MATH

Empowering students with the opportunities to develop mathematical/computer science skills to become skillful problem solvers in the world around them.

​“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” -Albert Einstein

Empower.​

Students discover problem-seeking and problem-solving strategies that empower them to solve the personal and professional challenges of their lives.  ​

Inquire.

Students use mathematics to support inquiry across all academic disciplines to deepen their analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Analyze.​

Students analyze real-world phenomenon through the use of computational algorithms beginning their freshman year and continuing throughout the courses they take while at Nipmuc.

2022-2023 Course offerings

Algebra I                                                CPS/Honors             1 Credit                               Grade 9

Where in the world does “X” come from? This course inspires students by analyzing the places where we can find linear, exponential, and quadratic functions in our everyday lives. Examples of this include testing the strength of an object in order to predict the load capacity of a bridge, determining the costs of materials and analyzing profit to create a successful business, and modeling bacteria growth through probability. (The honors level course provides a more in-depth study of Algebra with faster pacing.)


Geometry                                                CPS                           1 Credit                               Grade 9-10

One element of mathematics that can be found in almost every aspect of our world is geometry. Whether it’s a man-made construction that involves the use of Pythagorean Theorem, or the symmetry of regular polygons that we see in road signs and other aesthetics in our environment, or parallel and perpendicular lines like the streets of major cities in the United States such as New York City, we have Geometry all around us and in this course we will learn to recognize these Geometric properties in our environment and how to use them to solve problems. This course is an integrated study of plane and coordinate geometric concepts of two- and three-dimensional figures. The students will use inductive and deductive reasoning and logic to prove geometric concepts, and will apply formulas to solve various geometric problems. We have a few culminating hands-on projects that include using indirect measurement and right triangle trigonometry to measure tall objects around the school campus and using our area and perimeter skills to make a quilt as a class that will be donated to a person in the community in need.

Geometry                                                Honors                           1 Credit                               Grade 9-10

Geometric structures are fundamental to life from atoms to plants to our universe.  Did you know about the Golden Ratio and how this design is used in art and architecture?  Do you want to think logically? Geometry is an integrated study of plane and coordinate geometric concepts of two- and three-dimensional figures. Through simulations, students will learn some of the key geometric concepts.  Students will use logical reasoning to prove geometric concepts, and will apply formulas to solve various geometric problems. The pace is faster than the CPS course and the scope is more in-depth with the students being presented with more difficult and challenging problems, including, but not limited to, geometric proofs.
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AP Economics                                                                             AP                 1 Credit              Grades 10-12

​In this economics course that covers curriculum for both AP Micro- and Macroeconomics, students will study and debate major features of the American economy such as gross domestic product, the business cycle, monetary and fiscal policy, the US banking system, international trade, and taxes and subsidies.  The course will also examine the principles of economics as they apply to individual decision-making units, including households and firms, covering topics like consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, and market structures.  The course will evaluate market outcomes in terms of price, output, consumer surplus, and producer surplus, as well as explore the influence of factor prices on the distribution of income.  Additionally, the course will examine instances of market failure and consider various public policy alternatives aimed at improving efficiency.  The curriculum, pacing, and rigor will follow College Board guidelines and students should have completed Algebra II to prior enrolling.  To receive AP credit, students must take the Advanced Placement Economics exams in May.


AP Microeconomics                                                                  AP                1 Credit              Grades 10-12

Is Google a monopoly?  Do local gas stations actually compete for your dollar or do they implicitly set gas prices? If you and your buddy commit a crime and are caught what is your best strategy for getting off?  Do you want to become a better decision maker? This course provides students with an understanding of the principles of economics as they apply to individual decision-making units, including individual households and firms. The course examines the theory of consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, and the behavior of profit-maximizing firms under various market structures. Students evaluate the efficiency of the outcomes with respect to price, output, consumer surplus, and producer surplus. They examine the behaviors of households and businesses in factor markets, and learn how the determination of factor prices, wages, interest, and rent influence the distribution of income in a market economy. There are ample opportunities to consider instances in which private markets may fail to allocate resources efficiently and examine various public policy alternatives aimed at improving the efficiency of private markets.   Curriculum, pacing and rigor will follow the College Board guidelines. Students should have successfully completed Algebra II prior to enrolling in this course.  Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May in order to receive AP credit for the course.


