The Mathematics curriculum provides students with the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential in understanding mathematics. An important goal is the development of students problem solving ability with evidence of computational as well as conceptual understanding. Course Title Length Year Taken Pre-Algebra (TEACHER PLACEMENT ONLY) Year 9-10 Algebra I Core Year 9-11 Algebra I Year 9-11 Algebra I Extended Year 9 Geometry Year 10-12 Geometry Extended Year 9-11 Intermediate Algebra Year 10-12 Algebra II Year 10-12 Algebra II Extended Year 9-12 Precalculus (NTC Credit) Year 10-12 Algebra III (NTC credit) Year 11-12 Applied Math & Manufacturing (NTC credit) Year 11-12 Advanced Placement Calculus Year 11-12 Advanced Placement Statistics Year 10-12 CS - PLTW CSE * (Computer Science & Software Engineering) Year 10-12 CS - Web Design * (NTC credit) Semester II 9-12 CS - Introduction to Programming * Semester I 9-12 CS - Intermediate Programming * Semester I 10-12 CS - (AP) Computer Science * Semester II 10-12 *Courses count for ELECTIVE credit only. They do not meet the math graduation requirements. The district will be debating the state s definition of math credits and how they apply to graduation credit requirements. As of this writing, the district is identifying computer science as elective credit, but that may change. Graduating classes for the year 2017 and beyond will be required to pass 3 credits of math in order to graduate. The graduating classes of 2015 & 2016 still fall under the 2 math credit graduation requirement that was previously established. Students will work with teachers and parents/guardians during registration times to select the appropriate level of math each year. Students are not bound to stay in certain levels from year to year and may change based on strengths, weaknesses, motivation, and maturity. The Common Core Curriculum and the state recommend students to take 3 credits of math through the Algebra 2 curriculum to become college and career ready. The different levels of courses are designed to explore the standards to different depths to reach the needs of all students. The following page outlines possible sequences of math classes offered at West.
Possible Math Sequences Wausau West High School Applied Math & Manufacturing Typically taken before Alg. 2, along with Alg. 2. or after Alg. 2. Algebra 1 Core Intermediate Algebra Algebra 3 Pre-Algebra Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2 Algebra 1 Extended Geometry Extended Algebra 2 Extended PreCalculus AP Calculus AP Stats Can be taken after Geometry Ext (along with Alg. 2 Ext), following Alg. 2 (along with Pre-Calc or Alg 3), along with AP Calc, or as a class on its own. Computer Science (Web, Intro, Intermediate, AP CS, PLTW-CSE) Courses can be added as elective courses throughout the sequence of the regular math classes. Project Lead the Way Digital Electronics This year-long course is able to fulfill a 1.0 of the WSD high school Math graduation requirement. See course description in the Technical Education section. PRE-ALGEBRA (Teacher Referral Only) Course: 119091/219091 Year Taken: 9 Prereq: Students may not register themselves for this course. Teacher referral only. Pre-Algebra is offered as a remediation class for students in order to prepare them for the Algebra 1 Core and the beginnings of the Common Core standards for high school mathematics. Topics include: integers, fractions, expressions, equations, inequalities, slope & graphing, exponents, 2D Geometry and 3D Geometry. ALGEBRA I CORE Course: 119031/219031 Year Taken: 9-11 Algebra I Core is an introductory course covering the first year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations, linear and exponential relationships, expressions and equations, and quadratic functions and modeling. This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of their junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year.
ALGEBRA I Course: 119041/219041 Year Taken: 9-11 Algebra I is an intermediate course covering the first year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations, linear and exponential relationships, expressions and equations, and quadratic functions and modeling. This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of their junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year. ALGEBRA I EXTENDED Course: 119051/219051 Year Taken: 9-10 Algebra I Extended is an advanced course covering the first year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations, linear and exponential relationships, expressions and equations, and quadratic functions and modeling. This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of their junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year. GEOMETRY Course: 119271/219271 Geometry is an intermediate course covering the second year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: 1. Congruence, proof, and construction 2. Similarity, proof, and trigonometry 3. Three dimensional geometry 4. Connection algebra and geometry through coordinates 5. Circles 6. Applications of probability Materials needed in the class include: a ruler, protractor, compass, and a scientific calculator. This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of their junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year.
