Presque Isle High School Mathematics Department

Welcome!


Philosophy, Goals, and Objectives of the Math Department

All students should be exposed to the beauty and order of mathematics. In order to appreciate and master basic math concepts students should participate successfully in a minimum of three math classes with algebra and geometry as topics. Students will become efficient problem solvers working cooperatively as well as individually. Technology will be utilized to strengthen concepts and increase understanding. Students will leave Presque Isle High School with the ability to participate competitively in their communities.


Math Department Faculty


Teri St. Pierre
Department Chairperson

(CP Algebra II, Geometry, CP Geometry, Statistics)


Mindy Bell
(CP Algebra I, Senior Math,
Precalculus, Honors Precalculus
)
Jennifer Barnes
Jennifer Barnes
(Geometry, Honors Algebra II,
AP Calculus)
Sean Donovan
Sean Donovan
(CP Algebra I, Algebra IB,
Algebra II, Precalculus)

Jeff Hudson
(Algebra IA, Algebra 1B,
Finite Math, CP Algebra II)
Fran Madore
Fran Madore
(CP Geometry, Honors Geometry,
Algebra II)

 


MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT LINKS

Geometer’s Sketchpad Resource Center
http://www.dynamicgeometry.com/

Discovering Geometry Online Textbook
http://www.keymath.com/x3017.xml

The Official SAT Online Course
https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/loginAction.do?loginType=schoolStudent

The Official SAT Question of the Day
http://apps.collegeboard.com/qotd/question.do

GeoGebra
http://www.geogebra.org/cms/


MATHEMATICS COURSE OFFERINGS

 

ADVANCED MATH (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Students should have obtained at least a “B” average in College Preparatory courses through CP Algebra II. 

Advanced math is a pre-calculus course of study that includes topics from advanced algebra, analytic trigonometry, sequences, series, functions and limits, exponential and logarithmic functions, analytic geometry, and introduction to calculus.  It is intended for college bound students who plan to major in mathematics, engineering, or science. 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS—AB (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Average achievement in Honors Advanced Math or Advanced Math

This full-year course in single-variable calculus emphasizes techniques and applications of the derivative, techniques and applications of the definite integral, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.  Algebraic, numerical, graphical, and verbal representations are also emphasized.  Since graphing calculators are used to confirm written work as well as to assist with interpreting results, students are expected to own one.  Students who meet the required score on the AP Calculus exam at the end of the course may earn college credit.

 

ALGEBRA I-A (1 Credit)                                                                                   Grade 9

This course is designed for students who need additional time and practice to master mathematics concepts.  The course will provide the opportunity to build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of algebra.  Students will have abundant practice and many opportunities to apply concepts in various situations.  The content of this course includes the study of variables, equations, inequalities, functions and slope.  Students will focus on studying linear equations and graphing functions.

 

ALGEBRA I-B (1 Credit)                                                                                     Grade 11

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra 1-A and Geometry)

This course offers students the second half of an Algebra I curriculum with some additional concepts designed to meet the requirements for Maine’s Learning Results in mathematics.  Students will study systems of linear equations and inequalities, properties and applications of exponents, quadratic functions, polynomials, direct and inverse variation, rational expressions, radical equations, and algebra of the coordinate plane.  Students will be engaged in a process of learning that weaves the algebraic, numerical, and graphical representations of functions.

 

ALGEBRA II (1 Credit)                                                                            Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I-A, Geometry, and Algebra 1-B or CP Algebra I and CP Geometry. 

Algebra II is designed for juniors and seniors who plan to attend a technical college or pursue a career in a vocational field.  Topics of study will include, but are not limited to, systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, exponential functions, matrix operations, basic trigonometry, and probability and statistics.  A strong emphasis will be placed on the application of these skills in a variety of occupations. 

 

CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Intended for students who have completed Advanced Math. 

This course builds on the analysis of elementary functions (linear, quadratic, and general polynomial), their graphs, and their applications.  This is done using differential and integral calculus, natural logarithms, and exponential functions.

CP ALGEBRA I (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Average or above grades in previous mathematics courses. 

This is a first course in algebra emphasizing the various structural properties of the real number system and their applications.  A thorough study is made of the number line, positive and negative numbers, open sentences with one and two variables, graphs of polynomial relationships and inequalities, methods of solving various types of mathematical equations, and solutions of related verbal problems.

 

CP ALGEBRA II (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of CP Algebra I and *CP Geometry with average or above average achievement

CP Algebra II is a second course in algebra which concentrates on more advanced topics for college bound students.  The course builds on the content of CP Algebra I to include topics from Analytic Geometry, the solution of quadratic equations, irrational and fractional equations, the study of logarithms, basic trigonometry, techniques of graphing relationships, and polynomial functions.  Emphasis is placed on a rational approach to problem-solving. 

