Mathematics & Computer Science Course Composites

Mathematics Course Composites

Mathematics at Westford Academy progresses through Core State Standards. Movement along the sequence is determined by performance on proficiency based assessment and teacher recommendation. Specific grade prerequisites and scope and sequence can be found on the mathematics page of the Westford Academy website.

Teacher recommendations for Honors courses are based upon "Characteristics of a Successful Student" which can be found on the math website. Students should provide their own scientific calculator for every math course.

Algebra 1 (CP 305 and CP 308) - Full Year - 5 credits

These college preparatory courses are designed to provide a solid foundation of Algebra following the Common Core State Standards. The goal of each course is to provide opportunities for students to learn about expressions, equations, and functions including solving and writing algebraic equations, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations and inequalities, operations with rational numbers and exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring, quadratics, and radicals. 305 is paced so that students are afforded more time to practice and master these essential algebraic concepts. 308 is faster paced and explores each of the topics in greater depth. Both courses will prepare students for the MCAS exam and provide a solid foundation needed to succeed throughout the high school math curriculum.

Prerequisite:

305 Algebra 1 CP is recommended for students who earned less than a 75 in 8th Grade Math or for those who would benefit from the slower pace of the course.

308 Algebra 1 CP is recommended for students who earned at least a 75 in 8th Grade Math and for those who earned less than an 80 in 8th Grade Algebra 1.

Students who completed 305 Algebra 1 CP may choose to enroll in 308 Algebra 1 CP as an elective should they wish to study the Algebra 1 topics in greater depth.

Geometry (CP 320, CP 321, and H 322) - Full Year - 5 credits

These college preparatory courses are designed to provide an understanding of the concepts of Geometry following the Common Core State Standards. Topics to be explored include inductive and deductive reasoning, properties of triangles and special right triangles, polygons, circles, area, volume, and similarity. Students will learn to apply these concepts to numerous real-world models. 320 will include a substantial focus on the topics often covered on the 10th Grade MCAS Mathematics examination and is paced so that students are afforded more time to practice and master concepts. 321 is faster paced and explores each of the topics in greater depth with a focus on proofs. 322 is an Honors level course which will cover each of the topics at a faster pace and will include an emphasis on theory, trigonometry, probability, and complex reasoning through proofs. All Westford Academy students are required to take a Geometry course at Westford Academy as the courses are designed to prepare students for the MCAS exam and provide a solid foundation needed to succeed throughout the high school math curriculum.

Prerequisites:

320 Geometry CP is recommended for students who successfully completed 305 Algebra 1 CP.

321 Geometry CP is recommended for students who earned less than an 87 in 8th Grade Algebra 1 as well as for those who earned at least a 75 in 308 Algebra 1 CP.

Students who earned less than an 80 in 8th Grade Algebra may enroll in this course, but must also take 308 Algebra 1 CP.

322 Geometry H is recommended for students who earned at least an 87 in 8th grade Algebra 1 or a 97 in 308 Algebra 1 CP. Please note students moving from CP to H level courses may struggle when adjusting to the pace and lack of review. They may need to supplement their skills as the H courses go into greater depth.

Doubling Up: Students have the option of taking Geometry concurrently with Algebra courses should they wish to advance through the continuum at a faster pace. This option is not required or encouraged, but is available to students as indicated below.

Freshmen may elect to take 321 Geometry CP concurrently with 308 Algebra 1 CP, although this is not recommended.

Sophomores may elect to take 321 Geometry CP concurrently with 331 Algebra II CP, provided they earned at least a 90 in 308 Algebra 1 CP.

Sophomores may elect to take 322 Geometry H concurrently with 332 Algebra II H provided they earned at least a 97 in 308 Algebra 1 CP.

Algebra 2 (CP 325, CP 330, CP 331, and H 332) - Full Year - 5 credits

These college preparatory courses are designed to provide an understanding of the concepts of Algebra 2 following the Common Core State Standards. Topics covered include inequalities, algebraic proof, linear equations and functions, polynomial factoring, quadratic equations and functions, polynomial equations, and exponential functions. 325 and 330 are paced so that students are afforded more time to practice and master concepts. 330 goes on to study probability as well as irrational and complex number,. 331 is faster paced and explores each of the topics in greater depth and will go on to include rational expressions and logarithmic functions. 332 is an Honors level course which will cover each of the topics at a faster pace and will include conic sections.

