Mathematical Modeling
Mathematical Modeling is an Alabama-specific course that builds on and reinforces the concepts introduced through the three required state courses Geometry with Data Analysis, Algebra I with Probability, and Algebra II with Statistics. It solidifies student understanding of geometric modeling, engages students in developing real-world financial literacy, and bolster’s decision-making skills through exercises in probability and data analysis. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations.
Course topics include three-dimensional solids; linear and exponential number sequences and functions; personal financial literacy through banking and property ownership; data collection and graphic representation via histograms, bar graphs, box plots, and scatterplots; analysis and employment of extending results involving probability distribution; and sampling and confidence intervals.
This course supports all students as they develop computational fluency and deepen conceptual understanding. Students begin each lesson by discovering new concepts through guided instruction, then confirm their understanding in an interactive, feedback-rich environment. Modeling activities equip students with tools for analyzing a variety of real-world scenarios and mathematical ideas. Journaling activities allow students to reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct arguments, critique reasoning, and communicate precisely. Performance tasks prepare students to synthesize their knowledge in novel, real-world scenarios and require that they make sense of multifaceted problems and persevere in solving them.
This course is built to Alabama state standards. Throughout the course, students are evaluated by a variety of assessments designed to prepare them for the content, form, and depth of state exams.