The Bethlehem Area School District Mathematics program of studies offers a variety of classes aimed at providing a strong mathematical foundation for life after high school. Teachers present content through direct instruction, inductive lessons, investigations, and technology. Students are challenged at all levels from core learning to many honors and Advanced Placement courses.
Mathematics Recommended Course Sequence
Note: Students may also choose to take two math courses during any year.| Course Completed in Grade 8 | Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra 1 | Honors Geometry Geometry | Honors Algebra 2 Algebra 2 | AP Precalculus Precalculus | AP Calculus Calculus AP Statistics Statistics College Mathematics Data Science |
| Advanced Math 8 | Honors Algebra 1 Algebra 1 | Honors Geometry Geometry | Honors Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Standards Algebra 2 Data Science | AP Precalculus Precalculus Personal Finance Statistics College Mathematics Data Science |
| Math 8 | Algebra 1 Algebra 1A Academic Mathematics | Geometry Standards Geometry Algebra 1 Algebra 1A | Algebra 2 Standards Algebra 2 Geometry Standards Geometry Algebra 1 | Precalculus Personal Finance Statistics College Mathematics Data Science |
HONORS ALGEBRA 1 (MA1000)1.0 credit
Prerequisites: See Honors Program Recommendations
This course contains the standard topics of Algebra 1 such as variables, formulas, the real number system, linear equations and inequalities, the graphs of relations and functions, probability and data analysis. The course also integrates statistics/probability, direct and inverse variation, and systems of equations and inequalities. These topics will be taught and learned in greater depth since there are more challenging problems and a greater emphasis on problem solving than Algebra 1. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. This course is strongly recommended for those students who may consider Advanced Placement courses.
ALGEBRA 1 (MA1002) 1.0 credit
Algebra 1 is the gateway course to higher mathematics. This course is designed to emphasize the development of concepts, skills and techniques for use with variables, formulas, the real number system, linear equations, inequalities, the graphs of relations and functions, probability, and data analysis.
ALGEBRA 1A (MA1004) 1.0 credit
Topics in this course include: exploring and communicating mathematics, using measures and equations, representing data, coordinates and functions, and equations for problem solving.
HONORS ALGEBRA 2 (MA2000) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: See Honors Program Recommendations
This is a highly intensive second year algebra course. The course includes: relations, functions and variations; first and second degree equations and inequalities of one and more than one variable; polynomials and factoring; rational and irrational numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; and exponents, imaginary numbers and logarithms. The conic sections, progressions, permutations and combinations, the binomial expansion and statistical procedures are also included. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. This course is strongly recommended for those students who may consider Advanced Placement courses.
ALGEBRA 2 (MA2002) 1.0 credit
This is a second year algebra course. The course includes: relations, functions and variations; first and second degree equations and inequalities of one and more than one variable; polynomials and factoring; rational and irrational numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; and exponents, imaginary numbers and logarithms. Permutations and combinations and statistical procedures are also included.
STANDARDS ALGEBRA 2 (MA2003) 1.0 credit
This course extends Algebra 1 skills and uses calculators to assist problem solving. Topics include graphing, systems of linear equations and inequalities, and quadratics.
HONORS GEOMETRY (MA3000) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: See Honors Program Recommendations
This is an accelerated course in geometry with an emphasis on deductive reasoning. Topics include angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent and similar triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, transformations, right triangle trigonometry, advanced constructions, polyhedral, applications of area and volumes, using algebra skills, using graphical representations of data, and the introduction of other geometries. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. This course is strongly recommended for those students who may consider Advanced Placement courses.
GEOMETRY (MA3002) 1.0 credit
Topics include angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent and similar triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, transformations, right triangle trigonometry, advanced constructions, polyhedral, applications of area and volumes, and the introduction of other geometries.
STANDARDS GEOMETRY (MA3003) 1.0 credit
This course is designed for 10th and 11th grade students who have successfully completed Algebra 1A and 1B. Topics in this course include: ratio and proportion, right triangle trig and the Pythagorean Theorem, solving algebraic equations and formulas, taking surveys, graphing, parallel lines and angles, and standard deviation.
