Math & Science
MATH/SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CURRICULUM
Within the Math/Science Department students will find courses in the areas of mathematics and science. Individual requirements will be found under each subheading. In mathematics and science applied techniques are stressed through practical problems and hands-on labs. In math classes questions of methodology, theory development, proof and problem solving are introduced as the courses evolve. Science courses try to answer the “hows” and “whys” of everyday experiences by linking observations to theory. In advanced courses philosophical questions of science and mathematics are examined. As in other areas of the curriculum, teaching focuses on encouraging student participation as well as on the formulating and testing of ideas.
The Mathematics department offers sequential courses from Algebra through the second year of Calculus (H). The Arts Academy's core math classes required for graduation consist of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Due to the sequential nature of our math courses, a student must master the material in one course in order to proceed to the next. Students must achieve an average grade of 70% (C-) if they are to move on to the next level of mathematics. The curriculum adopted by the Mathematics department was jointly developed by high school mathematics teachers and university professors from the University of California at Davis to meet the new National Standards of Mathematics required by the state of California. The standard topics are presented in an innovative group setting using a hands-on approach with an emphasis on problem-solving skills and a spiraling of review problems and current problems for homework. All three of our core classes integrate statistics and probability within the curriculum. Teachers serve as facilitators rather than lecturers, enabling students to work both in small groups as well as individually during class time. Texas Instruments-83 and/or Texas Instruments-84 graphing calculators are used in classes at almost every level. Teachers use overhead graphing calculators and online technical resources in all classes to help students visualize and better understand the mathematics they are learning.
Science Department
All students are required to complete two years of science, Biology and either Chemistry or Physics. Those who may attend a four-year university are recommended to take at least three years of science.