Syllabus Honors Pre-Calculus 2011-12 First, what do these things have in common?

And theyre what were doing this year!

Lynnae Boudreau lboudreau@atlantagirlsschool.org

(404) 845-0900 ext. 228404-232-0220

Text:Precalculus: Real Mathematics, Real People; Larson, 6th edition, 2012 Course description: As the bridge between Algebra II and more advanced mathematics, this course develops a wide range of skills. The more advanced mathematics include Calculus, as well as Statistics, Linear Algebra, and Analytic Geometry. As an honors class, this course covers more topics than regular Pre-Calculus and in greater depth. The emphasis throughout the course is on developing critical thinking skills, student-led reasoning, and creativity. Much of it will be done collaboratively. Topics: y y y y y y y y y y y Functions and Their Graphs Polynomial and Rational Functions Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Trigonometric Functions Analytic Trigonometry Trigonometric Laws and Vectors Linear Systems and Matrices Sequences, Series and Probability Analytic Geometry Analytic Geometry in Three Dimensions Limits and the Derivative

The Nuts and Bolts Assignments: I will collect homework almost daily; it is due two class periods after it is assigned, and you may work with each other on it. You will earn points for having completed it on-time, neatly and carefully in pencil, with your name and page on it; conversely, you will lose points for not doing that. Homework is the work you do for yourself, so I generally will not grade homework for correctness; if homework becomes sloppy, I reserve the right to grade homework completelyyou have been warned. You can anticipate one or two assessments per chapter, in the form of tests, quizzes, or research work. We will discuss them well in advance. Once a week or so, Ill provide you a journal prompta thinking question, or some sort of problem that requires a verbal response. Some of them will be collaborative, and some of them solo workyoull see them on Haiku. This is a chance for you to communicate math with words, increasingly important for math in the Real World. They will count the same as a homework grade, and like homework, youll have two periods to post them once theyre assigned. You have a voice in this work. I will ask your advice in determining any additional assignments or grading rubrics. We will negotiate due dates and test dates to mesh with those in other classes. Youll be able to provide questions we pursueand feedback about approaches in class. The bottom line: its your education. Grading policy: Assignments break down like this: y y y Tests and Quizzes: 40% Projects: 30% Homework & Homework Quizzes: 30%

The final exam will count 20% of the grade for the entire semester. In the fall, it will involve a collaborative exam packet as well as a standard final. We will talk more about the spring exam as we approach it. You will have the opportunity to do quiz or test corrections, certainly if you earn less than 70%, and sometimes because I think you deserve a chance to return to the question. In addition, I may require the entireclass to do corrections on a specific test or question.Please do corrections in pencil, on another piece of paper, stapled to the test. Corrections will have a due date. Unless otherwise stated, you will take quizzes and tests on your own; corrections can be done with me, or with another student. I will expect your corrections to reflect your understanding, however, and not that of anyone helping you. In order to receive all points possible, corrections must show all your work, be neat, correct, and on-time. You must notify me about conflicts with sports requirements, etc. at least the day before a test, quiz, or other major assignment.

Haiku: I will post a brief description of class learning goals/activities as well as the homework assignment in the classs conference. Students should get in the habit of using this as a resource and checking it frequently, especially if they are absent from class. Recycling We have a recycling bin by the door. Landfill bin by my desk. Use them correctly. Class expectations: Because I want you to learn: I ask you to: Diligence Ask questions and keep asking until you are certain you understand. I am available both before and after school and during mutual free times if you need extra help. Please talk with me ahead of time so I can be sure to be in the classroom. Try to answer your own questions first. This includes checking your homework against the book answer key and your peers before asking me about it. Turn to peers for first-line help. I will assign collaborative projects, too, during the year. Conduct yourself responsibly toward yourself and others. This includes coming to class on time, in uniform, with cell phones off. If I catch you talking or texting on a phone, I will confiscate it. Also, unless I give permission otherwise, no food, gum or drinks (other than water) in this classro Do homework almost daily, and review notes regularly. Tackle difficult problems, the kind that may take a while to reason through. Track homework due dates. I also ask you to communicate directly with your family. While I will be in contact with them, you should be the primary mode of communication. Follow the Honor Code for all assessments. I will ask you to write out the entire pledge on tests and quizzes. I will give clear guidance, including calculator use, but ask questions if you dont understand. You may use laptops appropriately in class; if you abuse this, Ill give one warning, then rescind the privilege.

Independent learning

Collaboration

Respect

Disciplined thinking Critical thinking

Responsibility

Trustworthiness

Be excited (at least part of the time) about your own learning. Because I want you to learn these things, you can expect me to: Give you a chance to think through an answer yourself. I will refer you to peers when I think they have the answers. I will also refer you to answer keys first, if you have a question about homework, to see if you can reason out your work. Be available for tutorial every day, before and after school, 3:00-3:30 PM. Offer collaborative assignments. I will also assign research problems so you can model realworld scenarios with math. Return homework in a timely manner, usually within two days. My goal is to return tests and quizzes within four days. On each test and quiz, I will record your grade in the class as of that point, so you know. I can also provide a current average between times. Make the material challenging (certainly), creative, and fun (hopefully). Be prepared. Be very excited about my teaching and your learning.

Interest in life-long learning