Al Shorey - Mathematics Department Head
Algebra 1
Emphasizing basic algebraic concepts, mathematical language, and problem solving, this course includes a study of variables, real numbers, polynomials, ratio and proportion, functions, variations, linear and quadratic equations, and inequalities. Factoring and solving equations and inequalities are essential skills taught at this level of Algebra.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
Emphasizing basic algebraic concepts
Required Prerequisites
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 is a continuation and extension of the two courses that precede it. While developing the algebraic techniques that will be required of those students who continue their study of mathematics, this course is also intended to continue developing alternative solution strategies and algorithms. Graphing calculator skills will be taught and used extensively in this course.
Skills Developed
Students in this course will develop critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning.
Knowledge Developed
This course is a further development of:
New topics will include:
Required Prerequisites
Algebra 1 and Geometry
Algebra 2 Honors
Honors level Algebra 2 includes a detailed treatment of Algebra 2 topics and designed for the highly motivated mathematics student.
Skills Developed
Students in the Honors course will be able to view mathematics:
Knowledge Developed
This course is designed to build upon skills developed in Algebra and Geometry. We will introduce /expand the following topics in order to ready you for further math courses here at Darlington and beyond.
Required Prerequisites
Teacher recommendation and
Algebra 3
Not ready for Pre-calculus? Need a solid review on the most important Algebraic concepts? Want to learn how to think outside the box? This is the course for you! Critical thinking, problem solving and logical reasoning skills will be enhanced through a review of all things Algebra, as well as an introduction to more trigonometric and statistical branches of mathematics.
Skills Developed
Critical thinking, problem solving, logical reasoning
Knowledge Developed
Required Prerequisites
70 in Algebra 2
Geometry
This systematic approach to the nature of proofs and relationships between figures involves an examination of the properties of triangles, circles, and other plane figures. Real world applications reinforce the geometric concepts. Area, volume, properties of solid figures, and coordinate geometry and trigonometry are also studied.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
Topics include:
Required Prerequisites
Algebra 1
Geometry Honors
Honors Geometry is designed for the ninth-grade or tenth-grade students who have confidently completed Algebra I. Emphasis is placed on deductive logical reasoning through the use of two-column proofs. Basic constructions and accurate language of Euclidean Geometry is mastered. The foundation of the course begins by studying the undefined terms of geometry and builds into an extensive study of angles, triangles, polygons, circles and how they relate to our world.
Skills Developed
Students in the Honors Geometry course will be able to view geometry from:
Knowledge Developed:
The student will acquire:
Required Prerequisites
Teacher recommendation and
or
Course equivalent including solving equations, systems of equations, graphing, factoring, Quadratic Formula, basics of graphing
and
90 in the above course
PreCalculus
Are you interested in taking Calculus? Then you need Pre-Calculus! This class will bridge the gap between Algebra and Calculus and make your Algebra skills better; as well as introduce you to Calculus concepts.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
Required Prerequisites
Teacher recommendation and
AP Precalculus
AP Precalculus centers on functions modeling dynamic phenomena in the real world. This exploration of functions is designed to better prepare students for college-level calculus and provide grounding for other mathematics and science courses. In this course, students study a broad spectrum of function types that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. Furthermore, as AP Precalculus may be the last mathematics course of a student’s secondary education, the course is structured to provide a coherent capstone experience and is not exclusively focused on preparation for future courses.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
As time allows, the course will develop knowledge involving:
Required Prerequisites
Teacher recommendation and
Calculus
Primarily for seniors who have completed the regular four years of math but do not qualify for Advanced Placement, the first semester of this course is devoted to learning the basic rules of both differential calculus, with examples illustrating calculus at work in the physical world and in business. The second semester is focused on integral calculus.
This course uses a hands-on approach to learning the techniques and concepts presented, and relies heavily on technology (computer and graphing calculator) to enhance student learning. The graphing calculator is incorporated throughout the course.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
Required Prerequisites
Teacher recommendation and
80 in Pre Calculus
or
70 in AP Precalculus
AP Calculus AB and BC
The student who has successfully pursued an Honors mathematics program finds a challenge in the senior year with this top-level mathematics course. It is a full year of work in calculus and related topics comparable to courses in college, preparing students for the AP Exam. Use of the graphing calculator is incorporated into many areas of study. A graphing calculator is required on the AP Exam. Most students prepare for the AB-level exam, but the BC-level is offered.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
Required Prerequisites
AB: 85 in Pre-Calculus Honors; 90 in Regular Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation
BC: 96 in Pre Calculus Honors and teacher recommendation
AP Application required for both levels
Probability and Statistics
Probability and Statistics is an option for juniors and seniors who have successfully completed at least Algebra 2, or can be taken concurrently with Algebra 3 or higher, regardless of the student’s intended college major. The topics for Probability and Statistics are divided into four major themes: exploratory analysis, planning a study, probability, and statistical inference. This course uses a hands-on approach to learning the techniques and concepts presented, and relies heavily on technology (computer and graphing calculator) to enhance student learning. The graphing calculator and Minitab, a statistical software package, are incorporated throughout the course.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
Required Prerequisites
This class is designed for juniors and seniors only
AP Statistics
Have you ever wondered how the Evening news knows who is in the lead in the Presidential race? If so, AP Statistics is the place for you. This course is for the highly motivated student interested in receiving college credit.
Skills Developed Students in AP Statistics will be able to view statistics:
Knowledge Developed
Required Prerequisites
Teacher recommendation and
AP Application completion required
Multivariable Calculus
This course is for students who have completed AP Calculus BC. The course will examine the calculus of real functions of two or more variables. The course begins with a review of some AP Calculus BC topics including polar coordinate systems and vector calculus. Differential calculus topics including functions of several variables and their derivatives, continuity, and derivatives will be covered. The course extends into integral calculus and incorporates the following concepts: double and triple integrals, and surface area.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
Linear Algebra
This course is for students who have completed AP Calculus BC and serves as an introduction to the ideas and techniques of linear algebra. It is set up as an independent study course. You will have weekly meetings with your teacher to clarify the material, demonstrate your progress and take assessments. You will receive a letter grade for this class. Linear Algebra has many applications in the real world which include mathematics, the natural sciences, engineering, management, and the social sciences. During this course you will work on these application topics including electrical networks, economic models and systems of differential equations.
Skills Developed
Knowledge Developed
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.
Knowledge and Skills Developed
Developing algorithms
Computer programming (Java or Python)
Web Applications (HTML, CSS, and Javascript)
Basic electronics (Arduino and the Pitsco Prizm system)
Computer-aided design (OnShape)
Robotics design and construction
Required Prerequisites
Sophomore, Junior, Senior level course
Learning Modes
Individual Practice and Projects
Group challenges
Online tutorials
Peer Teaching and Learning
AP Computer Science A
Software is everywhere: in your phone, television, car, and thermostat, as well as in the applications and Web pages on your computer. This course seeks to build an appreciation for our reliance on software by building an understanding of intermediate programming methodology, problem-solving and algorithm development. The course will teach the fundamentals of computer programming using Java syntax along with exploring ethics and current events. This course is open to interested students with or without prior programming experience. A strong background in mathematics, particularly algebra, is necessary.
Skills Developed
Technical, problem solving, coding, logical
Knowledge Developed
Programming fundamentals, Java syntax, algorithmic problem solving
Required Prerequisites
Approval of teacher and 90 in Algebra 2 or 85 in Algebra 2 Honors
AP Application completion required
