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New Utrecht High School

Mathematics Department


The mission of the Mathematics department is to provide the students with a solid foundation in Mathematics, that supports and enhances their mathematical skills and that prepares them for college and for the world of work.  The mathematics department at New Utrecht High School offers a comprehensive set of course with emphasis on meeting the standards set forth by the Regents of the State of New York.  College preparatory work is offered in Algebra, Geometry, and Advance Algebra & Trigonometry.  Advanced electives are also offered in Statistics, Computer Programming, Pre-Calculus and Advanced Placement Calculus.

 

WHAT COURSES DO WE OFFER?

Algebra 1
This is a one-year Algebra 1 course that prepares students to take the Common Core Algebra 1 exam.  Students who pass this exam will have fulfilled their Mathematics requirement for a Regents diploma.  Students will study algebraic techniques and apply those techniques to problem solving, second degree equations, graphing linear and quadratic equations, beginning trigonometry concepts, coordinate geometry, and statistics. 


Geometry

This is a one-year Geometry course that prepares students to take the Geometry regents.  Students will study topics in plane and solid geometry and learn to write formal geometric proofs.


Algebra 2

This is a one-year Algebra 2 course that prepares students to take the Algebra 2 Regents.  Topics covered will include equations and inequalities, coordinates and graphs, general functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions of angles and of real numbers, analytical trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities, sequences and series.  Graphing calculator skills will be taught and used extensively in this course.  Throughout this course, students will develop learning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem solving techniques to prepare them for future math courses and college entrance exams. 


Pre-Calculus

Pre-calculus is a one year course.  It is a continuation of the algebraic concepts learned in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry including sequences & series, polynomials, and conic sections, logarithms, matrices and systems of equations.  The purpose of the course is to prepare students for calculus by building the algebra skills that are required for calculus.  A graphing calculator will be used extensively throughout this course.


Financial Algebra

Financial Algebra is an exciting math course where you will learn to connect algebra to what’s going on in your life.  Since you are already earning, spending, and saving money, and will be throughout the rest of your life, it’s time to understand finance in mathematical terms and gain confidence in your ability to manage money.  By building on your prior knowledge of math concepts from your other courses, Financial Algebra will take you step-by-step through strategies to help you learn how to save and invest money, to evaluate the best cell phone contracts, to maximize your income tax refund and more.

Algebra II and Trigonometry for College Readiness

Algebra II and Trigonometry for College Readiness math course is designed for 12th grade students who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education upon graduation. The course curriculum is based on the Common Core Standards and is targeted to the student who has completed Algebra II by their junior year and is looking for a quality math course focused on college readiness.   In this course students will review fundamental concepts of Statistics, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II in preparation for college entrance examinations and for a foundational college math course. Students will focus on refreshing and developing the application of mathematical concepts to real world situations as well as the connection of math to other disciplines.

Computer Programming

This one semester course is an introduction to programming using the C++ programming language.  Students learn how to write programs in an object-oriented high-level programming language.  Topics covered include fundamentals of algorithms, flowcharts, problem solving, programming concepts, arrays and strings.  Throughout the semester, problem solving skills will be stressed and applied to solving computing problems.  By the end of the semester, students are expected to have a good understanding about the concept of object-oriented programming using C++ and be able to write and read basic C++ code.

Robotics

This is a beginning course in robotics. We will be utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits, Tetrix Kits, Robotc software and various Lego Robotics materials. The objective of this course is to introduce the students to basic programming as well as problem solving strategies. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a Tetrix Robot, incorporating the Lego Mindstorm kits.  Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences and binary number systems. Student designed robots will be programmed to compete in various courses against their peers.

Advanced Placement Statistics
Statistics is an exciting course where you will learn to connect statistics to the real world.  This course is designed for juniors or seniors who are interested in pursuing a post-secondary education that may involve statistics.  Throughout the course students will learn the statistical tools for producing, collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.  Statistics will allow students to build interdisciplinary connections with other subjects and with their world outside school.  It requires a major commitment to mathematics.  Students will be expected to use a graphing calculator.  Students may be awarded college credit in addition to course credit upon successful completion of the Advanced Placement exam in May.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB/BC
One year, double period per day.  This course covers the material for the AB/BC Advanced Placement exam.  It is an in depth study of single variable differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions, graphs, and limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, integrals, applications of integrals, the fundamental theorem of calculus, anti-differentiation, applications of the anti-derivative, and slope-fields.  It requires a major commitment to mathematics.  Students will be expected to use a graphing calculator.  Students may be awarded college credit in addition to course credit upon successful completion of the Advanced Placement exam in May.