About Us

Jena Nelson, Chairperson
Department email: jnelson@blueblazers.org
Department Telephone:574-295-4740

Description of classes...

Pre-Algebra I: a & b #3311 & 3322
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Pre-Algebra provides the mathematical background, skills, and thinking processes necessary for the successful completion of Algebra. Topics include: (1) whole numbers,(2) integers, (3) rationals, (4) decimals and their application, (5) number theory, (6) ratios, (7) proportions, (8) percents, (9) equations, (10) graphing, (11) square roots, and (12) appropriate geometric concepts. The instructional program of this course provides for the understanding and the use of the concepts as well as their application through appropriate problem-solving situations.

*Algebra I: a & b #3411 & 3422
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Algebra I provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students who will take other advanced college-preparatory courses. In particular, the instructional program in this course provides for the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problem-solving situations. The concept of function is emphasized throughout the course. Topics include: (1) properties of real numbers, (2) solution sets, (3) basic operations with polynomials, (4) solving quadratic equations and systems, (5) use of exponents, and (6) introductory topics from statistics and probability.

*Algebra II: a & b #3451 & 3462
(Core 40 & AHD)

Level: 9,10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Course enlarges the pupil's knowledge of algebra. Deals with logarithms, radicals, exponents, and graphs of conics. May be tken concurrently with Geometry I provided strong academic achievement exists.
Prerequisite: Geometry I

*Algebra II Honors: a & b #3453 & 3464
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit1/term
Honors Algebra II includes the concepts of the Algebra II course with high levels of proficiency expected. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and on communication of mathematical ideas. This communication is both written and verbal. In addition, attention is given to the various number systems, their properties, and interrelationships. Students must apply through a selection process.
Prerequisite: Geometry I Honors

*Geometry I: a & b #3431 & 3442
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Geometry provides students with experiences that deepen the understanding of shapes and their properties. Deductive and inductive reasoning as well as investigative strategies in drawing conclusions are stressed. Properties and relationships of geometric figures include the study of (1) angles, (2) lines, (3) planes, (4) congruent and similar triangles, (5) trigonometric ratios, (6) polygons, and (7) circles and spatial drawings. An understanding of proof and logic is developed. Use of graphing calculators and computer drawing programs is encouraged.
Prerequisite: Algebra I

*Geometry I Honors: a & b #3433 & 3444
(Core 40 & AHD)

Level: 9, 10 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Honors Geometry I will include all the topics of the Geometry I course. Emphasis will be placed on development of reasoning skills, visual thinking skills, problem-solving and communication of mathematical ideas, both written and oral. Students will frequently be asked to work cooperatively with others to investigate geometric topics. Students must apply through a selection process.
Prerequisite: Algebra I

Discrete Mathematics I: a & b
(Core 40 & AHD) #3811 & 3812
Level: 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Discrete mathematics is an umbrella of mathematical topics. It is a course designed for students who will undertake higher-level mathematics in college which may not include the calculus. Essential to the study of discrete mathematics are the topics of counting, matrices, and recursion.
Prerequisite: Algebra II

Probability and Statistics : a & B
(Core 40 & AHD) #3821 & 3822
Level: 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course is intended for college-bound students who may not need calculus. It is a stand-alone course, and deals with the fundamentals of probability and statistics and their applications to real-life situations. Topics include central tendency, variation, sampling, and regression.
Prerequisite: Algebra II

*Pre-Calculus I: a & b #3471 & 3482
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Functions are developed algebraically and graphically. Real life problems are investigated through the use of a graphing calculator. Pre-calculus function topics include trigonometry relationships, such as Law of Sines, Law of Cosines and identities along with equations, inequalities, polynomials, rationals, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric.
Prerequisite: Algebra II
*Any student receiving a grade of "D" or "F" should not move to the next level of math.

*Pre-Calculus I Honors: a & b #3473 & 3484
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course will include all the topics of the Pre-Calculus (course). In addition students will be offered the opportunity to extend their mathematical knowledge beyond the regular Pre-Calculus course. It is intended for the second semester to include an introduction to such topics as limits, continuity, rate of change, and their graphs. There is use of graphing calculators, with the TI-82 and TI-85 being the calculators of choice. Students must apply through a selection process.
Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors

Calculus: a & b #3541 & 3552

(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Calculus is a course, which provides students with the content that has been established by the College Board. Generally, topics include: (1) limits, (2) continuity, (3) derivatives, (4) definite integrals, and (5) techniques of integration involving rational, trigonometic, logarithmic, and exponential functions. This course also includes applications of the derivative, the integral, and theory of calculus. The use of graphing technology is required. This course is intended for students who do not want to take the AP examination.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

*Calculus (ACP): a & b #3561 & 3572

(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 12 Lenglth: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
The content of this course is the same as Calculus (AP) I. However, college credit may be earned through Indiana University. Students must pay regular IU tuition. (24%-30% of grade determined by I.U. Exam)
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

*Calculus (AP) #3581

(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 12 Length: 3 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Calculus is a course that provides students with the content that has been established by the College Board. Generally, topics include limits, continuity, derivative, definite integrals, and techniques of integration. The course also includes applications of the derivative, the integral, and theory of calculus. The use of graphing technology is required. This course is intended for students who want to take the AP examination.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

*Calculus (AP) Honors #3583

(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 12 Length: 3 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course will offer a continuation of the Honors Pre-Calculus course. The content will essentially be the same as of Calculus (AP)I. Additional work will be done with polar coordinates. Hyperbolic functions may be studied. Emphasis will be placed on series and sequences, and tests for convergence. A more in-depth look will also be given to some of the theory involved in previous work. There is use of graphing calculators, with the TI-82 and TI-85 being the calculators of choice. Students must apply through a selection process.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors

*Any student receiving a grade of "D" or "F" should not move to the next level of math.

Computer Mathematics B1

(Visual Basic I): a & b #3641 & 3652
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1credit/term
This two-semester course is offered to students every year. The language used is Visual BASIC. This is a Windows based, graphical BASIC. It is a somewhat unstructured language for beginners. The course goals include writing user-friendly programs that are technically correct, visually impressive, and easily operated by others. Programming techniques include sequential blocking, conditionals, looping, array and record structures, searching, sorting and disk text files. Students are encouraged to take this course first, before attempting Pascal or C++.
Prerequisite: Algebra I

Computer Mathematics B2

(Visual Basic II): a & b #3643 & 3654
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1credit/term
This two-semester course is offered to students every year. The language used is Visual BASIC. This is a Windows based, graphical BASIC. It is a somewhat unstructured language for beginners. The course is a continuation of Visual BASIC I and includes writing advanced user-friendly programs that are technically correct, visually impressive, and easily operated by others, Programming techniques include sequential blocking, conditionals, looping, array and record structures, searching, sorting, multimedia and disk text files.
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Visual BASIC