Image by Lauren ‘23


Welcome fellow mathematics enthusiasts! I’m very excited to be your teacher for PCHA this year! This is a fast-moving course, and we will cover a wide variety of interesting topics on the way to calculus, the development of which was a major milestone in human understanding of the universe.

As we visit these topics, we will also do some coding to aid our understanding of these mathematical concepts, to see some of the relationships between mathematics and computer science, and to have fun and enjoy our mathematical skills.


Dr. Kessner


Here’s a fun quote from an article “Calculus Is Good for You” that appeared in Scientific American in 1871 (150 years ago!).

It is admitted by all metaphysicians and educators that the calculus brings into play more faculties of the mind than any other branch of learning. Recognizing this fact, professors should consider their institution a mental gymnasium, which gives the mind exercise that enables it to perform its highest destiny. Herein is the value of solving problems in the calculus, and indeed of all other branches of pure mathematics—that by dealing in abstract ideas, they prepare the mind to apply itself vigorously to profound or complicated subjects connected with the realities of life.”