Mathematics
Emma students will spend their adult lives in a world influenced by technology and quantitative methods. For this reason, each student is asked to see mathematics as a tool for problem solving.
To prepare our students for mathematics at any college or university, our mathematics department teaches with a variety of pedagogical approaches, including traditional algebraic methods, problem-based methods, and methods that take advantage of technologies including graphing calculators and the computer program GeoGebra.
After an initial placement test, students are placed into general sequence courses. They can also take Computer Science courses and math electives that focus on areas including statistics, finance, and engineering. As students progress through the mathematics curriculum, they learn to do more sophisticated work with technology.
Emma’s Mathematics Department also aims to develop students’ independent problem-solving skills and number sense. Teachers frequently make connections between mathematics and its applications in other areas, allowing students to gain proficiency and confidence in all areas of mathematics.
Download our course catalog for more details and graduation requirements.
![Slide showing the photos of each student who won an Aspirations in Computing regional award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677534328/emmawillardorg/txrgl2obdopvnw2iwwnw/NCWITAiCawards-regional.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677534328/emmawillardorg/txrgl2obdopvnw2iwwnw/NCWITAiCawards-regional.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1677534328/emmawillardorg/txrgl2obdopvnw2iwwnw/NCWITAiCawards-regional.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1677534328/emmawillardorg/txrgl2obdopvnw2iwwnw/NCWITAiCawards-regional.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1677534328/emmawillardorg/txrgl2obdopvnw2iwwnw/NCWITAiCawards-regional.png","width":1600}])
Regional results are now in, and Emma’s computer science students continue to be honored through the Hudson Valley affiliate of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). Eleven Emma students entered the Aspirations in Computing awards competition, and each of them won an award! In addition, Computer Science Instructor Chiara Shah was honored with the Hudson Valley Regional Educator Award.
![students and adults posted in front of the map on the wall at Global Foundries]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1688054155/emmawillardorg/or9xzwlqxeyhqjsb9kt3/image001.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1688054155/emmawillardorg/or9xzwlqxeyhqjsb9kt3/image001.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1688054155/emmawillardorg/or9xzwlqxeyhqjsb9kt3/image001.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1688054155/emmawillardorg/or9xzwlqxeyhqjsb9kt3/image001.jpg","width":1024}])
Computer Science and Math Instructor Chiara Shah recently took six Emma students on a field trip to Global Foundries to learn how semiconductor chips are made. It takes three to four months and over 1,500 steps to make a chip. Some of the steps involve laying down elements atom by atom!
![PRIMES leaders Ashlyn and Evangeline tackle the climbing tree while faculty advisor Judy Price looks on]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686756925/emmawillardorg/y5oogffsxnnr0d4nhupy/large_news1400462_1284445.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686756925/emmawillardorg/y5oogffsxnnr0d4nhupy/large_news1400462_1284445.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1686756925/emmawillardorg/y5oogffsxnnr0d4nhupy/large_news1400462_1284445.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686756925/emmawillardorg/y5oogffsxnnr0d4nhupy/large_news1400462_1284445.jpg","width":960}])
This school year, PRIMES—Emma’s math and science tutors—are led by two excited and ambitious students: Ashlyn B. ’24 and Evangeline W. ’23. Addressing concerns over the wellbeing of both the tutors and the students they assist, the two have worked hard to make improvements to the efficiency, publicity, and availability of the program.
![Portrait of student with long dark hair, grey sweatshirt, and a gold earring.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1674766961/emmawillardorg/vnlbsxscvpflxrojtvre/orig_news1373898_1265370.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1674766961/emmawillardorg/vnlbsxscvpflxrojtvre/orig_news1373898_1265370.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1674766961/emmawillardorg/vnlbsxscvpflxrojtvre/orig_news1373898_1265370.jpg","width":720}])
Junior year is always an incredibly busy time for high school students. Between entering the college search process and mounds of exams, time management becomes one of the most important lessons to learn. While it was a hectic time for all, Stella L. ’23 added a bit more of a challenge to her year by entering the esteemed Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
![Tina and Ms. Schmidt wearing matching outfits during Spirit Week’s ‘Dress Like a Teacher Day.’]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675736642/emmawillardorg/gzbh8xngvaagiyhdldy9/EmmaStory1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675736642/emmawillardorg/gzbh8xngvaagiyhdldy9/EmmaStory1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675736642/emmawillardorg/gzbh8xngvaagiyhdldy9/EmmaStory1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675736642/emmawillardorg/gzbh8xngvaagiyhdldy9/EmmaStory1.jpg","width":960}])
I was walking through Weaver last month when I encountered Tianning Tina Q. '22, who said, “Oh good, I’ve been looking for you.”
“Really? Having me as your math teacher for 3 years wasn’t enough? I am complimented!”
After having taught Tina her sophomore, junior, and senior years, we have a long and friendly relationship; a certain informality does creep in.
“I have an unusual question. Are you able to read and write Yiddish?”
Math Learning Center
Located in Weaver Hall, the Math Learning Center is a dedicated place where students can ask questions of a math teacher and/or a peer tutor. Some students go to “talk out” their ideas about problems and clarify questions from class. Other students go regularly to have a quiet place to do their math homework and appreciate the support of having a teacher or peer tutor available should questions arise.
Going to the Math Learning Center is a way for students to take initiative and show their determination for learning math.
Mathematics Faculty
Chiara Shah
Mathematics Department Chair | Computer Science and Mathematics Instructor
Elizabeth Spoehel
Mathematics Instructor, Assistant JV Field Hockey Coach, Assistant JV Lacrosse Coach