COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - MATHEMATICSMathematics (6)Designed as a preparation <strong>for</strong> a transitional Pre-Algebracourse, sixth grade mathematics focuses on mastery ofcomputation skills <strong>and</strong> the four basic operations. This courseof continuous review includes fractions, decimals, integers,percents, <strong>and</strong> ratios. Concepts, procedures, <strong>and</strong> vocabularythat students will need in order to succeed in UpperSchool mathematics courses are introduced <strong>and</strong> developedincrementally. Additionally, fundamental geometry, dataanalysis, <strong>and</strong> probability are included in this course.Pre-Algebra (7)This course lays the foundation <strong>for</strong> the studies of algebra,geometry, <strong>and</strong> statistics. <strong>Student</strong>s are provided continualopportunities to review operations with Rational Numbers.Using these skills, students then learn to solve <strong>and</strong> graphlinear equations <strong>and</strong> inequalities, <strong>and</strong> word problems.Additional topics include number theory, slope, probability,geometry concepts <strong>and</strong> calculations, <strong>and</strong> statistics.Algebra Concepts (Introduction to Algebra) (8)This course is designed <strong>for</strong> students who have experiencedsome difficulty in Pre-Algebra, yet still introduces mostconcepts taught in the Algebra 1 course. This course allows<strong>for</strong> more flexible pacing <strong>and</strong> individualized instruction.Topics to be covered include: integer operations, solving oflinear equations, proportions, graphing linear equations,slope of a line, powers <strong>and</strong> exponents, systems of equations.<strong>Student</strong>s who successfully complete this class will not receivehigh school credit <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> more advancedmathematics courses <strong>and</strong> this course will feature integratingthe use of a graphing utility to develop an underst<strong>and</strong>ing ofthe concepts behind mathematics <strong>and</strong> to prepare students<strong>for</strong> 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, <strong>and</strong>operations with radicals. Prerequisite: Pre-AlgebraGeometry (9,10)Geometry is designed to develop reasoning <strong>and</strong> logic skills,along with spatial acuity, which are useful in critical thinking<strong>and</strong> problem solving. Exploration <strong>and</strong> inductive reasoning areused throughout, with an emphasis on real world situations.Deductive reasoning will be used to learn fact-based thinking<strong>and</strong> necessary conditions through <strong>for</strong>mal <strong>and</strong> in<strong>for</strong>mal proofs.Topics studied include lines <strong>and</strong> the angles they <strong>for</strong>m, polygons<strong>and</strong> circles, polyhedrons, congruence <strong>and</strong> similarity, area,<strong>and</strong> volume. Algebra I concepts will be reviewed throughoutthe course. Prerequisite: Algebra I. With permission, maybe taken concurrently with Algebra 2 (see Opportunities<strong>for</strong> Accelerated Study, Doubled Mathematics Courses in theAcademic In<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>and</strong> Policies section)Algebra 2 (11,12)This is an Algebra 2 course designed <strong>for</strong> the junior or seniorwho will not be pursuing advanced mathematics at <strong>Tampa</strong>Prep. During the year we will cover most of the traditionaltopics in Algebra 2 that will enable students to fulfill theirAlgebra 2 graduation requirement <strong>and</strong> provide students witha solid background while moving at a relatively measuredpace. This course continues to develop the student’sunderst<strong>and</strong>ing of Algebra not only through traditionallearning methods but also through interactive applications<strong>and</strong> exploratory lessons created <strong>for</strong> use on students’ iPads.<strong>Student</strong>s study functions <strong>and</strong> graphs while still focusing onthe traditional study of number systems, including imaginary<strong>and</strong> complex numbers, inequalities, systems of equations<strong>and</strong> inequalities, exponents, polynomial functions, rationalexpressions, radical functions <strong>and</strong> matrices. A student mustbe recommended <strong>for</strong> this course <strong>and</strong> gain approval fromthe instructor. <strong>Student</strong>s in this class may not progress toAdvanced Precalculcus. Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry<strong>and</strong> instructor's approvalAdvanced Algebra 2This course continues to develop the student’s underst<strong>and</strong>ingof Algebra. Through integral use of the graphing applications,students study functions <strong>and</strong> graphs in depth while stillfocusing on the traditional study of number systems,including complex numbers, inequalities <strong>and</strong> equationsof the first <strong>and</strong> second degree, exponents, polynomial<strong>and</strong> rational expressions, radicals, logarithms, <strong>and</strong> conicsections. Throughout their study, the students focus onunderst<strong>and</strong>ing through application. Prerequisites: Algebra 1<strong>and</strong> Geometry. With permission, may be taken concurrentlywith Geometry (see Opportunities <strong>for</strong> Accelerated Study,Doubled Mathematics Courses in the Academic In<strong>for</strong>mation<strong>and</strong> Policies section).Statistics <strong>and</strong> ProbabilityThis year-long course focuses on the underlying concepts ofstatistics <strong>and</strong> statistical analysis. <strong>Student</strong>s take an in-depthlook at issues involved in gathering data from surveys toexperiments, including data ethics. Other topics includeexploring gathered data, <strong>and</strong> an introduction to statisticalinference. The probability portion of the course is centeredon underst<strong>and</strong>ing the theory that connects data-gathering<strong>and</strong> statistical inference. Course concepts will be applied ina culminating project. Pre-Requisite: Algebra 2 or AdvancedAlgebra 2 CPPrecalculus (12)In this course, students will exp<strong>and</strong> their knowledge ofquadratic, exponential <strong>and</strong> logarithmic functions to