MATH
Mathematics is the language of the universe. It is beautiful, logical, abstract, relevant, and practical. Furthermore, a background in mathematics can lead you just about anywhere. Math majors have chosen careers in law, medicine, computer science, engineering, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts. An increasing number of professions require knowledge of higher mathematics. The Williston Mathematics Department strives to expose all students to the beauty of the work by the great mathematicians— Noether, Erdos, Newton, Escher, Turing, and Lovelace—while also realizing that many, if not all, students will need mathematics for its practical applications. Through their studies of mathematics and with the support of a dedicated faculty, Williston students at all levels build habits of mind that prepare them for what lies ahead. The primary goal of Williston’s math department is to help prepare students for college mathematics. The course sequence—Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II—teaches the foundation of mathematics that all students need. Once they have mastered the foundation, students can delve more deeply into mathematics through a variety of upper-level courses. While the content of these courses varies, the goal of each course is the same: to help students become creative problem-solvers. In addition to various course options, students will use a range of tools and learning environments. They will use computers to explore mathematics, or calculators to assist with graphing and computation. At other times, students will work in small groups to investigate a topic. These experiences encourage a flexible approach to mathematics. Williston teachers are dedicated to supporting their students wherever they are at in their arc through the world of mathematics. Each course offers the opportunity to review basic skills and to master the core knowledge of the subject. Students are expected to actively participate with their whole class as well as in small groups. Students are challenged to move beyond memorized rules to discover the source of rules, to examine why they work, and to theorize about how they are used to solve problems.
Note: A TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for all math courses. It is the only model for which classroom instruction is provided.
12 2022-23 COURSE OF STUDIES
