Mathematics at ArtsWest is a journey into the world of patterns, symbolism, and application. Students will observe concrete situations and actively search for ways to explain what they perceive. Just like a foreign language, students will develop vocabulary to communicate with colleagues and discuss their ideas with each other. Like music, students will work with symbolic notation, which can quickly convey to the reader all necessary information. In fact, an emphasis is placed on learning mathematics in connection to all other subjects like music, art, history, science, language, and many more.

In the classroom, students will participate in class discussions, work in small groups, complete projects, and keep track of their own progress and learning throughout the year. Assignments will focus on the process of solving problems rather simply the achieved answer. Students will reflect on their problem-solving steps through verbal and written presentations. To help students record their understanding and develop their mathematics portfolio students will often provide written explanations of concepts using their own words. Click here for supply list

Foundations for Algebra- Year 1 (grade 6 or 7)

This course prepares students for Algebra. Students develop concepts through investigations, application problems, patterns, group work, and practice exercises. Active participation is essential for success in this mathematics class as well as any class. Online support for the class is available.

Textbook: CPM Foundations for Algebra Year 1

Topics:

• Integers and integer operations
• Rational numbers (fractions), decimals, and percents
• Data interpretation and probability
• Solving one- and two-step equations
• Graphing in the coordinate plane
• Measurements and ratios
• Geometric topics of area, scale, similarity, angles, triangles circles, cylinders, and prisms.
• Real world applications

Foundations for Algebra- Year 2 (grade 7 or 8)

This course continues to prepare students for Algebra. Students develop concepts through investigations, application problems, patterns, group work, and practice exercises. Active participation is essential for success in this mathematics class as well as any class. Online support for the class is available.

Textbook: Foundations for Algebra Year 2 (CPM) Topics:

• Data interpretation using scatter plots, line graphs, bar graphs, stem-and-leaf plots, and the box-and-whisker plots
• Working with graphs, graphing equations, operations with integers using patterns.
• Rational number (fraction) operations
• Probability with fractions, decimals, and percents
• Algebraic properties- order of operations and grouping terms, distributive property, and combining like terms
• Equations in the form of tables
• Solving equations and the balance of equations
• Graphing- rates of change and slope, and inequalities
• Geometric topics- area, surface area, and volume of shapes, relationship between lengths and perimeter and area, similarity of triangles, percentage and proportions, the Pythagorean Theorem, and two- and three-dimensional drawing
• Exponents, scientific notation, and exponential growth

Algebra 1

Textbook:
CPM Algebra 1 Connections

Algebra 2 (grade 9 or 10 or 11)

Students expand their knowledge of Algebra with a more in-depth look at algebraic concepts and learn how to use those concepts as a tool to solve more complex problems. Topics build heavily from previous courses and require students to use multiple representations and comparisons. This course contains material extremely important for more advanced mathematic courses and is the minimum required math for college entrance. Beginning Algebra topics are reviewed briefly.

Textbook: CPM Algebra 2 Connections

• Points, Lines, Planes, and Angles
• Reasoning and Proof
• Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
• Congruent Triangles
• Relationships in Triangles
• Proportions and Similarity
• Right Triangles and Trigonometry
• Quadrilaterals
• Transformations
• Circles
• Areas of Polygons and Circles
• Surface Area
• Volume

Geometry (grade 9 or 10)

Students develop the mathematical system of geometry and discover the many amazing properties it contains. While learning about the physical concepts in geometry, students will also develop logical/deductive reasoning and proof. The focus will be on Euclidean Geometry, however Non-Euclidean Geometry topics will be discussed.

Textbook: CPM Geometry Connections

Topics:

• Solving equations and inequalities
• Linear relations and functions
• Systems of equations and inequalities
• Matrices
• Polynomials and radical equations and inequalities
• Quadratic functions and inequalities
• Polynomial functions
• Conic sections
• Rational expressions and equations
• Exponential and logarithmic relations
• Sequences and series
• Probability and statistics
• Trigonometric functions

Trigonometry and Pre-Calc (grade 11 or 12)

Students begin with right triangles to develop the trigonometric ratios and expand on that knowledge to include trigonometric functions, identities, equations, and properties. An emphasis is placed on the geometric representation on concepts and a development from founding definitions. Related trigonometric topics are included and then followed by Pre-Calculus topics and an introduction to Calculus. Students will need a strong understanding of algebraic properties and graphing as well as geometry. After completing this course, students will be well prepared for Calculus.

Textbook: Advanced Mathematical Concepts- Precalculus with Applications (Glencoe 2006)

Topics:

• The Trigonometric Functions
• Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
• Trigonometric Identities and Equations
• Vectors and Parametric Equations
• Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers
• Conics
• Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
• Sequences and Series
• Combinatorics and Probability
• Statistics and Data Analysis
• Introduction to Calculus

AP Calculus BC (grade 11 or 12)

The study of calculus begins with an intuitive introduction through the examination of graphical problems like the “tangent line problem” and “area under the curve problem”. Other topics such as limits are developed through numerical data analysis. Topics are initially motivated by trying to solve specific conceptual problems and only afterwards do students begin representing concepts algebraically with functions and crunching problems. Once students understand the development of the calculus concepts and attain proficiency in procedural skills, students must use calculus to solve application problems represented verbally. Students must apply their knowledge and respond to these “real-world” examples verbal, illustrating their understanding of what the mathematics represents and symbolizes in the situation by providing justification to their solution (such as in applied max and min word problems, related rates, and exponential and logistic growth models). An emphasis is placed on the connection between all of these representations (graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal), strengthening students’ understanding of the concepts and ability to apply them.

Textbook: Calculus: A New Horizon Brief Edition (6th Edition) (Howard Anton)

Topics:

• A review of functions
• Limits and Continuity: The Building Blocks of Calculus
• The Derivative
• Properties and Derivatives of Inverse, Logarithmic, and Exponential Functions
• Using the Tools of Calculus
• Application of the Derivative
• The Integral: Indefinite and Definite Integrals
• Application of the Integral
• Techniques of Integration
• Mathematical Modeling with Differential Equations
• Sequences, Series, and Convergence
• Polar, Parametric, and Vectors: Analytic Geometry in Calculus