Mathematics Courses
Math
Connections
2 year cycle
Grades: K4 and K5
Instructor: Faith Bruck
Let’s get the wheels turning in this hands-on math class that will introduce counting, sorting, shapes, numeral recognition and formation. Students will develop early problem solving skills with games and activities that stimulate analytical thinking, build listening skills, and teach the students to follow directions. The play time component of this class will include puzzles, block building, and other 3-dimensional activities that build connections for mathematics. Optional homework will include some creative ideas for activities at home.
Math
Foundations I
Grade: 1st
Pre-Requisites: LV Math Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendation
Instructor: Gladys Hoover
This fun first introduction to mathematics emphasizes understanding of concepts through visualization and thinking strategies. Similar to the way reading skills are developed phonetically, math skills are developed kinesthetically and visually. Emphasis is placed more on developing an awareness of place value, grouping and patterns rather than simple counting or memorization. This is accomplished very early on by using the AL abacus, pictures, hand-on activities and games. Practice work is done throughout the week to solidify the skills learned in class. This course begins to set the foundation which will encourage ease of understanding more difficult concepts as well as an appreciation and love for learning math.
Math
Foundations 2
Grade: 2nd
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Betsy Olson
This year continues to build on the concepts developed the previous year. It expands understanding of concepts through fun visualization and thinking strategies which are developed kinesthetically through games and activities and the continued use of the AL abacus. Prominence continues to be placed more on developing an awareness of place value, grouping and patterns rather than simple counting or memorization. Practice work is done throughout the week to solidify the skills learned in class. This course continues to set the foundation which will encourage an appreciation of more difficult math concepts and a love for learning math.
Mastering
Computation I/II
Grade: 3-4
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Instructor: Chris Digweed
In this combined level course, students begin to hone their computation skills. New concepts are still introduced through visual and kinesthetic means, and students are taught to apply those concepts quickly and efficiently to their work through practice and memorization. A strong vocabulary is emphasized to develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts. This year, students make “Foldables”—small books--as a way to reinforce math concepts, vocabulary and facts. Games which reinforce speed of computation and math comprehension are incorporated throughout the year.
· This combined class will use Singapore Math levels 2 and 3, according to tested level.
Basic Skills I/II
Grade: 5/6
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Instructor: Christine McCormick
Once a student has mastered computation of whole numbers, they solidify their understanding of all the arithmetic concepts in preparation for higher level mathematics. An awareness of abstract and critical thinking concepts promote understanding of how algebra and geometry really work in our world. Activities, games, and projects at this level emphasize real world situations where math is connected to art, science, engineering and technology. This course develops facility in working mainly with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents. Problems solving and math vocabulary skills along with geometry (plane and coordinate) and algebra are incorporated throughout.
· This combined class will use Singapore Math levels 4 and 5, according to tested level.
Introduction
to Pre-Algebra - CANCELLED
Grade: 7th
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Instructor: TBA
With a solid math foundation begun, students now move on to working with all real numbers in preparation for a proficient understanding of arithmetic. Students continue to develop abstract and critical thinking abilities while applying the computation skills they learned previously. Facility developed at this level prepares students to tackle more difficult math concepts and encourages the ability to use math in the real world. More involved vocabulary, geometry, data analysis, and algebra concepts are incorporated throughout and are connected to applications in art, science, engineering and technology.
Pre-Algebra
Grade: 8th
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Instructor: Linda Smith
This is the final algebra preparatory course designed to develop competence in working with real numbers, evaluating expressions, inequalities, and geometry (plane and coordinate). The focus on critical thinking and reading helps construct algebraic skills which actually stem from the need to solve problems within a context. Connections to art, science, engineering and technology continue to be an integral part of learning and practicing mathematical skills. Application of these basic skills and their relevance to the traditional components of algebra will give students the solid foundation necessary to be successful in Algebra I.
Algebra I
Grade: High School 9th
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Instructor: Christine McCormick
Algebra has historically been the study of applying the operations of basic math to equivalent values, known as equations, and in using symbols to represent unknown or complicated quantities. In this sense the mathematician is able to abstract general principles and concentrate on simple symbols and relationships, putting aside for a moment what they represent, and is thus able to perform extraordinary computational feats. This class covers the knowledge, skills, and essential ideas of elementary algebra and sets the foundation for geometric algebra and the introduction of calculus. The following topics will be emphasized: equations and polynomials, algebraic factoring and fractions, mathematical functions, systems of linear equations, algebraic inequalities, rational and irrational numbers, and quadratic equations and functions. Special attention will be given to the historical, philosophical, and practical aspect of algebra, as well as the interconnections between algebra and other subjects, so that the student will be able to think mathematically rather than merely have computational skill.
Geometry
Grades: High School 10th
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Instructor: Linda Smith
God’s creation is infinite in complexity and astonishing in order. This course is intended to stimulate and cultivate in its students an awe of God’s natural universe through the analysis of geometric properties. Students’ cognitive abilities for abstract and logical thought will develop as they learn to trouble-shoot both real-world and theoretical problems. Course content includes, but is not limited to, the following: terminology and fundamental properties of geometry (postulates, etc.); segments, lines, angles and their various relationships; exploration of geometric relationships (parallelism, perpendicularity, congruence, etc.); coordinate geometry and transformations on the coordinate plane; deductive and inductive reasoning and their application to proof; formulas pertaining to plane and solid figure measurement (perimeter, volume, area, etc.); properties of circles, geometric constructions, and right triangle trigonometry functions; and finally, classical study into the history, literature and culture of those who developed geometry and why they did so.
Algebra II
with Trigonometry
Grades: High School 11th
Pre-Requisites: Math and Reading Placement Test or LV Teacher Recommendations
Instructor: Linda Smith
This class is both a continued study of advanced geometry and algebra concepts as well as a solid course in trigonometry in anticipation of the study of calculus. It continues to cultivate an appreciation for the wonders of God’s natural universe through the analysis of mathematical thought and quantitative reasoning. As students polish their mathematical and analytical skills, they learn how to solve more difficult real-world and theoretical problems. The fundamental algebra and trigonometry concepts necessary for proficiency in understanding calculus including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and graphs continue to be studied in connection to history, literature, art, science and technology.