​Economics Independent Study                                          Honors                1 Credit              Grade 12

Students who have successfully completed AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics have the following options for an economics independent study.  Students interested in this option should see Mr. Messick to discuss the following options:
 
Students may tailor their independent study three ways:

Online economics course through the St. Louis Federal Reserve: Students will be enrolled in the St. Louis Federal Reserve Online Economics Course Program and take up to 22 economics modules online.  Students are enrolled for each module through the teacher’s online management tool. Students are monitored for progress, given feedback, and will completing module assessments.  Each student is monitored electronically through the program by the teacher and will receive a final module assessment grade upon completion. Each module is linked to the national education standards for economics, national education standards for finance, and common core history/social studies and technical subjects.

Elect to take AP Micro/AP Macro independent study: Students must have successfully completed either AP Micro or AP Macro with a grade of 85% or better and have demonstrated a strong subject interest, the ability to work independently with excellent time management and organizations skills.  A score of 4 or 5 is required on a previous AP Economics exam. Students are required to take the AP examination in May.
 
Student designed topic of interest in economics: Please consult teacher to design a specific program.


Algebra II                                                                           CPS                  1 Credit                Grade 11

There is math in all real world problems.  In this class we will model a system of linear equations through calculating the optimal minimum wage; we will model projectile motion through shooting a marshmallow from a catapult and then calculate the related quadratic equation;  we will model polynomials through building a container with the maximum volume for the amount of material given.  Learning the associated math for each of these real world problems will allow you to be better prepared to work through those problems.  In this course students will extend topics introduced in Algebra I and learn to manipulate and apply more advanced functions and algorithms.  In addition to the above topics, other topics covered will include: Linear Functions and Relations, Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities, Quadratic Functions, Graphing, Polynomials, Radical Functions, Rational Exponents, Exponential Functions, Logarithmic Functions and Rational Functions.  Students should successfully complete Algebra I and Geometry prior to enrolling in this course. 


Advanced Algebra II                                                      Honors                  1 Credit                Grades 9-11

There is math in all real world problems.  In this class we will model a system of linear equations through calculating the optimal minimum wage; we will model projectile motion through shooting a marshmallow from a catapult and then calculate the related quadratic equation;  we will use systems of inequalities to solve a Cookie Bake Shop dilemma of determining how to achieve the highest profit; we will model polynomials through building a container with the maximum volume for the amount of material given; Students will develop exponential models to analyze human population growth and explore the impact this growth will have in areas around the world.  Learning the associated math for each of these real world problems will allow you to be better prepared to work through those problems.  In this course students will extend topics introduced in Algebra I Honors and learn to manipulate and apply more advanced functions and algorithms.  In addition to the above topics, other topics covered will include: Linear Functions and Relations, Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities, Quadratic Functions, Graphing, Polynomials, Radical Functions, Rational Exponents, Exponential Functions, Logarithmic Functions and Rational Functions.   Students should successfully complete Algebra I prior to enrolling in this course.


Pre-Calculus                                                                        CPS                  1 Credit                Grades 11-12

Do you think Calculus is in your future?  This course will prepare you to take Calculus 1 in college.  The first part of the course covers trigonometry from right to oblique triangles and circles to sound waves, including unit circle trig, solving trig equations, trig identities, proofs and analyzing periodic functions.  The second part of the course provides graphic and algebraic exploration of exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions as they apply to financing a mortgage or auto loan, and future values of savings and retirement accounts.  Students should successfully complete Algebra II prior to enrolling in this course.


Pre-Calculus                                                                        Honors             1 Credit                Grades 11-12

Do you think Calculus is in your future, either in high school or college?  This course will prepare you to take Calculus A/B as a Nipmuc senior or Calculus 1 in college.  The first part of the course covers trigonometry from right to oblique triangles and circles to sound waves, including unit circle trig, solving trig equations, trig identities, proofs and analyzing periodic functions.  The second part of the course provides graphic and algebraic exploration of exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions as they apply to financing a mortgage or auto loan, and future values of savings and retirement accounts.  This honors level course covers material at a more rigorous pace than the CPS level course.  Students should successfully complete Algebra II prior to enrolling in this course.


