The mathematics curriculum at Kiski is designed to provide all students with an understanding and appreciation of the mathematics that they are studying. Fundamental concepts are presented in such a way as to allow the student to understand fully the material being covered, and at the same time be able to see its application to the real world. All mathematics courses place emphasis on problem solving along with the goal of having students be able to apply what they have learned in their everyday lives. Extensive use of labs, graphing calculators, and computers all help to achieve these goals.

Algebra I

Algebra I provides a strong and essential background for those incoming freshmen who need to master the basic concepts of Algebra. Students are exposed to a rigorous fundamental course in the essential skills of this subject. In this course, there is adherence to sound mathematics in the presentation of topics. Introduction to logical reasoning is developed gradually while mechanical skills will continued to be stressed. This course is integrated with graphing calculators to provide students with a solid background for today’s math, and an excellent foundation for all math courses that follow.

Algebra II Honors

Algebra II Honors builds on the concepts and methods from Geometric and Algebraic Analysis to develop a foundation for Precalculus. The study of advanced mathematical concepts is aided by the extensive use of technology and hands-on data collection. Emphasis is placed on the development of abstract thinking skills, the function concept, graphs, and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. These content areas include quadratics, systems, logarithmic, exponential, and polynomial expressions, equations and inequalities. Rational algebraic equations, sequences and series, and trigonometry are also covered. Focus will be on real-world application of concepts, in an effort to show students the relevance of mathematics to everyday life.

Coding

Coding is a semester elective intended to give students an introduction to the art of programming. Using an object oriented approach, emphasizing stepwise refinement and top down design, students will be introduced to problem solving methodologies and algorithm development. While the focus language of the course will be Java, other languages including the scripting languages of Python, Perl, and JavaScript may be used. Students interested in the fields of Engineering and Computer Science are encouraged to take this course, however this is not required, coding is for everyone! There are no prerequisites for this course but students who have already taken Computer Applications, Digital Media, Production, or Robotics will be well prepared for coding.

Computer Applications

The Computer Applications course is a semester course designed to accommodate today’s ever-changing technological climate. A laboratory-oriented class, the focus of the material presented is to make certain that students become competent end-users. Adapting to the most current technologies the course model varies from semester to semester. Students are exposed to a multitude of software applications, hardware, and programming tools.

Financial Mathematics I (T1)

Geometry

Geometric and Algebraic Analysis is a combination of Geometry, and Advanced Algebra. The fundamental concepts of Geometry to be covered will include; Reasoning and Proof, Lines and Angles, Triangle and Quadrilateral Theorems, Similarity, Right Triangle Trigonometry and the study of Circles and Surface Area and Volume. In Algebra students will study the Properties of Exponents and Rational Exponents along with Polynomials, Factoring and Quadratic Functions.

Geometry Honors

Geometric and Algebraic Analysis Honors is for students with a solid grasp of Algebra. It will include many of the same topics as the regular section, yet at a faster pace with more depth and breadth. Students will learn fundamental math skills in Geometry while being introduced to Algebra II. The fundamental concepts of Geometry to be covered will include; Reasoning and Proof, Lines and Angles, Triangle and Quadrilateral Theorems, Similarity, Right Triangle Trigonometry and the study of Circles and Surface Area and Volume. In Algebra the Properties of Exponents and Rational Exponents along with Polynomials, Factoring and Quadratic Functions will be covered. Traditional instruction along with projects and experiential learning will be used to reinforce the concepts being covered and assure each students ability to apply these concepts in the real world.

Introduction to Probability (T1)

In this one semester course we will be exploring the various methods and techniques for the calculation of probability, with a focus on real world application. Beginning with basic chance calculations, we will move on to exploring conditional probability, determination of multi-stage events, and the evaluation of various outcomes, working through real-world lenses ranging from casino games, to sporting events, to election outcomes.

Introduction to Statistics (T2)

In this one semester course we will be exploring the foundations of statistical analysis. Topics will include appropriate sampling techniques, the means for displaying and discussing data in a meaningful way, and how to analyze that data to reach specific conclusions. Students will discuss real world applications of statistics drawn from both the hard and social sciences.

Geometry

This Geometry course is designed as the prerequisite course for Algebra II. The proposed course of study will develop the concepts of plane geometry. This course focuses on the ideas central to success in geometry. The ongoing theme of the course is to develop skills of reasoning useful in daily life. Students are presented with concepts that can be applied as models for real-world phenomena. Daily problems and technology are used to reinforce the connection between the concepts being covered and their real-world application. Following geometry, students may take Algebra II, Advanced Algebra II, or in select cases, Honors Algebra II, depending on the grade level.

Algebra II

Algebra II intends to build on the concepts and methods from Geometric and Algebraic Analysis and develops a foundation for Precalculus. Student understanding of algebraic concepts is furthered in labs, which connect real-world situations to the material being covered. The proposed course of study enables students to create mathematical models of phenomena used in the real world. Topics include linear and quadratic functions, polynomial functions, rational expressions, exponents, logarithms and introductory trigonometry.

Precalculus

Precalculus reviews and builds on the skills learned in Algebra II. Through the extensive use of technology, graphing, and real world modeling students not only strengthen their algebraic skills, but begin to prepare for the rigors of Calculus. Topics covered include functions, trigonometry, polynomials, exponentials, logarithms, inequalities, systems, and sequences.

Precalculus Honors

Precalculus Honors extends and deepens concepts learned in Algebra II to attain a mastery of the skills necessary to succeed in an introductory level of Calculus. The ongoing theme of the course is functions as models of change. Functions are grouped into families and then used as models for real-world phenomena. Technology is used to reinforce the connection between the concepts being covered and their real-world applications. Topics covered include: functions, trigonometry, polynomials, exponentials, logarithms, inequalities, systems, matrices, parametric equations, data analysis, and an introduction to differential Calculus. This course is considered to be the prerequisite for Advanced Calculus.

Calculus

The main goal of Calculus is to develop a conceptual understanding of the subject with an emphasis on the mechanics of Calculus. The areas covered include topics from differential calculus including slopes of secant and tangent lines, the definition and interpretation of the derivative, applications of the derivative including related rates, optimization and linearization. Topics from integral calculus include techniques of integration and using integration to find area, distance, arc length and volume. Technology is integrated throughout the course and is used extensively in the area of mathematical modeling.

Advanced Calculus AB

This course consists of a full academic year of work in Calculus comparable to courses in colleges and universities. Technology is used by students to confirm written work, facilitate investigations, and assist in interpreting results. Topics covered include functions and graphs, limits and continuity, derivative formulas, the Mean Value Theorem, related rates of change, anti-derivatives, differential equations, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, the trapezoidal rule, areas between curves, volumes of solids of revolution, and techniques of integration.

Advanced Calculus BC

Advanced Calculus BC provides mathematically able students with an exposure to a full year of Calculus of a single variable and its applications to real-world situations. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to Calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Advanced Calculus BC is an extension of Advanced Calculus AB, rather than an enhancement.

Advanced Statistics

The Advanced Statistics course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts of data analysis. Students explore the primary methods of collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions about a data set. For the first quarter of the year, students are introduced to symbolic logic and an extensive study of the theory of counting and probability. The remainder of the course uses materials and explorations to help the student connect the concepts being taught to their real-world applications.