Mathematics
The Glenbrook South Mathematics Department has an extensive curriculum designed to meet individual student needs. With over 20 unique course offerings, including 5 AP courses, a college dual credit course, and Geometry in Construction, the curriculum and programming are designed to foster and promote inquiry, collaboration, and problem solving.
Our course progression and sequencing is designed to build a strong common foundation and offer choices later in a student’s high school pathway. This enables students to work toward their goals in the realm of college and career as they progress.
Staff Directory
Courses
Grade: 11/12 Length: 2 Semesters Credit: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms is a year long course that continues and extends the work that was started in the prior year course, AP Computer Science A. ADSA focuses on fundamental algorithms and dynamic data structures, including linear lists, stacks, queues, trees, directed graphs, and other linked structures: arrays, strings, heaps, and hash tables. Topics include elementary methods of complexity analysis applied to algorithms that manipulate dynamic and static data structures, as well as algorithms focused on sorting and searching methods. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate choice and use of standard data structures.
This course offers students a mixture of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Alternative techniques for solving problems will be discussed and implemented. The study of data structures and algorithms is carried out within an object-oriented framework. When implementations are considered, the Java programming language is used.
PREREQUISITE: “B” or better in AP Computer Science A and teacher recommendation
Grade: 10/11/12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course covers various elementary functions, rational and polynomial functions, trigonometry, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Additional topics include polar equations, vectors, parametric equations, probability, statistics, and sequences & series.
Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra 2 or a strong “A” in Algebra 2 Studies and teacher recommendation.
Grade: 9/10 Length: 2 Semesters
This course covers operations, properties, and patterns in algebra. It covers topics of proportions, linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, polynomial factoring, quadratics, absolute value, exponential functions, radicals, probability, and elementary statistics. There is a Language Assisted alternative for English learners.
Prerequisite: Prealgebra or Common Core 8.
Grade: 9/10/11 Length:2 Semesters
This course covers linear and quadratic relations, systems of equations, properties of functions, powers and roots, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, polynomials, sequences & series, and basic probability & statistics.
Prerequisite: Geometry or strong “A” in Geometry Studies and teacher recommendation
Grade: 9/10 length: 2 Semesters
This course covers content similar to Advanced Algebra 363 at a more rapid pace and with more rigorous problems, anticipating the high level of algebraic performance required for success in Precalculus Honors and AP Calculus. Topics include a quick review of linear functions, absolute value functions, quadratic functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, trigonometric functions, complex numbers, trigonometry, and probability & statistics.
Prerequisite: “B-” or better in Geometry Honors or a strong “A” in Geometry and teacher recommendation. Completion of summer packet is required.
Grade: 11/12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course addresses modeling, including extensive work with linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, and sinusoidal functions. Equations, inequalities, and systems are addressed. Students learn right triangle trigonometry and trigonometric functions. The course also covers principles of probability. There is a Language Assisted alternative for English learners.
Prerequisite: Geometry Studies (LA) or Geometry Team
Grade: 9/10 Length: 2 Semesters
This course focuses on operations, properties and patterns in algebra. It covers linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, various other functions, relations, elementary statistics and data analysis. There is a Language Assisted alternative for English learners that meets everyday.
Prerequisite: Pre Algebra or Common Core 8.
Grade: 9 Length: 2 Semesters
This co-taught course focuses on operations, properties and patterns in algebra. It covers linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, various other functions, relations, elementary statistics and data analysis.The course is also designed to develop study skills necessary for success in subsequent math studies. The class meets every day.
Prerequisite: Prealgebra or Common Core 8, and recommendation of the mathematics instructional supervisor and TEAM staff.
Grade: 11/12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course is comparable to one semester of a college-level calculus course.This course emphasizes skills and content required to perform successfully on the AP exam for this course given in May. The student may receive college credit, advanced college placement, or both depending on the exam score.Topics include functions, graphs, limits, continuity, and the concepts, computation, and applications of both derivatives and integrals, including the fundamental theorem of calculus. Students must have a very strong preparation in mathematics for this course and must be willing to commit the time necessary for AP test preparation.
