Descriptions of Mathematics

MAJOR COURSES

MSM1 PRE -AlGEBRA: AN INTRODUCTION TO AlGEBRA I
This course is for students who need additional prepa ration before
entering Algebra I in the fall. Beginning with a brief review of
arithmetic skills , students are introduced to the initial concepts of
Algebra I, including signed numbers and variables and their use in
problem solving. Additional topics include solving linear equations
and inequalities , rates of change , and graphing linear functions .
Students work at their own pace to strengthen their mastery of skills
and concepts necessary for success in future work in algebra. (Note:
Results of an in-class placement test de termines whether students are
placed in Level 1 or Level 2.)

MSM2 CONCEPTS IN GEOMETRY
Students explore topics such as the Pythagorean Theorem, angle
relationships, properties of parallel lines, polygon angles, and
tessellations. This course uses a software program, The Geometer’s
Sketchpad, to enhance understanding of course concepts and to
develop the idea of proof.

MINOR COURSES

msm010 PICTURE PERFECT : MATHEMATICS IN ART
Students explore the connections between art and nature, and to show
that both mathematics and art are necessary for a fuller understanding
and enjoyment of the natural world. Drawing in perspective and
dilation methods are explored , as well as using matrices to transform
drawings. Tessellations and fractals are also studied as a link between
art and geometry. Finally, special relationships will be explored, where
students come to understand how numbers and sequences (such as the
golden ratio and phi) are reflected in nature.

msm011 PUZZLES AND LOGIC
While fun, puzzles and logic strengthen critical thinking and
reasoning skills which carry over into all academic areas. This
course looks at some of the most famous problems and riddles in
mathematics history. Oral and written communication skills are
emphasized as students are asked to defend their thinking and
explain their solution strategies to the various problems. In addition
to exploring famous problems, students are introduced to multiple
ways to approach logic problems, with emphasis being placed on
organization or work and information.

msm012 GAME STRATEGY
Games of strategy are fun to play, but winning consistently requires
logic and mathematical analysis. Examining variations of games from
around the world and the strategies for winning presents opportunities
to explore several fields of math not normally seen in school settings
from an inductive approach. As they play these games, students devise
new methods of analysis to solve the problems they encounter and
find opportunities to apply lessons already learned to new situations.