Mathematics

At Walker’s, mathematics instruction is guided by a desire to instill critical thinking and the integration of technology into classroom instruction. Our math faculty provide experiences that encourage and enable students to value mathematics, develop confidence in their mathematical ability, use mathematics to solve problems, and be able to reason and communicate mathematically. Instruction is problem-based and focuses on the practice of new skills and concrete applications. Mathematical rigor is introduced at all levels, commensurate with the course level. Our lower level courses are taught with a great deal of structure, providing a solid foundation for abstract thinking, integration, and synthesis needed in the more advanced selections. We offer regular and honors sections for every grade level; 98% of our students take a 4-year mathematics program. The traditional subjects of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry provide the theoretical background for students intending to further their education. For students who plan to pursue careers in mathematics, science, and engineering, the precalculus and calculus courses are preparation for higher-level mathematics courses.

Various teaching techniques are employed to address multiple learning styles in order to help each student find and develop her unique abilities and strengths in math. At the core of our mission is the determination to encourage our young women to find their own “unique voice” in our mathematics classrooms as students are encouraged to lead discussions, ask clarifying questions, and contribute to alternative methods of problem solving.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS COURSES

The Math Department seeks to meet students where they are upon entry to Walker’s Middle School in regards to their course placement. Thus, entry into Middle School math courses is not limited by grade level.

FOUNDATIONS OF MATH

Department Placement Credit: 1 Basic computational skills are reviewed, and problem solving, patterns, estimating, and mental math skills are emphasized. Topics introduced include decimals, fractions, exponents, scientific notation, ratios, rates, proportions, percents, measurement, graphing in the coordinate plane, and an introduction to variables and solving algebraic equations.

PRE-ALGEBRA

Credit: 1 This course is for students who have completed Foundations of Mathematics or an equivalent course. Topics include further exploration of decimals, factors, fractions, integers, exponents, ratios, proportions, and percents, as well as graphing on the coordinate plane, linear equations, algebraic expressions, and solving algebraic equations and inequalities. Prerequisite: Foundations of Math or department placement.

UPPER SCHOOL MATHEMATICS COURSES

ALGEBRA 1

Credit: 1 Students entering this class are expected to have studied positive and negative numbers, the basic properties of numbers, and simple equations. The course covers all topics of elementary algebra, including verbal problems, factoring, graphing of linear equations, radicals, solving linear and quadratic equations, and linear systems. Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or Department Placement.

GEOMETRY

Credit: 1 This course is for students who have completed a full year of elementary algebra. Plane geometry relationships are developed as part of a logical system, and the student learns to write short proofs based on these relations. Algebraic and numerical applications are provided, and units on right triangle trigonometry, three-dimensional figures, and coordinate geometry are included. Prerequisite: Algebra 1.

HONORS GEOMETRY

Credit: 1 This course is for students who have a strong mathematical background, good insight, and solid problem-solving skills. Plane geometry relationships will be explored in depth with algebraic and numerical applications provided. Units on congruence, similarity, polygons, right triangles, trigonometry, circles, plane and solid figures, and coordinate geometry will be included. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 1 and departmental approval.

ALGEBRA 2

Credit: 1 This course is for students who have completed a full year of elementary algebra and geometry. The year consists of a review and extension of Algebra 1 topics including inequalities, linear equations, operations with polynomials, and application of algebraic skills through verbal problems. Additional topics include functions, exponents, complex numbers, quadratic functions, and an introduction to statistics. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry.

HONORS ALGEBRA 2

Credit: 1 This course is for students who have a strong background in elementary algebra, including systems of equations, radicals, and quadratics. They must have demonstrated a good aptitude for mathematical reasoning. The course begins with an extension of Algebra 1 topics and continues with the study of complex numbers, quadratic functions, rational and polynomial functions, exponents, radicals and logarithms. Prerequisite: Honors Geometry and departmental approval.