Prerequisite: “C” or higher in Precalculus Honors, strong "B" in Advanced Precalculus.
Grade: 11/12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course is comparable to two semesters of a college-level calculus course.This course emphasizes skills and content required to perform successfully on the AP exam for this course given in May. The student may receive college credit, advanced college placement, or both depending on the exam score.Topics include functions, graphs, limits, continuity, concepts, computation, and applications of derivatives, concepts, computation, and extensive applications of integrals including the fundamental theorem of calculus, infinite series, motion in a plane defined by parametrics and vectors, and calculus in the polar coordinate system. Students must have a very strong preparation in mathematics for this course and must be willing to commit the time necessary for AP test preparation.
Prerequisite: “A” in Precalculus Honors and teacher recommendation.
Grade: 10/11/12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course emphasizes skills and content required to perform successfully on the AP exam for this course given in May. The student may receive college credit, advanced college placement, or both depending on the exam score. The course uses the Java programming language. Topics include object oriented programming with a focus on problem solving, algorithm development, the study of data structures, and the use of abstraction in modeling real-world scenarios. Students should be proficient in computing, mathematics, and writing skills.
Prerequisite:“B” or better in Computer Science Honors, enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher, approval of AP Comp Sci Principles instructor, or permission from Instructional Supervisor. Applied arts and mathematics credit. Academic Rank.
Grade: 10/11/12 Length: One Year
AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. Students will think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. Working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, students will further develop their communication and collaboration skills. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP Computer Science Principles prepares students for college and career.
Prerequisite: Algebra. Applied arts and mathematics credit. Academic Rank.
Grade: 11/12 length: 2 Semesters
This course emphasizes skills and content required to perform successfully on the AP exam for this course given in May. The student may receive college credit, advanced college placement, or both depending on the exam score. Topics include exploratory analysis of data, data collection, probability, statistical inference and ethical use of statistics. Students will conduct several research projects and present formal written and oral reports.
Prerequisite: Strong “B” in Advanced Precalculus or “C” in Precalculus Honors.
Grade: 12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course covers standard topics of calculus such as limits, differentiation and integration. The content is not targeted to the AP Calculus exam and students will not cover all topics learned in AP Calculus. This allows for a modified pace. Serves as preparation for a college calculus course.
Prerequisite: “A” in Precalculus 463, “C” or higher in Advanced Precalculus.
Grade: 9/10/11/12 Length: 1 Semester
This course is an introduction to object oriented programming using the Java programming language. In this class, students will use library classes and packages for developing GUI (graphical user interface) applets and applications. Topics include programming syntax and style, conditional statements, strings, arrays, repetition statements, and an emphasis on object oriented programming.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher, or permission from Instructional Supervisor. Applied arts and mathematics credit. Academic Rank.
Grade: 12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course is designed for, but is not limited to, students who plan on going into non-mathematical majors in college and are taking their final mathematics course at GBS. Students will use statistics and modeling to make predictions / decisions from data. Applications are drawn from epidemiology, business, bioethics, scheduling, voting, sociology, and current events. Students will use spreadsheets to analyze data and generate graphs. Evaluation of student performance will be based primarily on homework, quizzes, class participation, presentations, and projects.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (any level). Precalculus is helpful but not required.
Grade: 9/10 length: 2 Semesters
This course includes formal proof, logic and deductive reasoning, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, congruent and similar figures, coordinate geometry, transformations, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, surface area and volume.
Prerequisite “C” or higher in Algebra or strong “A” in Algebra Studies and teacher recommendation.
Grade: 9/10 Length: 2 Semesters
This is a challenging course in plane and solid geometry. It includes all the topics of geometry with additional rigor in proof, logic and deductive reasoning. Additional emphasis on non-routine problems.
