Pre-Calculus
Date & Time
Instructor
Grade Level
Precalculus is the preliminary course for those intending to study Calculus. This rigorous course utilizes and expands upon concepts from Algebra II and Geometry to investigate applications of algebraic equations, inequalities, graphs, functions and trigonometry. The expectation is that students come to the course having mastered algebra and having a solid understanding of graphs and functions. By necessity this course focuses upon an intensive study of trigonometric functions. Problem solving, following exploratory lines of inquiry and the increased use of technology are integral to the course.
Course Goals:
- To encourage mastery and understanding of real-world applications.
- Use of numerical, algebraic, graphical and logical understanding of functions.
- Develop a variety of problem-solving strategies necessary for advanced mathematical or scientific studies, particularly in preparation for Calculus.
- Solve and analyze the graphs of polynomial equations and inequalities
- Graph equations of all types using both the Cartesian system.
- Understand the connection between trigonometric and circular functions and their connections to transformations.
- Explore the use of basic trigonometric identities in validating mathematical relationships.
- Solve trigonometric equations using a variety of techniques.
- Use technology to solve problems and to master graphing techniques.
Excelsior math instructors will be utilizing the middle School & High School Big Ideas Math curriculum written by Ron Larson, Ph.D. and Laurie Boswell, Ed.D. This course will utilize the follow-on curriculum by Ron Larson Ph.D and Paul Battaglia for a continuous and consistent approach to the mastery of mathematics. These materials will prepare students for upper level and college math classes. Students will have access to a digital platform that has many tools to facilitate learning. The material Excelsior Classes math classes will use is not common core aligned.
This class meets twice a week. Each meeting is 90 minutes. Regular, live attendance is strongly advised.
PLACEMENT EXAM REQUIREMENT
Before registering, math students new to Excelsior Classes math courses and wanting to enroll must take a placement exam.
New math students should use these instructions and take the Pre-Calculus Math Assessment. Ability to do the work is more important than age or grade. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure students are well placed in Practical Business Math. Scan the completed assessment, including all scratch work and send to amandahunter@excelsiorclasses.com. The assessment will be graded and Mrs. Hunter will make the appropriate recommendations for placement in the Excelsior mathematics program.
Special Note 1: If you register for the course prior to receiving teacher feedback and decide to withdraw from the course, the deposit remains non-refundable. The deposit is transferable to another math course or another course for the current school year.
Special Note 2: As in all Excelsior Classes courses, math class instruction is tied to the curated syllabus, and the teacher will teach to the syllabus and not to a particular skill set of a student. In other words, the teacher cannot sacrifice content and expectations overall for an individual student as we need to stay in alignment with educational goals, class participant expectations, and NCAA approval of our courses.
Included in registration is the ebook for the text below. Excelsior Classes distributes the licenses for digital access.
Optional printed book – email teacher for ISBN
TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended.
Dr. Amanda Hunter has enjoyed math & science since she was a child and became very interested in health care in high school which led her to Purdue University where she earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy in 2005. After seeing how closely diet and lifestyle are related to health and prevention of chronic disease, she also completed the Institute for Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching program in 2014.
While she loved working in a traditional Pharmacy setting, Amanda has the heart of a teacher. Amanda’s significant educational background combined with her collegiate coursework and teaching experience make her a wonderful math and science teacher. Her students have included pupils who are advanced STEM students and those who are not as STEM-inclined. Amanda works to make her classes very practical while maintaining a college-preparatory standard. Students will learn how algebra, science, and health concepts will be applied to their adult-lives even if they do not enter a math/science field!. Online teaching for the past 9 years has allowed her to combine her favorite things… teaching, children, math, science, and health.
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