|
CORE
COURSES:
Algebra 1 Part 1
Algebra I
Geometry
Geometry Honors
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 Honors
Precalculus
Precalculus with Trigonometry
Honors
ELECTIVES:
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Computer Science
AP Statistics
Computer Science
Discrete Math
Probabilities and Statistics
ALGEBRA 1 PART 1
Grades: 9
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Middle School Mathematics 8
Algebra 1 Part 1 extends the students' understanding of the
real number system and its properties throughout the study
of variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, and analysis
of data derived from real-world phenomena. Topics include
linear equations and inequalities, properties of triangles,
linear relations and functions, measures of central tendency
(mean, median, mode) and data analysis. Algebra 1 Part I includes
some of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Algebra 1.
Students must pass Algebra 1 to receive mathematics
graduation credit for Algebra 1 Part 1.
back
to top
ALGEBRA 1
Grades: 8-10
Credit: one
Prerequisite:
Math 8 or Algebra 1 Part 1
This course extends students' knowledge and understanding
of the real number system and its properties through the study
of variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, and analysis
of data derived from real world phenomena. Emphasis is placed
on making connections in algebra to arithmetic, geometry,
and statistics. Calculator and computer technologies should
be used as tools wherever appropriate. Use of a graphing calculator
is considered essential to provide a graphical and numerical
approach to topics in addition to a symbolic approach. Topics
include linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear
equations, relations, functions, and polynomials. Students
are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course
Test.
back
to top
GEOMETRY
Grades: 9-11
Credit: one
Prerequisite:
Algebra 1
Students investigate properties of triangles, quadrilaterals,
polygons, circles, and solids using inductive and deductive
reasoning. Conjectures about properties and relationships
are developed inductively and then verified deductively. Vectors,
transformations, algebra, and technologies are used as tools
to solve geometry problems. Students are required
to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
back
to top
GEOMETRY HONORS
For general information on the Honors curriculum at Westfield,
click here
Grades: 9-10
Credit: one
Prerequisite:
Algebra 1 Honors
Students investigate properties of triangles, quadrilaterals,
polygons, circles, and solids using inductive and deductive
reasoning. Conjectures about properties and relationships
are developed inductively and then verified deductively. Vectors,
transformations, algebra, and technologies are used as tools
to solve geometry problems. Study includes an introduction
to proof, concurrency and non-Euclidian surfaces.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning
End of Course Test.
back
to top
ALGEBRA 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite:
Algebra 1
Algebra 2 provides a thorough treatment of algebraic concepts
through the study of functions, polynomials, rational expressions,
complex numbers, matrices, and data analysis. Emphasis is
placed on the mechanics of algebra with real world applications
and modeling. A transformational approach to graphing is used
with families of related graphs. Numerical, graphical, and
algebraic solutions are considered for all problems as applicable.
Graphing utilities, especially graphing calculators, are integral
to the course. Students are required to take the Standards
of Learning End of Course Test.
back
to top
ALGEBRA 2 HONORS
For general information on the Honors curriculum at Westfield,
click here
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite:
Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors
The depth and level of understanding expected in Advanced
Algebra is beyond the scope of Algebra 2. Students are expected
not only to master algebraic mechanics but also to understand
the underlying theory and to apply the concepts to real world
situations in a meaningful way. A thorough treatment of advanced
algebraic concepts is provided through the study of functions,
polynomials, rational expressions, complex numbers, matrices,
sequences and series, permutations and combinations, and selected
topics in discrete mathematics. Emphasis is on modeling, logic,
and interpretation of results. A transformational approach
to graphing is used with families of related graphs. Numerical,
graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all
problems as applicable. Graphing utilities, especially graphing
calculators, are integral to the course.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning
End of Course Test.
back
to top
PRECALCULUS
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite:
Algebra 2 and Geometry
Precalculus
includes all the topics of Trigonometry (3150) and a thorough
treatment of functions through the study of polynomials, rational
functions, logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions.
Topics include continuity, maximum and minimum points, an
intuitive approach to limits, and rates of change. A transformational
approach to graphing is used with families of related graphs.
