Mathematics Department
Students are required to take a total of 7 credits in Science and Mathematics in a 4/3 combination of their choice. Within this requirement, each student must obtain a credit in both Algebra and Geometry.
The mission of Burr and Burton Academy’s Mathematics Department is to provide all students with a mathematical experience that strives to extend their motivation and abilities for an ever-changing world. This goal is achieved as students engage in rich curricula guided by dynamic teachers in distinct courses that offer appropriate rigor and opportunities.
The Mathematics Department believes that technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics. The Burr and Burton Math Department takes care to ensure that technology does not become a substitute for basic understanding by modeling appropriate and responsible use. Graphing calculators (the TI-83/84 family), Geometer’s Sketchpad, and other tools provide visual images of ideas, facilitate organizing and analyzing data, and help students quickly and accurately perform calculations. Students in all college preparatory and honors courses use the TI-83/84 family of graphing calculators.
All Burr and Burton Academy math students will have
• a strong number sense
• an appropriate mathematical vocabulary
• a functional connection between mathematics and the real world
• a framework for disciplined, logical thinking that allows them to be creative and agile problem solvers
• the ability to effectively communicate their mathematical thinking
For incoming freshmen who have not yet completed an Algebra course, the study of mathematics at Burr and Burton begins with Pre-Algebra, College Preparatory Algebra I, or Honors Algebra I. For incoming freshmen who have completed an Algebra course, the study of mathematics at Burr and Burton begins with College Preparatory Algebra I, Honors Algebra I or Honors Geometry. In either case, placement is determined based on a teacher evaluation (completed by the sending teacher) and a student’s achievement on a placement test (either an Algebra readiness test or the Burr and Burton Algebra I final exam).
With sufficient motivation and achievement, students at Burr and Burton have access to courses including Accounting, Statistics, and Advanced Placement Calculus.
• After freshman placement, students must have an A or higher in a prerequisite college preparatory-level class, a B or higher in a prerequisite honors-level class, or the permission of the instructor* in order to enroll in the next honors-level course.
• After freshman placement, students must have a C or higher in a prerequisite college preparatory-level class, a B or higher in a prerequisite conceptual-level class, or the permission of the instructor* in order to enroll in the next college preparatory-level course.
*Permission of the instructor is only granted through a recommendation from a prerequisite teacher based on attitude, interest, and motivation.
PRE-ALGEBRA
1 credit Level 3
Freshmen
Pre-Algebra provides a review of the basic skills of addition, subtrac¬tion, division, and multiplication of integers, fractions, decimals and applying percents. Word prob¬lems and applications are used throughout the course to provide relevancy and practicality. There are 5 main goals for this course: students will find math fun, students will learn their number facts, students will develop number sense, students will become critical thinkers, and students will be prepared for Algebra. No calculators are used in this course. Text: teacher-compiled materials from various resources; no text used for this course. Students successfully completing this course advance to CP Algebra I or Conceptual Algebra.
CONCEPTUAL ALGEBRA
1 credit Level 3
Sophomores
Conceptual Algebra pushes students to apply their understanding of the properties and principles of arithmetic to the abstract use of variables. The emphasis of this introductory Algebra course is the develop¬ment of the skills necessary for solv¬ing and graphing linear equations and inequalities over the real numbers. Successful completion of this course fulfills the Algebra graduation requirement. Text: Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills (McDougal Littell, 2004). Students successfully completing this course may advance to Conceptual Geometry or CP Algebra I.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY ALGEBRA I
1 credit Level 2
CP Algebra I is a course that builds on computational experiences with different number sets to extend an understanding of how we manipulate mathematical expressions. Various representations of linear equations and inequalities including tables, graphs, verbal rules and symbols help students develop connections and deepen their understanding of mathematical structures. Students utilize appropriate tools –mental math, pencil and paper, and technology – as they work with real-world problems as well as concepts from geometry, statistics, and probability. Text: Algebra 1 (McDougal Littell, 2007).
Students successfully completing this course advance to Conceptual, CP or Honors Geometry.
