The Math Department at Shaker High School offers a variety of programs and sequences aimed to challenge students' within their capabilities. We strive to build a strong mathematical foundation for students so they are well prepared for the workplace, for college, or for any future path they may pursue. Teachers work closely with all students to build good math communication skills, to foster sound reasoning and problem solving strategies, and to build confidence in math. Academic Intervention Services (AIS) are available to support students who experience difficulty in meeting graduation requirements, specifically success on the Math A or Algebra 1 Regents exams.

Nicholas Verdile
selected as new math supervisor

At its meeting on May 19, the North Colonie Board of Education appointed Nicholas Verdile to the position of math supervisor. He will begin his new duties on July 1.
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Video game company opens
its doors to students

Students in Marsha Gibson's 11R math class gained a new perspective and appreciation for the application of math in the real world after a visit to Vicarious Visions, a local video game company.

“I was surprised how much trigonometry was involved in making video games,” said Matt Cooper. “It was nice to see a career that uses the math we learn in class.”

The field trip provided students with an opportunity to observe how a wide variety of math skills—ranging from basic measurements and proportions to trigonometry and calculus— are used in video game production. Students met with a video game engineer, designer and artist.

“I found the field trip very interesting,” said Amanda Carney. “It gave me a feel for a possible career, and I had a lot of fun.”

Math Department
recognizes Pi Day

In honor of Pi Day, recognized nationally on March 14, Shaker Junior High and Shaker Senior High School students celebrated the irrational number 3.14, also known as pi. Students created pi poems, songs and posters, participated in a variety of competitions and, of course, ate pie! » MORE

Math Club explores answers
to challenging problems

Siena mathematics professor Jim Matthews, along with 11 of his Math Education Methods students, visited Shaker High School’s Math Club earlier this month. Students were presented with several challenge problems and worked together to discuss solutions and strategies.

Other meetings this year have explored the Rubik’s cube and number challenges. The Math Club is open to students of all abilities in ninth through twelfth grade. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11, to celebrate Pi Day. Newcomers are welcome to join. Please see Mrs. Quinn in Taft Hall for more information.

Tips for math success

In order to be most successful in math, students are encouraged to:

• Complete all daily homework assignments on a regular basis. Homework is an integral part of the learning process and students must practice the concepts introduced in class. Homework is usually checked and discussed in class.

• Ask questions! Math is a building process and it is therefore imperative that students clarify any problems before moving on to the next steps. Teachers welcome and strongly urge students to ask questions about homework problems and class work examples and demonstrations. Students are encouraged to involve themselves in class discussions.

• Seek help whenever necessary. Teachers are available after school. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Math Peer Tutoring Program.

New state math curriculum

The NYS high school math curriculum is currently transitioning from the Math A/Math B program to the Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2/Trigonometry sequence. Students currently enrolled in Shaker High School’s Unified 1, Unified 2, IRP 1, IRP 2, and Math 9R classes are studying the new Algebra 1 curriculum and will take the Algebra 1 » MORE
 

Calculators

The Math Department recommends that students purchase the Texas Instruments TI83Plus graphing calculator. This calculator will be used in all math classes throughout students’ four years of high school and into their college work. » MORE

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