Mathematics

Faculty Members
Barbara Hoback (bhoback@lhsmayer.org)
Dave Lane (dlane@lhsmayer.org)
Kathy Meier (kmeier@lhsmayer.org)
Tim Bierbaum (tbierbaum@lhsmayer.org)

Course Offerings (Certain courses may not be offered every semester)
Pre-Algebra 1 Credit Grade 9
Math Skills 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Algebra I 1 Credit Grades 9-10
Geometry 1 Credit Grades 9-10
Consumer Math 1 Credit Grades 11-12
Algebra II 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Pre-Calculus 1 Credit Grades 11-12
AP Calculus 1 Credit Grade 12

 

Rationale

The mathematics department at Lutheran High is concerned with the application of mathematics to the present and future daily life of the student.  Not only are certain basal math skills vital to survival, but the courses in this discipline are also designed to develop logical and rational thought processes to enhance the lives of the students.  The goal in math at Lutheran High is to help the students develop their mathematical skills so they might better discover and develop the purpose God has for them in their careers and lives as Christian leaders.

Goals of the Department

1. The students will become more proficient in applying the skills and concepts learned in previous math courses.
2. The students will appreciate the need for precision and clarity in mathematical calculations and language.
3. The students will come to the realization that the basic knowledge of math can be learned by everyone and that math is essential to a full and productive life.
4. The students will realize the need for logical reasoning and clarity of thought in approaching any problem situation.
5. The students who desire to pursue a post-high school math-related career will be properly prepared to succeed in future math courses.
6. The students will be able to devise a method to attack new types of problems and test the proposed solution for accuracy.

Department Goal Achievement Strategies

1. Each course will review and extend necessary concepts fro previous classes in the math sequence.
2. Students will be taught specific mathematical vocabulary so they can read and understand math textbooks. Time-honored methods for problem solving will be demonstrated and practiced.
3. Initial placements of students in the appropriate level of difficulty in math will be achieved by teacher recommendation and placement testing. Courses will be taught with an emphasis on mastery of essential elements and designed for all to be successful. Through examples and practice, students will internalize materials.
4. Examples of logical reasoning will be shown and explained. Step-by-step explanations will be given for complex solutions. Proofs will be used to demonstrate inductive and deductive reasoning processes.
5. Consumer Math and Math Skills provide a foundation for lifetime math skills and some vocational careers. Algebra I us a prerequisite for Chemistry and Algebra II is a prerequisite for Physics. Pre-Calculus will prepare students for future courses in college and for other math and science related careers.
6. Although most lessons in math build on previous lessons, there can be more than one way to approach problems. Instead of simply giving the solutions methods, the students will be lead into the next level of problems and asked to think through possibilities and suggest means of approach. As the students develop thought processes for solutions, the better choices will be reinforced and standard methods of solutions will be encouraged.