Math Workshops/Science Workshops
These classes are not intended to give students “credit” but rather to provide enrichment and a stronger understanding of the subject prior to taking the full course during the next school year. For all math workshops, a graphing calculator is required.
| Eligibility Course Descriptions Mathematics Science |
Eligibility
Students are required to submit an application, application fee, topic essay, current transcript, school recommendation, two teacher recommendations and a graded English paper.
Course Descriptions
Mathematics
MA60
Algebra I Review
This workshop is intended for students who have had a full year of Algebra I, but want to strengthen their foundation before entering Algebra II. The course reviews key topics, including simplifying numerical and algebraic expressions, equations and graphs of lines and inequalities, systems of equations, factoring, radical expressions and equations, properties of exponents and operations with rational expressions. Absolute value, applications, probability and data analysis will be included as time permits.
MA70
Concepts in Algebra II
This workshop covers important concepts found in a traditional Algebra II syllabus, but with an emphasis on functions. The actual topics selected are determined in part by a preview assessment on the first day and may include linear functions (equations and graphs), systems of linear inequalities, quadratic functions (equations and graphs), and rational and radical expressions and equations. Exponential and logarithmic functions (equations and graphs), series and sequences and complex numbers are introduced as time permits.
Prerequisite: Algebra I.
MA80 Concepts in Precalculus
This workshop starts with a thorough investigation of functions and their graphs (operations, symmetries, stretches and translations, inverses). Specific functions studied include polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic. The course concludes with an investigation of conic sections. Sequences and series will be covered as time permits.
Prerequisite: Algebra II.
MA90 Concepts in Calculus
This workshop focuses on three of the basic foundational concepts in calculus: limits, continuity and derivative. Graphical, numerical and analytical methods will be used for an in-depth exploration of these topics. The power rules of differentiation will be introduced, along with the product and quotient rules as time permits. Prerequisites include a strong background in precalculus, and to a lesser extent, trigonometry.
Science
SC40
Concepts in Chemistry
This workshop is designed to be a brief introduction to some of the central concepts in first-year Chemistry courses. In addition, the course aims to expose students to some of the more challenging parts of the traditional Chemistry curriculum so that they have a greater chance for success. Classroom demonstrations as well as lab exercises will provide a framework for making connections between phenomena and theory. Proper problem solving techniques will be emphasized in those segments dealing with quantitative analysis. Some of the topics covered include chemical equation writing and predicting products, mole conversions and stoichiometry.
SC50 Concepts in Physics
This workshop focuses on increasing students' comfort-level with this oftem challenging discipline. The course focuses on several introductory topics including kinetics and Newton's Law of Motion in order to help students transition into their prospective courses. Hands-on experimentation is used to give students practical examples of the phenomena they are apt to study in a traditional physics curriculum. In addition, students are exposed to problem solving techniques that support much of the quantitative analysis they are likely to see.