Numerical, graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered
for all problems as applicable. Emphasis will be placed on
problem solving techniques. Graphing utilities, especially
graphing calculators, are integral to the course.
back
to top
PRECALCULUS HONORS
For general information on the Honors curriculum at Westfield,
click here
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Honors and Geometry
Honors
Precalculus with Trigonometry includes all of the topics of
Trigonometry and an in-depth treatment of functions through
the study of polynomials, transformations, rational functions,
exponential and logarithmic functions, inverses, polar equations,
parametric equations, two-dimensional vectors, and selected
topics in discrete mathematics. The course also includes the
study of limits, continuity, maximum and minimum points and
values, definition and properties of the derivative, rules
of differentiation, equations of tangent lines to polynomial
functions, infinite limits, and partial fractions. Numerical,
graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all
problems as applicable. Graphing utilities, especially graphing
calculators, are integral to the course.
back
to top
ELECTIVES:
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 12
Credit: one/weighted +.5
Prerequisite: Trigonometry and Mathematical
Analysis
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement examination given each spring, for
which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college
level if a qualifying score is obtained. Content of this college-level
course corresponds to the syllabus of the College Board Advanced
Placement Program. Content includes concepts and applications
of differential and integral calculus.
All students are required to take the Advanced Placement
Calculus AB exam.
back
to top
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 12
Credit: one/weighted +.5
Prerequisite: Precalculus Honors
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement examination given each spring, for
which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college
level if a qualifying score is obtained. Content of this college-level
course corresponds to the syllabus of the College Board Advanced
Placement Program. Content includes concepts and applications
of differential and integral calculus, sequences and series,
and elementary differential equations.
All students are required to take the Advanced Placement
Calculus BC exam.
Describe
a typical lesson in a calculus (AB/BC) class.
AP Calculus
is a full year course comparable to calculus courses in colleges
and universities. Lessons are typically lecture with great
emphasis on class participation. There are some group activities.
Prerequisite skills necessary for success are excellent algebra,
trigonometric, analytical, and graphing skills. The course
emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus with
concepts. Result and problems are expressed geometrically,
numerically, analytically, and verbally.
What
kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Homework
is given on a regular basis. The course requires a minimum
of ONE hours of homework per night. There is a summer packet,
winter packet, spring packet and AP Reviews every week.
Is
there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities
associated with this class?
Students
are expected to participate in the senior math team. The contests
are held after school usually 2 days a month.
How
can this class help me in the future?
College
credit or advanced placement or both are granted to students
who have performed satisfactorily on the AP Exam at colleges
and universities.
Anything
else I should know?
Good attendance is mandatory. New concepts are covered every
day. This course is designed to prepare the student for the
AP Calculus test. As such, it is challenging. You must be
able to absorb information at a great speed.
Students are required to use higher level thinking skills
- including making references from concepts, recognizing patterns,
and being intellectually curious. They must have an excellent
work ethic.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Calc AB:
Terri Towle Room R104 or activities office or Terri.Towle@fcps.edu
Calc BC: Isaac Bumgardner Room E111 or Isaac.Bumgardner@fcps.edu
back
to top
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Students
develop detailed knowledge of the fundamental structure of
a computer system, with emphasis on problem solving and structured
programming. Skills in defining, writing, and running programs
on a computer are developed through an individual approach
that allows the student to work with both mathematical and
nonmathematical problems. Java will be the major programming
language.
back
to top
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Computer Science
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit
and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved.
The major emphases in this course are programming methodology,
algorithms, and data structures. Applications of computing
are used to develop students' awareness of particular algorithms
and data structures to provide topics for programming assignments
in which students can apply their knowledge. Java is the vehicle
for implementing solutions to problems. All students
are required to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science
exam.
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
A unit
is generally introduced in lecture format with notes and sample
programs. After discussion, programming assignments are given.
The class will spend anywhere from one to six class periods
working on each program. Much of the course is group-oriented,
as the students are free to get help and work with each other
on programs.
What
kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Tests
and homework are given periodically, but the majority of time
(and grade) is given over to programs.
.
Is
there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities
associated with this class?
No
How
can this class help me in the future?
More and
more jobs require computer abilities and almost all jobs require
problem-solving skills. Computers, jobs, and money all go
together these days and for the foreseeable future.
Anything
else I should know?
It is
a fun class, generally rather informal. Lots of hands on programming
experience.
