Mathematics
All students are required to complete a minimum of 3 credits in Subject in order to graduate.
Department PhilosophyThe aim of the Mathematics Department is to teach the student to appreciate Mathematics as a logical, sequential system of thought, applicable to the many aspects of everyday life. Three years of Mathematics are required of every student at Fontbonne Academy. In the fourth year, a student may choose from the elective courses. Courses are offered in an integrated sequence and at four levels: basic, standard, honors, and advanced placement. All courses meet a minimum of seven times each cycle. Incremental development builds on concepts and brings the student to a higher cognitive level. It also permits long-term practice of concepts. The Department seeks to achieve the following instructional goals:
FacultyFaculty webpages: www.geocities.com/fbamath
CurriculumFundamentals of Algebra This course is designed to provide the student with a review of the fundamentals of arithmetic as well as
an incremental development of the beginning abstractions encountered in algebra. The introduction to
algebra is presented in a gradual manner and at a pace that is conducive to strengthening skills. Most
importantly, the homework problems provide practice in every fundamental math skill for the entire year.
Special emphasis is given to reading numbers written in numerical form and translating numbers in numerical
form to word form. Conceptualization of area, volume, and perimeter is given considerable emphasis.
Word problems and simple concepts in algebra are introduced early and practiced for the rest of the
year. This course is aimed at providing an excellent foundation and preparation for Algebra 1 by beginning
the course during this year and completing Algebra 1 the following year. Algebra I/Plane Geometry Algebra 1 bridges the gap between the nearconcrete ideas of arithmetic and the more abstract ideas of
higher mathematics. This course approaches the study of algebra in an integrated manner. Once a new
topic is introduced, it is then spiraled throughout the remainder of the text. Segments of a particular topic
are introduced in small units so that they may be practiced for a period of time before the next part of the
same concept is introduced. Word problems, geometry concepts, and solving equations are introduced
early and practiced for the rest of the year. Techniques of problemsolving are carefully taught, along with
fractions, properties of real numbers, equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs. Practice achieved
through outside assignments and Math Support Center sessions play an important role in reinforcing skills
presented in this course. Algebra II/Geometry/Trigonometry Algebra 2 starts with the topic of signed numbers and quickly reviews all of the topics of Algebra 1,
practicing these topics incrementally while progressing toward more advanced topics. This course includes
a thorough treatment of the geometric concepts of area, volume, and surface area, as well as unit
conversions within systems and from system to system, similar triangles, parallel lines, and right triangle
trigonometry. More practice in the fundamental topics of algebra—equations, graphs, basic techniques
of solving word problems, percent, ratio, and exponents—will promote success in and enjoyment of
advanced mathematics and science. This course leads into Advanced Mathematics. Algebra II/Geometry/Trigonometry [Honors] Algebra 2 Honors starts with the topic of signed numbers and quickly reviews all of the topics of Algebra
1, practicing these topics incrementally while progressing toward more advanced topics. This course
includes a thorough treatment of the geometric concepts of area, volume, and surface area, as well as unit
conversions within systems and from system to system, similar triangles, parallel lines, and right triangle
trigonometry. The study of geometry is integrated in the study of algebra along with trigonometry and
polar coordinates. More practice in the fundamental topics of algebra—equations, graphs, basic techniques
of solving word problems, percent, ratio, and exponents—will promote success in and enjoyment of
advanced mathematics and science. This course leads into the Advanced Mathematics Honors course. Advanced Mathematics [Honors] This course is in a sequence of high school mathematics which is designed to prepare students for a
comprehensive pre-calculus or calculus course. Practice in the fundamental skills of algebra, geometry,
and trigonometry is provided while advanced topics are introduced and practiced, including logarithms,
exponentials, trigonometric equations, trigonometric identities, matrices, determinants, arithmetic series,
geometric series, conic sections, higher order polynomial functions, probability, curve sketching and
limits. Geometric concepts are introduced early, and the vocabulary of geometry is given continued
emphasis. Proofs, scale factor, congruent polygons, and multistep word problems are covered in great
