Lowell High School Home
Our School-the news Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen Emergency Plan & Fire evacuation map Lost & Found Photo Albums Archive Athletics Contact Information Course selection Fall 2013 Announcer inside-views
Counseling English JROTC Math & Computer Science Physical Education Science Social Science Visual & Performing Arts World Languages
iPad & Chromebook Reservations About Attendance Computer Lab - S106 Advanced Placement (AP) Nurse Rainey's Page Lowell Cooks Peer Resources SchoolLoop Access Notes for Parents/Guardians Shield and Scroll VICCI Homepage CST Testing 2011-2012 Spring 2013 Announcer Food And Fitness Garden Wellness 101 Wellness Center
Lowell Library
Home Forum News Members Resources Calendar Committee Rules and Laws Join the Committee About the Committee Contact the Committee
SSC
Math Course Listing

Course Listing

ALGEBRA 1
The first semester of the first year of algebra presents a study of symbols and sets, variables, properties of the natural and real numbers, operations with monomials and polynomials, linear equations and inequalities in one or two variables, polynomials and factoring.
GRADE LEVEL:9 - 12  PREREQUISITES:None

ALGEBRA 2
The second semester of the first year of algebra covers the study of polynomials, factoring, graphing and solutions of systems of equations or inequalities, operations on rational expressions, properties of exponents and radicals, the solutions of quadratic equations, probability and statistics, and elementary trigonometry.
GRADE LEVEL:9 - 12  PREREQUISITES:Passing Grade  in Algebra 1

ACCELERATED MATH 1H & 2H.
This is a continuation of a first year Algebra.  It is similar to Advanced Algebra 1 & 2 with the distinction that students will go at a faster pace, cover more material, and do more difficult problems.  This course has a focus on relations and functions, the solution of systems of equations and inequalities, the complex number plane, quadratic functions, the study of real number exponents, exponential and logarithmic functions, and rational algebraic functions. The course also includes sequences and series, binomial theorem, probability and data analysis, introductory right triangle trigonometry, graphs of functions and their inverses, rational and irrational algebraic functions, complex numbers, and probability. 
GRADE LEVEL:Strong Algebra mastery shown during Placement testing.

GEOMETRY 1
This course includes the study of introductory definitions and postulates, angles and triangles, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, perpendicular lines and planes, and parallel lines in space.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12  PREREQUISITES:Passing grade in Algebra 2. For 9th graders prerequisite Algebra mastery as shown in Placement testing.

GEOMETRY 2
This continuation of Geometry 1 covers the study of polygonal regions and their areas, similar triangles, circles and spheres, polygons, circumference and the area of circles, elementary plane coordinate geometry proofs, geometric constructions, volumes of solids and elementary trigonometry.
GRADE LEVEL:9 - 12  PREREQUISITES:Passing grade in Geometry 1 or 1H

GEOMETRY 1H & 2H
The Honors Geometry Course takes a logically rigorous theoretical approach towards fulfilling all of the California Standards for Geometry.  Methods of proof include direct two-column, indirect, proofs by coordinate geometry, mathematical induction, and proofs of constructions. Straightedge and compass constructions are learned throughout the course as their supporting theorems are introduced. Challenging construction problems are assigned to promote critical thinking skills and group discussions. Both two and three dimensional geometry, equations of circles (but not other conic sections) are covered. Trigonometric functions over the real numbers are introduced. Students learn radian measures as well as degrees. Identities are covered up to and including addition formulas for sine and cosine: sin(a + b), etc. Transformations are covered and polar coordinates are briefly introduced. Logarithms are reviewed at the end of the year, including an introduction to the natural log.
GRADE LEVEL: 10       PREREQUISITES: B or better in Accelerated Math 2H

ADVANCED ALGEBRA 1
This continuation of the first year algebra devotes its study to relations and functions, the solution of systems of equations and inequalities, the complex number plane, quadratic functions, the study of real number exponents, exponential and logarithmic functions, and rational algebraic functions.
GRADE LEVEL:10 - 12  PREREQUISITES:Passing grade in Geometry 2

ADVANCED ALGEBRA 2
The course includes sequences and series, binomial theorem, probability and data analysis, introductory right triangle trigonometry, graphs of functions and their inverses, rational and irrational algebraic functions, complex numbers, and probability.
GRADE LEVEL:10 - 12  PREREQUISITES:Passing grade in Advanced Algebra 1

PRECALCULUS 1
An in-depth study of trigonometry which includes periodic functions, trigonometric functions and their graphs, trigonometric identities, inverse trigonometric functions and graphs, and laws of sines and cosines.
GRADE LEVEL:11-12  PREREQUISITES:Passing grade in Advanced Algebra 2 or Completion of Geometry and Accelerated Math with a score of proficient or above on the Algebra 2 California Standards Test