includepower, polynomial, rational, piece-wise <strong>and</strong> trigonometricfunctions. <strong>Student</strong>s will investigate <strong>and</strong> explore mathematicalideas, develop multiple strategies <strong>for</strong> analyzing complex58 | GUIDE FOR ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - PHYSICAL EDUCATIONsituations <strong>and</strong> use technology to build underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong>solve higher level mathematics problems. This course willfulfill the fourth year of mathematics credit but not preparethe student to advance to Calculus. Pre-Requisite: instructorsapprovalAdvanced PrecalculusFirst semester is devoted to the study of trigonometry. Duringthe second semester, topics include polar coordinates, linearrelations <strong>and</strong> functions; graphing polynomials; exponential<strong>and</strong> logarithmic functions; <strong>and</strong> rational functions. A graphingutility is used as a teaching tool to enhance the student’sunderst<strong>and</strong>ing of mathematical concepts. Prerequisites:Advanced Algebra 2 <strong>and</strong> GeometryCalculusIn this introductory course, differential <strong>and</strong> integralcalculus are explored through the interpretation of graphsas well as analytic methods. By integrating technology,students are expected to investigate <strong>and</strong> solve problemsusing algebraic, numerical, graphical, verbal <strong>and</strong> writtenmethods. The course is rich not only in theoretical problems,but also in life applications including physics, economics,engineering, finance, <strong>and</strong> the social sciences. This coursecovers the traditional curriculum of college level Calculus 1.Prerequisite: Advanced PrecalculusAP Calculus-ABApproaching calculus from a theoretical <strong>and</strong> a graphicalperspective, this college-level course utilizes the graphingcalculator to solve problems, <strong>and</strong> to analyze real-life data.Topics studied include finding regression curves, propertiesof functions <strong>and</strong> graphs, limits (from an intuitive approach)<strong>and</strong> continuity, the derivative <strong>and</strong> its applications, <strong>and</strong> theintegral <strong>and</strong> its applications. This course prepares students<strong>for</strong> the AB level of the Advanced Placement Examination.Prerequisites: B or better in Advanced Precalculus,consideration of PSAT scores, <strong>and</strong> instructor’s approvalAP StatisticsThe AP Statistics course is a secondary school equivalent toa one-semester, introductory, non-calculus based, collegecourse in statistics. This year-long course introduces studentsto the major concepts <strong>and</strong> tools <strong>for</strong> collecting, analyzing <strong>and</strong>drawing conclusions from data. Exploring data, planninga study, anticipating patterns <strong>and</strong> statistical inference arethe four major topics that are studied. Emphasis is placedon the communication of ideas based on statistical analysis.Prerequisites: Advanced Precalculus or Statistics <strong>and</strong> theinstructor’s approvalAP Calculus-BCDesigned to follow AP Calculus-AB, the course includes thestudy of vector <strong>and</strong> polar topics, more advanced techniquesof integration, arc length, surfaces of revolution, work,improper integrals, <strong>and</strong> sequences <strong>and</strong> series. This courseprepares students <strong>for</strong> the BC level of the Advanced PlacementExamination. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of theAP Calculus-AB course <strong>and</strong> instructor’s approvalAdvanced Calculus <strong>and</strong> Linear AlgebraThis course is <strong>for</strong> outst<strong>and</strong>ing mathematics students. Thecontent varies slightly from year to year, depending on theinterests of the students, but always includes work on ordinarydifferential equations, multivariable calculus, vector calculus,vector spaces, linear trans<strong>for</strong>mations, matrices, eigenvalues,<strong>and</strong> eigenvectors. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion ofthe AP Calculus BC course <strong>and</strong> instructor’s approvalAdvanced Physics with CalculusThis is a college-level course in the application of Calculusto Physics. Topics from the mechanics portion of the courseinclude: Newtonian mechanics, energy <strong>and</strong> power, systems ofparticles, rotational dynamics, gravitation <strong>and</strong> waves. Topicsfrom the electricity <strong>and</strong> magnetism portion of the courseinclude: electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetic fields <strong>and</strong>electromagnetics. This course prepares students <strong>for</strong> bothportions of the AP Physics C exam. Prerequisites: Physics<strong>and</strong> Calculus courses meeting the instructor’s approvalAP Computer Science A (10-12)This course teaches students the fundamentals ofobject-oriented programming. Work includes programmingin the Java language. <strong>Student</strong>s will learn to extend <strong>and</strong>develop Java classes <strong>and</strong> data structures. <strong>Student</strong>s will alsolearn the basic flow control structures common to imperativelanguages. No prior programming experience is required.<strong>Student</strong>s take the AP Computer Science A exam in the spring.Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra 2 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Middle School Athletic RequirementAll Middle School students are required to participate inathletics during the school year. <strong>Student</strong>s will be allowed toselect from a list of options each athletic season to fulfill thisrequirement. Please keep in mind the following when makingyour selections:1. Each student must participate on at least one team duringthe school year.2. A student may choose the Study Hall option only once perschool year.Middle School Athletic Options:1. Athletic Team••Each student must participate on at least one teamduring the school year••Options▫▫Fall - Boys Soccer, Bowling, Cross Country, GirlsVolleyball, Swimming▫▫Winter - Basketball, Cross Country Training, GirlsSoccer, Wrestling▫▫February Intersession - Rowing, Track & Field▫▫Spring - Baseball, Boys Lacrosse, Cross CountryTraining, Softball, TennisGUIDE FOR ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE | 59