At Sonoran Science Academy (SSA) capable students will be allowed to progress in their math studies at a rate commensurate with their ability. Students who are able to progress at a pace that is faster and more challenging will be placed in the appropriate level as indicated by math placement tests. Math instruction involves four essential standards: problem solving, reasoning, communications and connections. A variety of tools will be utilized to teach students how to find meaning in their math studies. Technology, graphing calculators and computers are used particularly in the higher-level classes.
Elementary School
The curriculum will provide students with instruction in mathematical problem solving, decimals, fractions, mathematical theory and concepts; and will include exponents, factors, multiples, sets, squares and square roots. Students will also become proficient in applying math concepts to word problems that include, but are not limited to measurement both linear and of weight, capacity, volume, area, perimeter, velocity, and elapsed time.
Students will display data using charts and graphs, use the principles of elementary geometry, including the identification of polygons and computing the areas of two-dimensional shapes. They will also receive an introduction to algebra, probability, statistics and describing data using mean, median, mode, and range.
In the middle school curriculum students will learn simplifying expressions containing parentheses, operations with signed numbers, graphing functions, word-problems, powers and roots, ratios and proportions, percents, fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers, divisibility concepts, prime factorization, estimation, real-world connections, integers, functions, unit multipliers, statistics and probability, frequency tables, data collection, display and analysis, formulas, geometric constructions, scale factor, capacity and volume, complementary and supplementary angles.
Students will also learn measurements, scientific notation, graphing functions, quantitative comparisons, balancing equations, transformation of formulas, literal equations, algebraic terms, irrational numbers, factoring algebraic expressions, substitution graphing linear equations and inequalities, probability and statistics. The geometry section consists of geometric proofs, geometric construction, scale factor, indirect measure, similar and congruent figures.
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GRADES
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Average Student
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High Skills
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Accelerated
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6
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Math 76
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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7
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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8
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Adv. Math
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Students will use algebraic methods to explore, model and describe the patterns, relationships and functions. These relationships and functions involve numbers to include arithmetic and evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and roots; properties of real numbers, absolute value, equations and inequalities involving absolute value, scientific notation, unit conversions; figures/solids to include computation of the perimeter and area of two-dimensional regions, computation of the surface area and volume of a wide variety of geometric solids, Pythagorean theorem; data and graphs to include graphical solution of simultaneous equations, graphs of a variety of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, square root, absolute value, etc, translations and reflections of graphs. Also, they will gain the capability of forming and solving equations/inequalities to include word problems requiring algebra for the solution such as uniform motion and coin problems, solution of equations in one unknown, solution of simultaneous equations, direct and inverse variation, exponential growth, solution of quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and quadratic formula; using algebraic proofs, statistics, and probability.
In the high school curriculum, students will learn graphical solution of simultaneous equations, basic trigonometric functions, scientific notation, radicals, conic sections, roots of quadratic equations, including complex roots, properties of real numbers, geometric proofs, factoring, inequalities and systems of inequalities, logarithms and antilogarithms, exponential equations, algebra of polynomials, vectors, algebraic word problems, gas law, set theory, and probability.
Students will develop geometric concepts and writing proof outlines. A rigorous treatment of Euclidean geometry is covered. Applications to subjects such as physics and chemistry, as well as, real-world problems would be covered
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Grade
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Average Student
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High Skills
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Accelerated
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9
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Geometry
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Algebra II
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Pre-calculus
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10
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Algebra II
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Pre-calculus
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AP Calculus AB
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11
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Pre-calculus
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AP Calculus AB
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AP Calculus BC and Differential Equations
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12
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AP Calculus AB
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AP Calculus BC and Differential Equations
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AP Statistics
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Students will be able to solve challenging problems such as word problems, rate problems and work problems involving abstract quantities. Permutations and combinations, inverse trigonometric functions, conic sections, rectangular and polar representation of complex numbers will also be studied. The graphing calculator is used to graph functions and perform data analysis. Conceptually oriented problems that prepare students for college entrance exams (such as the ACT and SAT) will be covered. One of the other aims of this curriculum is to introduce new topics like Matrices and Determinants, De Moivre’s theorem, Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and the Binomial Theorem, permutations and combinations, the rational Pre-Requisite roots theorem, Limits, Derivatives, Integrals, Polar Functions, Continuity, L'Hôpital's rule, Series, and Slope Fields. Theory and application will be integrated throughout the curriculum.