High School geometry curriculum requirements can be different from state to state. Even curriculum companies often focus on different concepts within the same subject. It is important to understand what the foundational geometry skills are, and then you can create or choose a curriculum to expand on those.
Foundational Skills for High School Geometry
Geometry is most often taught in the tenth grade, after a student has taken Algebra. In order to do well in the class, the student must have the math concepts from the earlier grades mastered. Review computation, measurement, patterns and algebraic thinking if you suspect that your student is behind in these areas.
Basic Tools
Students will need the following to complete geometry successfully:
- Drawing compass
- Grid paper
- Protractor
- Ruler
Basic Scope and Sequence
Most geometry courses will cover the following. This is not a comprehensive list.
- Measuring the length of an object
- Measuring the angles of an object
- Bisectors and relationships on a line
- Transformation
- Using algebraic concepts to describe geometry
- Proving a theorem
- Conditional statements
- Creating compound statements and indirect proof
- Logic
- Quadrilaterals
- Parallel lines
- Slopes
- Triangles and their corresponding parts
- Types of quadrilaterals
- Polygons
- Perimeter and area
- Circumference
- Lines, planes, polyhedra
- Prisms
- Surface Area
- Volume
- Circles
Usually during the last chapter or so the book will introduce trigonometry and will move from Euclidean Geometry into creative problem solving.
High School Geometry Curriculum Companies
There are numerous companies to choose from when it comes to high school geometry books. It is very important to choose a company whose educational methods and teaching techniques are in line with how your child learns.
Abeka
Abeka chooses to teach Algebra II before geometry, meaning that geometry isn't taught until the eleventh grade. This company uses a traditional school approach to all of its subjects, teaching concepts relatively quickly and relying on quizzes and tests to determine how well the student understands the concepts presented.
There is an emphasis on doing proofs as well. The program includes hands on geometry; information about famous buildings, biographies and examples of how geography is used in the world. It is scripture based and relies heavily on quizzes, tests and memorization.
Bob Jones
Bob Jones is similar to Abeka, although the pace is a little slower. Bob Jones requires geometry in the tenth grade, more in keeping with the way it is done in conventional school settings. Scripture based, this math program brings in an overview of geometry in technology, geometry in history and other interesting facts to go along with the daily work.
Teaching Textbooks
Teaching Textbooks is a unique program that consists of workbooks and CD-ROMs that have lectures and lessons. Like Abeka, Teaching Textbooks introduces geometry in the eleventh grade after Algebra II.
The curriculum is especially good for visual or auditory learners, and the program encourages increasingly independent learning.
Saxon
Saxon Geometry like all Saxon math texts uses an incremental approach to geometry. A new concept is introduced, there will be a few practice problems and then the student will have numerous review problems that span the earlier lessons.
People who love Saxon, love it. People who hate it, hate it. It seems that there is no in between area in this program. The student can get bogged down in the sheer number of problems. Most homeschoolers do not feel a need to do all of the problems if the student has grasped the concept; preferring to do all even numbered problems one lesson and all odd numbered problems the next.
Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega Geometry is a self paced program that allows a student to learn at his own rate. The year is divided into several workbooks, or LIFEPACs, which contain the materials as well as tests. This is one of the least expensive options and you can buy each workbook individually if you like.
Alpha Omega also produces a computer math course, Switched On Schoolhouse, which allows your student to work at his own pace with the help of interactive video and CD-ROM.
Is It Possible to Write Your Own Geometry Curriculum?
It may be possible to write your own geometry curriculum but it is difficult unless you have an extensive background in geometry. You can use various websites that have worksheets and online teaching, but generally these are best used as additional practice.
Choosing a high school geometry curriculum can seem overwhelming because of the sheer numbers of curricula available to the homeschool family. Take a deep breath, read the reviews and talk to others who have used the texts that you are most interested in. No matter what manufacturer you choose, teaching and learning geometry takes consistency and commitment.