PRECALCULUS 2
The course includes the study of two-and three-dimensional vectors, analytic geometry of the conic sections, polar coordinates, infinite series, limits, an introduction to differential and integral calculus, and selected topics.
GRADE LEVEL:12  PREREQUISITES:Passing grade in PreCalculus 1

PRECALCULUS 1H & 2H
These courses cover all topics in the California State Framework for Trigonometry and Mathematical Analysis with the increased depth expected in an Honors course.  In addition during the fall the following 3-D vector areas are covered:  equations of planes; direction cosines and direction angles; vector and symmetric equations of lines in space; and distance from a point to a plane or line in space.  During spring additional topics include parametric equations of conics, applications of parametric equations, and equations of surfaces in space including surfaces of revolution and quadratic surfaces.
GRADE LEVEL: 11  PREREQUISITES:Grade of B or better in Geometry 1H or A grades in Geometry & Advanced Algebra and recommendation of Advanced Algebra instructor.

CALCULUS/ADVANCED PLACEMENT AB & BC
Advanced Placement Mathematics is a course in introductory calculus with elementary functions. Calculus AB covers topics in functions, graphs, limits, continuity, and techniques and applications of differential and integral calculus. Calculus BC is a considerably more extensive and theoretical course. It covers all the topics in Calculus AB, plus further integration techniques, functions defined in polar and parametric form, sequences, and series.
GRADE LEVEL:11-12  PREREQUISITES:Grade C or better in PreCalculus 2, PreCalculus 2 Honors, or teacher recommendation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS
This two semester course prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement exam in Statistics. Students will study four broad conceptual themes:

1.       Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns

2.       Planning a study: Deciding what and how to measure

3.       Anticipating patterns: Producing models using probability and simulation

4.       Statistical inference: Confirming models.

GRADE LEVEL:11-12  PREREQUISITES:Advanced Algebra 2 or Accelerated Math 2H with grade C or better.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 1
This one-semester course teaches students how to create their own Java software for both computers and cell phones. It covers the fundamentals of computer programming within a visual context using both two and three dimensional computer graphics. No prior programming
experience required. Course concepts include: problem solving techniques, program design, control structures, functions, loops, data
structures, computer graphics, algorithms, programming environment, HTML and cell phone programming. The course uses free Java software
available for download from Processing.org.

GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12 PREREQUISITES: None

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 2
This one semester course is a continuation of the concepts and principles introduced in Computer Programming 1, using Python as the programming platform.  Topics covered will include classes, objects, arrays, event driven programming, GUIs, recursion, fractals and an object-oriented approach to problem-solving and program development.
GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12 PREREQUISITES: Computer Programming 1

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE

This two semester course sequence prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement exam in Computer Science. Topics covered will include the APCS Java subset, Searching, Sorting, Object Oriented Programming, Data Structures, and Analysis in the timing and efficiency of Algorithms. Free Java software is provided.

GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12 PREREQUISITES: Requires grade of B or better in Computer Programming 1 or 2, or passing a basic test of programming in Java or C+.

COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

This one semester course is based on the same curriculum used in the first semester CS10 Computer Science course that is taught at UC Berkeley. Eventually, this course will prepare students to take a new AP Computer Science Principles exam that will be offered for the first time in the Spring of 2017. Students will learn to program using the Snap programming language, The course also covers some of the "Big Ideas" of computing, such as abstraction, design, recursion, concurrency, simulations, and the history, future and limits of computation.

GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12 PREREQUISITES: None

COMPUTER & ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY

This two semester course is designed for students who want to participate in Lowell's FIRST Robotics Team. Students who take this course will be expected to take Mr. Cooley's year long Robotics Engineering course the following year. 
Topics in the Computer & Robotics Technology course include:
  • Safety and Environmental Issues
  • Safe tool use and shop training for the following power tools
    • Hand Drill
    • Jigsaw
    • Lathe
    • Mill
    • Band Saw
    • Drill Press
    • Circular Saw
  • Networks
  • Personal Computers and Components
  • Robot components and subsystems
  • Basic Electronics, Circuits and Soldering
  • Communication and Professionalism
  • Public Relations
  • Fund raising
  • Operating Systems
  • CAD design
  • Programming
  • Laptop and Portable Devices
  • Printers and Scanners
  • Security
  • Preventive Maintenance and Trouble shooting
  • Examinations & Practical Applications

GRADE LEVEL: 9 - 12 PREREQUISITES: None


Non-Discrimination Policy
San Francisco Unified School District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. This policy applies to all acts relatd to school activity or school attendance occuring within a school under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of the school district (Education Code 234.1)