Math

Mathematics at FHSA

The Mathematics Department at Fordham HS for the Arts prepares students for the Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry Regents, along with preparing students for College Algebra through exposure to Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus. The math classrooms at FHSA utilized a Flipped Classroom model to emphasize the importance of student collaboration, intellectual risk-taking, and accountability. Depending on student performance and exposure to Algebra I in middle school, some students may begin their math education at FHSA by taking Algebra II in their freshman year. Most students, however, take a traditional path through their 4 years taking Algebra I in their 9th grade year and Pre-Calculus or AP Calculus in their senior year. The goal for mathematics teachers at FHSA is to support student learning and provide appropriate support to ensure students’ success in post-secondary math classes along with developing opportunities to apply their math skills to real-world problems through the use of authentic tasks.

Algebra I

Algebra I will provide students with an extensive and comprehensive treatment of CCLS Algebra 1. This course concludes with a Regents exam which all students will take in June. This course provides students with a rigorous academic core by extending what students have learned in the elementary and middle school level as well as introducing more advanced topics. These advanced topics include understanding our number system, solving, graphing, and writing linear equations and inequalities, linear systems, polynomials, factoring, linear and exponential functions, piecewise functions, quadratic functions, applications of functions, and data analysis using both one variable and bivariate statistics. Each student at the conclusion of the course will gain a deeper foundation of Algebra I as well as research skills in mathematics, presentation skills, and real world applications and problem-solving of course material to prepare them for Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-calculus, and beyond.

Algebra II

In Algebra II, students develop an in-depth understanding of seven graph families and draw relationships among them. The course extends the properties of polynomials, exponential functions, and sequences begun in Algebra 1 and begins the study of logarithms, rationals, radicals, and trigonometric functions.We believe that reinforcing these concepts through application, technology, and the arts creates an accessible class environment and an appreciation for the importance of the nonlinear graph families studied in the course.

Geometry

In Geometry, students will have the opportunity to make conjectures about geometric situations and prove in a variety of ways, both formal and informal, that their conclusion follows logically from their hypothesis. This course is meant to employ an integrated approach to the study of geometric relationships. Integrating synthetic, transformational, and coordinate approaches to geometry, students will justify geometric relationships and properties of geometric figures. Congruence and similarity of triangles will be established using appropriate theorems. Transformations including rotations, reflections, translations, glide reflections and coordinate geometry will be used to establish and verify geometric relationships. A major emphasis of this course is to allow students to investigate geometric situations. Properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles should receive particular attention. It is intended that students will use the traditional tools of compass and straightedge as well as dynamic geometry software that models these tools more efficiently and accurately, to assist in these investigations. Geometry is meant to lead students to an understanding that reasoning and proof are fundamental aspects of mathematics and something that sets it apart from the other sciences.

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus is designed to prepare students for Calculus, either in high school or college. Topics include understanding functions from symbolic, tabular, and graphical perspectives, transformations and function composition, polynomial functions, rational functions, trigonometry, and conic sections. In addition to content mastery, the course goals are to further develop students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills. Pre-Calculus is a fast-paced course. The difficulty level of the material increases significantly throughout the year. Students should be prepared to be challenged and work hard. Students are encouraged to form study groups with peers, practicing beyond daily assignments in an effort to master skills. The goal for all students is to be college-ready in mathematics and for all students to enter Calculus I (graduating seniors) or AP Calculus AB (rising seniors) next school year.