CIC: The International School of Caracas

Mathematics Department

Courses

Curriculum

Math Skills

  • Grade 6 – 12
  • Degree of Difficulty:  Easy
  • Homework:  Daily
  • Prerequisite:  Recommendation from teacher

This course is intended for students who need to gain an understanding of number sense, basic skills and problem solving strategies that will help them in the real world. The course is focused on conceptual understanding first through use of manipulatives and then the algorithms necessary to gain fluency. This course could also be for students who need extra assistance in their regular math classes.  Students are only able to join this course with the recommendation from a teacher.

Topics:


Quarter 1:  Comparing numbers – large and small(decimal); Adding and subtracting with decimal numbers; Dividing whole numbers ( with single and double-digit divisor); Mental math; Patterns- identifying and understanding them in math and in real life

Quarter 2:  Fractions: comparing, equivalent, improper, reducing and simplifying, adding and subtracting; Mixed numbers; Problem solving dealing with fractions; Mental math

Quarter 3: Statistics and Probability; Problem solving using statistics; Percentage, how to calculate and use

Quarter 4:  multiplying and dividing fractions; multiplying and dividing decimal numbers; Representing a number in various forms - fraction, percentage, decimal

 

Math 6

  • Grade 6
  • Degree of Difficulty:  Regular
  • Homework:  Daily, 20 – 30 minutes

This course is intended to bridge the gap from elementary mathematics to middle school math with increased abstract thinking processes. Students will continue to work on basic mathematical skills, increasing their understanding in number concepts through hands-on activities. Student will learn new concepts in the fundamental skills in math: problem solving, order of operation, powers and exponents, fractions, geometry and statistics. The usefulness of mathematics in the world around them is a constant theme throughout the course. This course is to increase their fluency in the language of mathematics, and prepare students for success in algebra and geometry.  A scientific calculator is required for this course.

Topics:


Quarter 1:  Statistics and Graphs; Adding and Subtracting, Decimals; Multiplying and Dividing Decimals; Fractions and Decimals

Quarter 2:  Number Patterns and Algebra; Adding and Subtracting Fractions; Multiplying and Dividing Fractions; Ratio, Proportion, and Percent

Quarter 3:  Measurement; Angles and Polygons; Measuring Area and Volume

Quarter 4:  Probability; Integers; Solving Equations

 

Pre-algebra

  • Grade 7, or 8
  • Degree of Difficulty: Regular
  • Prerequisite: completion of Math 6 and recommendation of Grade 6 math teacher or as indicated by entrance exam
  • Homework: Daily 20-30 minutes
  • Fulfills Algebra 1 requirement

 

Pre-Algebra is designed to assure that students have the necessary skills for success in Algebra I and beyond.  Building on their understanding of counting and whole numbers including fractions, students explore integers and rational numbers.  The concepts of ratio, proportion, and percent are emphasized.  Students learn to solve linear equations and inequalities and delve into functions and graphing.   Geometry concepts are further developed as is work using statistics and probability.  By the end of this course, the review of basic skills is complete and students will have been prepared for using those skills in more abstract operations.  A scientific calculator is required for this course.

Topics:


Quarter 1:  Statistics and Probability, Integers, Equations

Quarter 2:  Factors and Fractions, Rational Numbers, Ratio, Proportion, and Percent

Quarter 3:  Equations and Inequalities, Functions and Graphing, Real Numbers and Right Triangles

Quarter 4:  Two-Dimensional Figures, Three-Dimensional Figures, Statistics and Probability

 

Algebra 1

 

  • One year, one credit; grade 8 or 9
  • Degree of Difficulty:  Regular
  • Prerequisite:  Pre-Algebra
  • Homework:  Average
  • Fulfills Integrated Math 2 requirement

In Algebra 1 students will discover the fundamental concepts of algebra and apply algebraic thinking to practical and complex problems. Students will also develop proficiency in the fundamental skills of algebra: solving equations and inequalities, factoring simple polynomials, understanding and manipulating radicals, and solving systems of equations.  Function notation is introduced and students will develop their understanding of functions throughout the course within the context in which functions are used. Linear and quadratic functions are studied in depth with an emphasis on practical applications. The relevance of algebra in a real world context is a constant theme throughout the course. A graphing calculator is required for the course;  CIC recommends the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

Topics:

Quarter 1:  Statistics and Probability, Real Numbers

Quarter 2:  Solving and Graphing Lines

Quarter 3:  Analyzing Lines, Solving Inequalities, Solving Systems of Equations

Quarter 4:  Polynomials, Factoring

 

