The math department has a long tradition of excellence. We are composed of a dedicated, passionate group of professional teachers, all with math backgrounds and who believe that all kids are capable of learning math. We offer courses from
Algebra 1 to Calculus 2/3 (few high schools offer this last class), and we believe that as students progress through the sequence of courses, their critical thinking and problem solving skills improve to the point where they will be ready for
whatever comes after high school.
Algebra 1 is an introduction to abstract reasoning and algebraic symbolism. Students will solve equations and systems of equations, and they will use functions to represent patterns and make predictions. The focus is on linear, exponential, and quadratic functions. Students will also employ algebraic methods to summarize data and to compare data sets.
PIB Algebra 1/2 is an in-depth study of algebraic symbolism, systems of equations, graphing, equations and inequalities, problem-solving, and probability and statistics. The students will build upon their previous knowledge to further understand the characteristics and representations of various functions (including linear, absolute value, quadratic, other polynomials, exponential, radical, and rational functions). As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high level learning via the Standards for Mathematical Practice. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of the Algebra 1 and/or Advanced Algebra 1 course.
Algebra 2 emphasizes the structure of algebra. The students will study complex numbers, relations and functions, solutions to polynomial, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions. Statistics are also covered. They will apply their studies to develop understandings of how these topics relate to one another through the Standards for Mathematical Practice.
M55, Advanced Algebra 2, emphasizes the structure of algebra. The students will study complex numbers, relations and functions, solutions to polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic and basic trigonometric functions. Statistics and circular trigonometry are also covered. They will apply their studies to develop understandings of how these topics relate to one another. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity through the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Students are engaged in dynamic, highlevel learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of M51 Algebra 2 course.
BVSD Pre-IB Algebra 2&3 is an advanced course which places strong emphasis on theory, structure, and applications. Moreover, it covers advanced mathematical concepts that are not typically taught in an advanced Algebra 2 course; in effect, students will cover three semesters of advanced content in a two-semesters. Students will study number sets, relations, functions, solutions, of polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic equations. Two and three dimensional vector spaces, conic sections, sequences, and series will also be covered. Students will make and test conjectures to deepen understandings of topics. Students will be engaged in dynamic, high-level learning. The pace of this course is faster than that of a traditional course.
Topics in algebra designed for students who intend to take the calculus sequence. Functions, domains, ranges, graphs, data scatter plots and curve fitting, solving equations and systems of equations, polynomial functions, rational functions, logarithmic functions and selected other topics are introduced. Graphic calculators are used extensively. Topics in trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions designed for students who intend to take the calculus sequence. Angles and trigonometry functions of acute angles, analytic trigonometry, fundamental trigonometric functions and identities including hyperbolic trigonometry, parametric equations, and polar coordinate system are introduced. Graphic calculators are used extensively. Applications are emphasized.
Geometry presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulation system and development of formal synthetic proof. It considers the topics of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines, and planes with respect to space as well as the plane. Basic principles of probability will be introduced. The maintenance of algebraic skills is emphasized.
This course presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulation system and the development of formal synthetic proof with an emphasis on logic. It treats the topic of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, symmetry, transformations, Venn diagrams, right triangle trigonometry, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines and planes. In addition, the maintenance of algebraic skills will be emphasized and topics from probability and statistics will be introduced. This course is advanced, and goes beyond curriculum expectations of a standard course by increasing depth and complexity. Students will be engaged in dynamic, high-level learning. The pace of this course may be faster than that of a traditional course. I34 BVSD Pre-IB Geometry is a key foundational course for moving successfully through the IB math curriculum.
M61 AP Pre-Calculus (HEAR Academic Elective/ NCAA Clearinghouse approved course)
AP Precalculus centers on functions modeling dynamic phenomena. This research-based exploration of functions is designed to better prepare students for college-level calculus and provide grounding for other mathematics and science courses. In this course, students study a broad spectrum of function types that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. Furthermore, as AP Precalculus may be the last mathematics course of a student’s secondary education, the course is structured to provide a coherent capstone experience and is not exclusively focused on preparation for future courses.
