TAMALPAIS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Larkspur, CA

COURSE OF STUDY

PRE-CALCULUS 1H-2H

I.  INTRODUCTION

The Pre-Calculus 1H-2H program is designed to parallel the Pre-Calculus 1-2 class covering all of the material of that course with additional time spent on enrichment topics.

Pre-Calculus 1H-2H is intended for students who have shown strong mastery of the concepts presented in Advanced Algebra 1H-2H, or 1-2, and who are recommended by their teacher for the honors sequence.  These very competent, successful mathematics students need an extra challenge in addition to standard course work.

The honors course is a supplement to the Pre-Calculus 1-2 course that may be delivered in two different ways.  The first is a seminar format.  The student attends the Pre-Calculus 1-2 class, maintaining a B average in it, and spends an additional 17-20 hours per semester attending the honors seminar.  The second is a separate class format.  The student is enrolled in the Pre-Calculus 1H-2H class and the additional time for enrichment activities is made possible by the reduced need of the honor students for discussions of routine topics and problems.

These courses address the following district Student Learning Outcomes:
#2. Read and analyze material in a variety of disciplines
#3. Use technology as a tool to access information, analyze and solve problems, and communicate ideas.
#5. Apply mathematics knowledge and skills to analyze and solve problems.

II.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course covers all the objectives of Pre-Calculus 1-2 and, in addition, explores enrichment topics selected by the teacher.  The following list is intended to be illustrative, not definitive:

A.  Business mathematics of zero-coupon bonds and partial payments involving periodic compounding of interest form a good application of geometric sequences.

B.  Voting methods analyzed from a mathematical point of view.

C.  Mass point geometry.  A way of solving a group of difficult problems in a very simple way.  This can also be an excellent reinforcement of the development of an axiomatic system.

D.  The International Standard Book Number is a 10-digit code number which contains a mathematically significant check digit.  What does it mean and how is it used?

E.  Geometric probabilities.  This combines probability with the power of geometry to give deep and astonishing results.

F.  Finding the shortest distance on the earth=s surface from Larkspur to Timbuktu.  This combines the knowledge gained from trigonometry with spherical geometry.

G.  Genetics offers an ideal application of binomial probability.

H.  Music and circular functions.

I.  Line reflections in the Cartesian plane.

J.  Introduction to groups.  What are they?  Why are they important?

K.  Mathematical models can be used to study political behavior.

III.  ASSESSMENT

Assessment should be made on the basis of a variety of means such as quizzes and tests, projects, investigations, writing samples, and daily work.

IV.  METHODS AND MATERIALS

The instructional strategies used by teachers of the course will enable students to 

1.  Work collaboratively and individually in solving problems;

2.  Use calculators and computers as an integral part of their work;

3.  Explain and justify their work and thinking both in oral and written form;

4.  Develop confidence and perseverance in tackling mathematics;

5.  Develop an appreciation of mathematics;

6.  Develop consistent study habits, organizational skills and personal responsibility for learning.

V.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Pre-Calculus 1H-2H is a two semester sequence which carries five credits per semester.

A.	Prerequisite

A grade of A- or better is required in advanced Algebra 1-2 (to date of qualifying exam) or a grade of B or better in Advanced Algebra 1H-2H (to date of qualifying exam) as well as a satisfactory score on the districts qualifying exam.

B.	Requirements Met

The course may be used to meet high-school graduation and college entrance mathematics requirements.  It is approved as a UC Af@ requirement course.  

As a University of California designated honors course, Pre-Calculus 1H-2H carries extra grade points for the University of California. UC will grant honors credit for no more than two courses in any subject area.  For example a student taking AP Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus, and Honors Advanced Algebra will only be granted honor credit for two of these courses.

Revised: 8/18/01

I:\COS\Math\Pre-Calculus1H-2H.wpd