High School Mathematics

Geometry 9

Earlier this term, students have completed the Geometry needed for practical applications in higher math.  Later in the term, students concentrated on achieving mastery of Polynomials and Factoring, Quadratic Equations and Functions, Radicals and Geometry Connections, and Rational Equations and Functions.  These particular concepts provide the foundation needed to excel in higher math.  

Despite having to learn online, students have been engaged and will complete these concepts before the end of the year.  By focusing on these elements, all students in this course will be well-prepared in order to succeed in Algebra 2 next year.  

Algebra 2

In the past, students have used Indirect Measurement (Proportions) to find the height of a tree by using its shadow.  This year, students in Algebra 2 are able to solve this exact same problem using Trigonometric Ratios and Functions.  They are also learning to use radian measure and evaluate trigonometric functions of any angle.  At the end of the current chapter, students will be able to make the connection with how architects and engineers are able to construct and design structures by using the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines. It is here where one can see if students are thinking about pursuing a career in the field of engineering or architecture.  It is quite fascinating.

Pre-Calculus

Students in Pre-Calculus have just completed Systems of Equations and Inequalities.  Although they have been exposed to it in the past, they have taken it to the next level by learning about Linear Programming.  Linear programming is used in both Business and Economics and is often used to model and solve real-life problems such as trying to find the maximum profit for a particular business.

AP Calculus AB

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College Board has decided to remove the unit on “Applications of Integration” from the required units in AP Calculus AB. This helped the students to adapt to the changes brought about by this pandemic. One big change is the transition to online learning. Fortunately, the students were able to transition to online learning quite well. They were diligent in completing assignments and actively participated during the video meetings.

The other change is the structure of this year’s AP exam. The tests will be administered online, and students will use whatever device they have access to, whether computers, tablets, or cellphones. They can either type their responses or send photos of written responses. However, all the AP Calculus AB students in the entire world will have to take the test at the same time. That means that our students had to take the exam at 1:00 am Surabaya time. They took the exam last Tuesday, May 12. Unfortunately, some of our students will have to retake the exam in June due to technical problems they encountered in uploading their responses.

This is an unprecedented time for everyone but our AP Calculus AB student continued to work hard and took on the challenge. I wish them well on their future Mathematics endeavors!

Business Mathematics

Despite COVID-19’s interference with our seniors’ learning routine, the Business Mathematics students have had ample time completing the Business Mathematics curriculum. Students have had a chance to research about Behavioral Finance focusing on Social Media and Spending. The goal of the research was for students to understand how social media can influence spending habits, as well as analyze marketing techniques and advertisements used by companies to encourage spending. Students have also calculated the math involved in sales and determining gross profit and net profit by factoring the overhead expenses in running a business. 

The other topics covered in the remaining parts of the Business Math Curriculum are Marketing and Services. They found out that in order for a company’s marketing department to run smoothly, the company needs to deal with many factors including surveys, sales potential of the product, market share, sales projections, advertising on TV/print ads/online, and product pricing.

Lastly, students have also been calculating other business expenses like maintenance and improvement costs of buildings, equipment rentals, utilities and hiring of other professional services (ie. legal, training programs etc).

Our Business Math students are more than ready to take the next steps after SIS!   

Middle School Art

After the Spring Break, Online Learning began at SIS. Although this has been a more challenging time for a practical subject, such as Art, the students in the Middle School have embraced the changes in their learning and have been continuing to work diligently in the program. We communicate through Google Classroom or email whenever questions arise.

At the beginning of this Semester, the Grade 6 class had already started learning about different styles of art, with a special focus on Elements and Principles of Art. Students had the opportunity to experience and explore a variety of art styles and learned from great artists, such as Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. They also had the opportunity to research and gain knowledge of an artist of their own choice.

Although the Grade 6 artists have been working online, students have continued to develop their creativity and art skills during this time. It has been great to see this revealed in their art work this term. I was particularly impressed with their latest POP ART projects, which were amazing!

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