Math & Computer Science Department

Algebra I is a required course that provides the foundation for all subsequent math courses. This class introduces the student to the basic structure of algebra through the use and application of real numbers, polynomials, factoring, linear and quadratic equations and their graphs, inequalities and rational and irrational numbers. This course will provide opportunities for students to build their thinking and problem solving skills. Required for graduation. Calculators are not allowed.

This course is designed for freshmen students with higher ability in mathematics. It is fast paced, as students are expected to learn and apply skills more quickly than students in Algebra I. The fall semester covers all material of regular algebra (first- and second degree equations, lines, inequalities, radicals, polynomials, and word problems) as well as some Algebra II topics, including complex numbers and synthetic division. The Spring semester is
comparable to a full course in geometry. Topics include parallelism, triangle theorems, formal proofs, similarity, circle properties, quadrilaterals, area of two-dimensional figures, and surface areas and volume of three-dimensional figures.

 

Prerequisite: Having taken a previous course in algebra is not a requirement. Admission to this class is determined by high entrance exam scores and grades. No withdrawals will be allowed after week 7 of school.

This course in the honors mathematics sequence stresses a rigorous analysis of functions. The course will unify concepts from trigonometry, elementary analysis, and analytic geometry. Students will also be exposed to the study of Calculus.

 

Prerequisite: Department approval.

This course first introduces tools for collecting data and conducting studies. Then we analyze and describe distributions of one-variable data sets, followed by a survey of probability distributions (normal, binomial, geometric, Poisson, and exponential). Sampling distributions and the Central Limit Theorem follow, from which we develop introductory inference techniques (hypothesis testing and confidence intervals). Finally, we repeat these explorations in two-variable contexts. This course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus college course in statistics. A variety of computer applications are used to enrich the coursework.

 

Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry.

This full-year course introduces financial topics while reinforcing concepts and skills in the high school mathematics standards. The course begins with a Philosophy of Money exploration, informed by established research and faith virtues. This foundation permeates the rest of the course, in which students will learn about financial institutions, budgeting, credit, student loans, car loans, mortgages, investing, insurance, taxes, and charitable giving, and other topics, time permitting. Each topic retains an emphasis in mathematical computation. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout this course and, together with the content standards, present mathematics as a coherent, useful subject that makes sense of relevant, applicable situations.

 

Prerequisite: Strictly department recommendation.
Note: Cannot be taken by a student enrolled in or planning to enroll in Financial Literacy.

This is a two-semester advanced mathematics course offered as an alternative to the faster paced AP Calculus course. It is open to seniors who have been successful in the honors mathematics program or who have excelled in the regular mathematics program. A strong background in algebra and trigonometry is required. Pre-calculus topics covered include trigonometry, and functions. Calculus topics covered include limits, continuity, differential calculus (including applications), and a limited amount of integral calculus. Applications and problem solving are emphasized throughout the course.

 

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

This is a two-semester advanced mathematics course open to the top seniors in the mathematics program. The AP Calculus AB examination in May of the spring semester is required. The course covers all of what is considered Calculus I and a portion what is considered Calculus II by most colleges and universities. Topics include limits, differentiation, applications of derivatives, integration, approximations and applications of integrals, logarithmic differentiation, elementary differential equations, advanced techniques of integration. A graphing calculator (the equivalent of a Texas Instrument 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86) is required.

 

Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus.

This is a two-semester advanced mathematics course open to the top seniors in the mathematics program. The AP Calculus BC examination in May of the spring semester is required. The course covers all of what is considered Calculus I and Calculus II by most colleges and universities. Topics include limits, differentiation, applications of derivatives, integration, approximations and applications of integrals, logarithmic differentiation, elementary differential equations, advanced techniques of integration, sequences and series, and polar coordinates. A graphing calculator (the equivalent of a Texas Instrument 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86) is required. The course is designed for strong, serious mathematics students interested in a math/science/engineering career who would like to test out of two semesters of college calculus.

 

Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus.

This is the third course in calculus and analytic geometry including: vector analysis, Euclidean space, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, line and surface integrals, the integral theorems of vector calculus. If there are not enough students to fill the course, the course will be offered on-line through a university with tutoring provided by the St. Pius X faculty.

An introduction to Computer Science through the programming of robots. Robots are used to investigate basic concepts in both robotics and computing, both wirelessly and virtually. Students will learn how to control the movement of a robot through its world. This includes sensing surroundings and making decisions on how to modify behaviors to attain prescribed goals. The course is intended for those with no prior experience in computer science, but with a desire to hone problem solving and computing skills with a focus on robotics.

 

Prerequisite: None - An elective course open to grades 9-12.

Experience mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, computer, and aerospace engineering through fun, hands-on projects. You will work in teams to build a pinhole camera for artists with disabilities, design and build earthquake resistant buildings, program an electronic instrument to play a simple song, and create and launch an automated aerial imaging system for targeting disaster relief efforts. Learn how to turn your ideas into reality, use science and math to create solutions that help people, build your problem-solving and teamwork skills, and more!

 

Prerequisite: None - An elective course open to grades 9-12.

Discover how to use engineering design principles and programming to solve fun, hands on projects at the intersection of engineering and computer science. The course will cover basic circuit design, programming, and electro-mechanical systems. Students will work in teams to program an Instagram-like picture filter, develop a webcam system that provides real-time feedback to physical therapy patients, build and program a variety of assistive devices using a Raspberry Pi and other electronic hardware, develop a robotic wheelchair prototype that drives according to user head movements detected by a chair-mounted camera, and build and launch a water rocket to reach a maximum altitude. Gain valuable Python programming and engineering experience while having fun at the same time!

 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Engineering I and teacher approval.

The class will be offered in even years, i.e., 2024-2025, 2026-2027. This two-semester course emphasizes basic computer science concepts, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, the study of standard algorithms (such as sorting and searching algorithms), and converting to and from various number systems, as well as an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems. Throughout the course, proper documentation, testing, and debugging of computer programs will be taught. Students are expected to take the AP Computer Science exam in May.

 

Note: AP Computer Science does not count as a science credit.

Prerequisite: An Elective course. B in Algebra II/Trig or Honors Algebra II/Trig. Information Technology or equivalent. The course is open to qualified Juniors and Seniors. No computing prerequisites are required.

This course is designed to help the student understand the basic structure of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry. Students will develop problem solving skills and powers of visualization. They will also build their knowledge of the relationship among geometric elements and they will increase their understanding of the inductive and deductive methods of reasoning. Students are required to have the following items on the first day of class; compass, protractor, and a scientific calculator.

Prerequisite: Algebra I. Required for graduation.