Calculus A with Precalculus                                              Honors             1 Credit                Grades 11-12

Do you find yourself to be the first to complete math challenges?  Are you the one others go to when they need help in math? Do you have good study habits, strong math skills and a desire to learn math?  Are you self-motivated and not very challenged in Advanced Algebra 2? If you answered yes to these questions then maybe this course is for you!  This accelerated course assumes a solid knowledge of Advanced Algebra 2 topics with the ability to recall mathematical concepts. In the first part of the course, you will explore trigonometry, polynomials and  exponential/logarithmic functions. The second part of this course exposes students to derivative based Calculus. Students who complete this course successfully will be prepared for Calculus BC. Students who struggle with Calculus concepts will be recommended to take Calculus AB.  Students should successfully complete Algebra II prior to enrolling in this course.


Finite Mathematics: Explorations and Applications             CPS             1 Credit               Grades 11-12

Are you ready to put your math and collaboration skills to use?  This course promotes a practical application of years of math concepts to real-world situations.  Examples of real-life activities may include managing a baking operation, evacuating a tropical island threatened by a volcano, and of course both saving money and managing both loans and credit.  But wait, there’s more… you will participate in the practical use of Microsoft Excel giving you experience working with formatting and formulas in this powerful software. This class utilizes group work and presentations to give students experience communicating mathematical concepts and sound decision making to an audience.  This class will also incorporate student interests in the design of our activities so you have a voice in how we put our math to use.  Students should successfully complete Algebra II prior to enrolling in this course.
 

Statistics                                                                                  CPS/Honors         1 Credit             Grades 9-12

Statistics is much more than making graphs and calculating the mean, median, and mode.  Rather, it is using data to evaluate claims and make predictions. You will answer such questions as “Does drinking caffeine affect your pulse rate?” (experimental design); “How do the characteristics of an interviewer affect the responses to a survey?” (bias); and “Do the majority of couples kiss to the right?” (statistical inference).  This isn’t a typical math class. You don’t need to remember how to factor a polynomial, graph a sine curve, or prove that triangles are congruent. However, this doesn’t mean the class will be easy! In this course you will need good critical thinking and communication skills. You will NEVER ask: “When will we ever use this?”  Problems are almost always based on real-world studies in a variety of fields.  Statistics is required for many majors in college do some research for yourself and see.


Advanced Placement Statistics                                                   AP             1 Credit             Grades 11-12

Statistics is much more than making graphs and calculating the mean, median, and mode.  Rather, it is using data to evaluate claims and make predictions. You will answer such questions as “Does drinking caffeine affect your pulse rate?” (experimental design); “How do the characteristics of an interviewer affect the responses to a survey?” (bias); and “Do the majority of couples kiss to the right?” (statistical inference).  This isn’t a typical math class. You don’t need to remember how to factor a polynomial, graph a sine curve, or prove that triangles are congruent. However, this doesn’t mean the class will be easy! In this fast-paced AP course you will need good critical thinking and communication skills. You will NEVER ask: “When will we ever use this?”  Problems are almost always based on real-world studies in a variety of fields.  Statistics is required for many majors in college do some research for yourself and see.  Curriculum, pacing and rigor will follow the College Board guidelines.  Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May in order to receive AP credit for the course.  Students should successfully complete Algebra II prior to enrolling in this course.


Advanced Placement Calculus AB                                             AP             1 Credit                  Grade 12

Learn to model aspects of the physical world through the language of math.  In this class we will go on the same journey that Newton and Leibniz undertook in the discovery of calculus.  The AP Calculus course is designed to prepare the student to pursue calculus at a higher level in college as well as prepare the students for the AP Calculus AB Exam. The preparation includes learning the mathematical concepts and preparing for the difficulty level and style of the AP Calculus AB Exam. Students will work in a variety of formats that will challenge their ability to apply and explain the concepts in addition to being able to compute answers. The quizzes, tests, and review sessions at the end of the course are designed to assess the student’s knowledge in a manner consistent with the AP Exam.   Curriculum, pacing and rigor will follow the College Board guidelines.  Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May in order to receive AP credit for the course.  Students should successfully complete Pre-Calculus Honors or Calculus A with Pre-Calculus prior to enrolling in this course.


