|
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.
»
MORE
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
[top of page]
|