Prerequisite: Algebra Honors (middle school) or strong “A” in Algebra and teacher recommendation. Completion of summer packet required.
Geometry in Construction involves integrating a Geometry course and a Construction course to apply mathematics in a real-world application. Students will study geometry topics in the context of building structures during the course, allowing for authentic application. While learning and applying geometry, students will gain experience and build skills in construction. Students will learn correct safety procedures as they use tools and equipment. Students will earn a math and applied art credit. Limited space available.
Geometry GIC 263 (MAG2630CS)
GRADE: 9/10 LENGTH: 2 SEM
This course must be taken in conjuction with Construction GIC 163 (ATB16300S) as part of the Geometry in Construction integrated and co-taught program. This course covers formal proof, logic and deductive reasoning, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, congruent and similar figures, coordinate geometry, transformations, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, surface area and volume. Prerequisite: Algebra Studies or Algebra 163.
Grade: 10/11 Length: 2 Semesters
This course covers all important geometry content for later mathematics, but de-emphasizes formal proof in favor of practical applications and sense making. Topics include transformations, parallel lines, triangles, right triangle trigonometry, properties of quadrilaterals, polygons, congruence & similarity, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume. There is a Language Assisted alternative for English learners.
Prerequisite: Algebra Studies (LA) or strong “A” in Algebra Team and teacher recommendation
Grade: 10 Length: 2 Semester
This co-taught course is a continuation from Algebra Team 163. It covers all important geometry content for later mathematics, but de-emphasizes formal proof in favor of practical applications and sense making. Topics include transformations, parallel lines, triangles, right triangle trigonometry, properties of quadrilaterals, polygons, congruence & similarity, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.
Prerequisite: Placement is by the recommendation of the mathematics instructional supervisor, guidance counselor, and TEAM staff.
Grade: 11/12 Length: 2 Semesters Credit: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
The multivariable calculus portion of the course extends the ideas of AP Calculus AB and BC to introduce calculus on curves and surfaces in three-dimensional space. This includes vector analysis, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, line integrals, surface integrals, and the core theorems of vector calculus. The linear algebra portion of the course emphasizes techniques of linear algebra with applications. Topics include matrix operations, determinants, linear equations, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, inner products and norms, orthogonality, and linear dynamical systems. Topics align with the Oakton Community College syllabi for Calculus III and Linear Algebra. In addition to high school credit, two semesters of college math credit may be obtained through the dual credit program of Oakton Community College. An application fee of $25 is required if students elect to receive college credit.
PREREQUISITE: AP Calculus BC or AP Calculus AB with teacher recommendation.
Grade: 11/12 Length: 2 Semesters
This course emphasizes mathematics many students need upon entering a university. It covers polynomial functions, rational functions, trigonometry, logarithms, probability, and statistics. Modeling with data is integrated throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation or Algebra 2 Studies.
Grade: 10/11 Length: 2 Semesters
This course covers various elementary functions, rational and polynomial functions, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions. Additional topics include polar equations, vectors, parametric equations, partial fraction decomposition, conics, and sequences & series. Topics studied in depth as preparation for AP Calculus.
Prerequisite: “B-” or better in Algebra 2 Honors or a strong “A” in Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation. Completion of summer packet is required.
Course Sequence
Student Support
Classroom Teacher
Of course the first and most natural person to see for help in math is the classroom teacher. Teachers share when they are free and how to best coordinate meeting. Typically, students will work with their teacher in the Mathematics Office (Room 2345) or at some of the tables just outside the office.
- Open 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ( 4 p.m. on Fridays)
- The Titan Learning Center (TLC) offers support in all subjects. For academic help, there are peer tutors and qualified adults available to assist students. Peer tutors are trained, vetted, and assigned according to the classes they are most qualified to tutor. Walk-ins are welcome.
Online Resources
There are a variety of high quality resources available online. From instructional videos to interactive homework help sites, there are many great options and many that are completely free.