Math Department

    Pictured in this photo from left to right:
    Front Row: Ms. Taylor Cassatt, Ms. Susha Swamy, Ms. Angel Yee
    2nd Row: Mr. Jesse Motko, Ms. Emily Prather, Mr. Robert Wells
    3rd Row: Mrs. Sarah Fitzgerald (AP), Mr. Andre' Wise (RT), Ms. Kayla White, Mr. James Dow, Mr. Jason Sprankle, Mr. Robert Hyman
    Back Row: Mr. Brian Humphrey, Mr. Michael Mueller, Mr. Joshua Molnar

    The Math Department can be reached by phone at 240-207-2366

     

    Math Department Mission Statement

    The Mathematics Department plays an important role in the education of every Damascus student.  The mission of the mathematics department:
    • Empower a community of learners to activate prior knowledge, think critically, and demonstrate improved problem-solving skills.
    • Create a supportive and equitable learning environment that fosters a deep appreciation for mathematics and prepares students to become contributing members of society, both locally and globally.

    Math Department Staff

    Math Department course pathway/course descriptions

    Damascus HS Math Courses Pathways
    9th Grade: Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra 2
     
    10th Grade: Algebra 1 (for students who have not taken), Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2 (depending on algebraic
    prerequisite skills and independent study habits), AP Precalculus or Honors Precalculus
     
    11th Grade: Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2 (depending on algebraic prerequisite skills and independent study habits), AP
    Precalculus or Honors Precalculus, Calc w/ Applications, AP AB Calculus or AP BC Calculus (depending on prerequisite
    skills and independent study habits)*, Honors Statistics, AP Statistics**, SAMMS, Financial Mathematics
    12th Grade: AP Precalculus or Honors Precalculus, Calc w/ Applications, AP AB Calculus or AP BC Calculus (depending
    on prerequisite skills and independent study habits), Honors Statistics, AP Statistics**, SAMMS, Financial Mathematics
    *juniors decide to remain on the calculus pathway or not
    **the recommendation is for students to take Honors Statistics prior to taking AP Statistics but it is not required
     

    Elective Math Course Descriptions

    Financial Math: Financial Mathematics is designed to enhance students abilities in mathematical decision-making and
    financial literacy. Emphasis is on the mathematical aspects of savings and investments loans, credit budgeting, chance
    decision-making, and starting a business.
     
    Statistics and Math Models (SAMM): Statistics and Mathematical Modeling (SaMM) is an introductory course in
    statistics, probability, reasoning, and functions intended for students in a wide variety of areas of study. Semester A topics
    include logic, matrices, apportionment, fair decision-making, regression, and statistical data analysis (including
    interpretation of data displays, comparisons of distributions, and using normal distributions). Semester B topics include a
    comprehensive look at probability (including basic, conditional, binomial distributions, and discrete distributions) and
    functions (focusing on linear, quadratics, exponential and trigonometric).
     
    Honors Statistics: This course will familiarize students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses
    and in professions through the use of exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics,
    probability, regression, confidence intervals and an introduction to hypothesis testing. Upon completion of this course,
    students will be able to critically analyze the use and misuse of statistics in social and scientific issues, to display data and
    analyze frequency distributions, to calculate and interpret measures of central tendency and dispersion, to use simple
    probability to interpret distributions, to use technology to explore regression and correlation and to calculate a confidence
    interval to determine the strength of a statistical claim.
     
    AP Statistics: AP Statistics students engage in the exploratory analysis of data, using graphical and numerical techniques. Data sets
    are collected using statistical design methods. Students produce appropriate models using probability, simulation, and statistical inference.
    Models are used to draw conclusions from data and analyzed by inferential methods to determine whether the data support or discredit the
    model. This course is equivalent to a non-calculus-based introductory college statistics course.
     
    Calculus with Applications: Calculus with Applications topics include limits, continuity, and derivatives of
    functions, the definite integral, and their real-world applications. Students find and apply derivatives numerically,
    graphically, and symbolically. Previously studied functions will be analyzed using calculus concepts. The relationship
    between the derivative and the definite integral is developed. Students will model real-world situations involving rates of
    change using difference or differential equations.
     
    AP AB Calculus: Calculus AB topics are those traditionally offered in the first year of calculus in college, and are
    designed for students who wish to obtain a semester of AP in college. The topics studied include limits, continuity,
    derivatives and integrals of algebraic and transcendental functions and their applications, and elementary differential
    equations.
     
    AP AB Calculus: Calculus BC includes all of the topics in Calculus AB, as well as convergence tests for series, Taylor
    or Maclaurin series, vector, polar, and parametric functions. Students in BC Calculus may receive two semesters of AP in
    mathematics.
     

    Math Department course syllabi