Department Philosophy

Recognizing that mathematics is the abstraction of logical relationships, the focus of teaching at CIC is to give each student the ability to use logic, together with factual knowledge, to solve problems they encounter. To this end, teaching emphasizes making connections to prior knowledge, examining examples and counter-examples, and drawing from a wealth of applications presented in projects, field trips, computer programs and Internet research. We believe that real learning means that a student is able to follow the inherent logic that is the underpinning of mathematics.

Our Faculty

Rosanna Luzarraga – Department Head, IBD Mathematics and MYP Mathematics
John Binnert – IBD Mathematics and MYP Mathematics
Philip McCormick – MYP Mathematics

Course Descriptions

Math 6, Grade 6, Philip McCormick
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.

Pre-algebra, Grade 7 and 8, Rosanna Luzarraga
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.

Algebra 1, Grade 8, John Binnert
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.

Geometry, Grades 9 and 10, John Binnert
This course covers all geometry concepts using an informal approach. The Student Edition maintains Algebra 1 content throughout and every concept is connected to real-world applications. Also, very important parts of Geometry are proofs and logic, which will be taught.
Our textbook uses a clean lesson design with many detailed examples and straightforward narration to make geometry topics inviting and geometry content understandable. A graphing calculator is required for the course; CIC recommends the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

Algebra 2 & Trigonometry, Grade 10, Rosanna Luzarraga
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.

IB Mathematical Studies I, Grade 11, Rosanna Luzarraga
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, and Geometry.

IB Mathematical Studies II, Grade 12,Rosanna Luzarraga
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: Trigonometry, Statistics, Differential Calculus, and Financial Mathematics.

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

IB Standard Level/ Higher Level Math 1, Grade 11, John Binnert
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 two Internal Assessment 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.

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.

IB Standard Level Math 2, Grade 12, John Binnert
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 two Internal Assessment 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.

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.

IB Higher Level Math 2, Grade 12, John Binnert
IB Higher Level Math 2 is the second course in a two year sequence. This course caters for students who already possess knowledge of advance mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply abstract mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will be expected to need an advanced mathematical background. Topics will be covered in further vectors, advanced calculus, and advanced statistics and probability. Students will also review topics taught in IB HL Math 1. Part of the course is the completion of at least two Internal Assessment 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.