkers, and knowledgeable scholars who can successfully apply rigorous mathematical content needed for college, career, and beyond. The department strives to develop the best qualities in each student and to support them in pursuing mathematical goals. In our classes, we collaborate, communicate, and are open-minded, as a sign of our Marianist family spirit. We analyze and apply mathematical skills to current problems in issues in our world as an extension of our Marianist characteristic of adaptation and change. We have aligned our curriculum with the International Baccalaureate program as a vehicle to provide an integral, quality education for all students.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
4 credits in Mathematics and should include at least one unit of Algebra 2.
| Pathway | Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors/IB | Algebra I | Algebra II
AND Geometry |
SL IB Mathematics: analysis and approaches | SL IB Mathematics: analysis and approaches |
| College Prep | Algebra I | Algebra I - Part B
or Geometry |
Geometry
or Algebra II |
Algebra II
or PreCalculus |
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COURSES
Algebra I
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 the application of 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: College Prep
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. Emphasis is placed on the application of 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 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. Algebra 2 topics will include, but not be limited to, Quadratic and Power Functions, Complex Numbers, Rational Expressions, and Logarithms. 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: 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 the application of concepts and techniques to solve challenges that model situations encountered in the world. Topics covered 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 I Part B
Academic Pathway: College Prep
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. Emphasis is placed on the application of concepts and techniques to solve challenges that model situations encountered in the world. This course includes an extensive review of pre-algebra topics including the number system, using inverse operations to solve simple equations, and substitution. The course will then cover a more in-depth coverage of the following topics:simplifying expressions, the properties of exponents, writing and solving equations, modeling situations with equations, and concludes with extensive exploration of linear algebra, exponential growth and decay, functions and relations, transformations, inequalities, systems of equations, quadratic equations, and elementary data analysis.
Geometry
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Term: year-long course
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit
This course is typically taken after completing Algebra 1. It is designed for students who want an understanding of the basic structure of geometry. Topics include plane and solid Euclidean geometry as well as 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.
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: 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 the study of quadratic, polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Study also includes the complex number system, matrices, sequences and series, and probability and statistics.
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.”
PreCalculus
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Term: year-long course
Credit: 1 full mathematics credit
Precalculus is a college preparatory course designed to strengthen and extend students’ understanding of algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric concepts in preparation for college-level mathematics. Building on prior coursework, students develop deeper conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and mathematical reasoning skills necessary for success in calculus and other advanced quantitative fields. Topics include advanced functions and their representations (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric), analytic trigonometry, vectors, complex numbers, sequences and series, and introductory limits. Emphasis is placed on modeling real-world phenomena, interpreting multiple representations of functions, and solving complex, multi-step problems.