INTEGRATED MATH

Open to Grades 10-12 Credit: 1 In this course students will review advanced concepts they studied in Algebra 2, explore basic statistics and probability, and be introduced to trigonometry. These topics will challenge students to solve real world problems, apply skills, and work collaboratively with peers. The course is best suited for students who need further review of topics covered in previous math courses before considering higher-level courses, such as Calculus. Prerequisite: Algebra 2.

PRECALCULUS

Credit: 1 This course is for students who have a strong background in advanced algebraic topics. Students must make the challenging transition from a focus on algebraic skill building and processes to that of their application and conceptual analysis. In order to make connections and to contribute to class discussions and discoveries, students are expected to be quite proficient with a graphing calculator and to extract information from the textbook effectively. Topics reviewed and studied consist of various functions (including compositions, inverse, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic) and trigonometry. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Trigonometry.

HONORS PRECALCULUS

Credit: 1 This course is for students who have a strong background in advanced algebraic topics and have demonstrated a good aptitude for mathematical reasoning and intellectual curiosity. Students must make the challenging transition from a focus on algebraic skill building and processes to that of their application and conceptual analysis. Precise arithmetic and algebraic skills are essential to ensure accurate data for proper analysis, and to attain a strong level of command and understanding of the concepts studied. In order to make connections and to contribute to class discussions and discoveries, students are expected to be quite proficient with a graphing calculator and to extract information from the textbook effectively. Topics reviewed and studied consist of several types of functions (including compositions, inverse, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and circular) and an introduction to limits. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2 and departmental approval.

CALCULUS

Credit: 1 This course is a survey of topics in Calculus from limits and continuity to basic differentiation and basic integration. It is an opportunity for students to integrate ideas from algebra and geometry, and to do analytical applications of trigonometry, rational functions, compositions, and logarithmic functions. It is a course geared toward deeper understanding of the material but without the focus on preparing for the standardized testing. Prerequisite: Precalculus or Honors Precalculus.

ADVANCED CALCULUS 1

Credit: 1 The methods and techniques of differential and integral calculus are developed and applied to algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Students are required to use a graphing calculator. This course is for the young mathematician looking to be challenged. Students who take this course will have the option to take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Test in the spring. Prerequisite: Precalculus or Honors Precalculus and departmental approval.

ADVANCED STATISTICS

Open to Grades 11-12 Credit: 1 This is a one-year course that will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The four themes that will be focused on are in line with an AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and statistical inference. Students will use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build statistical understanding. Students may choose to take the AP test in the spring. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and departmental approval.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN CALCULUS

Open to Grades 11-12 Credit: 1 This course will build on the skills and topics introduced in Advanced Calculus 1 and introduce students to topics including but not limited to: various techniques of integration, sequences and series, polar and parametric functions and an introduction to college-level Calculus III. Students are expected to develop accurate recall of calculus topics previously covered and use multiple representations and mathematical connections in problem solving. Students will continue to learn new terminology and develop an understanding of new symbols in order to represent, solve and justify the application of higher level mathematics. Students who take this course will have the option to take the Calculus BC Advanced Placement Test in the spring. Prerequisite: Advanced Calculus 1 and departmental approval.

WEB DESIGN

Open to Grades 9-12 Credit: 0.5 In this course students will learn to create, organize and publish a website. We will use a variety of software and coding to accomplish this. Our first sites will be coded by hand with HTML. As we progress you will study layout, take photos for your site, edit photos in photoshop, write content for your site, study fonts multimedia.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

Credit: 0.5 Introduction to Computer Science teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. We will demystify computer hardware and how it works, study networking, and touch on some of the many disciplines available in the field. Prerequisite: Algebra 2.

ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE Not offered 2022-23

Credit: 1 Advanced Computer Science aims to introduce students to a broad array of concepts in computer science. Students will use the Javascript programming language to explore complex problem solving, algorithm design and implementation, and coding their own program. Topics include number systems, internet, data visualization and various programming concepts such as variables, loops, arrays, object, formal logic, and processing. Prerequisite: departmental approval.