Algebra 2 / Trigonometry

  • One year; one credit; grade 10
  • Degree of Difficulty: Regular
  • Prerequisite: Integrated 2
  • Homework: Average
  • Fulfills IB Standard Level Math 1 requirement


For tenth grade students this course represents the final year of preparation of the MYP extended syllabus. Typically these students go on to fulfill the IB group five requirement with the two year sequence of IB Standard Level Math I and II.
Students in this course will extend their understanding of algebra and functions introduced in previous courses. The focus of this course is to show relationships between the various strands of mathematics and to link mathematics to real world situations, showing algebra to be both relevant and useful. Topics include polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions, probability, data analysis, and trigonometry.  Students investigate open ended questions and regularly discuss the limitations of mathematical models.  Technology is used extensively in this course to explore concepts within a real world context and algebraic thinking is applied through numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal means.  A graphing calculator is required for the course;  CIC recommends the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. 

Topics:

              
Quarter 1: Functions, Lines, Solving Systems of Equations, Polynomials

Quarter 2:Quadratic Functions, Polynomial Functions, Rational Functions  
           
Quarter 3: Rational Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Quarter 4: Trigonometry

 

IB Mathematical Studies

  • Length: One year
  • Grade level: 11 or 12
  • Degree of Difficulty: Regular
  • Prerequisite: Algebra 2/Trigonometry

This course caters for students with varied backgrounds and abilities in mathematics. More specifically, it is designed to apply previously learned concepts to real-world problems, build confidence, and encourage an appreciation of mathematics in students who do not necessarily need a great deal of mathematics in their future studies.  As such, the course will reinforce basic skills, show connections between the various branches of mathematics and be composed of applications problems. In keeping with the philosophy of the IB Math Studies program, investigations, group work, and activities are used in addition to direct instruction throughout the year.  Each student will spend approximately half of the year preparing a project on a mathematical topic of her/his choice. Students will be introduced to a broad range of mathematical topics, which includes: Numbers, Algebra, Sets, Logic, Probability, Functions, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Differential Calculus, and Financial Mathematics. 

Students completing the course have the option to sit for the IB Mathematical Studies examination.

Topics:

Quarter 1:  Statistics and Sets, Logic, and Probability

Quarter 2:  Numbers and Algebra, Functions, and Financial Math

Quarter 3:  Geometry and Trig, and Calculus

Quarter 4:  Review for IB exam

 

IB Standard Level Math 1

  • One year; one credit; grade 11, 12
  • Degree of Difficulty: Regular
  • Prerequisite: Algebra 2/Trigonometry or IB Math Studies
  • Homework: Average
  • Completes IB Standard Level Mathematical Methods 2 requirement

IB Standard Level Math 1 is the first course in a two year sequence.  This course caters for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.  It is a demanding course since it contains a variety of mathematical topics and requires a strong mathematical background.  Topics will be covered in algebra and functions, circular functions and trigonometry, and calculus.  Part of the course is the completion of at least three portfolio assignments. These assignments allow students to increase their understanding of mathematical concepts and processes through mathematical writing. They will be assessed using an IB rubric. 

A graphing calculator is required for the course.  CIC recommends the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. 

Twelfth graders may take this class after completing IB Math Studies, especially if they are interested in doing further calculus before going on the university.  Students who complete the 2 year course sequence will have the option of sitting for the IB Mathematical Methods Standard Level Examination in May of their senior year.

Topics:                


Quarter 1: Statistics and Probability

Quarter 2: Algebra, Functions, and Sequences and Series   
          
Quarter 3: Trigonometry

Quarter 4: Vectors

 

IB Standard Level Math 2

  • One year; one credit; grade 11
  • Degree of Difficulty: Regular
  • Prerequisite: IB SL Math 1
  • Homework: Average to Heavy

IB Standard Level Math 2 is the second course in a two year sequence.  This course caters for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.  It is a demanding course since it contains a variety of mathematical topics and requires a strong mathematical background.  Topics will be covered in matrices, vectors, statistics, and probability.   Students will also review topics taught in IB SL Math 1.  Part of the course is the completion of at least three portfolio assignments. These assignments allow students to increase their understanding of mathematical concepts and processes through mathematical writing. They will be assessed using an IB rubric. 

A graphing calculator is required for the course.  CIC recommends the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. 

Students who complete the 2 year course sequence will have the option of sitting for the IB Mathematical Methods Standard Level Examination in May of their senior year.

Topics:

              
Quarter 1: Matrices

Quarter 2: Differential Calculus

Quarter 3: Integral Calculus

Quarter 4: Review for the IB exam

 

 

 

 

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