Prerequisite:

325 Algebra II CP is recommended for students who successfully completed 320 Geometry CP.

330 Algebra II CP is recommended for students who earned at least an 85 in 320 Geometry CP.

331 Algebra II CP is recommended for students who earned less than an 87 in 8th Grade Algebra 1 and for those who earned at least a 77 in 308 Algebra 1 CP.

332 Algebra II H is recommended for students who earned at least an 87 in 8th grade Algebra 1 or a 97 in 308 Algebra 1 CP. Please note students moving from CP to H level courses may struggle when adjusting to the pace and lack of review. They may need to supplement their skills as the H courses go into greater depth.

333 Trig & Advanced Algebra CP - Full Year - 5 credits

This college preparatory course is designed to expand upon concepts learned in Algebra II. Topics include further study of functions, quadratics, exponentials, logarithms, probability, data analysis, and trigonometry. This course will prepare students for Intro to Calculus.

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who earned at least an 85 in 330 Algebra II CP, at least a 73 in 331 Algebra II CP, or successfully completed 332 Algebra 2 H.

Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus (CP 335 and H 336) - Full Year - 5 credits

These college preparatory courses are designed to provide a thorough understanding of Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus courses for students with a solid foundation in Geometry and Algebra II. Topics covered include relationships between angles and sides of triangles through an in-depth study of the six trigonometric functions in the first half of the courses and functions, models, logarithms and applications in a pre-calculus setting during the second half. 335 is designed to prepare students for 343 Calculus Honors. Students who demonstrate a high level of mastery throughout this course may have the option to take 344 AP Calculus AB. 336 is an Honors level course which is designed to prepare students for both AP Calculus AB (344) and BC (345). To prepare students for these courses, topics will be covered at a much faster pace and at greater depth. Students must have a thorough understanding of Geometry and Algebra II as minimal review will be offered throughout the course.

Prerequisite:

335 Trig & Pre-Calculus CP is recommended for students who earned at least an 83 in 331 Algebra II CP or successfully completed 322 Algebra II H.

336 Trig & Pre-Calculus H is recommended for students who earned at least an 83 in 322 Geometry H or a 95 in 321 Geometry CP AND an 87 in 332 Algebra II H.

334 Advanced Quantitative Reasoning CP - Full Year - 5 credits

This college preparatory course will require students to apply mathematical concepts and logical reasoning to engage in authentic problem solving. The course emphasizes statistics and financial applications, and it prepares students to use algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and discrete mathematics to model a range of situations and solve problems. The content in this course is aligned to the Model Advanced Course in the Common Core State Standards and an appropriate course for college bound students.

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who have successfully completed an Algebra II course.

347 College Review w/ Statistics CP - Full Year - 5 credits

This college preparatory course will incorporate a thorough review of foundational mathematics topics to prepare students for entrance into college level mathematics courses. Topics included on the SAT and commonly found on college entrance exams will be studied during the first quarter of the year. The rest of the course will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from real world data.

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who have successfully completed an Algebra II course.

339 Statistics CP - Full Year - 5 credits

This college preparatory course will take a look at statistical ideas and statistical reasoning and their relevance in fields such as medicine, education, environmental science, business, psychology, sports, politics, and entertainment. Successful completion of this course will help the student understand statistical techniques and gain the tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from real world data.

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who have earned at least an 85 in 330 Algebra II CP, at least a 70 in 331 Algebra II CP, or successfully completed 332 Algebra II H.

348 AP Statistics - Full Year - 5 credits

This Advanced Placement course is designed to prepare students to succeed on the Advanced Placement Statistics examination. The course content is divided into four categories as follows: exploratory analysis of data which makes use of graphical and numerical techniques to study patterns and departure from patterns, collection of data according to well-developed plans in order to obtain valid information on a conjecture, use of probability to anticipate what the distribution of data should look like under a given model, and statistical inference which guides the selection of appropriate models. The TI-83+ calculator will be used regularly to explore relationships. Solid mathematical and writing skills, strong critical thinking and a demonstrated work ethic are essential for success. Students are required to complete summer work. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistics exam in May.

Prerequisite:

This course is open for students in grades 10-12 who are enrolled in or have successfully completed 332 Algebra II H, 335 Trig & Pre-Calculus CP, or 336 Trig & Pre-Calculus H. This course may be taken concurrently 332, 335, or 336. Students must be recommended by their current math teacher based on their work habits and ability to work at an accelerated pace.

