Mathematics

 
Mathematics Essential Learner Outcomes

The Program goals in mathematics at Bloomington High School and in District 87 are listed below.  These outcomes are addressed in each course in the mathematics department.  Special emphasis is given to specific outcomes in some classes.

  • Students perform the computations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals.

  • Students understand and use ratios, proportions, and percentages.

  • Students understand and use measurement.

  • Students identify, analyze and solve problems using algebraic equations, inequalities, functions, and their graphs.

  • Students understand and apply geometric concepts and relations in a variety of forms.

  • Students understand and use methods of data collection and analysis.

  • Students use mathematical skills to estimate reasonableness of answers and predict outcomes.

  • Students use technical tools to solve problems.

(Graphing calculators are assumed to be those approved by ACT, like the TI 83 Plus or TI-84 Graphing calculators that are used in the department)



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21201-21202 Basic Algebra/Geometry (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Special Population Students only

This course is designed to prepare a student for Algebra Prep.  It reviews and expands arithmetic skills in the real numbers.  Fractions, decimals, integers, rational numbers, solving equations, ratios, proportion, percents, and problem solving are among the topics covered.  Algebraic notation is introduced along with graphing techniques.  Many colleges do not consider this course as being college preparatory.  This course will also help students know and understand the basic applications of geometry that exist in everyday life. This course is treated as a basic level class for GPA calculations.



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21221-21222 Algebra Prep (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  8th grade math; Teacher recommendation

Algebra Prep is designed to provide a transition from arithmetic to Algebra and Geometry.  The focus of this course will be on the skills needed for Algebra, Geometry and their application through problem solving, technology and hands-on activities.  It is the intent of this course to encourage a respect for math and its practical applications as well as preparing the students for success in Algebra I and Geometry.   Many colleges do not consider this course as being college preparatory.   (Calculators are required – either Scientific or Graphing)


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21231-21232  Techniques in Algebra

Prerequisite: None, but this course is required for students con-currently enrolled in Algebra Prep

This course is designed as a resource for Algebra Prep students that will provide students with additional time for more opportunities to use multiple representations of Algebra prep problems and concepts.  Students in this class will also receive additional help with their math study skills and test taking strategies.  Techniques in Algebra will also give students the opportunity to accelerate Algebraic learning with individualized help with homework and individualized classroom assessments.

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21241-21242 Algebra I (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Algebra I is a rigorous preparation for advanced mathematics, stressing both structure and development of problem-solving skills.  It is designed for the student who plans to continue education beyond high school.  Students sequentially develop mastery of the real number system and the language and symbolism of algebra.  Equations, inequalities, polynomials, functions, and graphing with special emphasis on problem-solving techniques, use of clear examples, abundant exercises, and consistent review, make Algebra I both practical and vital for students.  (Calculators are required.  Graphing calculators are recommended, but students must have at least a scientific calculator.)

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21245 Algebra F1 (1/2 year; 1/2 unit or grade improvement)
21247 Algebra S2 (1 year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation

Algebra F1 is a repeat of first semester Algebra (taught during 2nd semester) and is geared to offer students additional opportunities to be successful in Algebra I.  To complete the equivalent of Algebra I, students are enrolled in Algebra S2.  Algebra S2 covers all of the topics in second semester Algebra I and also includes several topics that will enhance students’ preparation for Geometry and state testing.  (Calculators are required.  Graphing Calculators are recommended but students must have at least a scientific calculator.)

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21127-21128 Algebra Prep - BBA (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Membership in the Bloomington Academy

This course is offered for those students who have been identified and admitted to this program.  It is designed to prepare students for Algebra through practical applications.  Please refer to the Bloomington  Academy section for a complete description of this course.


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21243-21244 Algebra Applications - BBA (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Algebra Prep BA; membership in the Bloomington Academy

Algebra Applications is a preparation for advanced mathematics, stressing both structure and development of problem-solving skills.  Students develop mastery of the real number system and the language and symbolism of algebra.  Equations, inequalities, polynomials, functions and graphing make Algebra both practical and vital for students.  Students will be expected to use hands-on applications of Algebra to demonstrate their knowledge.