The APCS course is designed to prepare the student for the
AP Computer science test as such it is a challenging course.
Where
do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Steve Klix Room D 108
Steven.Klix@fcps.edu
back
to top
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry
Advanced Placement Statistics includes graphical and numerical
techniques to study patterns and explore data, strategies
for developing a plan to conduct a study based on data analysis,
probability as a tool for predicting distribution of data,
and techniques of statistical inference. Students who successfully
complete this course and an examination may receive credit
and/or advanced placement for a one-semester college statistics
course. All students are required to take the Advanced
Placement Statistics exam.
Describe
a typical lesson in this class.
A unit is generally introduced in lecture format with notes.
Students are introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting,
analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The course includes
hands on projects.
What
kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Homework is given on a regular basis. The course requires
a minimum of 3 to 4 hours per week week of out of class preparation
in addition to projects.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
No
How can this class help me in the future?
This course
is an excelllent option for any secondary student who has
successfully completed Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry
(A or B+ grades recommended) and possess sufficient mathematical
maturity and quantitative reasoning ability.
Anything
else I should know?
This course is designed to prepare the student for the AP
Statistics class. As such, it is a challenging course.
Where
do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Jennifer Gustafson Room R 116 Jennifer.Gustafson@fcps.edu
back
to top
DISCRETE MATHEMATICS SEMESTER COURSE
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one half
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry
Course
content includes management science, the mathematics of apportionment,
matrix operations and applications, recursion, and discrete
application in the natural and social world.
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
Sample
problems:
The garbage collection problem:
If you have a map of the city, can you design a route for
the garbage men to take which will allow them to collect garbage
on every street and not traverse any street more than once?
The Harley
manufacturer's scheduling problem:
If you have 15 tasks to accomplish in order to build a Harley
cycle, and if you know how long each task takes, and if you
know which tasks are dependent, and MUST precede another task,
and if you know which tasks are independent, and can be done
at any time, and if you have 10 people to do the tasks, and
if you know which people are capable of doing which tasks,
can you schedule the tasks, and the people, in such a way
as to minimize the total time for the process?
The prisoner's
dilemma problem:
Two suspects in a crime are being held incommunicado (they
cannot see or talk to each other or anyone else). Each suspect
is given 2 choices. He may maintain that they are both innocent
or he may sign a statement accusing the other suspect of being
guilty. If one confesses and the other does not, then the
accuser will go free and the accused will go to jail. But,
if both accuse each other then both will go to jail. And,
if both maintain that both are innocent, then both will go
free. Since they cannot talk to each other, and had no time
to make and discuss a plan, and since they cannot know what
the other will do, what should each do? (Note: no matter what
one chooses he will not know what the other has chosen until
it is too late to change.)
What
kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Typical
of a math class. Students should have strong problem solving
skills along w/a solid mathematics foundation.
Is
there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities
associated with this class?
No.
How
can this class help me in the future?
Good for
real life problem solving, and an excellent background for
those interested in computer-related careers
Where
do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Deirdre Crescioli Room E 114 Deirdre.Crescioli@fcps.edu
Wayne Biernesser Room E 118 Wayne.Biernesser@fcps.edu
back
to top
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one half
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry
Course content includes theory of probability, description
of statistical measurements, probability distributions, and
statistical inference. Optional topics include statistical
inference involving two populations, linear regression, and
correlation.
Describe
a typical lesson in this class.
Topics
include:
Theory of probability
Procedures for analyzing data
Making reasonable conjectures from chance phenomenon
Acquire efficient methods for counting arrangements of objects
Predicting outcomes of a combination of events
Minimizing error
Demonstrate successful sample procedures
What
kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Typical
of a math class. Students should have strong problem solving
skills along w/a solid mathematics foundation.
What
kind of materials do you use in this course ?
TI-83
Plus calculator (TI-83 will be fine also)
Is
there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities
associated with this class?
No
How
can this class help me in the future?
Good for
learning about how statistics are compiled and how reliable
they are. Many college majors require a statistics course,
so this is good preparation.
Where
do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Jennifer
Gustafson Room R 116 or Jennifer.Gustafson@fcps.edu
Tara Willenbrock Room E 104 or Tara.Willenbrock@fcps.edu
back
to top
|
