Mathematics

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

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 to attend a four-year college are highly encouraged to take four years of mathematics. The courses offered are Algebra 1A & 1B, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry Essentials, Geometry, Advanced Math, and Calculus.

Advanced Mathematics is required for 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 required to audit and receive a passing grade the 1st semester of the class prior to repeating the 2nd semester.

(Full Year)
MATH 7 Grade 7 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: percents, ratio and proportion, probability, statistics, operations involving integers, algebraic concepts (including solving simple equations), geometry concepts (similarity, areas, volumes, measurement).

(Full Year)
MATH 8 Grade 8 Required – if not in Algebra I

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. Use of variables in equations and expressions will be stressed.

(Full Year)
ALGEBRA I-8 Grade 8 Per Administration

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. Students must maintain an 86% or better or students will be placed in Math 8. Upon completion of this course the student will take Geometry.

(Two Full Years – 20 Credits)
ALGEBRA I (A & B) Grades 9-10 Required if not in Algebra I

This course contains the same information as the Algebra I course but the time frame of the course is two years rather than one. The course deals with variables, understanding the real number system, recognizing the techniques of Algebra, applying concepts and skills, and perceiving the roll of deductive reasoning. Emphasis is given to continue their studies in Geometry or Geometry Essentials (mandatory if grade is below 86% for both semesters).

(Full Year – 10 Credits)
ALGEBRA I Grades 9-10 Required

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.

(Full Year – 10 Credits)
GEOMETRY ESSENTIALS Grades 10-12 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, and similarity, with emphasis placed on the vocabulary of geometry. This course will also strengthen the student’s basic skills in Algebra. (Typical placement at the completion of the course will be Geometry.)

(Full Year – 10 Credits)
GEOMETRY Grades 9-12 Elective

Prerequisite: Algebra I with “C” average of 1st & 2nd semesters or instructor permission

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.

(Full Year – 10 Credits)
ALGEBRA II Grades 10-12 Elective

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra I

Algebra II, is the third course in the college-preparatory series. It provides a review of Algebra and problem solving. The number system is developed more completely in Algebra II to include complex numbers. Other topics include functions and relations; variations; matrices; systems of equations and inequalities; linear, quadratic, and exponential models; powering functions; exponential and logarithmic functions, and polynomials. Many four-year state colleges, universities, and private institutions require this course for admission. Check the math requirements of individual schools that interest you.

(Full Year – 10 Credits)
ADVANCED MATHEMATICS Grades 11-12 Elective

Prerequisite: Algebra II

Advanced Mathematics draws on knowledge obtained in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Advanced Math covers a wide variety of topics including data analysis, functions and models for data, trigonometry, probability and statistics, sequences and series. Many types of functions are examined, including linear, quadratic, exponential, stepping, sinusoidal, root and powering, logarithmic, and polynomial. Advanced Math is an excellent course for students interested in careers involving mathematics or science (engineering, accounting, computers, business, medicine, etc.). Many state college, universities, and private institutions are now requiring this course for some major field areas of study. Check the math requirements of individual schools that interest you.

(Full Year – 10 Credits)
AP CALCULUS Grade 12 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.