GEOMETRY EXTENDED Course: 119121/219121 Year Taken: 9-11 Geometry Extended is an advanced course covering the second year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: 1. Congruence, proof, and construction 2. Similarity, proof, and trigonometry 3. Three dimensional geometry 4. Connection algebra and geometry through coordinates 5. Circles 6. Applications of probability Materials needed in the class include: a ruler, protractor, compass, and a scientific calculator. This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year. INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA Course: 119111/219111 Prereq: Alg. I (any level) REQUIRED and Geometry (any level) recommended Intermediate Algebra is an introductory course covering the third year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Relationships Trigonometry Functions Function Modeling Statistics This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of their junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year. (TI-Nspire graphing calculators will be utilized in this course) NTC Equivalent Course: Intermediate Algebra w/ Apps #10-804-118 (4 credits) Connection to NTC class as prep for Accuplacer test. ALGEBRA II Course: 119061/219061 Prereq: Alg. I (any level) REQUIRED and Geometry (any level) recommended Algebra II is an intermediate level course covering the third year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Relationships Trigonometry Functions Function Modeling Statistics This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of their junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year. (TI-Nspire graphing calculators will be utilized in this course)
ALGEBRA II EXTENDED Course: 119071/219071 Year Taken: 9-12 Prereq: Alg. I (Reg. or Ext) REQUIRED and Geometry (any level) recommended Algebra II Extended is an advanced level course covering the third year of the mathematics curriculum defined by the Common Core standards. These standards include: Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Relationships Trigonometry Functions Function Modeling Statistics This content will be included on the required state test that occurs in the spring of their junior year starting in the 2014-15 school year. (TI-Nspire graphing calculators will be utilized in this course) PRECALCULUS Course: 119241/219241 Prereq: Algebra II Extended or Algebra II Credit: Dual Credit through NTC for students in grades 11 & 12. See page 6 This is a yearlong course designed for college bound students planning to take calculus. Topics included are: function analysis, trigonometric functions, analytical geometry, complex numbers, polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors, exponential and logarithmic functions, data analysis, curve fitting, rational functions, limits, and rates of change. (TI-Nspire graphing calculators will be utilized in this course) *Note: NTC will only grant dual credit to juniors and seniors who successfully complete this course. NTC Equivalent Course: Trigonometry with Applications #10-804-196 (3 credits) ALGEBRA III Course: 119011/219011 Year Taken: 11-12 Prereq: Alg. II (any level) Credit: Dual Credit through NTC for students in grades 11 & 12. See page 6 Algebra III is a year-long course designed for students who would like to further strengthen their math skills before furthering their education in either the college or technical education setting. Topics included are: function analysis, parametric equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, data analysis, curve fitting, rational functions, and trigonometric functions. (TI-Nspire graphing calculators will be utilized in this course) NTC Equivalent Course: College Algebra w/apps #10-804-195 (3 credits)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS Course: 119021/219021 Year Taken: 11-12 Prereq: Pre-calculus AP Calculus is a yearlong course in introductory calculus with elementary functions. Students will have the opportunity to take the AP exam at the end of the year for potential college credit. This course is intended for students who have a thorough knowledge of college preparatory mathematics, Algebra through Pre Calculus. In its simplest form, Calculus is the study of how things change. Practical examples of changes studied include: bacterial growth, stock market prices, profits/losses, snowfall, temperature, populations, insurance rates/claims, fuel consumption, the list goes on and on. Obviously a wide variety of careers regularly use calculus. Universities, the military, government agencies, airlines, engineering, software companies, and construction companies are only a few employers who seek individuals with a solid knowledge of calculus. Even doctors and lawyers use calculus to help build the discipline necessary for solving complex problems, such as diagnosing patients or planning a prosecution case. Despite its mystique as a more complex branch of mathematics, calculus touches our lives each day, in ways too numerous to calculate. A graphing calculator (TI-Nspire CAS) will be used throughout the course. *Note: Many colleges will grant up to six semester credits for successful completion (an AP score of 3 or higher) of the Advanced Placement Calculus test administered by the College Board in May each school year. ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS Course: 119431/219431 Prereq: Geometry Extended or Algebra 2 AP Statistics is a yearlong course with the opportunity of earning college credit through the AP exam at the end of the year. Students will describe data graphically and numerically, explore the design of surveys and experiments, and develop the skills used in making sound statistical decisions. Statistics is used and required by many fields of study (not just for the mathematically elite). Some of these areas include: Health related studies such as physicians, pharmacists or nurses, psychology and sociology, business and economics, biology and other sciences, engineering, actuarial science, agriculture and food science, general research, and many others. A graphing calculator (TI-Nspire CAS) will be used throughout the course along with the use of the statistical software, Minitab. *NOTE: Many colleges will grant 3 credits for successful completion of the Advanced Placement Statistics test administered by the College Board in May each year (a score of 3 or better is considered passing at most universities.
