Math
The SHS Math Department provides an innovative learning environment that motivates students to develop their mathematical knowledge and problem solving skills. By the time they graduate, students will be independent thinkers who can persevere through solving problems in mathematics and beyond.
The teachers in the Math Department are dedicated to providing stimulating surroundings that encourage students to learn, and their doors are always open to assist students. By connecting mathematical skills to the real world, the Math Department ensures that students become not only problem solvers but effective citizens and productive members of our society.
Staff
Courses
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Algebra
Algebra is a traditional course in the college-prep sequence and is designed to give students a solid foundation in mathematics.
Algebra II
Algebra II is a continuation of the Algebra course and extends those topics to include additional theory relating to the real number system. It formalizes the study of Algebra by expanding problem solving techniques.
Algebra Momentum Skills
Algebra Momentum Skills is a supported math class that meets later in the day (after Algebra) and is used to reteach concepts, build math skills, and address weaknesses in math.
AP Calculus
Students combine the disciplines of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry to explore the world around us in a highly conceptual manner.
AP Statistics
This online course is designed to teach the concepts taught in a college statistics course. Topics covered include data description, the Normal distribution, bivariate data, planning a study, probability, binomials and distributions, inference, and t-distributions.
Business Math
This is a junior and senior level course that teaches students to use mathematics in the workplace, as well as in one’s personal life. Topics include banking, credit, loans, insurance, budgets, sales, and marketing.
College Transition Math with Trigonometry
This course is designed for the student who is interested in a stronger foundation in math and who wishes to develop the skills required to succeed in an introductory college math course.
Dual Credit College Algebra
A senior level course that focuses on the study of linear and quadratic functions, inequalities, mathematical induction, binomial theorem, matrices and determinants, logarithmic and exponential functions, complex numbers, and topics in the theory of equations.
Dual Credit College Trigonometry
A senior level course that focuses on the study of trigonometric functions and their graphs, radian measure, equations and identities, logarithms, inverse functions, and applications.
Geometry
Geometry is a standard course in the traditional college preparation sequence. Students will explore the world around us while developing their spatial, inductive, and deductive reasoning skills.
Geometry AB
This course is designed to meet the needs of struggling math students while fulfilling the state requirements. It is a one-year course that is designed to mirror the content taught in Geometry.
Hybrid Algebra II
Hybrid version of Algebra II. This class will meet asynchronously 80% of the time with one in-school class period each Friday.
Algebra II is a continuation of the Algebra course and extends those topics to include additional theory relating to the real number system.
Math Foundations
Math Foundations is a course designed for the student who is not yet ready for Pre-Algebra. The course will contain a review of the 7th grade mathematics curriculum and emphasize the foundational skills necessary to be successful in Pre-Algebra.
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra is a freshman level class designed to help students build the foundational skills necessary to be successful in Algebra 1.
Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry
This course provides a foundation for all students who may wish to pursue a future in math and science at the college level. Students will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum that gives students the best chance for success in college mathematics.
Sports Statistics
This course will introduce students to the study of statistics through the context of sports. Topics covered will include exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and probability.
Student Opportunities
Math Team (Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference affiliated)
The Northern Illinois Big 12 Mathematics contest is held once each year for our Gifted Math students in December at North Central College. The contest is composed of individual written competitions as well as team competitions in both a large and small school division.
Scholastic Bowl (Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference Affiliated)
Scholastic Bowl is a team sport in which students compete by answering questions in the categories of math, science, literature, social studies, and current events. The season begins second quarter and ends in early March.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between Algebra, Algebra Momentum, and Pre-Algebra?
- How do I know what course my student should take?
- What is the difference between Geometry and GeometryAB?
- Can students take summer school classes to advance on the curriculum map?
- Does Sycamore High School offer Advanced Placement math classes?
- Can students take two math classes at the same time?
- Should my student take Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry?
- Are there any Elective Courses offered in Math?
- Support and Interventions for Incoming Freshmen
- What are my options if I don’t agree with the recommendation of an 8th grade teacher?
What is the difference between Algebra, Algebra Momentum, and Pre-Algebra?
- Algebra is the course that most college-bound students will take their freshman year of high school.
- Algebra Momentum (formerly Double Block Algebra) is a course that meets for two periods each day. The first period is in a regular Algebra course. The second period is later in the day and is used to reteach concepts, build math skills, and address weaknesses in math. The intent of this class is to use a students’ freshman year to get them back to grade level in time for their sophomore year. Allow for 2 periods on the registration sheet.
- Pre-Algebra is a course for students who need a review of eighth grade math. These students have typically had a very difficult time in math in the past and are not yet prepared for Algebra.
How do I know what course my student should take?
What is the difference between Geometry and GeometryAB?
GeometryAB covers the same content as Geometry but is designed for the student who has experienced difficulty in previous math courses due to lack of ability (as opposed to a lack of motivation). The course has a prerequisite of AlgebraAB. Students from Algebra may enroll in GeometryAB only with a recommendation from a high school math teacher.
Can students take summer school classes to advance on the curriculum map?
Does Sycamore High School offer Advanced Placement math classes?
Can students take two math classes at the same time?
Should my student take Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry?
Are there any Elective Courses offered in Math?
Support and Interventions for Incoming Freshmen
- Math teachers are available for extra help most days before and after school with no appointment required.
- Students may be required to meet with their math teacher during their Spartan Stretch period. This usually consists of small group work designed to help students meet the learning objectives.
- Free Math Tutoring availability:
- Library after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays (3:20-4:20 PM)
- Library on Sunday nights (starting at 7:00 PM)
- Library Thursday mornings (7:45-8:45 AM on late start days)
What are my options if I don’t agree with the recommendation of an 8th grade teacher?
In almost every case, we have found that the recommendation by the 8th grade teacher is accurate, and the students should be placed in the recommended course. Students will struggle and often fail if they are moved to a higher course. Students will likely be bored if they are placed in a lower class. You have the option of contacting the Assistant Principal at Sycamore Middle School to discuss the recommendation.