Mathematics Essential Learner Outcomes
The Program goals in mathematics at Bloomington High School and in District 87 are listed below. These outcomes are addressed in each course in the mathematics department. Special emphasis is given to specific outcomes in some classes.
Students perform the computations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals.
Students understand and use ratios, proportions, and percentages.
Students understand and use measurement.
Students identify, analyze and solve problems using algebraic equations, inequalities, functions, and their graphs.
Students understand and apply geometric concepts and relations in a variety of forms.
Students understand and use methods of data collection and analysis.
Students use mathematical skills to estimate reasonableness of answers and predict outcomes.
Students use technical tools to solve problems.
(Graphing calculators are assumed to be those approved by ACT, like the TI 83 Plus or TI-84 graphing calculators that are used in the department. TI-89 calculators are not allowed until AP Statistics or AP Calculus.)
As juniors, students will be taking the Prairie State Achievement Exam. This exam includes questions from Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.
21201-21202 Basic Algebra/Geometry (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Special Population Students only This course is designed to transition a student into Algebra Prep. It reviews and expands arithmetic skills in the real numbers. Fractions, decimals, integers, rational numbers, solving equations, ratios, proportion, percents, and problem solving are among the topics covered. Algebraic notation is introduced along with graphing techniques. Many colleges do not consider this course as being college preparatory. This course will also help students know and understand some of the basic applications of algebra, geometry and data analysis used in everyday life. Many colleges do not consider this course as being college preparatory. This course is treated as a basic level class for GPA calculations. (Calculators are required – either scientific or graphing)
21211-21212 9th Grade Algebra I (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra I Part I as 8th grader Students enrolling in this class will have successfully completed Algebra I Part I in 8th grade. Students in this class have mastered the topics from the first semester of the Algebra I curriculum and will focus on the coursework for the second semester of the Algebra I curriculum. Students successfully completing the course will receive credit for Algebra I. (Calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
21221-21222 Algebra Prep (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: 8th grade math; Teacher recommendation Algebra Prep is designed to provide a transition from arithmetic to Algebra and Geometry. The focus of this course will be on the skills needed for Algebra, Geometry and their application through problem solving, technology and hands-on activities. It is the intent of this course to encourage a respect for math and its practical applications as well as preparing the students for success in Algebra I and Geometry. Many colleges do not consider this course as being college preparatory. (Calculators are required – either scientific or graphing)
21231-21232 Techniques in Algebra Prerequisite: None, but this course is required for students con-currently enrolled in Algebra Prep This course is designed as a resource for Algebra Prep students. It will provide students with additional time and more opportunities to use multiple representations of Algebra prep problems and concepts. Techniques in Algebra will give students the opportunity to strengthen their algebraic understanding with individualized help with homework and individualized classroom assessments. Students in this class will also receive additional help with their math study skills and test taking strategies. This course does not earn math credit. Students will receive credit for graduation.
21241-21242 Algebra I (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation Algebra I is a rigorous preparation for advanced mathematics, stressing both structure and development of problem-solving skills. It is designed for all students. Students develop mastery of the real number system and the language and symbolism of algebra. Equations, inequalities, polynomials, functions, graphing with special emphasis on problem-solving techniques, use of clear examples, abundant exercises, and consistent review make Algebra I both practical and vital for all students. (Calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
21245 Algebra S1 (1/2 year; 1/2 unit or grade improvement)21247 Algebra S2 (1 year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Algebra F1 is a repeat of first semester Algebra (taught during 2nd semester) and is geared to offer students additional opportunities to be successful in Algebra I. To complete the equivalent of Algebra I, students are enrolled in Algebra S2 the following year. Algebra S2 covers all of the topics in second semester Algebra I and also includes several topics that will enhance students’ preparation for Geometry and state testing. (Calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
21127-21128 Algebra Prep – Bloomington Academy (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Membership in the Bloomington AcademyThis course is offered for those students who have been identified and admitted to this program. It is designed to prepare students for Algebra through practical applications. Please refer to the Bloomington Academy section for a complete description of this course. (Calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
21243-21244 Algebra – Bloomington Academy (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra Prep BA; membership in the Bloomington Academy Algebra is a preparation for advanced mathematics, stressing both structure and development of problem-solving skills. Students develop mastery of the real number system and the language and symbolism of algebra. Equations, inequalities, polynomials, functions and graphing make Algebra both practical and vital for students. Students will be expected to use hands-on applications of Algebra to demonstrate their knowledge. (Calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
21251-21252 Geometry (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra I This course includes plane, spatial, transformational, and coordinate geometries. It emphasizes logical thinking and applies algebraic concepts to geometric figures. Topics covered include angles, lines, planes, triangles (including special properties of congruent, similar and right), circles, areas, solids, volume, transformations, and geometry on the Cartesian plane. Geometric constructions are explored and algebra skills are maintained throughout the year. (A compass, ruler and calculator are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
21253-21254 Geometry – Bloomington Academy (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra BA; membership in the Bloomington Academy Geometry is a course designed to follow the BBA Algebra class. This course will cover, but will not be limited to, a wide variety of topics in Euclidean geometry including parallel and perpendicular lines, properties of polygons, congruent triangles, similar triangles, circles, volume and area of solids, coordinate geometry, probability, and statistics. This course is an application based course that focuses on how geometry is present in everyday life. Students enrolled in this course will use logical reasoning to analyze problems and develop strategies that will lead to effective solutions. (A compass, ruler and calculator are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
