College Prep’s math program is problem based and student centered.
Using an approach that integrates the traditional areas of mathematics—algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus—throughout six sequential levels of study, students become independent learners who excel in reading, writing about, exploring, applying, and communicating mathematical concepts.
课程设置围绕这些原则展开。
代数作为建模和解决问题的工具,是基础性的。
二维和三维的几何学贯穿于各个层次的主题,包括坐标和变换的方法
在核心课程中贯穿了向量、矩阵、计数、数据分析等离散数学的学习内容。
以计算机为基础的活动和以计算器为基础的活动是核心课程的一部分。
以视觉、符号和口头方式探讨主题。
制定解决问题战略的能力取决于积累的知识体系。
These principles are addressed in the integrated curricula of Math 1-6. Math 3, 4, and 5 are each offered at two levels that showcase different teaching and learning styles.
The standard classes feature more direct teacher instruction and cover fewer topics. The “i” versions of each course cover more topics at a faster pace as students work more independently. Both levels require collaboration in the form of daily group work among four tablemates. The program also offers opportunities for advanced work, including AP Statistics, Math 5/5i, and Math 6. Math 5/5i prepares students for either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam while Math 6 covers multivariable calculus. Math Club, open to all interested students, meets regularly to share ideas and investigate problems beyond the scope of the normal curriculum and to help students prepare for local and national math competitions.
This course includes topics from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Students learn techniques and theorems through problem solving. Collaborative study helps develop the ability to reflect on and explain mathematical processes. Topics include lines, polygons and vectors, circles and parabolas, and right triangle trigonometry. Similarity and congruence are studied through the lens of transformations. An investigation of linear motion leads to the use of parameters and consideration of optimal paths of travel.
These courses explore nonlinear motion and nonlinear functions: circular motion and the functions that describe it, ellipses and hyperbolas, exponential and logarithmic functions, dot products and matrices, and geometry on the surface of the earth. Advanced trigonometric techniques recur throughout the year. Logarithms are used to straighten nonlinear data, and matrices are used to describe geometric transformations and various patterns of growth.
These courses are equivalent to differential and integral calculus at the college level. Math 5 covers techniques and applications of derivatives and integrals. It prepares students for the “AB” AP Calculus Exam. Math 5i covers the same material along with additional topics, such as infinite series, differential equations, and recursion. This course prepares students for the “BC” AP Calculus Exam.
College Prep offers Computer Science courses from beginning through advanced levels. The introductory course (CS1) is a deep dive into programming, developing proficiency in a single language (Python), and building a foundation in the general constructs of programming languages. In the department’s intermediate-level, project-based course (CS2), students apply their programming skills to build embedded system prototypes using microcontrollers—such as Arduinos and Raspberry Pis, sensors, and other electronics. The advanced course (CS3) focusses on data science, analysis, and modeling in Python.
In this course students demystify how computers work, learn how data can be manipulated and moved around the world, and gain basic proficiency in a programming language. A variety of topics and skills are introduced through classroom discussions and hands-on labs and projects. The course uses Python as the primary language to gain a foundational framework of what programming is and how it works. Students showcase their skills through a series of collaborative and creative projects.
Using the Python language, this course focuses on fundamental concepts of computer programming: abstraction, algorithms, efficiency, and data manipulation. Its simplicity and readability makes Python an ideal first programming language, and its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide variety of applications. Topics include the variables used in programming, Boolean logic and the use of conditional statements to control the flow of a program, and loops and how to apply recursion to solve problems. Students use functions to perform tasks that break a complex problem into smaller pieces that are easier to solve. The course introduces object-oriented programming in which students learn how to use objects and classes to provide a clear structure to their code that makes it easier to read, understand, and debug. Coding skills are honed on a series of individual and group projects. As a final project, students work in groups to design and create their own text adventure game.
This course equips students with the tools and skills of a data scientist using the Python programming language. Students learn to collect and clean raw data, explore different data visualization tools that make it easier to see and understand trends, and learn to analyze their data, transforming and modeling it to draw conclusions and inform decision-making.
This project-based course is for students interested in learning how to build things. The course focuses on mechatronics: the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering and begins with the elements of design thinking. No design is perfect the first time; students learn from their mistakes and from observing the users of their designs. Students work on mini-projects that build in complexity throughout the semester. The goal of the early individual projects include building skills with the tools in the xLab, learning basic electronics, and programming Arduino micro-controllers. Many projects are centered on the Arduino—learning to tie together various input devices (e.g., switches, light sensors, temperature sensors, distance sensors, etc.) and output devices (e.g., motors, speakers, LEDs, LCDs, etc.). As students gain proficiency, projects become more open-ended and group-oriented and include regular design critiques.