/COMPUTER SCIENCE MATHEMATICS APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND MANUFACTURING Course: 124291/224291 Credit:.5/Year Math.5/Year Tech Ed Year Taken: 11-12 Prereq: Metals & Material Processes, Geometry or Math Dept. Recommendation Fee: $22/Year Credit: Dual Credit Through NTC, See Page 6 This is an intermediate level course designed to further develop both math and manufacturing skills. Connections will be made between technical skills and applicable math concepts. Students will spend half of their time in the manufacturing shop focusing on knowledge and skills associated with precision metal manufacturing. The remainder of the time, students will experience math coursework and concepts that support the manufacturing activities. In addition, learners will gain knowledge in shop safety, layout tools, and procedures. Upon successful completion, students will receive.5 elective credit and.5 math credit applied toward high school graduation. In addition, successful completion will also earn the student two dual credits for the Machine Tool Applications portion of the class and four dual credits for the Math component at NTC. NTC Equivalent Classes: Machine Tool Applications 1 #32-420-631 (2 credits) Machine Tool Calculations #34-420-305 (2 credits) Applied Math #32-804-305 (2 credits) MATHEMATICS/COMPUTER SCIENCE Web Design Intro Programming Intermediate Programming Advanced Placement Computer Science PLTW-Computer Science and Software Engineering Computers are incredibly fast, accurate, and stupid. Human beings are incredibly slow, inaccurate, and brilliant. Together they are powerful beyond imagination. Leo Cherne, 1968
/COMPUTER SCIENCE CS WEB DESIGN* Course: 219191 Credit:.50/Sem. Length: Semester II Year Taken: 9-12 * (this is elective credit) Credit: Dual Credit Through NTC for students in grades 11 & 12, See Page 6 This course introduces the language and techniques used to create Web pages. Students learn HTML (HyperText Markup Language), which provides the blueprint for creating correct structure and content of a Web page, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), which applies the visual styling and layout features that make a Web page functional, attractive and unique. Together, HTML and CSS comprise the tools and skills needed for anyone to design, build, and maintain a professional quality website. Learning how to develop Web pages requires a strict eye for detail, solid reading and reasoning skills, and a working knowledge of HTML and CSS, but this is not a computer programming course. The key skills learned will enable students to construct Web pages and to control the layout and appearance of websites for personal and professional use. There is a large and growing demand for IT specialists who can write computer programs for the web environment. Students can take this course simply to learn the basics of Web Design, or to complement the other programming courses offered. Web Design requires time to complete assignments and projects outside of class, thus access to a home-based computer is strongly recommended; internet connection is helpful but not necessary. Note: Dual Credit course with NTC. This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center. NTC Equivalent Course: Web Design 1 #10-152-211 (3 credits) CS-INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING* Course: 119181 Credit:.50/Sem. Length: Semester I Year Taken: 9-12 (* this is elective credit) Programming is a creative process that fosters ingenuity, perseverance, and critical-thinking; it is all about thinking logically. Programming is everywhere and is for everyone. Those who take the opportunity to learn how to code will discover the unique joys of creating new and clever computer programs that perform a variety of useful tasks. This introductory course is for anyone interested in learning principles of computing. You will explore the structures and processes applied to developing solutions using computer code, and develop a set of Computational Thinking skills that is valued in the 21 st Century workplace. Today s computer scientists work with medical imaging, bioinformatics, mobile devices, digital imaging, music and movies, animation, digital forensics, robots and automation, and with thousands of other applications. Computer technology extends our human abilities to invent and innovate in virtually every field of study, and tremendous career opportunities exist for anyone who has specific skills and training in Computer Science. Continued
