Geometry Syllabus
B & C Modules
Teacher: Robert Silverman
E-mail: robert@newschoolva.com
Website: www.schoolrack.com/robert
Textbook: University of Chicago School Mathematics Project, Geometry
Cell Phone: 617-939-3924
This syllabus is subject to change over the course of the year.
Focus Skill
Solve Problems
which means…
* Recognize the opportunity to solve problems
* Define or formulate the problem or question
* Brainstorm possible solutions
* Test and evaluate solutions
* Verify the process
Essential Question
Geometry shapes our world and gives those shapes context. How can we use geometry to better understand the relationship of objects in our world?
Class Overview
This class will study geometry while conveying an understanding of how it relates to our everyday lives. We will be integrating several areas of mathematics into our study of geometry, so students should be prepared to use the algebra that they have learned in the past. The class is largely cumulative, as is all mathematics, in that we will continue to build on and utilize what we have already learned. Through the course of the year, we will have lots of time to review what we have already learned to keep fresh the lessons that we will continue to use.
Portfolio Items
Students will come away from geometry with several items to fulfill the demonstration of mathematics aspect of their portfolios. Several units will involve detailed geometric drawings. Each student will also be required to teach at least one unit per semester, complete with outline, as part of their participation grade. If there’s time, they may ask to teach extra units to boost their grade.
Supplies
Please bring with you everyday…
* Sharpened pencils with erasers (preferably mechanical)
* Scientific calculator
* Notebook binder with divisions for tests/quizzes, homework/handouts, syllabus, notes
* Loose-leaf paper
* (Recommended) Pencil case to hold pencils, erasers and calculator
Grading Policy
Tests 30%
Quizzes 30%
Homework 20%
Class Participation 20%
Grades will be a combination of homework, class participation, quizzes and tests. Unexcused tardiness and coming to class unprepared will automatically affect a student's class participation grade. Also, incomplete or missing homework makes it very hard to participate in class discussions. Partial credit can be given on assignments and exams when the students show their work clear enough for me to understand their thought process.
Homework
Homework will be assigned every day with few exceptions. Some days it will be spot checked to see that it was completed, and other days it will be collected and handed back soon after. Students should mark questions that they had difficulty with so we can review them in class. Homework is the students' best opportunity to practice and truly understand what we have been doing in class, and is the best preparation for tests and quizzes. If students are absent, they should turn in their homework on the day they return. Late homework can be accepted for partial credit until the next test or quiz on that unit.
Tests and Quizzes
There will be two quizzes and one test for each chapter of the book. The problems on the exam will closely resemble questions from the homework and from class work. If a chapter is particularly challenging, extra quizzes may be necessary to prepare the students for the test. If students are excused absent on the review day before a test they may opt to take the test soon afterwards instead of on the scheduled day. If a student misses the review day or the test day, they should see me as soon as possible about scheduling a makeup exam. There will be a cumulative midterm and final exam for this course.
Please do all work in pencil.
Extra Help
Students should see me if they feel they need extra help. I am happy to give extra help as long as the student takes the initiative to ask for it and my help is not being abused. Students may also seek help from each other in order to understand concepts and problems, but not to copy each other's answers. I am often in my classroom during lunch and students are welcome to come ask questions and seek help. They can also schedule a lunch lesson to be sure I'm available.
Cell Phone Policy
Students may call me (Robert) on my cell phone with geometry questions until 10:30PM. Please try to find the answer on your own before calling. I will not be reteaching entire lessons over the phone, but if I can answer a couple questions, I am happy to help.
Teacher: Robert Silverman
E-mail: robert@newschoolva.com
Website: www.schoolrack.com/robert
Textbook: University of Chicago School Mathematics Project, Geometry
Cell Phone: 617-939-3924
This syllabus is subject to change over the course of the year.
Focus Skill
Solve Problems
which means…
* Recognize the opportunity to solve problems
* Define or formulate the problem or question
* Brainstorm possible solutions
* Test and evaluate solutions
* Verify the process
Essential Question
Geometry shapes our world and gives those shapes context. How can we use geometry to better understand the relationship of objects in our world?
Class Overview
This class will study geometry while conveying an understanding of how it relates to our everyday lives. We will be integrating several areas of mathematics into our study of geometry, so students should be prepared to use the algebra that they have learned in the past. The class is largely cumulative, as is all mathematics, in that we will continue to build on and utilize what we have already learned. Through the course of the year, we will have lots of time to review what we have already learned to keep fresh the lessons that we will continue to use.
Portfolio Items
Students will come away from geometry with several items to fulfill the demonstration of mathematics aspect of their portfolios. Several units will involve detailed geometric drawings. Each student will also be required to teach at least one unit per semester, complete with outline, as part of their participation grade. If there’s time, they may ask to teach extra units to boost their grade.
Supplies
Please bring with you everyday…
* Sharpened pencils with erasers (preferably mechanical)
* Scientific calculator
* Notebook binder with divisions for tests/quizzes, homework/handouts, syllabus, notes
* Loose-leaf paper
* (Recommended) Pencil case to hold pencils, erasers and calculator
Grading Policy
Tests 30%
Quizzes 30%
Homework 20%
Class Participation 20%
Grades will be a combination of homework, class participation, quizzes and tests. Unexcused tardiness and coming to class unprepared will automatically affect a student's class participation grade. Also, incomplete or missing homework makes it very hard to participate in class discussions. Partial credit can be given on assignments and exams when the students show their work clear enough for me to understand their thought process.
Homework
Homework will be assigned every day with few exceptions. Some days it will be spot checked to see that it was completed, and other days it will be collected and handed back soon after. Students should mark questions that they had difficulty with so we can review them in class. Homework is the students' best opportunity to practice and truly understand what we have been doing in class, and is the best preparation for tests and quizzes. If students are absent, they should turn in their homework on the day they return. Late homework can be accepted for partial credit until the next test or quiz on that unit.
Tests and Quizzes
There will be two quizzes and one test for each chapter of the book. The problems on the exam will closely resemble questions from the homework and from class work. If a chapter is particularly challenging, extra quizzes may be necessary to prepare the students for the test. If students are excused absent on the review day before a test they may opt to take the test soon afterwards instead of on the scheduled day. If a student misses the review day or the test day, they should see me as soon as possible about scheduling a makeup exam. There will be a cumulative midterm and final exam for this course.
Please do all work in pencil.
Extra Help
Students should see me if they feel they need extra help. I am happy to give extra help as long as the student takes the initiative to ask for it and my help is not being abused. Students may also seek help from each other in order to understand concepts and problems, but not to copy each other's answers. I am often in my classroom during lunch and students are welcome to come ask questions and seek help. They can also schedule a lunch lesson to be sure I'm available.
Cell Phone Policy
Students may call me (Robert) on my cell phone with geometry questions until 10:30PM. Please try to find the answer on your own before calling. I will not be reteaching entire lessons over the phone, but if I can answer a couple questions, I am happy to help.
