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McKeesport Area High School
MATHEMATICS

Myleen Kiska, Department Head

 


ALGEBRA I
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  CORD Applied Math 1, Pre-Algebra.  Minimum grade 80%.

This course is designed to prepare a student for higher level mathematics.  It contains a review of the real number system followed by units on solving linear equations in one variable, operations with polynomials, exponential properties, factoring polynomials, solving second degree equations and rational equations.  The student will also be expected to solve linear equations in two variables, graph linear equations and work with operations dealing with square roots.  Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking in the classroom.



ALGEBRA II
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra I and Geometry, CORD Applied Math 3.  Minimum grade 70% Teacher Recommendation.

Algebra II reviews and strengthens the skills learned in Algebra I.  The course introduces the solutions of systems of equations in more than one variable, quadratics, operations with rational and irrational expressions, complex numbers, exponents, and logarithms.  The concepts of relations and functions are introduced along with the use of the function notation.  Also to be introduced will be matrices, determinants, and parabolas.



ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra II and Geometry.  Minimum grade 80%.  Working knowledge of Trigonometry, Teacher recommendation.

This course is designed to prepare students for the study of calculus and linear algebra.  Included is a study of the algebra and geometry of two-dimensional vectors, a topic new to many students.  Vector methods are then used in developing the concepts and techniques of analytic geometry.  An understanding of the traditional Cartesian methods, however, is still important to students, and is included in tandem with the vector approach.  This course, as presented, gives students an opportunity to see how two apparently diverse branches of mathematics are, in reality, closely related, and to appreciate the value of having more than one method available for solving a given problem.



CALCULUS
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Trigonometry.  Minimum grade 80&.  Teacher recommendation.  College Algebra strongly recommended.

This course is designed for the college bound senior.  It includes the study of coordinate geometry, functions, and limits.  Special emphasis is given to differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions.  Applications of all topics are emphasized throughout the course.  The content of this course is very similar to the content of Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (Math 0220) as offered at the University of Pittsburgh.  A graphing calculator is required for this course.  This course may be taken for college credit through the University of Pittsburgh by paying the appropriate tuition.  The anticipated fee for those choosing to take the course for college credit is $90 to $110.  Four college credits may be earned if the tuition is paid.



CORD APPLIED MATHEMATICS 1
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Pre-Algebra.  Fundamentals of Mathematics minimum grade 70%.  Teacher recommendation.

This course is taught with "hands on" activities and a problem solving approach based on the Center for Occupational Research and Development's recommended Program of Instruction.  The content is related to the world of work and presents mathematical principles with activities designed to be completed by groups of students.  Basic math skills that everyone needs such as measuring in English and Metric units, using graphs, charts, and tables, dealing with data, estimating answers, and using calculators to review fractions, percents, and decimals are taught.  In addition, basic skills in algebra and geometry are introduced.  This course requires a scientific calculator.



CORD APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Cord Applied Math 1 - Minimum Grade 70%.

This course based on the Center for Occupational Research and Development's recommended Program of Instruction, continues the "hands on" activity based and problem solving approach using work related areas as in CORD Applied Math 1.  The mathematical concepts of signed numbers, scientific notation, powers, roots, precision, accuracy and tolerance are contained in the content, as well as the algebraic concepts of formation, transformation, solving and graphing of formulas, linear and nonlinear equations.  The remainder of the content is statistics, probability and right-triangle trigonometry.  All concepts are related to various fields of work such as agriculture, business, health occupations, home economics and industrial technology.  A scientific calculator is required.



CORD APPLIED MATHEMATICS 3
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra I, Algebra Part B, or CORD Applied Math 2 - Minimum grade 70%.

This course, based on the Center for Occupational Research Development's recommended Program of Instruction, continues with the "hands-on" activity based and problem solving approach with an emphasis on higher level math.  Geometry and Algebra II are the basis of the course.  Concepts learned are patterns and functions, quadratics, systems of equations, inequalities, geometry, solving problems with computer spreadsheets and graphics, and Quality Assurance.  All concepts are related to various fields of work such as agriculture, business, health occupations, home economics, and industrial technology.  A scientific calculator is required, but a graphics calculator is recommended.



COLLEGE ALGEBRA
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra II - Minimum grade 75%.

Introduction to College Algebra reviews the fundamentals of Algebra II.  Linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, and rational functions are studied with emphasis on graphing.  Additional topics include radicals, complex numbers, composite functions, inverse functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.  A must for students taking calculus.



PSSA MATHEMATICS
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra II - Minimum grade 75%.

This course is designed to provide students with a review of the topics on the PSSA math exam.  In addition to reviewing the math concepts on the exam, students will practice the open-ended questions.  Whenever possible, released questions from previous PSSA exams will be used.


INTRO TO PROGRAMMING
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Completion of Plane Geometry - Minimum grade 80%.

This course will take the beginning student in programming from flow charting to writing and running simple multi-task programs.  Several computer languages will be discussed and debugging techniques will be emphasized.  This course will include both classroom and computer instruction and is a prerequisite to Programming with C++.



ALGEBRA PART A
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  CORD Applied Math 1, Pre-Algebra, Minimum grade 70%.

This course is the first half of Algebra I.  It is designed for the student who needs more time to develop and master the skills of Algebra.  All topics are the same as those in the first semester of Algebra I therefore the student has twice the time to develop, reinforce, and master his/her skills.



ALGEBRA PART B
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra Part A, Minimum grade 70%.

This course is the second half of Algebra I.  As with Algebra Part A, this course is designed for the students who need more time to master the skills of Algebra.  All topics are the same as those in the second semester of Algebra I.



PLANE GEOMETRY
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra, Algebra Part B or CORD Applied Math 2 - Minimum grade 70%.

In this course the student will learn to define terms, read symbols and diagrams.  Although rigorous proofs will not be stressed, two column proofs will be written involving perpendicular lines, parallel lines, congruent and right triangles, similar polygons and circles.  Also covered will be problem solving using the Pythagorean theorem, trigonometric ratios, perimeter, area, and volume.



PROGRAMMING WITH C++
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Completion of Intro to Programming, Minimum grade 80% (Teacher Recommendation).

This course will apply the skills mastered in Intro to Programming to the C++ Language.  Students will flow chart, write, run, and debug complex multi-task programs in C++.  This course will include classroom and computer instruction and laboratory time.



PROBABILITY & STATISTICS
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Algebra, Algebra Part B, CORD Applied Math 2, 1 Minimum grade 80%, (Teacher Recommendation).

This course is designed to enable students to be wiser users and more critical consumers of statistical material.  Students who may eventually enter such fields as economics, business, education, psychology, sociology, and medicine are greatly encouraged to enroll in this course.  Upon successful completion of this course, students have gained a basic understanding of both statistics and probability so that the pursuit of a college level course will not be extremely difficult.  This course includes compilation and interpretation of numerical data, frequent distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersions, and basic rules of probability and their applications.  The use of a scientific calculator is essential for this course.



TRIGONOMETRY
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Presently enrolled in Algebra II.  Minimum grade 80% with teacher recommendation.

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive course with a balanced coverage of the theory and skills together with the applications needed to build a strong foundation for more advanced mathematical courses.  The course is designed for students who have a strong working knowledge of Algebra and Plane Geometry.  A scientific calculator is very helpful in this course.  The course is a must for those taking calculus.



S.A.T. PREPARATION
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week

This free elective reviews the math and English skills that the Scholastic Aptitude Test (College Boards) measure.  By learning to deal with the specialized S.A.T. format and test questions, you should maximize your performance in the crucial S.A.T. tests.  This course does not count as a math credit.



 



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