Math
The Amy Biehl Math Program offers an interactive approach to learning mathematics. Learning takes place in a collaborate setting that reinforces our mission of learning through community engagement. Our mathematics classrooms focus on refining mathematical processes and justifying mathematical arguments while engaging in complex, real world problems.
Our mathematics program provides high expectations while ensuring that strong academic support is available to students. We use a college preparatory curriculum, a mastery based assessment structure, and expect students to engage in their learning process. In turn teachers provide high levels of academic support and engaging and motivating instruction.
IMP1: This course highlights problem solving, and collaborative approaches to learning. Specifically the units expose students to increasing number sense through fundamental algebraic concepts such as writing equations, understanding and using variables, graphing, and analyzing number and geometric patterns; generalizing and analyzing specific functions (linear and quadratic); analyzing rates of change; creating and analyzing mathematical models; curve fitting; concepts of probability and data analysis; introduction to Euclidean Geometry and trigonometry.
IMP2: Building upon the first year, the second year’s mathematics develop a more sophisticated use of algebraic techniques and applications of geometry and trigonometry through investigations of complex situations. Specific topics include developing and identifying equivalent equations, developing more sophisticated algebraic techniques to solve more complex equations, exploring the concept of function more in depth with equations and graphs, developing and using laws of exponents, investigating exponential and logarithmic functions, using scientific notation, applying trigonometry to find areas and volumes of polygons, using the Pythagorean theorem, graphing and solving systems of equations, and maximizing or minimizing complex situations through linear programming.
IMP3: The third year exposes students to further concepts of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics by using real world situations and data. Specifically, analyzing quadratic functions in depth; using mathematics of physics; investigating coordinate geometry and Euclidean geometry; exploring growth models using concepts of calculus; Modeling exponential and logarithmic events; applying Matrix algebra to advanced linear programming problems; and investigating the binomial theorem.
IMP4: Fourth year learning outcomes* target concepts of advanced algebra, pre-calculus, advanced trigonometry, and statistics. Units in the 4th year include the investigation of circular functions, the unit circle, polar coordinates, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, algebra of physics and modeling, advanced Euclidean geometry, programming, transformations of functions, matrix applications, function analysis and comparison, vectors, limiting processes, function operations, compositions, and inverses, power series and end behaviors. Another unit allows students to research an advanced mathematical topic of their choice requiring them to read, analyze, and understand technical texts.
*Learning outcome-a specific mathematical skill or concept that is assessed through classroom assignments, complex problems, portfolios, and traditional quizzes and tests.