Mathematics

INSTRUCTORS: Julie Blaser | Merlin Lahm | John Petersen | Tom Salyard | Jane Dusel-Misfeldt

Scotus Central Catholic High School offers eight courses in mathematics and requires 30 credits for graduation. The sequence of courses depends on the student's ability. Students planning on attending a four-year college are highly encouraged to take four years of mathematics. The courses offered are: Applied Math I, Applied Math II, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Advanced Math, and Calculus.

Advanced Mathematics is required for the admission to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Algebra II is required for admission to all other State colleges and universities.

If a student fails the 1st semester, he/she will be required to drop the class. If a student fails the 2nd semester and plans to retake the course, he/she will be to audit and receive a passing grade the 1st semester of the class prior to repeating the 2nd semester.

MATHEMATICS
Grade 7
Full Year
Required

The seventh grade mathematics course is designed to maintain and advance each student's ability in mathematical skills. The student's major emphasis will be on performing the skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Also some skills will be introduced or advanced in the following mathematical areas: metric system, geometry (measuring of angles and geometric figures) ration and proportion, percents, probability, and statistics.

MATHEMATICS
Grade 8
Full Year
Required

Eighth grade mathematics deals with the basic math operation, such as addition, multiplication, subtraction and division and their involvement with fractions, decimals, integers and all rational numbers. The metric system is covered and reoccurs in many units. Geometric measurements involving areas, perimeters and volumes are reintroduced along with ratios and proportions. New areas using percents, graphs, trigonometry, probability and statistics are covered.

ALGEBRA I
Grade 8
Full Year
Selected students eligible if requirements are met

For students who may wish to extend their skills and concepts in mathematics before continuing to more advanced work in school. It will deal with variables, understanding the real number system, recognizing the technique of Algebra, applying concepts and skills, and perceiving the roll of deductive reasoning. In short, it will be a math class for those who wish to advance to higher levels of skill in science and related fields. It will have direct application for both Geometry and Algebra II.

PRE-ALGEBRA
Grade 9
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required, if not in Algebra I

This course is offered for those students who need a basic refresher course before attempting Algebra. This course will offer a review of the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using integers, fractions, and decimals. It will cover conversion to the metric system. Business and algebraic formulas will be integrated into the format of the course. The course will be overlapped with practical applications of problems designed for understanding Algebra I.

ALGEBRA I
Grades 9-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required, if not in Pre-Algebra

For students who may wish to extend their skills and concepts in mathematics before continuing to more advanced work in school. It will deal with variables, understanding the real number system, recognizing the technique of Algebra, applying concepts and skills, and perceiving the roll of deductive reasoning. Emphasis given to applying Algebra concepts to problem-solving. In short, it will be a math class for those who wish to advance to higher levels of skill in science and related fields. It will have direct application for both Geometry and Algebra II.

APPLIED MATH I
Grades 10-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisits: Pre-Algebra or Algebra I

This course helps students apply knowledge to solve practical problems using proportions, equations, graphs, probability, and statistics. Problems are focused around vocational studies in health occupation, home economics, industrial technology, and agriculture. This course is designed for those who would like to take another year of math after Pre-Algebra or Algebra I.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN MATH
Grades 11-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisits: Applied Math I or Geometry

Advanced topics in math is a continuation of the Applied Math I course. Advanced topics in math will cover the following topics: graphing data, solving problems that involve nonlinear equations, working with statistics, working with probabilities, using right triangle relationships, and using trigonometric functions. Time permitting, additional units may be selected and used as appropriate mathematics materials in support of specific vocational studies in such areas as health occupation, automotive technology, home economics, or agriculture.

GEOMETRY
Grades 9-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Algebra I

This course is designed for students to create and discover many geometrical concepts by activities and problems. Concepts are first introduced visually, then analytically, then inductively, and finally, deductively. Students will work with points, lines, planes and figures that lie in a plane, as well as solid figures. Topics include language and logic of geometry, angles and lines, transformations, proofs using congruence, polygons and symmetry, triangle congruence, perimeters, areas, surface areas, indirect and coordinate proofs, similarity, and trigonometry. The course will also strengthen the student's basic skills of Algebra.

ALGEBRA II
Grades 10-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra I

Algebra II, as the third course in the college-preparatory series, provides a review of fundamentals of Algebra, problem-solving, as well as developing the number system more completely. Some of the topics included are mathematical statements and proofs, solving equations and inequalities, function and relation, systems and matrices of open sentences, real numbers, complex numbers, quadratic equations, and logarithms and exponents. All four-year state colleges and universities require this course for admission.

ADVANCED MATHEMATICS
Grades 11-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Algebra II

Advanced Mathematics is a course dealing with advanced topics of mathematics. It uses knowledge previously obtained in Algebra I and II, and in Geometry. There are a wide variety of topics included in the course such as: functions, matrices, circular functions, trigonometry, conic sections, sequences and series, logarithms, probability, statistics, and data analysis. Advanced Mathematics is an excellent course for those students interested in careers related with mathematics (engineering, accounting, computers, medicine, science, etc.)

AP CALCULUS
Grade 12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Advanced Mathematics with a "C" or better both semesters

The study of calculus builds on previous courses in geometry, algebra, and advanced mathematics. Calculus as a mathematical discipline focuses on two fundamental operations, differentiation and integration, and how they apply to real polynomial functions, trigonometric functions and their inverses, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Calculus is an important course for students interested in science and mathematic-related fields. Students enrolled in this course have the opportunity to earn college credit for their study.

GEOMETRY ESSENTIALS
Grades 9-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required if not taking Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra I or Algebra I (A and B)

This class is designed for students not taking the college preparatory course of Geometry. It will contain many of the concepts of a typical Geometry course but with less emphasis on proof and deductive reasoning. Students will work with points, lines, planes, and figures that lie in a plane as well as solid figures. Topics include the language and logic of geometry, area, similarity, and trigonometry. Work with three-dimensional figures include surface area and volume. This course will also strengthen the student's basic skills in Algebra