Textbook:  Calculus, Sixth Edition, by Larson, Hostetler, & Edwards 

 

Course Over-View:  As stated in the course of study, "This course is designed to provide the mathematical foundation for further study in mathematics.  The student selecting this course will complete most to all of a one semester college freshman course in calculus".  Topics to be covered include limits, derivatives and applications, as well as integrals and applications.   

Key Topics to be Covered:  From your textbook, we will be covering chapters 1 - 6 and selected portions of chapters P, A, and 15. Topics include:  a brief review of algebraic concepts and pre-calc; limits; derivative & applications (curve sketching & optimization); integration & applications (area & volume); log, exponential, and trig functions (differentiation & integration); differential equations & slope fields.

Grading Policy:  Your grade will be determined in the following manner:

• Tests: 50%
• Quizzes: 30%
• Homework: 10%
• Participation: 10%

There will also be a cumulative final exam worth 20% of your total course grade.

Description of the Above Categories:

Tests:  These will occur at the end of each chapter.  They will be announced at least 2 - 3 days prior to the test date.  All tests will contain one or more CAPT-like writing questions. 

Quizzes:  These will be both announced and unannounced.  They will cover material that has been taught and gone over in class. 

Homework:  Homework from the textbook as well as outside sources will be assigned on a daily basis.  It will be checked on a daily basis.  It is expected that students will keep all homework assignments together in either a 3-ring binder or notebook.  In addition, all homework assignments must be labeled with both the page number and the problems assigned. 

Any assignments not done for their due-dates will automatically receive a grade of 0.  These assignments CANNOT be made up.  If you are absent the day an assignment is due, you will have 2 days to make up the assignment.  If it is not completed within the 2-day period, it will receive a grade of 0.  

Homework Grading Policy: 

• Each assignment will be graded on a 10-point scale based entirely on effort.  Please see the bottom of this webpage for the 10-point effort rubric. 
• At any time, homework assignments can randomly be collected and graded based on accuracy.  This accuracy grade will be based on a 5-point scale:  5 = A; 4 = B; 3 = C; 2 = D; 1 = F.   

Daily Class-work & Participation:  This includes frequent in-class writing, verbal participation, as well as working well with others during activities.  In addition I will grade your participation using the participation rubric found on the bottom of this webpage.  This will occur at least four times a semester. 

Projects:  Over the course of the semester, you may be responsible for various projects.  These will be announced well in advance and each will count as a test grade. 

Textbook:  Functions Modeling Change:  A Preparation for Calculus, by Connally, Hughes-Hallett, Gleason, et al.

Course Over-View:  As stated in the course of study, "This is an advanced course that is designed for students who will go on to Calculus and other higher-level mathematics courses in college.  This course requires an extensive working knowledge of Advanced Algebra 1, Advanced Geometry, and Advanced Algebra 2, and proficiency in solving word problems.  It stresses application of concepts as few new skills are taught.  This course expands on the function concepts developed in Algebra 2 and introduces and develops the concept of trigonometric functions."

Key Topics to be Covered:   Tentatively, we will be covering chapters 1 - 9 from your textbook.  Topics include:  properties of a function; rates of change; linear functions and their properties; exponential functions; logarithmic functions; transformations of functions; trigonometric functions; compositions of functions; inverses of functions; polynomial functions; rational functions.

Focus Questions: 

1.  What can students do to understand the behavior and properties of and operations on polynomial and rational functions?

2.  How can students seamlessly make connections between the graphical, textual, tabular, and formulaic representations of functions?

3.  How can students apply these skills to problem solving, especially as related to rates of change with linear and quadratic functions, logs and exponential functions, trig functions, and inverse functions?

Grading Policy:  Your grade will be determined in the following manner:

• Tests: 50%
• Quizzes: 30%
• Homework: 10%
• Participation: 10%

There will also be a cumulative final exam worth 20% of your total course grade.

Description of the Above Categories:

Tests:  These will occur at the end of each chapter.  They will be announced at least 2 - 3 days prior to the test date.  All tests will contain one or more CAPT-like writing questions. 