341 Intro to Calculus CP - Full Year - 5 credits

This course is designed to prepare students with a solid foundation for college level calculus courses. Topics covered will include a thorough and rigorous review of prerequisite skills before application in analytical geometry, polynomial and rational functions as well as an introduction to differential calculus.

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who earned at least an 87 in 333 Trig & Advanced Algebra CP or successfully completed any Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus course.

343 Calculus Honors - Full Year - 5 credits

Topics covered in this full year honors level course will include a review of important topics in pre-calculus, limits and continuity, most topics in differential calculus, and an introduction to integral calculus. .

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who earned at least an 88 in 335 Trig & Pre-Calculus CP or a 77 in 336 Trig & Pre-Calculus H.

344 AP Calculus AB - Full Year - 5 credits

This Advanced Placement course follows topics outlined by the College Board and is designed to prepare students for the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Examination.. Students will study limits and continuity as well as differential and integral calculus, two of the most powerful tools in mathematics. Students are challenged to strengthen and build on their mathematical and communication skills and to pursue diverse problem situations with clarity, conviction, and enthusiasm. Summer work will be given for this course. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam in May.

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who earned at least a 95 in 335 Trig & Pre-Calculus CP or an 85 in 336 Trig & Pre-Calculus H.

345 AP Calculus BC - Full Year - 5 credits

This Advanced Placement course is designed for exceptional math students for whom math is a passion and who intend to pursue further study in mathematics, science or engineering. The course, which follows the topics outlined by the College Board, will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Calculus BC examination. Students will cover all of the topics covered in the AB Calculus course, including differential and integral calculus, and will explore additional topics including infinite series, as well as parametric, vector-valued and polar functions. This will be a fast paced course, taught with the expectation that students not only understand and can apply those topics learned in Pre-Calculus without further review, but they are also capable of learning new material quickly and can apply their knowledge with relative ease to solve non-routine problems. Summer work will be given for this course. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam in May.

Prerequisite:

This course is recommended for students who earned at least a 90 in 336 Trig & Pre-Calculus H.

Computer Science Course Composites

350 Video Game Programming CP - Semester - 2.5 credits

In this introductory course, students will design and create their own simple video games. They will understand the elements and structure of a well-designed video game. They will also learn basic programming skills in the context of game development, incorporate graphics, sound and animation, and understand the role of artificial intelligence, intellectual property and ethics in game creation. No programming experience is required for this course. Satisfies technology requirement. Offered based on enrollment and availability.

351 Exploring Computer Science Part A CP - Semester - 2.5 credits

The Exploring Computer Science (ECS) curriculum is designed as a course that will introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. The course is designed to focus on the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of ECS is to develop in students the computational practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of relevant problems. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers, and societal and ethical issues. In ECS Part A, students will explore units of study in Human Computer Interaction, Problem Solving, and Web Design. No programming experience is required for this course. Satisfies technology requirement.

352 Exploring Computer Science Part B CP - Semester - 2.5 credits

This course is a continuation of ECS Part A. In ECS Part B, students will apply their knowledge and deepen their understanding of computer science by studying an introduction to Programming using Scratch and Python, Computing and Data Analysis, and Robotics. The application and learning from this course will prepare students for studies in Java Programming Honors.

Prerequisite:

Students are eligible for this course if they earned at least an 80 in 351 Exploring Computer Science Part A CP

358 Java Programming H - Semester - 2.5 credits

This course is offered to students who are interested in continuing their study of computer science. Students will learn the fundamentals of programming using Java. They will design algorithms, learn correct syntax and style, use data types, and control structures to write computer programs. This course will prepare students for the AP Computer Science A course.

Prerequisite:

Students are eligible for this course if they earned at least an 85 in 352 Exploring Computer Science Part B CP

362 AP Computer Science A - Full Year - 5 credits

This Advanced Placement course is designed to prepare students to succeed on the Advanced Placement Computer Science A examination.. The curriculum is based on the College Board’s recommended topics of study using the Java programming language, including:classes of variables, input and output techniques, logical operators, if statements, nested loops, arrays, String methods, searching and sorting algorithms, and recursion. An emphasis will be placed on effective programming design, testing and debugging strategies. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science A exam in May.

Prerequisite:

Students are eligible for this course if they earned at least an 85 in 358 Java Programming Honors

364 Data Structures H - Full Year - 5 credits

This full year Honors level course will include advanced topics using the Java programming language. The emphasis will be on advanced data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, binary trees, etc.

Prerequisite:

Students are eligible for this course if they earned an 85 in 362 AP Computer Science A