Edmonds Heights K-12 Class Descriptions
2023-24
Understanding Algebra Mon/Wed 10:00 AM
Class Description and Goals: This is an algebra 1 class. The goal of this class is to build a strong foundation of algebra skills and concepts. Semester A includes: Properties, number sets, operations with integers, fractions and decimals, simplifying and evaluating Linear expressions, solving equations and inequalities in one and two variables, systems of Linear equations and inequalities, Linear word problems, graphing and learning how to use the TI-84 calculator. Semester B will include exponential functions, laws of exponents, arithmetic and geometric sequences, polynomials and factoring, Quadratic equations and functions and a review on stats and probability. The speed and amount of progress will depend on the level of absorption of the students. Each homework assignment will relate to the lesson given in class and students are encouraged to participate and ask questions. Most of the work is done in a workbook which is supplemented by work from the textbook and sometimes extra worksheets. There are instructional videos on the instructor’s website that can help students with homework, especially if they miss class.
Understanding Geometry Mon/Wed 11:00 AM
Class Description and Goals: This class is designed to give students a wide range of high school skills in geometry and logic. It prepares high school students for the State test and the SAT or ACT tests. The triangle is known to be the superstar of these tests and so the class will focus on all aspects of this extraordinary geometric shape. The lessons will include introduction to geometry, basic postulates and theorems, laws of logic, angles and lines, similarity and congruency of triangles, formal proofs, the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometry of a triangle, special triangles and polygon theorems and measurements. Students will be expected to complete homework which relates directly to the instruction given in each lesson. Special note: semester B is a thorough study into circles, coordinate geometry (transformations), polygon theorems, solid shapes (3D) and a review on both semesters. Together both semesters cover the curriculum of high school geometry and earn the student full credit.
Transitioning into Algebra Mon/Wed 1:00 PM
Class Description and Goals: This is a pre-algebra class that introduces students to the language and rules of algebra in order to bridge between arithmetic (computation skills) and algebra. This bridge is a movement from working mostly with numbers to solving problems that require reasoning skills and logic. These skills are used in daily life, money management, science, statistics, design, computer science and architecture. The goal of this class is to solidify computation skills and learn basic algebra skills such as distributing and combining like terms. This prepares students for the fast pace and volume of work that awaits them in high school algebra. The work will focus on: properties and definitions, order of operations, integers, powers and exponents, fractions and decimals at a higher level of difficulty, percent, proportions, rates and ratios, absolute value, measurements, stats and probability, simplifying expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, linear functions (tables, graphs and equations), and of course problem solving. Semester B will pick up where semester A left off.
Precalc with elements of Calculus Mon/Wed 2:00 PM
Class Description and Goals: PreCalc with elements of Calculus is an advanced class that is designed for students who wish to prepare for college classes at a higher level, or for students who do not wish to take Precalc at Running Start or are too young to go to Running Start. The class will cover all topics of PreCalculus and will then stretch it to explore Calculus. The Curriculum will include: review on fundamentals from algebra 2, functions and their inverses, Polynomial and rational functions, exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometry (both triangular and circular). If time allows, we will also study conic sections, finding limits numerically, graphically, and algebraically, secant and tangent lines and derivatives. Semester B will pick up where semester A left off. The progress of the class will depend on the level of absorption of the students and homework is expected. Students will borrow the textbook from the library or the instructor. Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Monday / Wednesday
Tuesday / Thursday
Middle school math skills Tue/Thu 10:00 AM
Class Description Goals: The goal of this class is to expose the student to a range of skills, ensure a strong mathematical foundation and build confidence before starting the journey into algebra. After learning the basics, it's time to increase the level of difficulty. Semester A will focus on operations with Integers, fractions and decimals at a middle school level, order of operations, scientific notation, exponents and roots, measurements (both customary and metric), mental math skills, basic geometry, critical thinking and logic exercises and word problems. Semester B will focus on percent, rates, proportions, geometry, stats and probability, and algebra. Each class will start with a warm-up and questions on the homework assignments before moving on to a new skill, therefore it is important to complete the assignments in a timely manner
Advanced Algebra Tue/Thu 11:00 AM
Class Description and Goals: This is an algebra 2 class and is designed to prepare students for the Accuplacer placement test and classes at the community college as well as the SAT and ACT tests. It will focus on the contents of algebra 2: expressions, equations and graphs of linear, quadratic, exponential, power, logarithmic, radical and rational functions. This also includes transformations of graphs, composition and operations of functions, word problems and operations with matrices. The speed and amount of progress will depend on the level of absorption of the students. Each class starts with questions about the homework assignment. Most of the work is done in a workbook which will be supplemented by work we do from the textbook. This class includes instructional videos on the instructor's website which are short lessons to help students with their homework. Semester B picks up where semester A is left off.
Trigonometry Booster Tue only 1:00 PM
Class Description and Goals: This class is designed to enhance and boost the study of trigonometry for high school students. It will meet once a week and will not assign homework to eliminate any extra stress. It is meant to solidify and clarify this area of math for students who are in Algebra 2 or Precalculus. Since classes in our school only meet for 2 hours a week, there isn’t enough time to cover trigonometry. For this reason, this extra hour is offered for students to study trig all year long at a slow and confident pace. It will supplement either an algebra 2 credit or a precalculus credit. One of the goals is to prepare students for Running Start classes which require memorizing formulas and the unit circle and a large volume of homework, all in just one quarter. The more exposure students get before taking those classes, the more successful they will be once in those classes. The content of the class will include: the unit circle, trig functions and graphs, word problems, analytic trig (identities, formulas, and proofs) and trig of triangles (the 6 ratios, solving triangles, the law of sines and cosines).