Mathematics

Mathematics at the Out-of-Door Academy is a four-year requirement. In each student’s math sequence, he/she will develop numerical, graphical, and analytical acumen. Through a carefully chosen curriculum, each student masters concepts and applications, developing strong problem-solving skills. The focus of each class and level is to develop higher order thinking skills through the understanding and application of mathematics. Strong mathematical abilities translate across the curriculum.

The study of mathematics can be demanding, exciting, and rewarding. While many topics are as ancient as Pythagoras, others are new and dynamic. Like anything in life, practice, flexibility, and a good work ethic result in success. Completion of homework assignments and perseverance when the answer is not immediately evident are the building blocks of strong problem-solving skills that 21st-century learner will need.

The mathematics department at the Out-of-Door Academy strives to place students in courses where they will continue to develop intellectually at a pace that is conducive to honing their individual skill levels. Successful completion of four years of mathematics is a graduation requirement. Honors level classes are offered for students who have demonstrated that they are developmentally capable of succeeding at a more rigorous level. Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer students the opportunity to study a scientific discipline at the level of a college freshman. This is the most advanced level of study at The Out-of-Door Academy. AP courses delve deeply into the theoretical principles of each subject and focus on unifying these principles into an overall big picture.

Advanced Algebra I

Advanced Algebra takes concepts previously explored in Middle School algebra and extends them to greater depth and complexity. Advanced Algebra will also delve into algebra concepts not covered in Middle School that are instrumental to success in high-level math courses. Core concepts include solving equations and problems in one and multiple variables, solving systems of equations and inequalities, manipulating exponents and exponential functions, graphing on the coordinate plane, investigating rational and radical expressions and equations, simplifying and factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations and analyzing functions, and, finding roots or polynomials. Ultimately, this course will challenge students to consistently think mathematically while also helping students develop mathematical study skills and confidence.
Algebra I

 This course is a traditional Algebra I course. Topics include the real numbers, linear equations, linear inequalities, functions, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, rational equations, quadratic equations, irrational numbers, the Pythagorean theorem, the quadratic formula, and the graphing calculator.
Algebra II

Prerequisites: Geometry

This is a traditional Algebra II course. Topics include linear and quadratic functions, slope, variation, parent graphs with translations and scale changes, systems of two equations, systems of three equations, quadratic inequalities, rational expressions, matrices, radicals, the quadratic formula, imaginary numbers, quadratic functions, and roots of polynomial functions.
Algebra II Foundations

Prerequisites: Geometry Foundations or Geometry

This is a traditional Algebra II course. Topics include linear and quadratic functions, slope, variation, parent graphs with translations and scale changes, systems of two equations, systems of three equations, quadratic inequalities, rational expressions, matrices, radicals, the quadratic formula, imaginary numbers, quadratic functions, and roots of polynomial functions. This course's slower pace allows students more time to thoroughly explore each concept. Upon successful completion, juniors advance to Integrated Math and seniors advance to Statistical Analytics.
AP Calculus AB

Prerequisites: Honors Pre-Calculus and Teacher Recommendation

This extremely rigorous course will include all topics included on the official AP Calculus AB syllabus as published by the College Board. These topics include functions and graphs, limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, anti-derivatives and their applications, the definite integral, and methods of integration. Students will prepare to take the AP exam.
AP Calculus BC

Prerequisites: AP Precalculus and Teacher Recommendation

This extremely rigorous course will include all topics included on the official AP Calculus BC syllabus as published by the College Board. These topics include functions and graphs, limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, anti-derivatives and their applications, the definite integral, methods of integration, sequences, L'Hôpital's Rule, improper integrals, infinite series, and parametric, vector, and polar functions. Students will prepare to take the AP exam.
AP Precalculus

Prerequisites: Honors Algebra 2 and Teacher Recommendation

This extremely rigorous course will include all topics included on the official AP Precalculus syllabus as published by the College Board. These topics include, but are not limited to, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric and polar functions. They will learn how to observe, explore, and build mathematical meaning from dynamic systems, an important practice for thriving in an ever-changing world. Student will prepare to take the AP exam in May.
AP Statistics

