Mathematics Department
Mathematics Department
Math Required Courses
Math Elective Courses
ALGEBRA I
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The objective of Algebra I is to give students an understanding of algebra by emphasizing concepts, structure, and applications. Topics include the real number system, number theory, algebraic expressions and sentences, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, operations with polynomials, relations and functions, graphing equalities and inequalities, radical expressions, factoring polynomials, exponents, exponential and rational functions, and solving systems of equations. Scientific calculators are used throughout the course. Graphing calculators may not be used in this class.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9
- PREREQUISITES NONE
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? YES
ALGEBRA I - HONORS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The objective of Algebra 1 is to give students an understanding of algebra by emphasizing concepts, structure, and applications. Topics include the real number system, number theory, algebraic expressions and sentences, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, operations with polynomials, relations and functions, graphing equalities and inequalities, radical expressions, factoring polynomials, exponents, exponential and rational functions, and solving systems of equations. Scientific calculators are used throughout the course. Graphing calculators may not be used in this class.
Admission to this class requires: 1) minimum grade of 90% in the previous math class, 2) an entrance test score in mathematics of at least the 90th percentile, or 3) the student took 8th grade Algebra I. It is essential that students have the study habits, maturity, and motivation necessary to be successful in an honors-level course. A student’s grade in honors classes will be monitored by the teacher, counselors, and administration. If an appropriate grade is not maintained, efforts will be made to place that student in the best possible situation.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9
- PREREQUISITES NONE
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO (But a student must pass an Algebra I course for graduation.)
GEOMETRY
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The focus of this course will be on discovery and realistic applications of geometric relationships and principles. Topics covered include: points, lines, planes, angles, midpoint and distance formulas, transformations, inductive and deductive reasoning, conditional and biconditional statements, algebraic and geometric proofs, transversals, parallel and perpendicular lines, slope, triangle congruence proofs, bisectors, triangular inequalities, the Pythagorean Theorem, types of quadrilaterals, ratios and proportions, similarity, trigonometric ratios, angles of elevation and depression, the Law of Sines and Cosines, and vectors. Throughout the course, we will also perform constructions, including but not limited to constructions of segments, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, and regular polygons. Scientific calculators are required throughout the course. Graphing calculators are permitted but not needed (TI-84 is recommended).
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 10, 11
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? YES
GEOMETRY - HONORS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for students who have demonstrated a high level of understanding and proficiency in concepts and skills in Algebra I. Students should also have the study habits, maturity, and motivation necessary to be successful in this honors level course. This course’s focus will be on the discovery and realistic applications of geometric relationships and principles. The course includes a thorough study of points, lines, planes, angles, as well as parallel and perpendicular lines. Students are introduced to the method of proof in 2-column, paragraph, indirect, and coordinate forms which are applied to various geometry concepts. The course includes a study of right triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem in 2 and 3 dimensions, basic trigonometry, circles and spheres, area and volume, constructions, locus, 3-dimensional geometry, transformations, and coordinate plane geometry. Scientific calculators are required. Graphing calculators (TI-84) are permitted but not needed.
Admission to this course is restricted to students with a minimum grade of 88% in Algebra I Honors or 93% in regular level Algebra I. A student’s grade in honors classes will be monitored. If an appropriate grade is not maintained, efforts will be made to place that student in the best possible situation.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 10
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO (But a student must pass a Geometry course for graduation.)
ALGEBRA II
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for college-intending students. In addition to expanding the mathematical concepts of Algebra I, an emphasis is placed on preparation for study of higher mathematics. Topics include the complex number system, quadratic equations and inequalities, graphs of functions and relations, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, modeling linear and quadratic data, and trigonometry. The function concept and algebraic solution to problems in various content areas is also included. Graphing calculators are required for this course (TI-84 is required).
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 10, 11, 12
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I, GEOMETRY
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? YES (For the state’s Pre-College Curriculum (PCC))
ALGEBRA II - HONORS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the concepts and skills of Algebra I and Geometry. Students should have the study habits, maturity, and motivation needed to be successful in an honors-level course. In addition to expanding the mathematical concepts of Algebra I, an emphasis is placed on preparation for study of higher mathematics. Students will cover topics including the properties, equations, and graphs of various functions (linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational, radical), inequalities, absolute value, linear systems of equations, matrices, the complex number system, trigonometry, and an introduction to conic sections. Graphing calculators (TI-84) are required.
Admission to this class is restricted to students with a minimum grade of 88% in Geometry Honors or 93% in regular Geometry and 88% in Algebra 1 Honors or 93% in regular Algebra I. A student’s grade in honors classes will be monitored. If an appropriate grade is not maintained, efforts will be made to place that student in the best possible situation. A student who is enrolling in two math classes as a sophomore must take Geometry Honors and Algebra II Honors simultaneously, but only with teacher recommendation.
Students who wish to take Algebra II Honors as freshmen must take an additional placement test at SHDHS in late spring of their 8th grade year.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9, 10, 11
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I, GEOMETRY
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES or Math Placement Test for incoming freshman
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO (But a student must pass an Algebra II course for graduation.)
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for students who need to strengthen their Algebra skills. Students will be using the online program Khan Academy as a resource in this course. All students will begin with a review of Algebra I and Algebra II topics using Northern Kentucky University’s Transition to College Mathematics curriculum. Once the Algebra skills are mastered, students will proceed to Precalculus and/or Trigonometry concepts. This course focuses on the Algebra Placement Standards of the State of Kentucky. College Algebra is open to seniors with teacher recommendation. Students will need a graphing calculator (TI-84).