 

*The CP Geometry prerequisite may be waived if the student wishes to take CP Geometry and CP Algebra II simultaneously and has a strong recommendation from his/her CP Algebra I teacher.  “Doubling up” on math courses is challenging and generally considered by highly motivated students needing to complete Calculus during their senior year.  Students are strongly encouraged to discuss this option with their CP Algebra I teacher and guidance counselor prior to registration.

 

CP GEOMETRY (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of CP Algebra I with at least average or above achievement.

CP Geometry is a study of two and three-dimensional geometrical figures developed by careful deductive methods.  The course includes study of the concepts of congruence of geometric figures, parallelism, similarity, polygons, and area and volume relationships.  Included will be the introduction to the development of careful proofs, constructions, and generalization. 

 

FINITE MATHEMATICS (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of math through CP Algebra II.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed CP Algebra II and plan to pursue college programs in the behavioral sciences such as business management, psychology and sociology.  It will include topics from elementary logic, sets, techniques of counting, finite probability theory, algebra of vectors and matrices, statistics and topics from linear programming. Students may be enrolled in this course and Advanced Math or Calculus at the same time.

 

GEOMETRY (1 Credit)                                                                                    Grade 10

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I-A. 

With a focus on applying geometric properties, this course exposes students to the key concepts of geometry.  Topics will include angle relationships, parallelism, triangle relationships, triangle congruence, polygons, similarity, area, surface area, volume, right triangle trigonometry, and circle properties.

 

PEER MATHEMATICS TUTOR (1 ELECTIVE CREDIT)                             Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisite:  A/B+ student with courses through CP or Honors Algebra II completed and Mathematics Department approved.  Students will be working one–on-one in a tutoring capacity with various math students.  Tutors should be comfortable helping with Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II topics.  Tutors should also be willing to meet with department faculty to discuss any problems or strategies to help students understand mathematical concepts.  Students will be required to document the time spent with each tutoree.

 

 

SENIOR MATHEMATICS (1 Credit)                                                        Grade 12

Prerequisite:  Students must have completed Algebra II or Algebra IB with permission.

This course is designed for the vocational and/or career-oriented student who has successfully completed Algebra II.  Students who have successfully completed Algebra IB may also take the course with permission from the Math Department Chair.  Emphasis is placed on the use of technology in problem solving and is an integral part of this course.  There will be an integration of previous algebra topics with statistics, data analysis, functions, discrete mathematics, geometry, probability, and trigonometry.  Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation and analysis of the problem, the process, and the result. 

 

STATISTICS (1 CREDIT)                                                                                    Grade 12

Prerequisite:  Students should have successfully completed courses at least through Algebra II with an A or B average in Algebra II.  Students will examine the process of producing, organizing, and analyzing data and drawing inferences from data.  Student applications may include determining consumer preference, economic patterns, quality of research, and resource optimization and risk.    A calculator is required, and it must be able to complete two-variable statistical functions.  The TI-83 and TI-84 are the recommended calculators.

 

HONORS MATH PROGRAM

 

Honors Math is a four-year program designed to meet the needs of mathematically-talented high school students, especially those who aspire to careers in the fields of science, medicine, and engineering.  Criteria used to select students includes math sub-scores from the MEA, class grades, and the recommendations of teachers, with careful attention given to the degree of task commitment and level of interest in math.

 

Once selected for Honors Geometry in grade 9, students may progress through Honors Algebra II, Honors Advanced Math, and AP Calculus.  To remain in the program, students are required to maintain a minimum average of 80%.  Although the students will be homogeneously grouped by ability, allowances are made for those individuals who may require further modifications in their instructional program.

 

The Honors Math content is rigorous and emphasizes abstract reasoning and logical process.  The dominant focus of instruction is on problem solving as opposed to drill and practice.  A variety of instructional resources will be used.  Instruction will proceed at a faster pace, allowing for exposure to more topics and to more diverse application of concepts.

 

HONORS ADVANCED MATH (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Honors Algebra II

This is a pre-calculus course of study that includes topics from advanced algebra, analytic trigonometry, sequences, series, functions and limits, exponential and logarithmic functions, analytic geometry, and an introduction to calculus.   

 

HONORS ALGEBRA II (1 Credit)

Prerequisite: Honors Geometry

Honors Algebra II concentrates on more advanced topics.  The course builds on the content of Honors Algebra I and Honors Geometry:  the solution of quadratic quotients, irrational and fractional equations, the study of logarithms, trigonometry, techniques of gaining relationships, and polynomial functions.  Emphasis is placed on a rational approach to problem solving. 

 

HONORS GEOMETRY (1 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of CP Algebra I and admission to Honors Math Program.

This course is a study of two and three-dimensional geometrical figures developed by careful deductive methods.  The course includes study of the concepts of congruence of geometric figures, parallelism, similarity, polygons, area, and volume relationships.  Emphasis is placed on the development of careful proofs, construction, and generalization

For additional information on courses and graduation requirements,
please refer to the PIHS Program of Studies handbook.

Thank you for your interest in our department.


Maine School Administrative District #1

Last updated
February 25, 2010