The Delavan-Darien High School Math curriculum provides an educational experience in mathematics that helps students prepare for successful roles in an ever-changing society. This is accomplished through our commitment to excellent teaching, a well-designed curriculum and a supportive classroom environment for all students.

Our teaching promotes inquiry and creativity in students. We stress traits that are characteristic of methods used by mathematicians in problem solving such as perseverance, accuracy, orderliness, analysis and reasoning. DDHS math teachers expect a high level of performance from students and we will make every effort to direct them to realize their full potential.

We believe that we must provide a curriculum that will aid the student in solving mathematical problems encountered in every day life situations and in other related areas such as science and technology. We are committed to ensuring that our curriculum supports continuous development of math skills and the appreciation of mathematics as a discipline.

The learning environment at DDHS is a place where students can practice and acquire the knowledge of mathematics. This environment facilitates inquiry, use of technology and the exploration of real world phenomena.

Math is not a spectator sport but rather one that is best learned by doing. The math department is a place where all students at DDHS can enjoy success.

Mathematics Courses

Two credits of Mathematics are required for graduation. Students planning to enroll in more than one mathematics course in a given year must meet with the current math instructor to discuss this decision. Students who plan to take more than two years of mathematics are encouraged to purchase a TI-83 calculator for the third and fourth years of mathematics courses.

Pre-Algebra
This course will provide students the opportunity to acquire skills needed for successful completion of Algebra.

Algebra                                                                                           
Provide students with a basis for advanced mathematics and aid them in solving mathematical problems.

The course uses modern terminology as it applies to Algebra. The unknown are represented by letters. The student learns to add, subtract, multiply and divide using unknown and signed numbers. Topics covered are: rational numbers, equations, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, functions and graphs, graphing linear equations and solving systems of equations.

Geometry
The purpose of this course is to develop logic, measurement and problem solving skills necessary for continued study of mathematics. Students will develop the ability to find connections between physical shapes and algebra. An emphasis of this course is on Euclidean geometry, logic skills of problem solving, and applications of algebra.

Algebra II
This course is designed to build on math concepts introduced in Algebra and Geometry and to prepare students for advanced mathematics. This course covers problems more complex than those of Algebra I. Students are introduced to the study of equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and operations, simplifying and factoring polynomials, simplifying radicals, an introduction to complex numbers, solving quadratic equations, and exploring the conics, and logarithms.

Algebraic Functions and Graphs
This course will explore functions and their behavior and to prepare students for advanced study in mathematics. This course will explore Linear, Polynomial, Rational, Exponential, and Logarithmic Functions. The graphs of these functions will be studied and graphing calculators will be used to further develop an understanding of these functions and graphs. Systems of equations and inequalities will also be studied. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required for this course.

Mathematics for the Trades
Students will review and strengthen their basic computational skills with all types of numbers. Many areas of mathematics will be explored including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Statistics as they relate to the technical trades. Practical applications and real life applications of mathematics in the trade industries will be learned. Students will apply useful equations and formulas in real life problem solving situations.

Trigonometry
This course will prepare students for advanced study in mathematics science and other fields. Trigonometry begins with an extensive study of trigonometric functions, their graphs, and their inverses. It also includes the study of trigonometric identities, and polar equations.

Calculus
Calculus prepares students for more advanced study in mathematics, science and other fields. The course begins with an extensive study of limits and uses this concept to develop differentiation and integration of polynomial, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions. A study is conducted in the application areas of science and economics using differentiation and integration. This course will cover most topics found in first semester college course, but at a slower pace and not as in depth as Advanced Placement Calculus. Students are required to have a TI 83 or comparable calculator.

Advanced Placement Calculus
AP Calculus prepares students for more advanced study in mathematics, science and other fields.

The course begins with an extensive study of limits and uses this concept to develop differentiation and integration of polynomial, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions. An extensive study is conducted in the application areas of science and economics using differentiation and integration. This course will cover the equivalent of the first semester college course. Students enrolling in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Test for Calculus AB in May.  Students are required to have a TI 83 or comparable calculator.

Advanced Placement Statistics
AP Statistics will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The main topics will include exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. All topics will be studied extensively with the use of graphing calculators and computer software. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Ample time will be provided to review exam topics prior to AP Exam. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required for this course.