2013-14 Guide for Academics and Student Life - Tampa Preparatory ...

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - MATHEMATICSMathematics (6)Designed as a preparation for a transitional Pre-Algebracourse, sixth grade mathematics focuses on mastery ofcomputation skills and the four basic operations. This courseof continuous review includes fractions, decimals, integers,percents, and ratios. Concepts, procedures, and vocabularythat students will need in order to succeed in UpperSchool mathematics courses are introduced and developedincrementally. Additionally, fundamental geometry, dataanalysis, and probability are included in this course.Pre-Algebra (7)This course lays the foundation for the studies of algebra,geometry, and statistics. Students are provided continualopportunities to review operations with Rational Numbers.Using these skills, students then learn to solve and graphlinear equations and inequalities, and word problems.Additional topics include number theory, slope, probability,geometry concepts and calculations, and statistics.Algebra Concepts (Introduction to Algebra) (8)This course is designed for students who have experiencedsome difficulty in Pre-Algebra, yet still introduces mostconcepts taught in the Algebra 1 course. This course allowsfor more flexible pacing and individualized instruction.Topics to be covered include: integer operations, solving oflinear equations, proportions, graphing linear equations,slope of a line, powers and exponents, systems of equations.Students who successfully complete this class will not receivehigh school credit for Algebra 1, however they will have all ofthe tools necessary to excel in Algebra 1 as a freshman.Algebra 1 (8,9)Algebra 1 provides the foundation for more advancedmathematics courses and this course will feature integratingthe use of a graphing utility to develop an understanding ofthe concepts behind mathematics and to prepare studentsfor the highly graphical nature of higher-level mathematicalanalyses. Topics studied include exponents, order ofoperations, data analysis, solving linear equations, graphingwith two variables, graphing inequalities, exponentialgrowth, quadratic equations, factoring polynomials, andoperations with radicals. Prerequisite: Pre-AlgebraGeometry (9,10)Geometry is designed to develop reasoning and logic skills,along with spatial acuity, which are useful in critical thinkingand problem solving. Exploration and inductive reasoning areused throughout, with an emphasis on real world situations.Deductive reasoning will be used to learn fact-based thinkingand necessary conditions through formal and informal proofs.Topics studied include lines and the angles they form, polygonsand circles, polyhedrons, congruence and similarity, area,and volume. Algebra I concepts will be reviewed throughoutthe course. Prerequisite: Algebra I. With permission, maybe taken concurrently with Algebra 2 (see Opportunitiesfor Accelerated Study, Doubled Mathematics Courses in theAcademic Information and Policies section)Algebra 2 (11,12)This is an Algebra 2 course designed for the junior or seniorwho will not be pursuing advanced mathematics at TampaPrep. During the year we will cover most of the traditionaltopics in Algebra 2 that will enable students to fulfill theirAlgebra 2 graduation requirement and provide students witha solid background while moving at a relatively measuredpace. This course continues to develop the student’sunderstanding of Algebra not only through traditionallearning methods but also through interactive applicationsand exploratory lessons created for use on students’ iPads.Students study functions and graphs while still focusing onthe traditional study of number systems, including imaginaryand complex numbers, inequalities, systems of equationsand inequalities, exponents, polynomial functions, rationalexpressions, radical functions and matrices. A student mustbe recommended for this course and gain approval fromthe instructor. Students in this class may not progress toAdvanced Precalculcus. Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometryand instructor's approvalAdvanced Algebra 2This course continues to develop the student’s understandingof Algebra. Through integral use of the graphing applications,students study functions and graphs in depth while stillfocusing on the traditional study of number systems,including complex numbers, inequalities and equationsof the first and second degree, exponents, polynomialand rational expressions, radicals, logarithms, and conicsections. Throughout their study, the students focus onunderstanding through application. Prerequisites: Algebra 1and Geometry. With permission, may be taken concurrentlywith Geometry (see Opportunities for Accelerated Study,Doubled Mathematics Courses in the Academic Informationand Policies section).Statistics and ProbabilityThis year-long course focuses on the underlying concepts ofstatistics and statistical analysis. Students take an in-depthlook at issues involved in gathering data from surveys toexperiments, including data ethics. Other topics includeexploring gathered data, and an introduction to statisticalinference. The probability portion of the course is centeredon understanding the theory that connects data-gatheringand statistical inference. Course concepts will be applied ina culminating project. Pre-Requisite: Algebra 2 or AdvancedAlgebra 2 CPPrecalculus (12)In this course, students will expand their knowledge ofquadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions to includepower, polynomial, rational, piece-wise and trigonometricfunctions. Students will investigate and explore mathematicalideas, develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex58 | GUIDE FOR ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE