NWP Mathematical Systems

This website is updated at the end of each class. Click on the button below corresponding to your grade level and you will find links to the daily agenda, assignment checklist, and vocabulary lists. 

Go down deep enough into anything and you will find mathematics.  ~Dean Schlicter

Why are you required to learn Algebra and Geometry in high school? The quote above is one reason; mathematics plays a part in virtually everything.  I don't mean that understanding the Pythagorean theorem will help you get your drivers license, I mean that mathematical thinking can be beneficially applied to many situations.  Much of what we learn in class is used as a tool to teach you how to think like a mathematician. While you may not need to use the quadratic formula in life after school, the logical thinking and reasoning abilities learned while grappling with quadratics will help you in every aspect of your life. 

The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.  ~S. Gudder

Though it may often seem that the opposite is true, math really is meant to make life easier. Sometimes students get caught up in learning the language of mathematics, which can be VERY complicated, and don't focus on learning the actual math concepts. I will always strive to point out the "big ideas" and try to make the rest of it as simple as possible. If you ever feel confused or behind in class please let me know. My job is to make math as simple and approachable as possible.

It is not the job of mathematicians... to do correct arithmetical operations.  It is the job of bank accountants.  ~Samuil Shchatunovski

In this class we will develop your ability to understand problems, apply mathematical shortcuts, and determine what type of calculations are needed. I expect that you know how to do basic arithmetic by this point in your life. Because we want to spend time delving into more advanced mathematics, we will use calculators to speed up our arithmetic calculations. Buy a scientific calculator if possible. I have a few for in class use, but you will cut down on homework time if you have one to use at home.  Many cell phones have calculators built in and you are welcome to use them instead of buying a separate device.