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Boston Arts Academy



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ACADEMICS


 
 
Mathematics at BAA
BAA's Math curriculum combines the scope and depth of a traditional math curriculum with project-based learning, arts-focused applications and an appreciation for multiple modes of teaching and understanding math. Math skills are taught within a context of real world application. Whenever possible, those real-world applications are related to the world of the arts.
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Math Teacher Webpages
Math 1:  
The Math 1 curriculum is designed to provide students with an
engaging experience that will build on the math skills that students bring with them to BAA. In the Numeracy unit, students will look at how numbers can be used to describe individuals and their communities while they strengthen their basic skills. In the Algebra & Equilibrium unit, students will strengthen their symbolic fluency and manipulate algebraic equations. In the Linear Functions unit, students will learn to fluidly maneuver between real life situations, equations, data tables, and graphs. Students will deepen their understanding of algebraic modeling by exploring patterns in the arts and in the world. In the Probability and Statistics unit, we will investigate theoretical and experimental probabilities and use descriptive statistics to analyze, interpret, and compare data. Throughout this course, a conscious effort is made to connect to the arts and to appeal to our students’ passion and creativity.
Math 2:  
The Math 2 curriculum provides students with a more in depth
understanding of geometry. In the Triangle Geometry unit, students will investigate the properties of triangles and angles in order to solve real world problems. In the Coordinate Geometry unit, students will apply algebraic principles to solve geometric problems in the Cartesian plane. In the Animation unit, students focus on animation
programming in two-dimensions. Students will create original
animations using graphing calculators. In the Solid Figures unit, students will explore the properties of two-dimensional and
three-dimensional figures such as surface area, volume, perimeter, and area.
Math 3:  
The Math 3 curriculum provides students with a more in depth
investigation into functions. In the Linear Systems unit, students will solve real-world situations involving two or more variable equations and learn how to manipulate these equations using graphs, tables, and words. In the Exponential Functions unit, students will apply and manipulate exponential functions to help model real world situations involving growth and decay. They will use these skills to analyze movie box office data and to create a movie pitch for a new movie. In the Quadratics unit, students will use various strategies to solve and manipulate quadratic functions and their real-world applications. They will also create an animated movie that explains and demonstrates the content that they have learned in this unit, specifically standard, factored and vertex forms of quadratic equations.


Check out "Animating Quadratics", a project by Spring 2008 Math 3 students.  Our students worked with Pel Osborn of MotionArt, Boston to create animations based on manipulations of quadratic equations.  We are thankful for a generous grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council in support of this exciting interdisciplinary project.

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Anita Walker, Executive Director

Math 4:  
The Math 4 curriculum builds on the understanding of functions
acquired in the previous three courses. In the Functions unit, students will study the properties and applications of different families of functions. They will generalize non-regular data into mathematical models using functional regressions. In the Trigonometry unit, students will analyze and solve real-life problems involving trigonometric functions, such as the motion of Ferris wheels and periodic weather patterns. In the Statistics unit, students will create, administer, and analyze a survey using valid statistical methodologies to test hypotheses and develop conclusions. Students who successfully complete Math 4 will be prepared for a college-level math course.
Math 5:  
The Math 5 curriculum is a rigorous preparation for college-level or
other further study of mathematics. The course is designed to be a bridge between high school and college level mathematics with a focus on student-centered learning, group problem solving skills and mathematical research. The course will focus on two main content strands: advanced algebra (including sequences, logarithms, complex numbers), and differential calculus (including limits, derivatives, optimizations). Students who successfully complete Math 5 will be prepared for a college-level calculus course.