STEM Math
Mathematics is an essential piece of the STEM puzzle. By studying mathematics, students are developing the language with which they will approach many of the problems they encounter in the STEM fields. But, this language goes beyond being able to manipulate numbers and, more broadly, centers on the logical manipulation of ideas.
To that end, in STEM math courses, students focus primarily on the question, "How do we know if something is true?" and begin to answer it from a variety of vantage points. Mastering the ability to ask and effectively answer this question hones students' ability to think objectively about real-world problems and to approach them with poise and careful consideration. Rather than randomly trying methods for solving problems, STEM math champions critical thinking and encourages students to make choices based in logic. Such is the discipline that characterizes professionals in the STEM fields.
So, is STEM math right for you?
- Well, if you find yourself asking questions like, "So, why does that formula work?" or "Where can we use this stuff outside of class?", then STEM math might be for you.
- If you like to figure out the next step for solving problems or using ideas in class before the teacher gets there, then STEM math might be for you.
- If you like the idea of applying the concepts you learn in math class to real, tangible problems with important meaning to the rest of the world, STEM math might be for you.
- If you love the feeling of arriving at the solution to a tough problem that required plenty of thinking and reasoning, then STEM math might be for you.
- If you love numbers, logic, proof, exploration and application, then STEM math is definitely for you!
- Come see what STEM math has to offer you by joining the T.C. Williams STEM academy next year!
About your teacher:
Laura Angelich is originally from St. Simons Island, GA. She moved to the D.C. area to attend Georgetown University, where she majored in Mathematics. After teaching for two years in North Carolina, she attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she received her Ed.M. in Learning and Teaching in May 2018. In addition to teaching Algebra I through Precalculus, Ms. Angelich has had the opportunity to teach kayaking, dance, English language, art, computer science, and reading. She loves working with the amazing team at Minnie Howard and interacting daily with the future engineers, designers, artists, and problem solvers in the STEM Academy student body.
SOL Geometry: Grades 9-12 | 1 credit | Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course focuses on integrated plane, solid and coordinate geometry, along with the properties of geometric figures, trigonometric relationships, and reasoning to justify conclusions. Methods of justification include paragraph proofs, two-column proofs, indirect proofs, coordinate proofs, algebraic methods and verbal arguments.
SOL Algebra II: Grades 9-12 | 1 credit | Prerequisite: Geometry
A thorough treatment of advanced algebraic concepts is provided through the study of functions, "families of functions," equations, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational and radical equations, complex numbers and sequences or series.
STEM students enjoy opportunities to take a variety of math courses based upon background, interest, and course selection. Many of our students take courses to include Geometry, Algebra II, Statistics, Calculus, and Discreet Math. Students also enjoy opportunities for real world applications of math via field trips to places like the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA) -- see link below.