Quizzes:  These will be both announced and unannounced.  They will cover material that has been taught and gone over in class. 

Homework:  Homework from the textbook as well as outside sources will be assigned on a daily basis.  It will be checked on a daily basis.  It is expected that students will keep all homework assignments together in either a 3-ring binder or notebook.  In addition, all homework assignments must be labeled with both the page number and the problems assigned. 

Any assignments not done for their due-dates will automatically receive a grade of 0.  These assignments CANNOT be made up.  If you are absent the day an assignment is due, you will have 2 days to make up the assignment.  If it is not completed within the 2-day period, it will receive a grade of 0.  

Homework Grading Policy: 

• Each assignment will be graded on a 10-point scale based entirely on effort.  Please see the bottom of this webpage for the 10-point effort rubric. 
• At any time, homework assignments can randomly be collected and graded based on accuracy.  This accuracy grade will be based on a 5-point scale:  5 = A; 4 = B; 3 = C; 2 = D; 1 = F.   

Daily Class-work & Participation:  This includes frequent in-class writing, verbal participation, as well as working well with others during activities.  In addition I will grade your participation using the participation rubric found on the bottom of this webpage.  This will occur at least four times a semester. 

Projects:  Over the course of the semester, you may be responsible for various projects.  These will be announced well in advance and each will count as a test grade. 

Attendance Policy: 

1. Any student absent from math class due to a late arrival to school, an early dismissal, or a field trip is still responsible for all work missed.  This means that all scheduled tests and quizzes must be made up that day after school (unless you have gone home sick or prior arrangements have been made).  Any major assignment due must also be handed in on its due date to avoid a grade of 0.  Please let me know as soon as possible when you know of any days that you could be absent. 
2. All assignments, available class-notes, and handouts will be posted on this website.  This site is designed to supplement and enhance your in-class experience as well as provide you with useful class information when you are absent. 

Calculuator Policy: 

1. Pre-Calculus & Calculus will be taught with the assistance of the TI-83 graphing calculator.  All students at this level should have access to a graphing calculator.  Anyone needing assistance with the TI-83 can see me to schedule an after-school help session.  Students are permitted to use their own calculators on all homework assignments.  However, it may be required (from time to time) that graded, in-class assignments be completed with the use of calculators provided by Woodstock Academy.  This will be to my discretion. 
2. It is no secret that calculators contain games.  Please refrain from game-playing during class.  The following is my policy for game-playing:  1st Offense:  Warning; 2nd Offense:  Detention;  3rd Offense:  Calculator confiscated and phone-call home. 

Extra Help:  I will be available everyday until 3:00pm in room A302.  Please let me know during the day if you are planning on staying. 

Voicemail & Email:  Main Phone:  963-6592, Extension 573; Email:  ccormier(at)woodstockacademy.org 

Homework Effort Rubric: 

Homework Score (maximum points possible: 10)	Reason for Score
10 points	100% of the assignment has been attempted; work has been shown for all problems assigned.
6 – 9 points	Most of the assignment has been attempted; work has been shown for all problems attempted.  (The grade assigned will be based on how many have been attempted out of the number assigned).
5 points	Half of the assignment has been attempted and work has been shown OR the assignment has been attempted but NO work has been shown.
1 – 4 points	A grade in this range will be assigned based on how many problems have been attempted out of the number assigned.  Work falling in this range is of POOR quality.  Little to no work has been shown and little to no effort has been exerted on the part of the student.
0 points	No part of the assignment has been attempted.

Class Participation Rubric: 

	Excellent (2 points)	Satisfactory (1 point)	Needs Improvement (0 points)	Comments/Concerns
Participates on own/raises hand in class often.
Participates if called on:  does not typically say “I don’t know” or “I didn’t do this one.”
General attitude in class is positive: student does not typically complain or exhibit negativity.
Respectful/thoughtful comments/language: student does not use profanity, rudeness, back-talk.
Pays attention in class:  does not fall asleep, do work for other classes, talk to other students who should be listening, use cell phone to text or communicate with others.
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