AP PRECALCULUS (MA5040) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: See Honors Program Recommendations
AP Precalculus centers on functions modeling dynamic phenomena. This research-based exploration of functions is designed to better prepare students for college-level calculus and provide grounding for other mathematics and science courses. This course contains polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Additionally it includes parametrics, vectors and matrices. Emphasis is on both algebraic and graphical approaches. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP College Board exam in May.
PRECALCULUS (MA4002) 1.0 credit
Topics include the graphing and algebra of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic equations, trigonometry of triangles, trigonometric equations and identities, polar coordinates and complex numbers, conic sections, matrix algebra, sequences and series, probability and limits, and an introduction of calculus.
AP STATISTICS (MA5030) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: See Honors Program Recommendations
Topics covered will consist of major concepts and tools that are used in collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Topics will include concepts such as exploratory data analysis, fundamentals of designing a study, probability models, and inferential statistics. This course will also illustrate how statistics is used in a variety of fields. Graphing calculators (TI-83 or TI-89) with statistical capabilities will be used. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination. Note: The grade for this course is weighted.
STATISTICS (MA4022) 1.0 credit
This course strikes a balance between statistical computation, decision-making and the conceptual understanding of statistics so that students can make informed “real world” decisions. Topics will include analysis of single variable and bivariate data, probability, distributions (probability, normal and Poisson), inferential statistics and hypothesis testing. This course satisfies
AP CALCULUS (MA5000) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: See Honors Program Recommendations
Calculus is the mathematics of change and motion and rests upon the fundamental concept of limit. This college level course contains polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; limits and continuity; the derivative; application of the derivative; the integral; applications of the integral; and the fundamentals of analytic geometry. Emphasis is on both algebraic and graphical approaches. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. A graphing calculator is recommended.
CALCULUS (MA4012) 1.0 credit
Calculus is the mathematics of change and motion and rests upon the fundamental concept of limit. This course contains polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions; limits and continuity; the derivative; application of the derivative; the integral; applications of the integral; and the fundamentals of analytic geometry.
COLLEGE MATHEMATICS (MA4032) 1.0 credit
Students will complete mathematics coursework to prepare for the transition from BASD to college. Students will use both real and complex numbers to explore the following topics: solving linear, polynomial, ratios, absolute value, and radical equations, inequalities, graphing functions, problem solving, solving systems of linear equations, operations using and simplifying exponents, factoring polynomials, simplifying rational and radical expressions. Successful completion of the course competencies will satisfy a Northampton Community College remedial mathematics course. Note: Placement test will be given in May of junior year.
PERSONAL FINANCE (MA4042) 1.0 credit
A project-based course, Personal Finance will develop a mastery of mathematical skills as they apply to real life situations. The students will be taught to think critically and apply today’s technology while studying topics from probability, consumerism, taxes, investment, credit and budgeting. Included in the course will be statistics in one or two variables and data analysis. Optional topics will include selected topics from discrete mathematics.
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVES
ACADEMIC MATHEMATICS (MA9004) 1.0 credit
Academic Mathematics is a one-semester course that prepares students to successfully meet the academic demands of high school curricula. This course provides students with multiple opportunities to practice and master mathematical concepts and study skills across content areas. Special emphasis is placed on the development of concepts, skills and techniques for use with variables, formulas, the real number system, linear equations, inequalities, the graphs of relations and functions, probability, and data analysis.
AP CALCULUS AB EXTENSION (MA5010) 0.5 credit
This course is a review of Calculus topics and a formal preparation for the AB Advanced Placement Examination in Calculus.
AP CALCULUS BC EXTENSION (MA5020) 0.5 credit
This course serves a dual purpose: the additional Calculus topics of polar coordinates, vector analysis and series as well as the formal preparation for the BC Advanced Placement Examination in Calculus.
SAT/ACT MATHEMATICS (MA9009) 0.5 credit
SAT/ACT Math preparation is general review of mathematics preparing the students to take the SAT and/or ACT. It is a review of arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and statistics.
DATA SCIENCE (MA9029) 1.0 credit
Unprecedented advances in digital technology during the second half of the twentieth century are transforming science, and students will learn to be data explorers in a project-based course. Students will learn that data tells a story, predicts their preferences, is influenced by outliers, and can be visually represented in different ways. Students will have an opportunity to work through the full cycle of data science: making their own decisions about the questions they are interested in exploring, finding data to answer that question, cleaning the data, creating and analyzing a model, communicating with the data visually and reflecting on their process.