IB Math: Applications and Interpretations
Course Overview
The IB DP Mathematics: applications and interpretation course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modeling. To give this understanding a firm base, this course includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics. Students are encouraged to solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations. Students should expect to develop strong technology skills, and will be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between the theoretical and the practical concepts in mathematics. All external assessments involve the use of technology. Students are also encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments.
Course Goals
The aims of all DP mathematics courses are to enable students to:
- Develop a curiosity and enjoyment of mathematics, and appreciate its elegance and power
- Develop an understanding of the concepts, principles and nature of mathematics
- Communicate mathematics clearly, concisely and confidently in a variety of contexts
- Develop logical and creative thinking, and patience and persistence in problem solving to instill confidence in using mathematics
- Employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization
- Take action to apply and transfer skills to alternative situations, to other areas of knowledge and to future developments in their local and global communities
- Appreciate how developments in technology and mathematics influence each other
- Appreciate the moral, social and ethical questions arising from the work of mathematicians and the applications of mathematics
- Appreciate the universality of mathematics and its multicultural, international and historical perspectives
- Appreciate the contribution of mathematics to other disciplines, and as a particular “area of knowledge” in the TOK course
- Develop the ability to reflect critically upon their own work and the work of others
- Independently and collaboratively extend their understanding of mathematics.
- Students are expected to learn to judge the reasonableness of their solutions…
- Students develop an appreciation of the wonderful world of Numbers, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, and for their personal accomplishment in learning calculus…
IB Assessments
Exploration — 20% of the total IB score:
The exploration is an internal assessment that examines the mathematics related to a topic of personal interest to you. It will be graded within the school by the instructor. It is NOT a paper about mathematics, but rather a paper that utilizes mathematics to research a topic chosen for inquiry by the student. The use of technology is strongly recommended. It is worth a maximum of 20 points.
Papers 1 & 2 — 80% of the total score:
Paper 1 and Paper 2 are two exams that comprise external assessments. They will be graded outside of our school. Answers on these exams must show the student’s work. Answers without work may receive no marks.
Paper 1 1.5 hours 15 questions (6 points each) 40% of total
Paper 2 1.5 hours 5 questions (90 points total) 40% of total
Course Topics
This Standard Level (SL) course is designed to cover material from a variety of mathematical topics including:
- Number and Algebra (Approx 16 instructional hours)
- Functions (Approx 31 instructional hours)
- Geometry and Trigonometry (Approx 18 instructional hours)
- Statistics and Probability (Approx 36 instructional hours)
- Calculus (Approx 19 instructional hours)