Mathematics

Mathematics at Maine Coast Semester

Our experience indicates that small, intimate classes and meaningful collaboration naturally lead students to discuss, present, and debate mathematics. Consistent with our teaching philosophy, students are expected to engage in serious intellectual challenge, become adept at using a variety of mathematical techniques, think critically, learn how to attack math problems individually and collaboratively, and to ask questions. In addition, we utilize real-world math applications, especially in relation to the natural world on Chewonki Neck. This approach results in strengthened problem-solving skills, a better fundamental understanding of mathematics, and important connections to our mission. 

Mathematics courses are offered in Algebra II, Precalculus, Intro to Calculus, AB, and BC Calculus. Typical classes include a mix of discussion, written work, board work, presentations, projects, and lectures. Our classes provide opportunities to appreciate, discuss, practice, and learn math every day.

The mathematics programs of our sending schools play a large part in planning the specific topics covered in each of our classes offered. Classes are designed to prepare students to re-enter their sending school math program when they leave Maine Coast Semester.

*All classes require the use of a TI-83/84/89/Nspire calculator. 

Algebra II (H)

Elective, Prerequisite: Algebra I 

Algebra II is designed to strengthen and reinforce students’ algebraic skills through a rigorous analysis of functions. Topics emphasized in both semesters include simplifying expressions, solving equations, and modeling functions. Students will use their graphing calculator and Desmos extensively throughout the course. Specific content covered each semester will shift depending on the curricular needs of the students enrolled. 

Typical Fall Semester topics: Introduction to functions; Simplifying expressions; Linear equations and inequalities; Factoring; Quadratic functions; Function transformations 

Typical Spring Semester topics: Function review and transformations; Polynomial Functions; Rational Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic functions; Trigonometric functions; Conics 

Texts used: Algebra and Trigonometry by Paul Foerster and the Chewonki Math Textbook act as guides for this course; most classes deviate from the texts to allow more hands-on and interactive lessons.

Precalculus (H)

Elective, Prerequisite: Algebra II 

The underlying goal of this course is to develop a deep and enduring understanding of a wide range of mathematical topics before entering Calculus. We hope to foster intellectual curiosity and mathematical sophistication that is inherently valuable as well as preparing students for future math courses. We do this through experiential place-based learning whenever possible. The mathematical concepts are often taught in connection with our forest, intertidal, and ocean ecosystems on and around Chewonki Neck. For example, monitoring the water level changes at our tidal waterfront allows us to explore trigonometric functions. We study vectors by canoe, determining how different current speeds influence our paddling. Sending school teachers are asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire and provide a syllabus to help inform class placement. The sections we offer are based on the content students covered prior to their arrival at Maine Coast Semester and the content they will miss while they are here. 

Typical Fall Semester topics: Functions (Transformations/Composites/Inverses); Polynomial functions; Exponential & Logarithmic functions; Trigonometric functions; Analytic Trigonometry 

Typical Spring Semester topics: Trigonometric functions; Analytic trigonometry; Trigonometry applications (vectors, polar and parametric equations); Sequences and series; Limits; Derivatives

Texts include: Precalculus with Limits, 2nd Edition, Ron Larson (2011) and Chewonki Math Textbook 

Intro to Calculus (H)

Elective, Prerequisite: Algebra II; current enrollment in a Precalculus course or higher-level math course.

Note: This course is only offered in the spring semester.

This course is designed for students planning to enroll in BC Calculus in the fall. This course will begin with an exploration of the applications of trigonometry, including vectors, parametrics, and polar functions. This applied aspect of the course will be place-based as much as possible, utilizing Chewonki’s natural resources to model mathematical phenomena. About midway through the semester, we will transition to the introductory calculus topics of limits, continuity, and derivatives.

AP^® Calculus AB

Elective, Prerequisite: The fall semester course is suitable for students who have completed Precalculus. The spring semester course is appropriate for students having studied differential calculus in the fall.

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP® Calculus AB exam in the spring but may also be taken by students enrolled in non-AP® Calculus at home. The course covers a traditional AP® curriculum, although slight modifications are made each semester to best suit the students in the class. In the fall, the course begins with a study of limits and derivatives, and typically covers all of differential calculus and introduces integral calculus through antidifferentiation and the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. In the spring, the course begins with a review of antidifferentiation, and moves into an in-depth study of integration and its applications, with significant time set aside for AP® exam review. 

Fall Semester: Limits and continuity; Derivatives; Applications of derivatives.

Spring Semester: Definite integral; Differential equations and modeling; Applications of definite integrals; AP® exam review. Text used: Calculus for AP®: A Complete Course, James Stewart and Stephen Kokoska (2019)

AP^® Calculus BC

Elective, Prerequisite: Fall semester students should have completed either Calculus AB or an advanced Precalculus course including topics of limits, continuity, and derivatives. Spring semester students should have completed one semester of BC Calculus.

This is a fast-paced and rigorous course, designed to prepare students for the AP® Calculus BC exam in the spring. The class is typically small and covers a traditional AP® curriculum, although slight modifications are made each semester to best suit the students in the class. The course is not restricted to students taking an AP® class at home. 

Fall Semester: Review of derivatives and applications of derivatives; Integrals; Applications of integrals; and Advanced techniques of integration. 

Spring Semester: Topics vary depending on student needs, but typically include Differential equations; Sequences and series; Derivatives and integrals of parametric, polar, and vector functions; and Polynomial approximations, as well as AP® Exam Review. Text used: Calculus for AP®: A Complete Course, James Stewart and Stephen Kokoska (2019)