Tappan Zee High School

Mathematics & Computer Science

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Tappan Zee High School follows the recommendations set forth by the New York State Education Department and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics by offering courses in Mathematics and Computer Science for all students. Regents examinations are the final examinations in each of the following courses: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.

Algebra I Regents
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra/Math 8
This is the first year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will include solving linear equations and inequalities, descriptive statistics, exploring functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, absolute value, piecewise), systems of equations, operations with polynomials, factoring, and problem solving. This course culminates with the New York State Algebra Regents Examination in June.

This course is available with support for students who have difficulty in the subject area. A student’s math teacher and school counselor will work with the student to identify the appropriate level of support.

Geometry Regents
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra
This is the second year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will cover Euclidean geometry with deductive transformational and similarity proofs, analytic geometry, constructions, circles and coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and measurement (including area, volume, and density). This course culminates with the New York State Geometry Regents Examination in June.

Geometry Regents Honors
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra Honors with a grade of 90 or higher and Departmental Approval
This is more rigorous treatment of the second year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will cover Euclidean geometry with deductive proofs, transformations, analytic geometry, constructions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and measurement. Geometry Honors challenges students to think critically and apply geometric concepts. Extra topics will be included, and additional projects beyond the Regents curriculum will be included. This course culminates with the New York State Geometry Regents Examination in June.

Applications in Geometry
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I Regents
This course will cover the topics of Euclidean Geometry from a “hands on” investigative approach. Students will practice Patty Paper Geometry, with a compass and straightedge for building constructions. Students will also use protractors to design and interpret angle relationships. This course will focus on applications of geometric theorems and concepts, with minimal focus on traditional geometric proofs. The course will combine concepts and processes from Algebra, while adding specific geometric relationships to set up and solve equations. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

Algebra II Regents 
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Geometry Regents, Algebra II NR
This is the third year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will delve deeper into the study of function, specifically absolute value, quadratic, polynomial and trigonometric exponential and logarithmic functions. The course also covers a deeper understanding of sequences and series, radical equations, and statistics, including regression analysis. The course also covers the introduction of the unit circle and sinusoidal curves, as well as probability and statistics, including regression analysis. This course culminates with the New York State Algebra 2 Regents Examination in June.

Algebra II Regents (Honors)
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Geometry Honors and Departmental Approval
This is the third year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will delve deeper into the study of function, specifically absolute value, quadratic, polynomial and trigonometric exponential and logarithmic functions. The course also covers a deeper understanding of sequences and series, radical equations and statistics, including regression analysis. The course also covers the introduction of the unit circle and sinusoidal curves, as well as probability and statistics, including regression analysis. In addition to studying the regular Regents material in more depth, extra topics will be included and additional projects given.  This course culminates with the New York State Algebra 2 Regents Examination in June.

Algebra II Non-Regents
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Applications in Geometry, Geometry Regents or Departmental Approval
This course is intended as a preparatory class for the Algebra 2 Regents course which is required for a Regents diploma with advanced designation, or for those who would like a math course to prepare them for college but do not intend to major in mathematics. This course will cover models, linear relationships and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations, radicals, complex numbers, and trigonometry. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

Pre-Calculus
College Course Name: Pre-Calculus
TZHS Full Year, 1 credit
Opportunity to earn 4 credits from SUNY New Paltz
Prerequisite: Algebra II Regents
This course would follow after successful completion of three years of Regents math courses. This course covers real number systems, analytic geometry, trigonometric functions, conics and transformations, parametric equations, functions, theory of polynomial equations including complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices and determinants, partial fractions, brief introduction to limits. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

Probability and Statistics (Data Science) (11, 12)
Full Year, 1 credit
There is an introductory Statistics course focusing on elementary skills from topics such as Descriptive Statistics, Sampling and Experimentation, Probability and Inferential Statistics. Students will explore and analyze data, sampling and experimentation by planning and conducting studies. Students will also develop communication and collaboration skills to make predictions using data-based arguments. This course is designed for students completing Algebra 2 non-Regents.