HONORS ALGEBRA I
1 credit Level 2
Since Honors Algebra I is presented at an accelerated pace, it is designed to include additional depth and exploration for students who have demonstrated an aptitude for and interest in mathematics. It is a course that builds on computational experiences with different number sets to extend an understanding of how we manipulate mathematical expressions. Various representations of linear equations and inequalities including tables, graphs, verbal rules and symbols help students develop connections and deepen their understanding of mathematical structures. Students utilize appropriate tools –mental math, pencil and paper, and technology – as they work with real-world problems as well as concepts from geometry, statistics, and probability. Text: Algebra 1 (McDougal Littell, 2007).
Students successfully completing this course advance to CP or Honors Geometry.
CONCEPTUAL GEOMETRY
1 credit Level 3
Juniors
Conceptual Geometry includes applications of geometry in everyday life, geometric constructions as a way to understand measurement and to see relationships, and deductive reasoning. The computer software, Geometer’s Sketchpad, is used as opportunities are presented. Successful completion of this course fulfills the Geometry graduation requirement.
Text: Geometry: Concepts and Skills (McDougal Littell, 2005).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to Intermediate Algebra (with a grade of B+ or higher), Business Mathematics, or Accounting.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY GEOMETRY
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
CP Geometry is a rigorous and pre¬cise course in the study of figures in one, two, and three dimensions. It emphasizes deductive reasoning and the use of logic in mathematical proof. Geometer’s Sketchpad is utilized as a tool for both student exploration and teacher directed presentations. This computer program offers students the opportunity to dynamically interact with the geometric principles they are studying. Problem solving is an important component of this course, and algebra is embedded throughout. Text: Geometry (McDougal Littell, 2007).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to Intermediate Algebra (with a grade of C- or higher), or CP or Honors Algebra II.
HONORS GEOMETRY
1 credit Level 2
Freshmen, Sophomores
Since Honors Geometry is presented at an accelerated pace, it is designed for students who have demonstrated an aptitude for and interest in mathematics. It is a rigorous and pre¬cise course in the study of figures in one, two, and three dimensions. It emphasizes deductive reasoning and the use of logic in mathematical proof. Geometer’s Sketchpad is used as a tool for both student exploration and teacher directed presentations. This computer program offers students the opportunity to dynamically interact with the geometric principles they are studying. Problem solving is an important component of this course, and algebra is embedded throughout. Text: Geometry (McDougal Littell, 2007).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to CP or Honors Algebra 2.
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
1 credit Level 2
This second year of Algebra reinforces key concepts from the first year of Algebra to provide the tools needed to be successful in CP Algebra II or a College Algebra course. The course provides opportunities for students to improve their computational fluency and confidence by working with different number sets and algebraic expressions. Students deepen their understanding of the concept of functions and the structure of mathematics by working with multiple representations of linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Text: Intermediate Algebra: Graphs and Functions (Houghton Mifflin, 2003).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to Business Mathematics, Accounting, or CP Algebra II with permission of the instructor.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY ALGEBRA II
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
CP Algebra II is a rigorous and pre¬cise course focusing on solving, graphing, and applying higher level functions and relations. Linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential and logarithmic functions are studied. Graphing calculators are used extensively to support analytic methods and to give students the visual representations that nurture an intuitive understanding. Prior to taking CP Algebra II, at least one other CP-level class must be successfully completed. Problem solving is an important component of this course. Text: Algebra 2 (McDougal Littell, 2007).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to CP Pre-Calculus or Statistics.
HONORS ALGEBRA II
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors
Since Honors Algebra II is presented at an accelerated pace, it is designed for students who have demonstrated an aptitude for and interest in mathematics. It is a rigorous and pre¬cise course focusing on solving, graphing, and applying higher level functions and relations. Linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential and logarithmic functions are studied. Graphing calculators are used extensively to support analytic methods and to give students the visual representations that nurture an intuitive understanding. Problem solving is an important component of this course. Text: Algebra 2 (McDougal Littell, 2007).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to CP Statistics, CP Pre-Calculus or Honors Pre-Calculus.
COLLEGE PREPATORY PRE-CALCULUS
1 credit Level 2
Juniors with permission of instructor, Seniors
This course focuses on the structure of math and the relationships between numerical, graphical, and algebraic forms. The exploration of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions allows students to extend their knowledge and understanding of the concept of functions and their inverses. The focus on trigonometry in the second half of the course includes an extensive study of graphs, equations, identities, and applications. Graphing calculators are used extensively to support analytic methods and to give students the visual representations that nurture an intuitive understanding. Text: Advanced Mathematical Concepts (Glencoe, 2004).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to CP Calculus or Senior Seminar in Mathematics.