**Students who have an ACT math subscore or 21 or lower may be required or encouraged to take College Algebra or Algebra III. The ACT recommends, and most Kentucky colleges require, an ACT math score of 22 or higher for placement in a College Algebra course or equivalent.
*** Seniors with a math sub-score of 21 or lower are required to take a non-credit math class in college. These seniors will be required to take the KYOTE test at the end of the second semester. The KYOTE test is an online test that is accepted at most Kentucky public colleges for math placement. With a passing score on the KYOTE test, the student may be eligible to enroll in a credit-bearing college math course at public Kentucky colleges.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I, GEOMETRY, ALGEBRA II
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
ALGEBRA III
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
This course is for senior students who wish to take an upper level math course but at a more moderate rate than Precalculus. It will explore new areas and applications of Algebra and Geometry as well as maintain and improve previously acquired skills. This course will focus on ACT and College Algebra content for the first semester and the second semester will focus on trigonometry, probability/statistics, and real-life applications. Students will need a graphing calculator (TI-84 is required). This course is not appropriate for students with a grade of 80% or better in Algebra II. Those students should take Precalculus.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11, 12
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I, GEOMETRY, ALGEBRA II
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
PRECALCULUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is for students who plan to take Calculus or a later college-level mathematics class. It includes topics in number patterns, sequences and series, equations and inequalities, functions and their graphs, inverses, and transformations, polynomial and rational functions, complex numbers, techniques in problem solving, exponential and logarithmic functions, triangular and circular trigonometry, trigonometric graphs, trigonometric equations, trigonometric identities and applications of trigonometry, polar coordinates, probability and statistics and limits and continuity. Students will need a graphing calculator (TI-84 is required).
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11, 12
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I, GEOMETRY, ALGEBRA II
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
PRECALCULUS - HONORS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
This course is for students who plan to take Calculus. It includes topics on number patterns, functions, inverses, circular and triangular trigonometry, polynomials and rational expressions, inequalities and absolute value, exponentials and logarithms, graphs and their applications, techniques in problem solving, complex numbers, polar coordinates, sequences and series, probability and statistics and limits and continuity. Enrichment topics and activities are added to this course as appropriate. A graphing calculator is required (TI-84).
Admission to this class is restricted. This course is designed for students who have the study habits, maturity, and motivation necessary to be successful in an accelerated course. A minimum grade of 93% in Algebra II or a minimum grade of 85% in Algebra II Honors is required for admission to this course. A student’s grade in honors classes will be monitored by the teacher, counselors, and administration. If an appropriate grade is not maintained, efforts, will be made to place the student in the best possible situation.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11, 12
- PREREQUISITES ALGEBRA I, GEOMETRY, ALGEBRA II
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
SENIOR MATH APPLICATIONS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is for students who plan to take statistics in college or may be unsure of future college math courses. This course is not appropriate for students considering a STEM degree. Those students should take Precalculus. It is also not designed for those students who have not met ACT benchmark in mathematics. Those students are recommended for College Algebra or Algebra III.
Senior Math Applications will include the major components of statistics, probability, consumer math, as well as real-world applications of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This course will feature some project-based learning combined with general instruction and applications. Students will need a graphing calculator (TI-84 is required).
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
- PREREQUISITES Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? Yes
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION No
CALCULUS - HONORS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for students who have completed courses in the pre-college curriculum and will assist in the preparedness for those who will most likely be taking a Calculus course in college. Students will cover topics including limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, applications of integration, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Although this course is not Advanced Placement Calculus, some of the same material will be covered to aid in conceptual learning and understanding. Students who take this course will not be prepared to take the AP Calculus exam in May. Students will need a graphing calculator with calculus capabilities (TI-84 is required).
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
- PREREQUISITES Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? Yes
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION No
AP CALCULUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for students who have completed courses in the pre-college curriculum. This course is recommended for students interested in studying engineering, medicine, mathematics, or sciences in college. Students will cover topics including limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, applications of integration, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and calculus of exponential, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions while preparing for the written AP exam in May. Students will need a graphing calculator with calculus capabilities (TI-84 is required). A summer assignment will be given.
Admission to this class is restricted and requires a teacher’s recommendation. This course is designed for students who have the study habits, maturity, and motivation necessary to be successful in an Advanced Placement course. A minimum grade of 90% in Precalculus or a minimum grade of 85% in Precalculus Honors is required. A student’s grade in honors or AP classes will be monitored by the teacher, counselors, and administration. If an appropriate grade is not maintained, efforts will be made to place the student in the best possible situation.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
- PREREQUISITES Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? Yes
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION No
AP STATISTICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is for students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a one semester, introductory, non-calculus-based, college course in statistics. It will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1. Exploring Data 2. Sampling and Experimentation 3. Anticipating Patterns 4. Statistical Inference. Students who successfully complete the course and exam may receive credit for a one-semester introductory college statistics course. Students are required to have a TI-84+ graphing calculator.
**Admission to this class is restricted. This course is designed for students who have the study habits, maturity, and motivation necessary to be successful in an Advanced Placement course. A minimum grade of 85% in Algebra II Honors, 93% in Precalculus, or 85% in Precalculus Honors is required for admission to this course. A student’s grade in AP classes will be monitored by the teacher, counselors, and administration. If an appropriate grade is not maintained, efforts will be made to place the student in the best possible situation.
**This course may be taken senior year as a student’s math credit or during junior or senior year as an elective credit along with a student’s required math course.
- CREDIT 1
- SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11, 12
- PREREQUISITES Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
- NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? Yes
- REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION No
Mathematics Dept. Chairperson
Clare Grosser
BA in Mathematics
Masters in Secondary Education