Overview of the High School Math program

The Mathematics Department has a Program of Studies that provides courses and instruction for all students and satisfies the great variety of needs and abilities of students in mathematics. Courses for the non-college bound student prepare the student to deal with the mathematical situations encountered in everyday living. Courses for the two or four year college bound students satisfy college admission requirements and prepare the students to handle college math and science course work.

Without the approval of the Principal and Math Department Chairperson, no student will be allowed to take a course with a lower course number than the previous course passed by the student.

Students should be aware that exceptions to sequences and prerequisites are usually discouraged. However, exceptions are allowed for valid reasons and with the approval of the Department Chairperson. Exceptions are recommended for certain students and for certain situations as long as all of these changes have teacher and Department Chairperson approval. Any student wishing to enroll in two math courses simultaneously must have teacher and Department Chairperson approval. There are no exceptions to this policy.

The Math Department encourages all students to work to their potential withinthe math program offered at Portsmouth High School. For the success of our students, we offer Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Math Connections, Review Math, Advanced Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics and AP Calculus.

Math courses offered are aligned with Portsmouth High School’s School Mission and Expectations for Student Learning. All courses require all students to:
• Access and gather mathematical information through the use of various technologies.
• Analyze math information through follow-up assessments, oral participation and projects.
• Critique performances both orally and through writing.
• Demonstrate evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation through the creative process.
• Solve math problems numerically, algebraically, geometrically and graphically.
• Communicate both independently and cooperatively to logically organize material.
• Demonstrate proper techniques and strategies, utilizing technology, for effective problem solving.
• Use mathematical terminology in oral and written explanations.
• Apply math knowledge, skills and values through math projects and performance assessments.
• Create written and spoken products that demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills.

MATH CONNECTIONS ALGEBRA 1B Course 223 1 credit

In Math Connections 1B, students learn the ways to solve equations involving straight lines with two unknowns and interpreting such answers in the real world. Mathematical relationships of everyday life are identified, generalized, brought into focus, and linked with algebra and skills already developed. This is done with a problem-based curriculum that focuses on problem solving, looking for patterns, and reasoning. This is second course in a four-year sequence. Math Connections 1A and 1B cover the concepts of Algebra 1, but with a very different approach. This course is intended for the student who needs more than one year to complete Algebra.

Prerequisite: Math Connection 1A or Department Chairperson’s approval

This course is the conclusion for Math Connections 2A, which completes a Geometry requirement. This course is a good selection for students who received a C- or D in Geometry Academic and needs to reinforce geometrical concepts through real world problems using a calculator enhanced program.

Prerequisite: Math Connections 2A, Geometry or Department Chairperson’s approval.

ALGEBRA 1 WITH LAB Course 231 2 credit

Algebra 1 with Lab will use the Discovering Algebra textbook to cover the GSE’s that pertain to Algebra 1. Algebra 1 with lab will use a discovery approach to cover topics that may include but are not limited to Fractions and Fractals, Data Exploration, Proportional Reasoning and Probability, Variation and Graphs, Linear Equations, Fitting a Line to Data, and Systems of Equations and Inequalities. This course is designed for the student who may need more time to complete Algebra 1. This course will meet every day, counting as 1 Math credit and 1 elective credit.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

ALGEBRA 1 (ACADEMIC) Course 230 1 credit

Algebra 1 will use the Discovering Algebra textbook to cover the GSE’s that pertain to Algebra 1. Algebra 1 with lab will use a discovery approach to cover topics that may include but are not limited to Fractions and Fractals, Data Exploration, Proportional Reasoning and Probability, Variation and Graphs, Linear Equations, Fitting a Line to Data, and Systems of Equations and Inequalities.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

GEOMETRY WITH LAB Course 232 2 credits

Geometry with Lab will use the Discovering Geometry textbook to cover the GSE’s that pertain to Geometry. Geometry with Lab will use a discovery approach to cover topics that may include but are not limited to Introduction to Geometry, Lines and Angles, Polygons, Circles, Transformations, Pythagorean Theorem, Area, Volume, Similarity, and Trigonometry. This course is designed for the student who may need additional time to complete Geometry. This course will meet every day, counting as 1 Math credit and 1 elective credit.

Prerequisite: Math Connections 1b, Algebra 1, or Teacher Recommendation.