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21251-21252 Geometry (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Algebra I

This course includes plane, spatial, transformational, and coordinate geometries. It emphasizes logical thinking and applies algebraic concepts to geometric figures.  Topics covered include angles, lines, planes, triangles (congruent, similar and right), circles, areas, solids, volume, transformations, and geometry on the Cartesian plane.  Geometric constructions are explored and algebra skills are maintained throughout the year.  (Scientific calculators are required.)

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21253-21254 Geometry Application-BA (Year; 1 unit)  
Prerequisite:  Algebra Applications BA; membership in the Bloomington Academy

Geometry Applications is a course designed to follow the BBA Algebra Applications class. This course will cover, but will not be limited to, a wide variety of topics in Euclidean geometry including parallel and perpendicular lines, properties of polygons, congruent triangles, similar triangles, circles, volume and area of solids, coordinate geometry, probability, and statistics. Geometry Applications is an application based course that focuses on how geometry is present in everyday life. Students enrolled in this course will use logical reasoning to analyze problems and develop strategies that will lead to effective solutions.


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21261-21262 Honors Geometry (Year: 1 unit)  

Prerequisite:  Algebra I; department recommendation

This rigorous course includes plane, spatial, transformational, and coordinate geometries.  It emphasizes logical thinking and applies algebraic concepts to geometric figures.  Topics include types of polygons and 3-D solids, congruent and similar figures, circles, area, volume, transformations, and geometry on the Cartesian plane.  Applications of geometry will be explored via required projects and geometric constructions.  The pace is rapid and algebra skills will be strengthened while studying geometry deeply and thoroughly.  Extra study time is needed for this course.  (Calculators are required. Graphing calculator: TI-83 Plus or TI-84 or at least a scientific calculator.)

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22241-22242 Algebra II / Trigonometry (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Geometry

This course is a college preparatory course that contains three quarters of advanced algebra and one quarter of trigonometry.  Beginning algebra understanding is expected and new topics such as higher degree equations, complex numbers, and logarithms are included.  The use of the graphing calculator is expected and enhances the study and understanding of Algebra concepts.  An introduction to trigonometry includes an emphasis on notation, definitions, use of tables and calculators, and the fundamental identities.  Students should allow extra study time in their schedules for this course.  Algebra II and Geometry topics are tested on the ACT and Prairie States Achievement Exam.  (Graphing Calculators are required.  TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended)

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22251-22252 Honors Algebra II / Trigonometry (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Geometry; department recommendation

This is a rigorous second course in algebra with an introduction to trigonometry.  The material in the regular Algebra II & Trigonometry course is taught faster and in greater depth and includes additional topics such as sequences and series, determinants, and polar coordinates.  Graphing calculators are essential to the study of this course.  Students should allow extra study time in their schedules for this course.  Algebra II and Geometry topics are tested on the ACT and Prairie States Achievement Exam. (Graphing Calculators are required.  TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended)

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22260  Trigonometry  (˝ year:  ˝ unit semester course)

Prerequisite:  Algebra/Trigonometry or Honors Algebra/Trigonometry; teacher recommendation

This course provides an in-depth study of trigonometry including a multitude of applications using trigonometry that cannot be done in the trigonometry section of Algebra II/Trig course because of time constraints.   Students suited for the Trigonometry class typically need to see the usefulness and relevance of mathematics in real world contexts.  The course relies heavily on the use of available technology for exploration and problem solving.  Material covered in this course will provide additional opportunities for students as they prepare to take university placement tests and university level math courses.  (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended.)

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23241-23242 Pre-Calculus (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Algebra II-Trigonometry

This course focuses on functions (trigonometric and others) and analytic geometry with explorations using the graphing calculator.  Matrices and determinants with a variety of finite mathematics topics including probability, statistics, and Markov chains are investigated.  This course is designed to prepare students for courses in either discrete mathematics or calculus.  (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended.)