/COMPUTER SCIENCE In this course you will learn structured programming through writing applications that, for example, convert Fahrenheit to Celsius temperature, model the card game Blackjack, manage order entry for a merchandise retailer, and control a simple machine. The logical-deductive reasoning skills you use will help you become a better problem solver, will serve as a solid foundation for later CS courses, and will transfer to any academic discipline. This course requires time to complete assignments and projects outside of class, thus access to a home-based computer is strongly recommended; internet connection is helpful but not necessary. Note: This course is a prerequisite for intermediate programming. This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center. CS-INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING* Course: 119201 Credit:.50/Sem. Length: Semester I Prereq: Introduction to Programming OR consent of programming teacher * (this is elective credit) This 1 st semester course draws upon the foundations developed in the Introduction to Programming course. It begins with an overview of the Java programming language, and introduces the concepts and methods of object-oriented program design. This course serves as the front end of AP Computer Science that is offered 2 nd semester. Students enrolled in this course should also enroll in the AP course that follows, however this is not required. Topics covered include: program design, algorithms, data abstraction and encapsulation, decision and looping structures, file i/o, and arrays. This course requires adherence to submission deadlines, therefore students must plan for and set aside appropriate time needed for designing, testing and de-bugging programs. Students intending to enroll in the Intermediate/AP sequence must successfully complete Introduction to Programming and demonstrate commitment and readiness for study of advanced programming techniques. This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
/COMPUTER SCIENCE ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE* Course: 219211 Credit:.50/Sem. Length: Semester II Prereq: Intermediate Programming * (this is elective credit) In this 2 nd semester course, students continue learning principles of computer science using the object-oriented programming language Java. Topics covered include: data structures, classes and objects, inheritance, searching and sorting algorithms, and recursion. There is a large need in the U.S. to grow the supply of CS and IT graduates in both 2 and 4-year programs to fill the growing demand for programmers and IT specialists. Unfortunately there is a long history of students who perform poorly in their first college programming course, simply because they had little/no prior readiness training and were bombarded all at once with the complexities of coding and the transition to thinking like a computer scientist. As research suggests, we anticipate that students who complete the Intermediate/AP sequence here will enjoy far more success transitioning to college-level programming courses, which often begin with each college s brand of CS 101. Students will be eligible to take the AP Computer Science exam in May. This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center. COMPUTER SCIENCE AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (PLTW-CSE) Course: 124241/224241 Year Taken: 11-12 (10 w/ instructor permission) Prereq: Algebra 1 (C or better) Fee: $12/year Credit: College Credit Through MSOE or RIT, See Page 6 This project-based and problem-oriented course engages students in solving open-ended, practical problems that occur in the real world, using computational tools that foster creativity. Computational thinking skills are developed as students learn and apply principles of Computer Science along with software design and structured problem solving skills that are valuable in all STEM career paths. This course will focus upon several key concepts including Graphical User Interfaces, Web-based Interactions, Data Mining, and Computer Modeling. CSE is intended to introduce computational thinking as a process with application across all disciplines, and also aims to build students awareness of the tremendous demand for computer specialists. Successful completion of this course will provide solid preparation for the upcoming new AP Computer Science Principles exam, and will also build the needed foundation for students to pursue additional courses in computer programming. It is highly recommended to have a home-based computer to work on assignments and projects outside of class. This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center. This course will not count as a Math requirement for college admission.