HONORS PRE-CALCULUS
1 credit Level 1.5
Juniors in AP Calculus Sequence
This course, designed for our most ambitious and capable math students, focuses on the structure of math and the relationships between numerical, graphical, and algebraic forms. The exploration of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions allows students to extend their knowledge and understanding of the concept of functions and their inverses. Additional topics include conic sections as well as an extensive study of trigonometry that includes graphs, equations, verifying identities, and applications. Graphing calculators are used extensively to support analytic methods and to give students the visual representations that nurture an intuitive understanding. Text: Pre-calculus with Limits (Houghton Mifflin, 2005).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to CP Calculus, AP Calculus or Senior Seminar in Mathematics.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY CALCULUS
1 credit Level 2
Seniors
This course furthers students’ ability to work between graphical, numerical, analytical, verbal and written representations as they become familiar with the two different branches of calculus, differential and integral. Students study the behavior of functions and how calculus techniques
are used to analyze and predict behavior of various func¬tions including algebraic, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric. Graphing calculators are used extensively to support analytic methods and to give students the visual representations that nurture an intuitive understanding. Text: Calculus - Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (Pearson/Prentice Hall 2003).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to AP Calculus or Senior Seminar in Mathematics.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS
1.5 credits Level 1
This course furthers students’ ability to work between graphical, numerical, analytical, verbal and written representations as they apply to the Advanced Placement AB syllabus. Graphing calculators are used extensively to support the analytic methods that are the cornerstone of Calculus and to give students the visual representations that allow an intuitive understanding. Students complete written assessments throughout the course, including but not limited to problems released by the College Board from previous exams. Students enrolled in this class take the Advanced Placement/AB exami¬nation in May. The AP fee of $88 is the responsibility of the student. After the exam, students study hyperbolic functions and their inverses as they realize the depth of understanding that they have achieved and their ability to transfer knowledge to a new situation. Text: Calculus - Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (Pearson/ Prentice Hall 2003).
ACCOUNTING
1 credit Level 3
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Accounting is called the “language of business” and is used univer¬sally to communicate financial information. This class is designed to acquaint students with the fun¬damental aspects of double-entry accounting and the accounting cycle of a service business. The topics cov¬ered include the basic elements of accounting, the accounting equation, analysis of business transactions, journalizing, posting, preparation of financial statements, banking activities, petty cash, personnel, and payroll. Students are also introduced to automated accounting using general ledger and spreadsheet soft¬ware. Text: Century 21 Accounting. Software: Microsoft Excel and Automated Accounting 7.0.
BUSINESS MATHEMATICS
1 credit Level 3
Juniors, Seniors
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the business world. Economic trends (including the factors and people that influence them), investment strategies, business management, entrepreneurship and other topics are discussed and analyzed through a mathematical lens. Computational fluency (especially with big numbers) and reasoning skills are used throughout the course curriculum. Text: Mathematics with Business Applications (Glencoe McGraw-Hill)
COLLEGE PREPARATORY STATISTICS
1 credit Level 2
Juniors, Seniors
Statistics is the collection and interpretation of quantitative data. Through collecting, organizing, and interpreting data, this course provides students with the tools to use (and an understanding of the limitations in using) samples to make predictions. In the most general
sense, Statistics helps students to make more informed decisions and to have a better understanding of the world. Text: Stats. Modeling the World (Pearson-Addison Wesley, 2nd edition 2007).
Students successfully completing this course may advance to CP Pre-Calculus or Senior Seminar in Mathematics.
SENIOR SEMINAR IN MATHEMATICS
1 credit Level 2
This service-learning-oriented class combines an exploration of math with a requirement to support other math learners in the Burr and Burton community. Various texts and articles on the learning of math, math anxiety, and how to support math learners are studied. Students stretch their understanding of math through daily problems and participation in various math competitions. All students are expected to work in conjunction with math teachers to tutor identified students before or after school and to compose reflective writings that focus on three questions – attitudes towards math, perspectives as learners of math, and social responsibility. Tutoring times are flexible, depending on tutor and tutee schedules. A portion of tutoring time fulfills one Service Learning Project.
Students in Senior Seminar receive a grade of Pass/Fail.
