Mathematics

IB AND AP MATH COURSES

The AP Calculus AB and BC courses are designed to mirror typical undergraduate college Calculus 1 and 2 courses for students heading into math-focused majors and careers. The focus is purely on differential and integral calculus with a mostly analytical approach. AP exams may be taken at any grade level. The IB math curriculum has two branches: Analysis & Approaches and Applications & Interpretation. Both branches include calculus and statistics and are equivalent in difficulty. IB Diploma students should plan on taking the SL external exam in grade 11 or 12. The HL external exam is offered in grade 12 only.

The Analysis & Approaches branch focuses more on calculus than statistics, and on a deep understanding of mathematics. Students will be asked to prove, investigate, etc. An analytical approach is encouraged. This branch is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects with substantial mathematics content such as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences, or economics for example. Analysis & Approaches will be offered at the SL and HL level.

The Applications & Interpretation branch focuses more on statistics than calculus, and on the role of mathematics and technology in a diverse array of contexts. Using tech is the norm with an emphasis on interpreting those results. This branch is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects such as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, some economics, psychology, and design, for example. Applications & Interpretation will be offered at the SL and HL level.

US MATH CALCULATOR/TECHNOLOGY USAGE POLICY
A TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator is required for all Upper School math courses. Students should not purchase other models. Some other models have a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and IB does not allow CAS calculators to be used. Please do not purchase other TI models (or other brands), as they are not appropriate for our classes and may not have similar capabilities as the models we use. The SAT, ACT, AP, and IB will allow use of the TI-84 Plus CE model on its exams. Calculators are available in the Tiger Shop and may also be purchased through online retail sites.

Understanding that a comprehensive mathematics curriculum should help students learn to use calculators, computers, and other tools of technology as a part of learning mathematics, the US Mathematics Department promotes the use of technology as an integral part of our mathematics program. This position is supported by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) that states: “…instructional programs should use technology to help all students understand mathematics and should prepare them to use mathematics in an increasingly technological world.” “…Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics, it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning.” The NCTM makes it clear that such tools do not replace the need to learn basic math skills, to compute mentally, or to do reasonable paper and pencil computation. In fact, the NCTM Standards suggest that when used appropriately, calculators and computers enable students to explore new areas of mathematics and to tackle challenging mathematical problems that would not be possible without the help of such tools. In line with this philosophy, we offer the following policy on the use of technology.

We require the appropriate use of technology in the classroom. Games are not to be played during class. Students need to consider when use of mental mathematics, paper & pencil, or a calculator is appropriate. Calculator dependency, as evidenced by the use of a calculator for multiplying single or double digit numbers, often should be avoided. (Keep in mind that over one-half of the AP Calculus exam does not allow calculator use. Also note that a portion of the SAT test does not allow calculator use as well.)

We recognize that calculators left unattended may be targets for theft. To help combat theft, the US Mathematics Department has purchased an engraver that students may use at any time that classes are not in session for engraving their name on their calculator. We strongly encourage students to engrave their calculators! Engraving can be done in the math office before school, during breaks, and after school. 

Students will be required to show all work in their solutions and may have to explain how they arrived at their solution as a demonstration of their understanding. This applies to homework, quizzes, and tests, whether a calculator is used or not. The calculator should not replace the understanding of fundamental concepts of mathematics. Therefore, a reasonable emphasis will be placed on teaching with mental computation and paper & pencil calculation.

COURSES OFFERED THROUGH GLOBAL ONLINE ACADEMY
Students who complete AP Calculus BC can choose to take a math course online through Global Online Academy. Course selection varies each year and the latest information can be found at https://globalonlineacademy.org/. Please discuss with your math teacher and academic counselor about how to sign up.

Course Offerings 2022-2023

Department Chair
Dan Uhlman
Contact Mathematics Department Chair

US Math Paths