Advanced Placement  Calculus BC                                          AP               1 Credit                   Grade 12

Explore the world of functions through the exploration of series and sequences. Learn how to analyze equations in greater depth who’ve ever attempted before!   The AP Calculus BC course is designed for students who have already begun the study of Calculus to continue to prepare the student for to pursue calculus at the higher level in college as well as prepare the students for the AP Calculus BC Exam.  The preparation includes learning the mathematical concepts and preparing for the difficulty level and style of the Calculus BC Exam. Students will work in a variety of formats that will challenge their ability to apply and explain the concepts in addition to being able to compute answers.  The course assessments are designed to be consistent with the level of the AP Exam.  Curriculum, pacing and rigor will follow the College Board guidelines.  Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May in order to receive AP credit for the course.  Students should successfully complete Calculus A with Pre-Calculus prior to enrolling in this course.


*NEW* Computer Science Essentials                    CPS/Honors                1 Credit                Grade 9-12

Are you interested in collaborating with classmates to create mobile apps? Would you like to solve problems and create value for others through innovation and creativity. Join this course to explore how innovations in computing impact and connect our world. With a gentle introduction to programming, you will learn how to put your designs into practice. Whether these are your first steps in computer science, or a continuation of your journey, Computer Science Essentials will give you confidence to succeed today and beyond. 


*NEW* Intro to Python Programming                       CPS/Honors                1 Credit                Grade 10-12

Join us in this year-long course to learn the ins and outs of computer programming using the Python 3 language.  Python is a popular scripting language that is commonly used for a myriad of applications including machine learning, scientific computing, scripting, web applications and data processing.  Course topics will include programming fundamentals such as Boolean Logic, program organization, input and output, as well as loops.  By the end of this course, students will build a console-based game and learn concepts equivalent to that of a college-level, semester-long course in Python Programming.  Students interested in this course should have a recommendation from their 21st Century Skills or math teacher or have completed Computer Science Principles. 


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Advanced Placement Computer Science A                          AP                 1 Credit                Grade 11-12

Do you ever wonder about the people who write their own phone apps or write their own mods for video games get their skills?  They all learned to write code - the primary goal of this class. AP Computer Science is a comprehensive programming course using the computer language - JAVA.  This course is an excellent foundation for students planning to study technical fields, engineering, physics and many other areas that require a computer science course in their curriculum.  In addition, it is an excellent opportunity to develop sound problem solving and logical thinking skills. The emphasis of the course is to study object-oriented programming methodology, algorithm development, data structures, design and abstraction.  Throughout the course students will develop solutions to programming problems in a variety of application areas as well as work with a large case study program that will demonstrate the concepts of computer programming.  Curriculum, pacing and rigor will follow the College Board guidelines.  Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May in order to receive AP credit for the course.


Computer Science Independent Study                                 Honors          1 credit                  Grade 12

Is there more you want to explore in the world of computer science?   Maybe you want to build a robot or learn a new language? Students will design their own curriculum to further their knowledge in some aspect of computer science.  They may choose to use an already developed curriculum online such as Harvard University CS50 course or create their own learning plan. Students may choose a focus in area of computer science they are interested in - algorithms, learning new languages, robotics, etc.  Students should successfully complete AP Computer Science A and speak with Mr. Cochran prior to enrolling in this course.

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2023-2024 Course offerings

Computer Science Principles                          Honors/AP                 1 Credit                Grade 10-12

Interested in learning how to express your creativity through code? Curious about how computing innovations impact our lives and the world around us? Students in this course will have the opportunity to use abstraction and algorithmic thinking to solve problems and create value for others, develop, analyze, implement, and test programs developed for a purpose, and learn to uncover patterns in data, protect data, and explore how the internet connects the world in which we live. 

Whether seeking a career in the growing field of computer science or learning how computer science is transforming all careers, students in Computer Science Principles learn the fundamentals of coding, data processing, data security, and automating tasks while learning to contribute to an inclusive, safe, and ethical computing culture.

Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials


*NEW* Cybersecurity                                                          CPS/Honors                 1 Credit                Grade 10-12

Ever wonder how experts identify cybersecurity threats and protect against them? Curious about learning ways to detect intrusions and respond to attacks? Want to know how to examine your own digital footprint and better defend your own personal data? 

Whether seeking a career in the emerging field of cybersecurity or learning to defend their own personal data or a company’s data, students in Cybersecurity will establish an ethical code of conduct while learning the skills necessary to defend data in today’s complex cyberworld.
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Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials

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