detail throughout the year. This course leads into Pre-Calculus Honors as a junior or Calculus Honors as
a senior. Advanced Mathematics This course is the third in a sequence of high school mathematics which is designed to prepare students
for a comprehensive pre-calculus course. Practice in the fundamental skills of algebra, geometry, and
trigonometry is provided while advanced topics are introduced and practiced, including logarithms,
exponentials, trigonometric equations, trigonometric identities, matrices, determinants, arithmetic series,
geometric series, conic sections, and higher order polynomial functions. Geometric concepts are introduced
early, and the vocabulary of geometry is given continued emphasis. Proofs, scale factor, congruent
polygons, and multistep word problems are covered in great detail throughout the year. Algebra III/Trigonometry This course is designed for Algebra 2 students who need remediation in Algebra 2 concepts as well as
additional time and practice to master those concepts needed for successful completion of Advanced
Mathematics. This course will complete Algebra 2 topics and prepare the students for higher level
mathematics. Pre-Calculus [Honors] This course is the third in a sequence which leads to the Advanced Placement Calculus course offered
senior year. Students will complete pre-calculus topics during the first quarter and move on to beginning
concepts of Advanced Placement Calculus during the second quarter. Emphasis is on problem solving
and the development of productive thought patterns. This course contains an in-depth coverage of
trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry and upper-level algebraic concepts, including the use of a
grapher. Students will begin to look at upper-level math concepts graphically, numerically, and analytically. Math Review/Trigonometry The purpose of the first quarter of this course is to reinforce previously studied topics in geometry and
algebra, while preparing the seniors for the fall SATs. The rest of the year will continue with topics of
algebra and geometry including systems of equations, right triangle trigonometry, data analysis, exponentials,
logarithms, and other standard topics at a reduced pace, with more emphasis on applications. A brief
introduction to statistics and probability will be included, and other concepts will continue to be spiraled
throughout the course. Finite Math The predominant purpose of this course is to offer a fourth year of mathematics for those students who
would struggle with the higher mathematics of the Advanced Mathematics course. This course offers the
student an introduction to mathematical concepts and applications of every day mathematics. Ample
opportunities for the use of technology offer the student more chances to visualize concepts and therefore
achieve a better understanding of difficult concepts. This course will cover concepts such as logic, functions,
equations and inequalities, probability and statistics, matrices, and the mathematics of finance, beginning
with a review of key algebraic topics. Pre-Calculus This course is the fourth in a series of incremental developmental math which follows the Advanced
Mathematics course (a junior standard course). This course includes a substantial treatment of probability,
statistics, curve sketching, problem solving, logarithms and more advanced mathematical topics. The
emphasis is on integrating upper level algebra, geometry, and trigonometry so that the student may obtain
the math skills necessary to achieve success on the college level. Calculus [Honors] The primary purpose of this course is to prepare students for the accelerated courses in the math and/or
science fields in college. Emphasis is placed on derivatives and integrals. The course follows the concepts
for calculus of the single variable with emphasis placed on calculus applications. Concepts will include
limits and continuity, multiple derivatives, word problem application, concavity, first and second derivative
tests, and solids of revolution. Students who qualify may be invited to sit for the Advanced Placement
exam. A.P. Calculus, AB The primary purpose of this course is to prepare students for the accelerated courses in the math and/or
science fields in college. The secondary purpose is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement
Calculus Exam and to earn potential college credit for one semester of college calculus. This integrated
approach to calculus covers all topics which are required for the AB Advanced Placement Exam. A.P. Calculus, BC This course continues to prepare students for the accelerated courses in the math and/or science fields in
college. Students have the potential of earning credit for college calculus by placing well on the Advanced
Placement Calculus Exam. This integrated approach to calculus uses the graphing calculator and covers
all topics which are required for the BC Advanced Placement Exam. |
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