Math One: Probability and Geometry

Most ninth grade students at Casco Bay High School will take this course.  The standards and rigor will be differentiated to accommodate the skills and challenges of the students.  Students will study Probability through the lens of our first Expedition "Build Community".  Concepts of Geometry will be taught using technology, art, and various forms of problem solving.  A math Exceeds class, as well as a support class, will be offered during the weekly Academic Support blocks to give students focused attention on specific needs and interests.    

Math Two: Algebra and Statistics

Using experiments from physics, students will study several function families in depth, including linear, exponential, quadratic, power models, and trigonometric. The focus is on recognizing patterns of change that are signatures of each function family, understanding thoroughly the various components of each equation type, and applying the equations to physics concepts. Because of the use of experimental data, students will learn and apply concepts from statistics, primarily linear regression, correlation, and central tendency. Students will also practice traditional algebra techniques of arithmetic and symbolic manipulation. 

Math Three: Quantitative Relationships and Persuasion

This course uses secondary math topics (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Statistics) to investigate the guiding questions, “How can we compare things in the real world using numbers?” and, “How can we communicate these relationships in a precise and convincing way?”  With a continued emphasis on group-work, investigation, project-based assessment, authentic application, and technology, students deepen their understanding of real-world relationships through mathematical modeling.  This course also includes practice and preparation for the math section of the SAT and integrates when appropriate with Chemistry or Physics and Humanities Two or Three expeditions.

The Code: A Programming Approach to Advanced Topics in Algebra

We will use object oriented computer programming techniques to investigate algebraic structures and operations.  We will learn how to build classes in Objective C that model the structures of, and operations on, algebraic functions and complex numbers.  Using X-Code, we will build a graphical display for the iPad that displays these classes both algebraically and graphically on the cartesian and the complex planes. Completion of Math Three is a pre-requisite.

Pre-Calculus

With a dual focus on application and abstract understanding, Pre-Calculus is a high level math class designed to prepare students for Calculus and to set the foundation for a career in science, technology, engineering, or math.  To facilitate deeper learning, we use a model (Expeditionary Learning’s Workshop 2.0) that asks students to grapple with challenging material before receiving direct instruction. The primary topics we will investigate are: functions and function families; roots of polynomial equations; complex numbers; trigonometry; and sequences and series.

Calculus

Casco Bay High School Calculus uses active pedagogy to explore the infinite and the infinitesimal.  Students will learn the mathematical and historical origins, as well as the practical applications of two powerful new operations: differentiation and integration.  With a greater emphasis on proof, Calculus prepares students for upper level college math coursework.