Mathematics

Descriptions of Mathematics Courses Offered at New Dorp High School

Overview of Common Core Algebra 1:

In this course, students will explore a variety of topics within algebra including linear, exponential, quadratic, and polynomial equations and functions. Students will achieve fluency in solving linear and quadratic equations as well as with manipulation of polynomials using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and factoring. Students will understand the key differences between linear and exponential functions. Students learn to model problems using algebra, functions, sequences, probability, and statistics. This course terminates in a Regents Exam.

 

Overview of Common Core Geometry:

In this course, students will acquire tools to help them explore two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. These tools include Euclidean geometry, rigid motion transformations, dilations and similarity, and coordinate geometry. Students will learn how to prove various geometric facts about triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles by using axiomatic proof and coordinate geometry proof. Finally, students will model real world objects using geometric formulas for perimeter, area, and volume. Three dimensional objects such as prisms, pyramids, cones, cylinders, and spheres will be used in a variety of models. This course terminates in a Regents Exam.

 

Overview of Common Core Algebra 2:

In this course, students will learn about a variety of advanced topics in algebra. Students will expand their understanding about functions by learning about polynomial, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. These new functions along with linear, quadratic, and exponential, will be used to model a variety of problems, including compound interest, complex numbers, growth and decay, projectile motion, and periodic phenomena. Polynomial and rational algebra is extensively covered including advanced factoring and polynomial long division. Advanced work in probability is included that focusses on the use of conditional probability. Extensive statistics work is done to help students understand how population parameters can help to infer properties about populations. This course terminates in a Regents Exam.

 

Overview of Advanced Algebra/Trig (College Extension) & Pre-Calculus:

Pre-Calculus is a course that includes algebra and trigonometry at a level which is designed to prepare students for the study of Calculus. The first semester of this course will be geared towards the students earning St John’s College Algebra & Trigonometry credit. It will cover a brief review of some basic Algebra skills and go into more complex algebraic equations to solve. After the Algebra topics are covered, the course will switch gears into the Trigonometry section. The second semester of Pre-Calculus will focus on preparing students for their entrance into AP Calculus. Covering topics such as simplifying complex arithmetic expressions without the aid of a calculator, simplifying complex algebraic expressions and rewriting them in various notations, understanding the relationship between a function and its graph.

 

Overview of Intro to Statistics (Term 1) & Financial Algebra (Term 2):

Intro to Statistics - In this course students will learn what statistics is, what terms are utilized and how data are measured and calculated in statistics. The goal is that students will understand how data are calculated beyond the mean, median, and mode and how standard deviation and positions of data tell the story of a data set. In addition, students will learn about probability, rules for probability and counting methods. The course will end with a study of discrete probability distributions, including mean and standard deviation of probability distributions, binomial distributions and normal distributions.

 

Financial Algebra - The goal of this course is to promote development in logical thinking/problem solving and to use these skills to make informed decisions about personal finances. As our seniors get ready to leave New Dorp for college or to enter the workforce, we want to prepare them to successfully utilize mathematics in their post high school life. The demographic of this course would be “college ready seniors” who have taken introduction to statistics in the fall semester. The topics covered in this course are meant to build upon topics from the fall semester and include Discretionary Expenses, Car Ownership, Employment, Independent Living, Retirement and Investments.

 

Overview of AP Calculus AB:

AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions. This course terminates in an AP Exam.

 

Overview of AP Calculus BC:

AP Calculus BC is designed to be the equivalent to both first and second semester college calculus courses. It includes all topics covered in AP Calculus AB as well as the following additional topics: defining parametric curves, polar curves, and vector-valued functions; developing additional integration techniques and applications; and introducing the topics of sequences and series. This course terminates in an AP Exam.

 

Overview of AP Statistics:

AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions. This course terminates in an AP Exam.

 

Overview of AP Computer Science Principles:

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course. Students cultivate their understanding of computer science through working with data, collaborating to solve problems, and developing computer programs as they explore concepts like creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and the global impact of computing. This course terminates in an AP Exam.

 

Overview of AP Computer Science A:

AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. This course terminates in an AP Exam.

 

Overview of Math Concepts for College (Open to Students Who Need to Pass a Math Regents for Graduation):

Math Concepts for College is a two-term mathematics course designed for seniors who are preparing for college-level mathematics courses. Students who are deemed non-proficient in mathematics by CUNY standards will have the opportunity in this course to meet one of the math proficiency standards. This course will also offer lessons based around preparation and skills necessary to succeed not only at a higher institution, but in the real world as well.