Elementary Math Skills

Mrs. Victoria Rose            

This class will address 3-6th grade mathematical skills in preparation for pre-algebra.

Pre-Algebra

Mr. Mac Ogilvie                     1

STARS offers a Pre-Algebra course using the Saxon Math 8/7 book as a resource. This course provides an excellent summary of the basic skills required to move into Algebra. It can be considered to be a Middle School Math course that bridges elementary school to high school math. Public schools seem to be moving some students into Algebra as early as sixth grade depending largely on the skill level of the student. But the movement into Algebra at any grade level requires the exposure to a wide range of general math knowledge and the mastery of key skills essential to the ability to be successful in Algebra. This course provides that knowledge and the ability to master those critical skills. The course includes coverage of basic geometry and probability and statistics. The STARS instructor at this time has an extensive background in teaching both middle school math and Algebra both in public schools and here at STARS.

Need: Saxon 8/7 Homeschool Kit- http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Saxon+Math+8-7+3ED+Homeschool+KIT/024434

Algebra I 

Mr. Mac Ogilvie                     

This course will use the Saxon book, Algebra 1, to provide a comprehensive teaching of the fundamental aspects of problem solving. It offers a substantial review of pre algebra fundamentals while also offering coverage of area, volume, and perimeter of geometric figures. Major topics include evaluation of algebraic equations, thorough coverage of exponents, polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations, complex fractions, solving systems of equations, radicals, word problems, solving and graphing quadratic equations, solving systems of equations, and solving equations by factoring.

Textbook: Saxon Algebra 1 Homeschool Kit http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/000628 

Algebra II 

Mr. Mac Ogilvie            

This course will use the Saxon book, Algebra 2, to provide a comprehensive teaching of the fundamental aspects of problem solving. It offers a substantial review of all topics in Algebra 1 and then moves on to cover these topics at an advanced level. Major topics include the solving and graphing of linear and quadratic equations, factoring, a variety of types of word problems, solving quadratic equations by completing the square, solving simultaneous equations with fractions and decimals, complex roots of quadratic equations, solving systems of nonlinear equations, graphing and solving a system of inequalities, exponential equations, and review of key geometry, probability and statistics topics.

Textbook: Saxon Algebra 2: Homeschool Kit Third Edition

Jacob’s Geometry 

Ms. Enjoli Stith            

3rd Edition. This is an excellent geometry course with clear explanations of geometric concepts, including plenty of practice with proofs (informal and paragraph). The second chapter (six lessons) is devoted to logic in preparation for constructing proofs. Topics build incrementally and each practice set assumes knowledge gained in previous lessons in order to construct proofs. The author has set his text up to include three sets of problems with each lesson so as to present the basic concepts in Set I exercises, applications in Set II exercises, and extension of concepts in Set III exercises. Finally, there are Algebra reviews located at the end of most chapters in the student textbook. An appendix contains all presented theorems and postulates. After a thorough study of Euclidean geometry, a single chapter of four lessons presents non-Euclidean geometries. SAT math problems have also been included in exercise sets. The teacher’s guide contains lesson plans, black line masters, and answers to all exercises. The test bank contains two tests for each chapter, a mid-term, a final, and solutions.

Textbook: Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding, 3rd Edition

Advanced Math (Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry)

Ms. Enjoli Stith     

Advanced Mathematics fully integrates topics for algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and mathematical analysis, to include trigonometric equations and inequalities, the unit circle and trigonometric identities, conic sections, logarithms and exponents, probability and statistics, complex numbers, functions and graphs, sequences and series, and matrices. Graphing calculator applications are developed to facilitate calculations and enhance in-depth understanding of concepts. Word problems are developed throughout the problem sets and become progressively more elaborate. With this practice, high-school level students will be able to solve challenging problems such as rate problems and work problems involving abstract quantities. Conceptually oriented problems that help prepare students for college entrance exams (such as the ACT and SAT) are included in the problem sets.  Students complete 2-3 lessons per week.

Note: This is a two year class. Part 1 covers lessons 1-66, Part 2 covers lessons 67-125.