Pre-Calculus Honors
College Course Name: Pre-Calculus
TZHS Full Year, 1 credit
Opportunity to earn 4 credits from SUNY New Paltz
Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors and Departmental Approval
This course follows after successful completion of three years of Regents math courses. This course covers real number systems, analytic geometry, trigonometric functions, conics and transformations, parametric equations, functions, theory of polynomial equations including complex numbers, polar coordinates, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices and determinants, partial fractions, and sequences and series, vector analysis, and a brief introduction to differential calculus and applications. Approximately 20% of the course will cover the material in more depth or include additional topics. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

Math Analysis (12)
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II
This is an elective, 12th grade course, not open to students who have completed Pre-Calculus
This course provides a fourth year of mathematics for seniors who have completed the Algebra II Regents course or the Algebra II Non-Regents course. It provides an opportunity for students to develop and maintain college level math skills in their senior year. Math Analysis builds upon skills learned in Algebra II to prepare students to take college level Pre-Calculus. The topics include real number analysis, quadratic equations, inequalities and absolute value equations and polynomials. Students will use applications of trigonometry, systems of equations, the laws of exponents and logarithms. Additional topics include SAT review and real-life financial math.

Calculus
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus and Departmental Approval
This course provides an introduction to the main concepts of Calculus, but it does not provide an opportunity for any college credit.  Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives and applications, integrals and applications, and an introduction to differential equations. This course is recommended for students who desire an introduction to college level Calculus. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB
College Course Name: Calculus 1
TZHS Full Year, 1 credit
Opportunity to earn 4 credits from SUNY New Paltz
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus Honors and Departmental Approval
This rigorous and demanding college-level course in Calculus is equivalent to a one-semester course of first-year college level calculus. This course follows the College Board AP Calculus AB Course Exam Description, which is available for download at apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses. This includes limits, continuity, an in-depth study of the derivative including techniques of differentiation and applications of the derivative; the concept of the integral and applications of integration; the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; differential equations, and slope fields. This course meets for an additional class period every other day. Students are expected to take the AP Calculus AB examination in May. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course.

Advanced Placement Calculus BC
College Course Name: Calculus 1 and Calculus 2
TZHS Full Year, 1 credit
Opportunity to earn 8 credits from SUNY New Paltz
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors and Departmental Approval
This fast-paced and demanding course is the equivalent of a full first-year two-semester college level calculus course. This course follows the College Board AP Calculus BC Course Exam Description, which is available for download at apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses. This includes the topics of limits and continuity, differentiation, analytical and contextual applications of differentiation, integration and accumulation of change, differential equations, applications of integrations, parametric equations, polar coordinates and vector-valued functions, and infinite sequences and series. This course meets for an additional class period every other day. Students are expected to take the AP Calculus BC examination in May. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course.

Advanced Placement Statistics
College Course Name: Introduction to Statistics
TZHS Full Year, 1 credit
Opportunity to earn 3 credits from SUNY New Paltz
Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors, Pre-Calculus (H) or Department Approval
This course introduces students to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: Descriptive Statistics (describing main features of a collection of data); Sampling and Experimentation (planning a study); Probability; and Inferential Statistics (drawing conclusions from data that goes beyond the data itself). All students enrolled are expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistical Examination in May. It is recommended that those students enrolled in the Science Research Course take the AP Statistics course. College credit will be available through SUNY New Paltz for this course.

FIRST Robotics I (9, 10,11,12)
Full Year, cycled, 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: None
FIRST Robotics I is designed to provide students with a rigorous science and technology course that explores advanced robotics design, construction, and software systems. Research has shown that students who participate in FIRST are very likely to express a greater understanding of how STEM is used to address problems in the world. This full year course provides students with a project-based approach to learning tasks in the areas of computer science and engineering.  The class will have various pathways for students to explore depending on their previous experience. Newer programmers and designers will engage in skill-building modules to learn more about computer science and/or design. More experienced students will work more in a capstone-style approach in which they extend their learning into advanced understandings in the field of robotics design and/or software control.

