It isn't about where you're from,
It's where you're going that counts!
-ella fitzgerald-
Math Dept
Our Mathematics Department is dedicated to the academic growth and development of Black students in the field of math. We provide a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on core mathematical concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. Through engaging instruction and a supportive learning environment, we aim to foster a love for math and empower students to excel in this subject.
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Course description
The achievement gap in mathematics is a significant challenge for African American students in American schools. Unfortunately, the data from the NAEP suggests that many minority students are not receiving the recommended instructional practices outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
To address this issue, our math curriculum is designed to complement our STEM science courses, providing students with a deeper understanding of key mathematical concepts. Aligned with AP standards, our courses aim to offer black students ample opportunities to explore and discover algebraic principles, reasoning, and real-world applications. Through collaborative problem-solving and active participation with the teacher, students engage in challenging problems, share their thinking with others, and develop a strong foundation for higher-level math, including calculus.
Our goal is to foster an intuitive understanding of the heart of algebra, utilizing STEM to demonstrate the interconnections between geometry, algebra, and the real world. Equipping students with the necessary skills to be competitive in mathematics is our top priority. We strive to provide them with the information and tools they need to excel and be prepared for college-level mathematics.
K - 1st Grade Math Topics
Our Kindergarten and First Grade Math Curriculum for Black students with a special focus on algebraic reasoning covers a wide range of topics to support their mathematical development. Some of the key topics included in our curriculum are: Counting and Cardinality: Students learn to count, recognize numbers, and understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. They develop a strong number sense foundation, which is essential for further mathematical understanding. Addition and Subtraction: Students explore basic addition and subtraction concepts, learning strategies to solve simple equations. They develop an understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction and build fluency in basic math facts. Patterns and Sorting: Students identify, create, and extend patterns using various attributes such as shape, color, and size. They also learn to sort objects based on different criteria, developing critical thinking and logical reasoning skills.
2nd - 3rd Grade Math Topics
Our Second and Third Grade Math Curriculum for Black students with a special focus on algebraic reasoning builds upon the foundational math skills learned in earlier grades and introduces more advanced concepts. Here are some of the key components and topics covered in our curriculum: Operations and Fluency: Students develop fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They practice solving multi-digit equations and develop strategies for mental math calculations. Algebraic Thinking: Students begin to explore algebraic concepts, including identifying patterns, recognizing number sequences, and solving simple equations. They develop an understanding of variables and use them to represent unknown quantities.
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Measurement and Data: Students deepen their understanding of measurement by exploring concepts like perimeter, area, time, and money. They also learn to collect, organize, and interpret data using various graphs and charts.
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Geometry: Students explore geometric shapes and their properties, including angles, symmetry, and transformations. They develop spatial reasoning skills and solve problems involving geometric figures.
4th - 5th Grade Math Topics
Our Fourth and Fifth Grade Math Curriculum for Black students with a special focus on algebraic reasoning builds upon the mathematical foundation established in earlier grades and prepares students for more advanced algebraic concepts. Here are some of the key components and topics covered in our curriculum: Numerical Operations: Students continue to develop their skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, including multi-digit numbers and decimals. They solve complex equations and deepen their understanding of number relationships. Algebraic Expressions: Students explore the concept of variables and learn to write and evaluate algebraic expressions. They simplify expressions, solve equations, and apply algebraic reasoning to real-world problems.
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Geometry and Measurement: Students delve into geometric concepts such as angles, polygons, and three-dimensional shapes. They also explore measurement topics like area, volume, and conversions between different units.
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Fractions and Decimals: Students deepen their understanding of fractions, decimals, and their operations. They compare and order fractions and decimals, convert between different forms, and solve problems involving fractions and decimals.
6th - 8th - Math Topics
Our Seventh and Eighth Grade Math Curriculum for Black students with a special focus on algebraic reasoning builds upon the foundational math skills and concepts learned in earlier grades and further develops students' algebraic thinking abilities. Here are some key components and topics covered in our curriculum: Algebraic Expressions and Equations: Students continue to develop their understanding of algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities. They simplify expressions, solve linear equations and inequalities, and apply algebraic reasoning to solve real-world problems. Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Students explore ratios, rates, and proportions in various contexts. They learn to solve problems involving unit rates, scale factors, and proportional relationships.
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Geometry: Students delve into geometric concepts such as angles, polygons, congruence, and similarity. They apply geometric properties to solve problems and deepen their understanding of geometric transformations.
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Data Analysis and Statistics: Students collect, analyze, and interpret data using statistical measures and graphical representations. They learn to make predictions, draw conclusions, and communicate findings based on data sets.
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Number Systems: Students explore rational numbers, irrational numbers, and their operations. They work with positive and negative integers, fractions, and decimals, developing a deeper understanding of number relationships.
Algebra I
In our Algebra 1 curriculum designed specifically for Black students, we provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience centered around algebraic reasoning. Our curriculum aims to build a strong foundation in algebra and develop critical thinking skills essential for success in higher-level math courses. Throughout the course, students will explore various topics, including: Linear Equations and Inequalities: Solving equations with one variable, graphing linear equations, solving and graphing inequalities, interpreting slope and intercepts, systems of linear equations, and applications of linear equations. Quadratic Functions: Graphing quadratic functions, solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula, analyzing vertex form and standard form of quadratic functions, and solving real-world problems involving quadratic relationships.
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Exponents and Radicals: Simplifying expressions with exponents and radicals, solving equations with exponents and radicals, applying the laws of exponents, rational exponents, and simplifying radical expressions.
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Polynomials: Performing operations with polynomials, factoring quadratic and cubic polynomials, applying the Remainder and Factor Theorems, and solving polynomial equations.
Algebra II
Our Algebra 2 curriculum for Black students is thoughtfully designed to foster a deep understanding of algebraic reasoning and prepare students for advanced mathematical concepts. With a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, our curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for success in higher-level math courses. Some of the key topics included in our curriculum are: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Exploring exponential growth and decay, solving exponential equations, graphing exponential functions, understanding the properties of logarithmic functions, and solving logarithmic equations. Rational Expressions and Equations: Simplifying rational expressions, solving rational equations, graphing rational functions, analyzing asymptotes and behavior of rational functions, and solving real-world problems involving rational expressions. Quadratic and Radical Equations: Solving quadratic and radical equations, applying the quadratic formula, simplifying radical expressions, and solving problems involving complex numbers.
Algebra III/Precalculus
Our Algebra 3 curriculum for Black students is carefully crafted to enhance their mastery of algebraic reasoning and equip them with the necessary skills for advanced mathematical concepts. Through an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, our curriculum encompasses a diverse array of topics that are integral to success in higher-level math courses. Some of the key topics covered in our curriculum include: Advanced Functions: Students will explore advanced functions, including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. They will investigate their properties, transformations, and applications. Trigonometric Functions: Understanding the unit circle, graphing trigonometric functions, applying trigonometric identities and formulas, and solving trigonometric equations. Trigonometric Identities and Equations: Simplifying trigonometric expressions using identities.