Mathematics at the Advanced Pre Calculus level focuses on solving and modeling with exponential, logarithmic, parametric and trigonometric functions and their inverses. The complex number system is fully developed. Conic sections, systems of equations solved through matrices, and an introduction to vectors and sequences and series are also included. Limits of functions are taught as a precursor to Calculus. Problem solving, representations, reasoning, communication, and connections within and outside of mathematics underline all of the teaching and learning at the Pre Calculus level. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high level learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of the M61 Pre-Calculus course.
IB Elementary Functions is a semester-long class taught in conjunction with IB Calculus. The aim of this course of study is to prepare students for advanced mathematical studies in calculus. This course is foundational for the IB and AP exam pathways. Key topics include algebraic and transcendental functions, higher- degree polynomials, logarithms, and in-depth trigonometry. This course may prepare students for the AP Calculus AB exam.
IB Calculus is a semester-long class taught in conjunction with IB Elementary Functions. The aim of this course is to prepare students for advanced mathematical studies in calculus. This course will introduce students to mathematical limits, derivatives, graph behavior and optimization. Students will engage problem solving exercises and mathematical modeling. This course is foundational for the IB and AP exam pathways, and may prepare students for the AP Calculus AB exam.
M68 Math Topics* (HEAR Academic Elective/ NCAA Clearinghouse approved course)
This course is designed to prepare students for college work that will not require extensive Calculus. Major topics to be covered include but are not limited to: comprehensive review of algebra and geometry skills; quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; probability and statistics; finance and business topics. As appropriate, career options relevant to this level of math will be explored as well.
AP Calculus AB is the equivalent of the first semester of college Calculus. It examines the theory of limits, differentiation, functional analysis, and integration. Students develop problem solving skills through application. Students may take the advanced placement exam and possibly receive college credit.
AP Calculus BC involves the content of Calculus AB plus further application of differentiation and integration. AP Calculus BC is roughly the equivalent of the content taught in the first and second semesters of college Calculus, including polar coordinates, differential equations, infinite series, and integration techniques. Students may take advanced placement exams and possibly receive college credit.
M87 Calculus 2 is equivalent to the third semester of college Calculus. Topics include transcendental functions, methods of integration, improper integrals, infinite series and polar coordinates. Students completing this course will have thorough understanding of exponential, logarithmic, and inverse trigonometric functions and infinite series as well as the applied use of these mathematical concepts.
The M88 Calculus 3 course is the equivalent of the fourth semester of college Calculus. Topics include vectors, vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration and vector calculus. Students completing this class will have a thorough understanding of calculus applied to multi-variable functions, vector-valued functions and vector fields.
This course is designed to be equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus based college course in statistics. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1) exploring data: observing patterns and departures from patterns, 2)planning a study: deciding what and how to measure, 3) anticipating patterns: producing models using probability and simulation, 4) statistical inference: confirming modes. Students who successfully complete the course and AP exam may receive college credit and/or advanced placement for a one-semester college statistics course.
This course has an emphasis on applications of mathematics, and the largest section is on statistical techniques. It is designed for students with varied mathematical backgrounds and abilities. It offers students opportunities to learn important concepts and techniques and to gain an understanding of a wide variety of mathematical topics. It prepares students to be able to solve problems in a variety of settings, to develop more sophisticated mathematical reasoning and to enhance their critical thinking. Areas of study may include concepts in trigonometry, statistics and probability, sequences and series. Students are also required to complete a math investigation and submit their evaluations as part of the IB assessments. This course prepares students for the IB Math Studies SL exam.
This course prepares students for the IB Higher Level mathematics exam, and is the culmination of the IB mathematics curricular pathway. It covers a wide-range of topics and skills, drawing upon all previously learned content. Core topics for the course include algebra functions & equations, circular functions & trigonometry, matrices, vectors, calculus, and statistics and probability. Students will choose an optional math topic to research and develop for a special IB assessment.
"If you're going into Advanced Algebra 2 or PIB Algebra 2/3 and would like practice material to get ready for either of these courses please check out this document that we've put together for you."
