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: 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 realworld 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.

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 yearlong course will introduce students to major statistical concepts including collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The class will progress through four major units: exploring univariable and bivariable data, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and statistical inferences. Students will build their skills in using technology, creating and testing hypotheses, problemsolving, and scientific and mathematical writing. Students who take this course will have the option to take the Advanced Placement 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.

Applied Statistics In Sports Psychology

Open to Grades 11-12

Credit: 1

This course is for students who would like to apply the study of statistics to a sports psychology context. In each unit, students will be introduced to a topic in sports psychology, review the existing literature behind that topic or collect their own data, and learn the statistical analyses needed to interpret and understand the findings. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis will be discussed. Other skills that this course will develop include writing lab reports, critical analysis of methodology, and research skills. We hope to have guest lecturers in the field to talk about their research and the methods that they are using. Studies that focus on female athletes and female coaches will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Precalculus and must be taken alongside or after Advanced Statistics.

At The Ethel Walker School, students learn the fundamental principles of science and the essential skills required to investigate the foundational disciplines of physics, chemistry, and biology. In addition, students are able to go beyond the basic science requirements and explore individual interests through numerous science electives. With this strong foundation, students engage in inquiry-based discovery, research-guided coursework, and student-driven exploration of topics that are engaging and relevant to their lives.

As science educators, we prepare students to think critically and to recognize bias as they explore scientific questions through student-designed lab experiments. The rich experience of hands-on labs supports individual creativity and curiosity, and allows students to engage in argument-driven inquiry, analyze data, and finally draw conclusions based on observation and experimentation. Students also gain valuable writing and presentation skills and become effective communicators as they present their findings. With the skills and content that they develop, students emerge as lifelong learners and innovators who have the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems and the courage to be resilient as they work to design solutions to these problems. We strive to inspire future scientists as well as citizen scientists and enlightened future voters, mindful of the scientific issues that are locally and globally relevant.

Each student is required to complete three years of science; Physics during 9th grade, Chemistry during 10th grade, and Biology during 11th or 12th grade. The concept of “physics first” provides students with a strong scientific foundation on which Chemistry, Biology, and all science electives are built. Most students at The Ethel Walker School go beyond the graduation requirement and take science courses all four years, and many students take multiple science electives during the 11th and 12th grades.