FIRST Robotics II (10,11,12)
Full Year, cycled, 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: FIRST Robotics I (9, 10,11, and 12)
FIRST Robotics II  will expand the concepts explored in FIRST Robotics I. Students will engage in advanced skill-building modules about CAD/CAM design, CNC machining, building and assembling robot parts, and implementing software systems including vision processing, command-based programming, pathfinding, and the roboRio.  More experienced students will work more in a capstone-style approach in which they extend their learning into advanced understandings in the field of robotics design and/or software control.

Computer Science: Intro to Gaming
Full year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: None, No prior coding experience is necessary
This course will give students an introduction to coding and gaming through experiences with a variety of programs such as Javascript, Unity, CodeHS (Video Game Design in JavaScript), Piskelapp, Roblox, and Animations and Games (CS Discoveries through code.org). Students will learn from a hands-on, project-based experience, the process of coding for games and apps. Students will also be introduced to the exciting field of robotics with opportunities to experience physical computing, including building, coding, and driving their own robots.

Computer Science – Note: The following two courses need to be completed in sequence and are prerequisite for AP Computer Science

Computer Science I
College Course Name: Introduction to Python
TZHS Fall Semester, 1/2 credit
Opportunity to earn 3 college credits from STAC (10th, 11th and 12th grade only)
Prerequisite: Algebra, No Coding Experience Necessary
This introductory course will implement significant language features, programming practices and application programs using Python programming language. Topics covered include developing programs, logic, debugging code, graphics, variables, looping structures, lists, and dictionaries. Sophomores, juniors and seniors may elect to earn 3 college credits at reduced tuition rates from STAC.

Computer Science II
College Course Name: Introduction to Java Programming
TZHS Spring Semester, 1/2 credit
Opportunity to earn 3 college credits from STAC (10th, 11th and 12th grade only)
Prerequisite: Computer Science I
This course expands the programming practices explored in Computer Science I. Students write programs using the Java programming language. Topics covered include variables, conditional control statements, loops, strings, methods, classes and arrays. Sophomores, juniors and seniors may elect to earn 3 college credits at reduced tuition rates from STAC.

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles
Full year, I credit
Corequisite: Algebra, no prior coding experience necessary
AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces high school students to the foundations of computer science. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, Big Data, digital privacy, and security, as well as the societal impacts of computing. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is a collaborative and ethical.

Advanced Placement Computer Science A (Java)
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Algebra II
Advanced Placement Computer Science A is equivalent to a first semester, college level course in computer science. This course continues with key Java programming concepts including loop structures, strings, methods, classes, inheritance, constructors, encapsulation, polymorphism and instantiation. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data, algorithms and social implications of computing. The AP Computer Science A course includes a minimum of 20 hours of hands-on structured lab experiences to engage students in individual or group problem solving.

Computer Science Capstone (Honors) (11, 12)
Full Year, 1 credit, 11th or 12th grade
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Java, Can be repeated
The focus of this course is to provide a broad range of programming experience in the exciting field of computer science and to help empower students as innovators. Students can choose to learn about emerging technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics or students can expand their knowledge by learning a new language. Using the design thinking process, students will have opportunities to explore, research, and create solutions to real-world challenges. Students can choose to work with mentors in the community and complete a practical experiential project. All students will present their final capstone project at the end of the year.

Foundations of Algebra (9, 10)
Full Year, 1 credit
This course is a foundational math class designed for students with interrupted formal education who require remedial math. It will prepare students for ELL Algebra 1A by covering basic mathematical skills and concepts through the English lens. This course will cover solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities.

Academic Center
Cycled, 0 credit
A lab-based extra help class where students have time to work on any problems they might have in their regular math class.

Virtual High School – Math
The following semester courses are also available through Virtual High School (VHS):
Mathematical Reasoning and Logic
Mathematics of Electricity
Number Theory

Faculty Sites

Mrs. Doreen Braunagel, Team Leader
Ms. Karen Connell Computer Science | Instructional Coach
Mr. James Donovan
Mr. Dino Doremus
Ms. Lisa Jacobs
Mr. Peter Kavanagh
Mr. Eugene Kousoulas
Mr. Dave Marino
Ms.  Kathy Moore
Ms. Barbara Murphy
Ms. Christine O’Brien
Ms. Marissa Piscani
Mr. Seth Resnikoff

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