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus and Teacher Recommendation
The purpose of this course is to further each student’s knowledge of statistics. This course begins with a rigorous study of randomness, chance, sample spaces, and probability. Statistical topics to be studied include univariate and bivariate data, plots, graphs, measures, correlation, data collection, samples, normal distributions, confidence intervals, and statistical inference. This course will include the topics on the official AP Statistics syllabus as published by the College Board and will prepare each student to take the AP Statistics examination in May.
Calculus

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus and Teacher Recommendation

This is a traditional Calculus course. It includes a thorough review of functions and graphs, trigonometry, and algebraic problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applications of topics including limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, anti-derivatives and their applications, the definite integral, and methods of integration.
Geometry

Prerequisites: Algebra I

This course combines a traditional geometry syllabus with transformational approaches. Topics include logic, definitions vs. theorems vs. postulates, lines, planes, space, angles, parallel lines, triangle congruence, triangle similarity, isosceles triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons, the Pythagorean Theorem, right triangle trigonometry, circles and arcs, constructions, area, volume, nets of solids, coordinate geometry, vectors, translations, reflections, rotations, dilations, and symmetry. The development of proofs is an important component of this course.
Geometry Foundations

Prerequisites: Algebra I

This course aligns with the traditional geometry course and covers many of the same concepts. However, its slower pace provides students with more time to deeply explore each topic. Upon successful completion, students will progress to Algebra II Foundations.
Honors Algebra II

Prerequisites: Honors Geometry and Teacher Recommendation

This course includes all of the topics from Algebra II in greater depth. The course also includes probability, sequences, and series, matrices, and conic sections. It includes a much greater emphasis on proof and complex problems.
Honors Calculus

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus and Teacher Recommendation

The Honors Calculus course includes all the topics covered in the Calculus course in greater depth. The course will also include area under curves and area between curves.
Honors Geometry

Prerequisites: Honors Algebra 1 and Teacher Recommendation

This course includes all the topics from Geometry in greater depth. The course also includes a greater emphasis on proof and three-dimensional problems.
Honors Pre-Calculus

Prerequisites: Honors Algebra II and Teacher Recommendation

This course includes all of the topics of the Pre-Calculus course in greater depth. The course will also include analytic geometry, polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors, and limits.
Integrated Math & Trigonometry

Prerequisites: Algebra II or Pre-Calculus, Grades 10 or 11

This course is a continuation of Algebra II involving the following topics: Domain, Range, graphical characteristics such as intercepts, extrema, asymptotes, and end behavior. Other algebraic topics will include factoring; simplifying radicals; operating with rational expressions; laws of exponents including negative exponents and fractional exponents solving linear quadratic, rational, radical, and higher-degree polynomial functions. This course will also introduce students to the foundations of trigonometry by exploring the following topics: right triangle trigonometry, Law of Sines and Law of Cosines, trigonometric identities, trigonometric equations, and applications of trigonometry.
Personal Finance

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, Grade 12

Understanding and managing personal finances are the keys to one’s future financial success. This course is based on tried-and-true essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about real-world financial issues. Students will learn how choices influence occupational options and future earning potential. Students will also learn to apply decision-making skills to evaluate career choices and set personal goals. The course content is designed to help the learner make wise spending, saving, and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve personal financial success. Students enrolled in this course for math credit will automatically be enrolled in Wall Street Investments class for the second semester.
Pre-Calculus

This course involves serious analysis of high-level mathematics. It includes the study of functions and their graphs, including polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Other topics include complex numbers, matrices, determinants, sequences and series, conic sections, and trigonometric identities.
Statistical Analytics

Prerequisites: Algebra II, Integrated Math/Trig, or Pre-Calculus, Grade 12

This course will investigate the category of data known as "Big Data." It will introduce students to big data by exploring the terminology and concepts behind it and its applications to real-world problems. Students will learn about data collection processes, big data analytics, and data presentation. These topics have become much more complex in a world that produces vast volumes of data every day. In addition, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of statistics. Statistical topics will include univariate and bivariate data, plots, graphs, correlation, and normal distributions.