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23251-23252 Honors Pre-Calculus (Year; 1 unit) 

Prerequisite:  Algebra II-Trigonometry; department recommendation

Honors Pre-Calculus is an advanced study of functions and analytic geometry with investigations using the graphing calculator.  The topics in functions include polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric.  Sequences, series, limits, mathematical induction, permutations, combinations, matrices, and determinants are also explored.  Discrete math topics include probability, statistics, and Markov chains.  An introduction to calculus is a special feature of this course.  (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended.)


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24230 Applied Statistics  (1/2 year: 1/2  unit)

Prerequisite:  Algebra/Trigonometry or Honors Algebra/Trigonometry; teacher  recommendation

Applied Statistics is a non-AP alternative for juniors and seniors who are interested in an introduction to the important topics of statistics. The course emphasizes a data analysis approach, focusing on statistical thinking behind data gathering and interpretation. By engaging in the curricular objectives, students will gain numerical literacy skills, become more discerning consumers of statistics, and direct their focus at what the numbers from surveys, election polls, and medical studies are really saying.  Students suited for Applied Statistics typically need to see the usefulness and relevance of mathematics in real world contexts.  The course relies heavily on the use of available technology for data analysis.  (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended.)

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24241-24242 AP Statistics and Probability (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Pre-Calculus and/or department recommendation

This course, designed for college-bound seniors, is an introduction to a variety of topics that most students will eventually be exposed to and required to use in college.  The statistical and probability topics include data descriptions, graphs, correlation, regression, chi-square, analysis of variance, sampling theory, game theory, simulation, the counting principle, permutations, combinations, binomial and normal distributions, confidence intervals, conditional probability, and Markov chains with the introduction to statistical software applications.  A major project is required second semester.  This might be on an individual basis or be part of a small group activity. Advanced placement topics are covered and students will have the option of taking the Advanced Placement exam in May.  (Graphing calculators are recommended. Scientific calculators are required.)  This course carries the honors/advanced G.P.A. weighting. (Graphing calculators such as a TI-83 Plus or TI-84 are required.)

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24251-24252 AP Calculus  (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Pre-Calculus; department recommendation

This course covers both differential and integral Calculus and is comparable to one and one-half semesters of calculus at the college level.  The amount of study time needed will also be comparable to a college level course.  Students should plan their schedules accordingly.  Study groups are highly recommended throughout this course.  This course follows the College Board Advanced Placement Syllabus and students are strongly encouraged to take the national College Board exam in May.  Please see the section at the beginning of this guide concerning AP exams.  (Graphing calculators are required: TI-89 is recommended.)

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22261-22262 Problem Solving with JAVA (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I

This course is a study of the fundamentals of computer programming and computer science with a focus on developing problem solving skills.  Students will be introduced to several computer languages, their syntax, principles of program design, and debugging strategies.  Coursework will include written assignments and tests, computer lab activities, and programming projects.  Students who complete this class will be prepared for AP Computer Science and first-year university level programming classes.

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22281-22282  AP Computer Science

Prerequisites:  Problem Solving with Computer Programming or what was previously known as Problem Solving with Java and Algebra II/Trig or concurrent Algebra II/Trig, teacher recommendation

 

To meet the growing need for a technical society AP Computer Science is designed to have students develop useful computer programs and students will be introduced to other important concepts in computer science, including development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications,  This course follows the College Board Advanced Placement Syllabus and students are strongly encouraged to take the national College Board exam in May.  Please see the section at the beginning of this guide concerning AP exams.

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63111-63112 Basic Business Records (Year; 1 unit)

Prerequisite:  Sophomore standing

Please refer to the Business Department listings for a description of this course.  This course may be used to meet one unit of the graduation requirement in mathematics. This course is treated as a basic level class for GPA calculations.


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Last Updated on August 31, 2007

Bloomington High School, Bloomington, Illinois  61701