21261-21262 Honors Geometry (Year: 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra I; department recommendation This rigorous course includes plane, spatial, transformational, and coordinate geometries. It emphasizes logical thinking and applies algebraic concepts to geometric figures. Topics include types of polygons and 3-D solids, congruent and similar figures, circles, area, volume, transformations, and geometry on the Cartesian plane. Applications of geometry will be explored via required projects and geometric constructions. The pace is rapid and algebra skills will be strengthened while studying geometry deeply and thoroughly. Extra study time is needed for this course. (Calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
22241-22242 Algebra II / Trigonometry (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Geometry This second course in algebra contains three quarters of advanced algebra and one quarter of trigonometry. Mastery of Algebra I topics is expected and new topics such as higher degree equations, complex numbers, and logarithms are included. The use of the graphing calculator is essential and enhances the study and understanding of concepts in this course. An introduction to trigonometry includes an emphasis on notation, definitions, use of tables and calculators, and the fundamental identities. Students should allow extra study time in their schedules for this course. (Graphing calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
22251-22252 Honors Algebra II / Trigonometry (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Geometry; department recommendation This rigorous second course in algebra contains three quarters of advanced algebra and one quarter of trigonometry. Mastery of Algebra I topics is expected and new topics such as higher degree equations, complex numbers, and logarithms are included. Additional topics such as sequences and series are included in Honors Algebra II. The use of the graphing calculator is essential and enhances the study and understanding of concepts in this course. Students should allow extra study time in their schedules for this course. (Graphing calculators are required. TI-83 plus or TI-84 graphing calculators are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
22260 Trigonometry (½ year: ½ unit semester course) Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Honors Algebra/Trigonometry; teacher recommendation This course provides an in-depth study of trigonometry including a multitude of applications using trigonometry that cannot be done in the trigonometry section of Algebra II/Trig course because of time constraints. Students suited for the Trigonometry class typically need to see the usefulness and relevance of mathematics in real world contexts. The course relies heavily on the use of available technology for exploration and problem solving. Material covered in this course will provide additional opportunities for students as they prepare to take university placement tests and university level math courses. (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
23241-23242 Pre-Calculus (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry This course focuses on functions (trigonometric and others) and analytic geometry with explorations using the graphing calculator. To master the course, students must demonstrate problem solving abilities with algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, discrete mathematics, and functions of real numbers. This course is designed to prepare students for courses in either discrete mathematics or calculus. Technology is an integral component of Pre-Calculus. (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
23251-23252 Honors Pre-Calculus (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry; department recommendation Honors Pre-Calculus is a rigorous study of functions and analytic geometry with investigations using the graphing calculator. To master the course, students will need to demonstrate problem solving abilities with algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, discrete mathematics, and functions of real numbers. Technology is an integral component of Honors Pre-Calculus. An introduction to calculus is a special feature of this course. (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
24230 Applied Statistics (1/2 year: 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry; teacher recommendation Applied Statistics is a non-AP alternative for juniors and seniors who are interested in an introduction to the important topics of statistics. The course emphasizes a data analysis approach, focusing on statistical thinking behind data gathering and interpretation. By engaging in the curricular objectives, students will gain numerical literacy skills, become more discerning consumers of statistics, and direct their focus at what the numbers from surveys, election polls, and medical studies are really saying. Students suited for Applied Statistics typically need to see the usefulness and relevance of mathematics in real world contexts. The course relies heavily on the use of available technology for data analysis. (Graphing calculators are required: TI-83 plus or TI-84 are recommended. TI-89 calculators are not allowed in this course.)
24241-24242 AP Statistics and Probability (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry; teacher recommendation This course, designed for college-bound students, is an introduction to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Successful performance on the AP examination satisfies the typical statistics requirement for college majors such as social science, health sciences, and business. For students who intend to major in mathematics, science, or engineering, the content of AP Statistics is a solid preparation for upper-level calculus-based college statistics. This course follows the College Board Advanced Placement Syllabus and students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. This course carries the honors/advanced G.P.A. weighting. (Graphing calculators such as a TI-83 Plus, TI-84, or the TI-89 are required.)
24251-24252 AP Calculus (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus; department recommendation This course covers both differential and integral Calculus and is comparable to one and one-half semesters of calculus at the college level. The amount of study time needed will also be comparable to a college level course. Students should plan their schedules accordingly. Study groups are highly recommended throughout this course. This course follows the College Board Advanced Placement Syllabus and students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. This course carries the honors advanced G.P.A. weighting. (Graphing calculators are required: TI-89 is recommended.)
22261-22262 Problem Solving with Computer Programming (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Algebra I This course is a study of the fundamentals of computer programming and computer science with a focus on developing problem solving skills. Students will be introduced to several computer languages, their syntax, principles of program design, and debugging strategies. Coursework will include written assignments and tests, computer lab activities, and programming projects. Students who complete this class will be prepared for AP Computer Science and first-year university level programming classes.
22281-22282 AP Computer Science Prerequisites: Problem Solving with Computer Programming and Algebra II/Trig or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II/Trig, teacher recommendation To meet the growing need for a technical society AP Computer Science is designed to have students develop useful computer programs and students will be introduced to other important concepts in computer science, including development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications. This course follows the College Board Advanced Placement Syllabus and students are encouraged to take the national College Board exam in May. This course carries the honors advanced G.P.A. weighting.