GEOMETRY Course 233 1 credit

Geometry will use the Discovering Geometry textbook to cover the GSE’s that pertain to Geometry. Geometry with Lab will use a discovery approach to cover topics that may include but are not limited to Introduction to Geometry, Lines and Angles, Polygons, Circles, Transformations, Pythagorean Theorem, Area, Volume, Similarity, and Trigonometry. Algebra 2 and Geometry may be taken simultaneously if the student is willing to work very hard and has at least an A in Algebra 1. The Department Chairperson must approve this option.

Prerequisite: Class of 2008-2010: C or higher in Algebra 1 or teacher’s recommendation

ALGEBRA II Course 235 1 credit

Class of 2008-2010

ALGEBRA IIg Course 238 1 credit

Class of 2011. Algebra II students will learn the following major topics: linear equations, inequalities, absolute value, linear functions, linear systems, exponents, polynomials factoring, radicals, complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, polynomial functions, rational expressions and equations, using radicals and exponenets, probability and statistics. Students, who do not meet the requirement for this course should take Discrete Math.

Prerequisite: Class of 2008-2010: C or higher in Algebra 1 and Geometry or successful completion of Math Topics. Class of 2011 B or Higher in Algebra 1 or Math 8 and Teacher Recommendation.

ALGEBRA II (HONORS) Course 236 1 credit

Honors Algebra II is for students who have superior ability in math, as well as a sincere interest in math and a willingness to work. The major topics covered are: linear equations, inequalities, absolute value, linear functions, linear systems, exponents, polynomials factoring, radicals, complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, polynomial functions, rational expressions and equations, using radicals and exponents.

Prerequisite: Class of 2008-2010: A in Algebra 1, A-minus or higher in Geometry , B or higher in Honors Geometry and recommendation of Geometry teacher. Class of 2011: A in Algebra 1 and recommendation of Algebra 1 teacher.

DISCRETE MATH
Course 234 1 credit

Discrete Mathematics is designed in a way that promotes active learning, critical thinking, and fully-engaged student participation. Students will see the connections among mathematical topics and real-life events and situations, while sharpening their problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and communication skills. Topics may include but are not limited to Election Theory, Fair Division, Matrix Operations and Applications, Graphs and their Applications, Counting and Probability, and Recursion.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry, Math Connections Geometry 2b, or teacher recommendation

ADVANCED MATH Course 242 1 credit

The main emphasis in Advanced Math is in the areas of Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry. The major topics are: linear relations and functions, the trigonometric functions, systems of equations and inequalities, the families of graphs, polynomial and rational functions, graphs and inverses of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, logarithmic functions.

Prerequisite: C in Algebra II

ADVANCED MATH (HONORS) Course 243 1 credit

Honors Advanced Math is for those students who have superior ability in mathematics, as well as a sincere interest in math and a willingness to work. The main emphasis is in the area of Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry. The major topics are: linear relations and functions, the trigonometric functions and identities, systems of inverses, trig equations, conics, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series.

Prerequisite: A-minus or higher in Algebra II or B or higher in Honors Algebra II.

STATISTICS Course 244 1 credit

Statistic students learn the following major topics: distribution, comparisons, and relationships, collecting data, randomness in data and inferences from data. Statistics is a data driven workshop based course taught using an inquiry approach. This course can be taken as an additional math elective or as a fourth year of math.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II

PRE-CALCULUS Course 245 1 credit

The major topics are: Functions, Polynomials, Rational Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Conic Sections, Trignometric Functions, and Sequences.

Prerequisite: C- or higher in Advanced Math

CALCULUS Course 250 1 credit

Calculus students learn the following topics: review of algebra and analytic geometry, review of functions, limits, slope, derivatives of polynomial functions, powers, products and quotients, implicit relations, composite functions, continuity, related rates problems, curve analysis, maximum and minimum problems, review of differentiation and derivatives of trig functions.

Prerequisite: B- or higher in Academic Advanced Math, C- or higher in Advanced Math Honors

CALCULUS AP Course 251 1 credit

AP Calculus students learn the following major topics: review of algebra and geometric analytics, functions, limits, slope and derivates of polynomial functions, powers, products and quotients, implicit relations, composite functions, differentials, continuity, related rate problems, curve analysis, maximum and minimum problems, review of differentiation, derivatives of trig functions, definite integration and application. This course will go at a faster pace and cover each topic in more depth. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

Prerequisites: A-minus or higher in Academic Advanced Math or B+ in Honors Advanced Math.

1. Recommendation by Advanced Math teacher
2. Recommendation by guidance counselor
3. SAT Math score of 600 or higher
4. Approval of Department Chairperson