Group Lessons at MiM!
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Weekly group lessons are taught by Gina at MiM!, and most classes meet once a week for 1-2 hours per lesson. Class sizes range from 3-20 students with the majority of classes having less than 10 students. Enrollment is based on students’ levels and available space with priority given to students currently in our roster. Most classes are held in the early evenings and acceptance is usually based on a private initial session with Gina. In addition to the regularly scheduled weekly classes, we have impromptu classes when necessary before exams, midterms and finals. Current classes for the 2015 school year include:
Advanced Math Exploration: Level 2 – AME for the Stars This class is geared toward middle school students who are naturally interested in numbers and curious about new concepts. The sky’s the limit for this class, and we strengthen core skills through exploration of advanced topics that most students aren’t exposed to until high school and college. Most, but not all of the students in AME 2 have completed AME 1, and entrance is based on Gina’s discretion; usually students are invited after an initial private session to assure the student is at an appropriate potential and experiential level. In AME 2 we study: decimal place value, the base ten system, number groups, all operations with whole and rational numbers, order of operations, inverse operations, problem solving, basic probability, ratios, proportions, percents, number theory, number groups, integer operations, intro to imaginary numbers, sequences and patterns (intro to discrete mathematics), exponential notation, intro to algebraic techniques, properties of equality, graphing in the plane, exploring the nature of input/output relationships, two-dimensional plane geometry and more. This class always includes group games. Advanced Math Exploration: Level 3 – AME for Algebra Most AME 3 students have completed Levels 1 & 2 and are now studying algebra specifically. In this course our goal is to have every student acquire solid algebraic skills, from linear expressions through logarithmic properties while building a rock solid sense of the language of the algebraic method. Topics include simplifying polynomial expressions, solving equations and inequalities, graphing basic functions, solving literal equations, translating English into Algebra, solving inequalities, absolute value, representing relationships between inputs and outputs in tables/functions/graphs, transformations in the plane, solving quadratic equations, simplifying exponential expressions, scientific notation, multi-step problem solving, intro to function notation, domain/range, systems of equations, intro to logarithms and trigonometry. Weekly classes include games and enrichment activities that keep it fun and fast. When appropriate these lessons are sprinkled with SAT and ACT preview preparation and students with graphing calculators are encouraged to bring in order to learn the basics of this wonderful technology. This class often included group games. Geometry: Single, plane and 3-D exploration With a focus on supporting the curriculum most students use in school, our weekly Geometry course focuses on the vocabulary, notation and properties of earth measurement. Angles, segments, postulations, definitions, properties, theorems, proofs, perimeter, area, surface area, volume, probability, polygons, linear functions, sequences, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, similar figures, proportions, circles and sectors and proofs are all fair game in this very important introduction to the world of Euclid. As with Algebra, we always include some SAT and ACT prep in our lessons and play games when appropriate and time permits. Algebra 2 Designed for students who have completed both Algebra 1 and Geometry, this course includes: all basic functions, domain and range, non-linear inequalities, absolute value, transformations in the coordinate plane, function notation, inverse functions, composite functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational functions, exponential properties, logarithms, roots and radicals, mixture problems, advanced problem solving, interval notation, intro to limits and asymptotes, right and oblique triangle trigonometry, the unit circle, trig identities, proofs and sinusoidal graphs. Students with graphing calculators are strongly encouraged to bring them to class in order to learn more advanced methods of graphical analysis. Pre-calculus This advanced algebra course is aimed at curriculum support and test prep with emphasis on all of the prior algebra topics plus systems of non-linear equations, advanced functions, dummy variables, sequences/series, advanced probability, statistics, exponential equations, logarithms, polynomial analysis, vectors, parametric and polar equations, unit circle trig, proofs, and preparation for the IB exam for students planning to take this in the Spring. A graphing calculator is required for this class. Calculus This is an introduction to the math of change. Differential and integral calculus is geared toward high school students currently enrolled (or very interested) in the subject. Building from limits and the definition of the derivative through integration, we cover all of the basic topics of calculus including but not limited to: derivatives of polynomial and transcendental functions, implicit differentiation and related rates, graphical analysis, applications of the derivative, geometric sums, integration strategies, surface area, volume, work, sequences and series. Throughout the course we maintain a focus on preparation for the advanced placement exam for students taking this in the Spring. |
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