Pre-Algebra reviews many of the concepts and skills previously learned by students and expand them into the realm of Algebraic thinking. The text used for this course is McDougal Littell Pre-Algebra 2007 Edition. This course covers Alaska state standards in all 6 strands through the 8th grade. Topics covered include variables, expressions and integers, solving equations, factors, fractions and exponents, rational numbers, ratio, proportion and probability, percents, real numbers and right triangles, measurement area and volume, data analysis and probability and angle relationships and transformations. The emphasis is on developing essential math skills necessary for success in the Algebra I classroom as well as practical and relevant uses for the mathematics. Calculator use is frequent during class, although generally not necessary for successful completion of homework assignments. Placement into Pre-Algebra will be by teacher recommendation or through successful completion of General Math.

Algebra one is an introductory Algebra Course. The text for this course is McDougal Little – Algebra I 2008 Edition. This course covers Alaska state standards in all 6 Mathematics strands, with some supplemental material necessary to cover the entire strand in Geometry. Topics covered include expressions, equations and functions, properties of real numbers, Linear equations and systems of linear equations, Exponents and exponential functions, quadratics, radicals, probability and data analysis. The emphasis in this course is connecting Algebra through multiple representations, particularly viewing equations both algebraically and graphically. Use of a calculator is essential, a personal TI-84 calculator would be very useful, but calculators are available to students during the school day. Computers will be used throughout the course and are particularly useful for their graphing capabilities. It is recommended that a student who takes Algebra I has achieved a minimum grade of “C” in Pre-Algebra during the prior school year.

Problem solving encourages students to learn strategies and participate in activities that help develop critical thinking skills. The text for this class is Problem Solving Strategies: Crossing the River with dogs and covers topics such as drawing diagrams, eliminating possibilities, systematic lists, matrix logic, looking for a pattern, working backwards and venn diagrams. In addition to the book, many other topics are also covered some examples are chess, sudoku, kakuro, hanjie, wordfalls, cryptograms, cryptography, types of codes and ciphers, jigsaw squares, rebus, riddles, conundrums. This class consists of largely group based activities with some projects and individual assignments.

General Math is our “entry” level math for incoming 7th graders who have not been accelerated up to Pre-Algebra. We study the basics of many different concepts in this class. We work on adding subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with integers, fractions, and decimals. We study data analysis with mean, median, and mode as well as a multitude of ways to display data. We cover solving simple one and two step equations and inequalities as well as how to graph them. We do rations, proportions, and percents. We study the basic concepts of Geometry where we learn about the shapes, measurement, area, and volume. We also cover the basic ideas of probability in this class.

The Geometry that we do here at CHS is like any other standard Geometry class. We study the concept of logic through the use of Postulates and Theorems to complete geometric proofs. We use Postulates and Theorems as known facts to solve for missing parts and variables in a variety of geometric situations using algebra. We use a compass and straight edge to complete a variety of standard constructions. We use ratios and proportions to study similarity. We learn how to use the three standard trigonometry functions to solve for missing parts of triangles. We study the concept of measurement including length, area, surface area, and volume and their related units.

The Algebra II that we do here at CHS is like any other standard Algebra II class. We study lines and linear systems. We learn how to graph lines, write equations of lines, find where two or more lines cross, and find the zeros of lines. We then move on to study quadratics. We learn how to graph parabolas, find their zeros, find the coordinates of intersection with parabolas and lines, and write equations of quadratics. We study polynomials, radical and exponential functions. We learn how to identify and graph these types of functions, and find their zeros. We study rational functions and their graphs, finding zeros and asymptotes. We study conic section. We study probability and data analysis. Lastly, we do sequences and series.

We do a very “entry” level of Calculus here at CHS. We learn the basic concepts, rules, and procedures for finding both derivatives and integrals. We study what these two main concepts give you when one uses them, and what types of problems can be solved using Calculus.

 

 

Pre-Calculus

This class is a four-credit college course (Math 107 – Intermediate Algebra) offered through Prince William Sound Community College. It requires a $100 additional fee for the college transcript. This class is the high school equivalent of a one-semester college course in Intermediate Algebra with a Trigonometry component. This course is designed to cover topics in advanced algebra starting with polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions as well as an introduction to the complex number system. Trigonometric concepts such as trigonometric functions, analytical trigonometry as well as the law of sines and cosines will also be introduced. Students will then begin learning the fundamentals of linear algebra, matrices, sequences and series, analytic geometry and finish up the course with and introduction to limits and calculus.

AP Statistics

The AP statistics curriculum is designed for students who wish to studies equivalent to a one semester, introductory, non-calculus based, college course in statistics. The course and the exam reflect the content of a typical introductory course in statistics. In colleges and universities, the number of students who take statistics is roughly equivalent to the number of students who take a calculus course.

 

The AP Statistics curriculum provides a modern introduction to working with data and statistical reasoning. It is equivalent to that found in the best college courses, with respect to the development of basic probability concepts for modeling randomness, collection and exploration of data, application of statistical reasoning in decision making, and emphasis on effective communication. Statistics, the science of gathering and interpreting data, is an essential part of most fields of science and many business and government activities. In addition to helping prepare students for advanced study and challenging careers, the ability to critically evaluate information has valuable lifelong benefits for making decisions about important personal issues such as diet, health care, and investments.