Mathematics - Simi Valley High School (2024)

Algebra I

Algebra is the language through which most of mathematics is communicated. It provides a means of operating with concepts at an abstract level. Symbolic reasoning and calculation are central to this course. Through the study of algebra, students develop understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics. Algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
10 Credits

Geometry

This course is a formal development of the geometric skills and concepts necessary for students who will take Algebra II and/or other advanced college preparatory courses. In particular, the instructional program will provide for the:

Algebra II

This course expands the mathematical content of Algebra I and Geometry. Review of those concepts should be integrated throughout the course. Emphasis should be placed on abstract thinking skills, the function concept and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. Content areasemphasized include:

The solution of systems of quadratic functions, logarithmic and exponential functions.
Progressions, sequences, series and the binomial theorem.
The complex number system.
Right and oblique triangle trigonometry.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
10 Credits

Algebra II and Trigonometry

This course is offered for academically exceptional students who intend on enrolling in AP Calculus in subsequent grades. Students entering the course will be expected to demonstrate creativity, imagination and have the ability to apply Algebra in various situations. The course will emphasize the logical deductive nature of Algebra and will develop the trigonometric functions through the use of both right triangle and circular functions. Implementation of current technology, such as graphing calculators and computer-assisted instruction, will be used in the development of the skills and concepts. Test given during final week.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
10 Credits

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus is a full-year course that blends together all of the pre-calculus concepts and skills that must be mastered prior to the enrollment in a college level calculus course. A functional approach integrating as many concepts as possible will be used throughout the course. Implementation of current technology, such as graphing calculators and computer-assisted instruction, will be used in the development of the skills and concepts.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements
10 Credits

AP Calculus AB

This Advanced Placement course is intended for students who have a thorough knowledge of college preparatory pre-calculus mathematics including Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. A score of 3, 4 or 5 on the examination will enable the student to obtain from 3 to 6 semester units of college credits in mathematics. Graphing calculators and computers will be used throughout the course to aid in the solution of problems. Problems requiring the use of a graphing calculator will be included on the Advanced Placement examination. Topics covered include:

Differential calculus and applications.
Integral calculus and applications
Solutions to elementary differential equations.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
10 Credits

AP Calculus BC

Calculus BC is a full-year course in the calculus of functions of a single variable. It includes all the topics covered in Calculus AB plus additional topics. Examples of additional topics covered include:

Parametric, polar and vector functions.
L’Hôpital’s Rule and its use in determining convergence of improper integrals
Polynomial approximations of series.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
10 Credits, graded on a 5 point scale

AP Statistics

The statistics presented are primarily descriptive. Newspapers, magazines and televised programs will be used to introduce and discuss the following topics: table graphs (circle, bar, line and histograms); plots (scatter, stem-and-leaf and box-and-whiskers); measures of central tendency; measures of deviation; quartiles, percentiles, variance, Z-scores and others. Students will become familiar with statistics calculators and use software packages.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
10 Credits, graded on a 5 point scale

Algebra I with Computer Programming

Students make the abstract concrete by learning Algebra 1 in a software and systems development context. Through programming and designing multimedia projects, students are able to visualize the Algebra 1 topics examined: linear functions, exponential functions, quadratic functions, and beginning statistical analysis. Students design, develop,implement, maintain, and manage software programs using a variety of platforms and apply a Systems Development Process to projects throughout the course. Students develop the effective habits of mind stressed in Common Core Algebra, making sense of problems and persevere in solving them, reasoning abstractly and quantitatively,constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others, modeling with mathematics, using appropriate tools strategically, attending to precision, looking for and making use of structure, and looking for and expressing regularity in repeated reasoning. Students develop college and career readiness skills via collaboration, communication, critical thinking, constructing new knowledge, and creativity by transforming abstract thinking into concrete products using Algebra 1 within the context of software and systems development.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
Course Length: Yearlong
Course Credit: 10
Grade Level(s): 9-12

Geometry + Computer Visualization

This course is introduces students to a range of careers including software development, computer programming,game design, digital fabrication and methods that use computers to visualize geometric information necessary for product design. Using applied geometry, students create a final 3D-printed product that demonstrates the key role that geometry plays in a particular industry. Throughout the course, students will integrate geometric principles with computer-based programs and designs while learning to create and work in a technical environment that facilitates workplace efficiency and online communication. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with the many ways that computers can be used to simulate and model geometric concepts using computer programming and
modeling, simulations and interactions and 3D printing. This course was developed at the University of California Curriculum Integration Institute (UCCI).

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.
SUGGESTED PREPARATION: Algebra I recommended
Course Length: Yearlong
Course Credit: 10
Grade Level(s): 9 - 12

Algebra II for the 21st Century

This course is designed for students who are passionate about applications of mathematics and have a desire for a career in computer programming. This is an integrated course utilizing Algebra 2 concepts in a programming environment. Algebra 2 standards are combined with the game, simulation and software development concepts into an integrated secondary curriculum that meets both Algebra 2 course requirements and CTE standards. Students will research, analyze and modify existing program code and develop their own program code that will integrate major Algebra 2 concepts in each of the six units: linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial function, rational expressions and equations, exponential and logarithmic functions and systems of equations. This course was developed at the University of California Curriculum Integration Institute (UCCI). Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirements.

SUGGESTED PREPARATION: Geometry
Course Length: Yearlong
Course Credit: 10
Grade Level(s): 9 - 12