STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND CLASS EXPECTATIONS

2016-2017
Algebra 2

2016/17 School Year

iodoom@stamfordct.gov

In Algebra II this year, students will work on improving their problem solving skills.
Students will be encouraged to take greater responsibility for their own learning. They
will work in small groups and individually to solve problems relating to real world
situations; which will encourage them to think and reason. Students will also broaden
their mathematical interest by reading and learning more about mathematics in general,
about its history, its great scholars, and its relationship with other subjects.
Textbook:
Larson, Boswell, Kanold, Stiff (2004, 2007). Algebra 2. McDougal Littell.
This book is available online at www.classzone.com
Resources
Visit my website at http://odoommath.weebly.com
UNITS:
Introduction to Algebra 2 (5 days)
Pre assessment
Review
o Order of Operations
o Properties of Exponents
o Properties of Addition and Multiplication
o Solving Multistep Equations
o Other concepts
Unit 1: Functions and Inverses (25 days)
Systems of linear equations
o Determine how many solutions
Systems of linear inequalities
o Solve by graphing
o Applications
Relations vs functions
Graphing
o Identify parent functions and their key charateristics

o Transformations
Inverse functions
o Find algebraically
o Construct an inverse graph
Function Operations
Root functions

Unit 2: Quadratic Functions (25 days)

Complex Numbers
Distributive Property multiplication and factoring
Operations on Imaginary & Complex Numbers
Solve quadratic equations
o Take the square
o Factoring
o Quadratic Formula
o Complete the Square
Graph quadratic functions
Application - use quadratic functions to solve real-life problems

Unit 3: Polynomial Functions (25 days)

Define and characteristics
Operations on polynomials
Graph polynomial functions
Solve polynomial equations
Write an equation of a graph
Connect the relationship among zeros, factors, roots, and intercepts
Remainder Theorem
Factor Theorem
Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Application model real world data with polynomial functions
Unit 4: Rational and Power Functions (25 days)
Convert between radical and rational exponent expressions
Solve radical and rational exponent equations
Use radical and rational equations in real world situations
Identify rational equations
Operations on rational expressions add, subtract, multiply, divide.
Solve rational equations
Graph rational functions
Application - apply equations to model and solve word problems

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Unit 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (25 days)

Graph exponential functions and describe characteristics

Transformations on graphs of exponential functions
Use exponential functions in applications involving growth or decay.
Investigate the natural base, , and its applications.
Solve exponential equations by rewriting in the same base, and using
properties of exponents.
Make predictions using exponential mathematical models from given
information
Convert between logarithmic and exponential form
Find the inverse function
Graph logarithmic functions including transformations, and describe the
characteristics.
Apply properties of logarithms to simplify expressions.
Solve logarithmic equations.
Make predictions using logarithmic mathematical models from given
information

Unit 6: Trigonometry (25 days)

Radian and Degree Measure

Unit Circle and the General Angle
Graph
Transformation
Identities

Unit 7: Inferential Statistics and Modeling (15 days)

Compare and Contrast sample surveys, experiments, and observational

studies
Visual representations of data
Calculate appropriate statistical summaries
Differentiate symmetric, asymmetric/skewed distributions
Normal distribution and the use of area under the curve.
Calculate percentiles
Empirical rule
Select and draw conclusions from samples
Unit 8: Matrices
Definition of a Matrix
Matrix Operations
o Add, subtract, multiply

o Examine the properties of matrices

Determinant of a Matrix
Inverse matrix
System of Linear Equations
Area of a Triangle
Transformations of Points

Expectations
All students will:
Communicate their reasoning and justifications for mathematical ideas with their
peers and the teacher
Use mathematical vocabulary during discussions
Be engaged during the explore section of the lesson
Use concrete representations or manipulatives when appropriate for the problem
Provide multiple methods and solutions for problems
Use technology when appropriate for the problem
Organize their materials in a notebook
Use math talk and explain their thinking
Show confidence in explaining their solutions
Show mathematics proficiency in understanding, computing, applying, and
reasoning
Be engaged throughout the lesson
Be empowered to THINK!
All teachers will:
Be knowledgeable about their mathematics content standards and expectations,
Use common mathematical language,
Understand and incorporate student-centered instructional practices,
Continually assess student learning using a variety of strategies,
Implement school and district mathematics initiatives,
Integrate technology to enhance instruction.
All parents will:
Provide a supportive learning environment at home,
Be actively involved with student learning and achievement,
Establish early and open communication with teacher,

Review student assignments for daily completion,

Support and encourage extra help when necessary,
Encourage good organizational skills and positive in-class behavior.

Requirements
1. Materials:
Pencil, pen, eraser, notebook, Binder
2. Homework:
Homework will be given each day and must be completed by the due date. It must be
neat (legible) and all work must be shown to get credit.
3. Participation:
Students need to actively participate in all class discussions and activities. All students
are encouraged to ask questions and offer answers.
Use of Technology in the Classroom:
1. The SHS Acceptable Use of Technology Policy will be followed in this course. Use of
the camera and recording feature of any electronic device is not permitted in this
classroom; so capturing, recording, or transmitting audio, video or still photos of
students, faculty, or staff is prohibited.
2. Students will follow school policy on technology when any hardware is used in the
classroom.
Evaluation:
There will be a number of tests and quizzes in each marking period. The tests will
always be announced in advance, quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
Your grade will be based upon: tests, quizzes, homework, special assignments, class
participation, and other activities.
The grading practice for this class is as follows:
Formal Assessments (Tests & Quizzes)

60%

Homework

10%

Alternative Assessments
(Projects, Performance
Tasks, & Other Assignments)

30%

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Final Grade: 80% quarterly grades, 10% midterm, and 10% final exam.
General Information on SHS
The Stamford High School faculty has created the following 21st Century Learning
Expectations and will work together to ensure that all students master these skills at a
proficient level (or above) by the time they graduate in preparation for college and/or the
workplace. Students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to:
Academic expectations:
1. Read and understand complex texts from all content areas, including visual texts,
in order to extract information from them.
2. Write cohesively and cite evidence when synthesizing information from multiple
texts.
3. Use critical thinking skills to analyze, interpret, and solve multi-step real-world
problems.
4. Conduct research to build and present knowledge individually or in groups.
Social expectation:
1. Develop an understanding of a healthy intellectual, physical, social, and
emotional lifestyle.
Civic expectation:
1. Develop an understanding of the meaning of citizenship.
To apply the above learning expectations, the SHS math department will use a Critical
Thinking Rubric (below) in instruction and evaluation of students learning>