The Math department knows that experience COUNTS!  The department chair is veteran educator Mrs. Wade.  Her dedication to teaching and students is legendary!  The same dedication and breadth of experience can be found for each member of the department.  No matter what level of math students take they can depend on the expertise of the teachers.

Philosophy.  Mathematics is fundamental to any student’s educational development.  At Newman, traditional areas of Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry are emphasized by lecture and extensive problem-solving techniques with constant drill and practice.  Basic skill acquisition is a primary focus of our instruction.

MATH CLUB POWERPOINT

Pre-Algebra

2 Semesters                                                             Grades:  9
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:  Regular

Prerequisite:  Placement is based on 8^th grade math scores and score on Newman’s placement test

Course Description

This course is designed to provide practice in the fundamentals of arithmetic to increase and solidify the students’ practice with basic abstractions of beginning algebra.  This course is considered as an elective by colleges and is not given the status of counting as a required Math course for entrance although it will meet Newman’s requirement as one of three Mathematics courses.

Consumer Math

2 Semesters                                                             Grades:  10 - 11
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:  Regular

Prerequisite:  Department recommendation

Course Description

This course will help students master fundamental arithmetic calculations and to apply them to business and consumer situations and problems.  Specific topics include regular and overtime pay, net pay and commissions, borrowing and investing money, property taxes, insurance, business income and business statistics.  This course is considered by colleges to be an elective and does not fulfill the Math requirement although it will meet Newman’s requirement as one of the three courses.  A calculator is required.

Algebra I

2 Semesters                                                             Grades:  9 - 12
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:  Regular

Prerequisite:  A passing grade in Pre-Algebra

Course Description

This course is offered to students who have demonstrated an above-average mastery of basic math skills and are ready for the abstractions of Algebra.  As well as teaching basic Algebra concepts, this course provides the student with a review of the four operations with fractions, mixed numerals, decimals and a review of percents.

Algebra II

2 Semesters                                                             Grades 9 - 12
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:  Regular

Prerequisite:  A passing grade in Algebra I

Course Description

This course is designed to complete the automation of the fundamental skills of Algebra.  Algebra problems from Chemistry are heavily emphasized.  Some Geometry and basic Trigonometry are included in this course.  Topics include uniform motion distance problems, chemical mixture problems, systems of equations with two and three unknowns, area, volume, unit conversions, polar and rectangular coordinate conversions, adding vectors, complex numbers, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.  A scientific calculator is required.

Geometry

2 Semesters                                                             Grades:  11 - 12
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:  Regular

Prerequisite:  Algebra II or permission of department head

Course Description

This a  traditional course in Geometry which is intended for students who choose not to continue in the T.A.P. track Mathematics courses.  It is not as rigorous as a course intended for Mathematics majors.  Application of Geometry to everyday life situations is emphasized and the use of proofs is de-emphasized.  A scientific calculator is required.

A junior taking Geometry will not get department approval to take Geometry/Trigonometry/Algebra III during his/her senior year.

Geometry/Trigonometry/Algebra III

2 Semesters                                                             Grades:  10 - 12
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:   .5 additional honor point

Prerequisite:  Minimum B- in second semester of Algebra II or department approval

Course Description

This course is the culmination in the process of acquiring the fundamental skills of Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry.  Topics include logarithmic equations, trigonometric identities and functions, arithmetic and geometric series, conic sections, geometric proofs, summations, similar triangles, determinants, Cramer’s rule, echelon solutions, binomial expansions, constructions, and law of sines and cosines.  A scientific calculator is required. 

Pre Calculus

2 Semesters                                                             Grades:  11 -  12
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:   .5 additional honor point

Prerequisite:  Minimum B- in second semester Geometry/Trigonometry/Algebra III, or department approval

Course Description

This course is designed to deepen understanding of concepts previously presented and to master methods of solving higher level mathematics problems.  This course will offer the student a foundation for Calculus.  Topics include more formal proofs, logarithmic equations and inequalities, sequences and means, development of trigonometric identities, solving hyperbolas, circles, trapezoids, graphs of inverse trigonometric functions, equations, absolute value functions, and rational root theorem.  A scientific calculator is required.

Calculus

2 Semesters                                                             Grades:  12
1 Credit                                                                    Value Scale:   .5 additional honor point

Prerequisite:  Minimum B- in second semester Pre Calculus or department approval

Course Description

This course is designed for the college bound student whose interest requires higher level mathematics.  It will introduce basic Calculus topics such as limits, derivatives and integrals.  Topics include review of Pre Calculus, continuity, first and second derivatives and  integration.  A scientific calculator is required.

Computer Applications

1 Semester                                                                  Grades:  9 -12
½ Credit                                                                     Value Scale:  Regular

Course Description

Students review basic computer skills and learn advanced applications of Microsoft Office.  This includes Word (word processing)  with an emphasis on basic formatting through research paper formatting using the MLA standard.  They will then learn to use Excel (spreadsheet) in projects that relate to both personal and business applications.  Finally, they will learn to design presentations using PowerPoint, and they will explore using the internet as a tool and will begin investigating programming.  All of these programs will be vital as the students proceed through high school and college and into their vocations.