Magnet Geometry is a two-semester course taken by 9th graders, taught
by Ms. Bishop. Topics include traditional topics in Euclidean geometry,
such as an explanation of postulates and proofs, parallel and perpendicular
lines, congruent and similar triangles and other polygons, circles,
arcs, and angles, area and volume, coordinate and transformational
geometry, geometric probability, and, of course, proofs: direct, indirect,
and coordinate.
Mathematical logic is introduced, with truth tables and logic proofs,
and, with a eye toward interdisciplinary work with computer science,
circuit diagrams and breadboards are used to build a one-bit and two-bit
binary adder.
Basic trigonometry also taught, including right triangle trigonometry,
degrees, radians, the unit circle, the law of sines, and the law of
cosines.
Finally, affine geometry, a non-Euclidean, finite geometry, is taught.
Aside from things that are strictly geometry, general problem solving
skills and certain algebra concepts are reinforced. The algebra topics
include solving quadratic equations and inequalities, exponents and
roots, and conic sections.