PreCalculus Syllabus 2015-16

Coach Hamric Prep Period 6th Period email: or

Course Outline

Tentative progression of material to be covered:

  1. Prerequisites/Algebraic Review
  2. Functions and Graphs
  3. Polynomials and Rational Functions
  4. Systems and Matrices
  5. Trigonometric Functions
  6. Applications of Trigonometry
  7. Analytic Geometry
  8. Statistics and Probability
  9. Intro to Calculus

Technology Requirement

I will use a Texas Instruments 83 Plus graphing calculator in class regularly. You will want to have a graphing calculator as well. I recommend the TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, TI-84 Plus and the TI-Nspire. I will have some TI-83 Pluses in class to use but I highly recommend that you have your own. You will be able to use one on the ACT as well as AP test so you want to be very familiar with it.

We will use the calculator in a variety of ways including: Conduct explorations, Graph functions within arbitrary windows, Solve equations numerically, Analyze and interpret results, Justify and explain results of graphs and equations.

A Balanced Approach

Current mathematical education emphasizes a “Rule of Four.” There are a variety of ways to approach and solve problems. The four branches of the problem-solving tree of mathematics are:

· Numerical analysis (where data points are known, but not an equation)

· Graphical analysis (where a graph is known, but again, not an equation)

· Analytic/algebraic analysis (traditional equation and variable manipulation)

· Verbal/written methods of representing problems

Major Text

Larson, Ron , and David C. Falvo. Precalculus with Limits. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning , 2014.(Other resources will be called upon throughout the course)

Materials

A 3-ring binder, loose-leaf paper (college ruled perfered), pencils, highlighters, graph paper, graphing calculator (see above).

Attendance

Attendance is very important to successful completion of any course (especially math) and successful ACT and AP test scores. After 5 absences, you must have a doctor’s excuse, a principal’s excuse or a court excuse to make up missed assignments. All Tuscaloosa County Board policies, school policies, and classroom rules will be followed.

Make-up Policy

As stated in the handbook, a student with an excused absence is responsible for collecting any missed assignments and scheduling makeup test within 2 days of returning to school. Students must turn in completed make-up work within one week (5 days) of the original absence and continue to keep up with the current work. Students who miss class due to school functions such as ball games, club activities, field trips, class meetings, etc. are responsible for getting their assignments before their absence. Students with unexcused absences will consult the student handbook for current policy..

Late Work/Make-up Work

There will be a basket in the back of the room where students are to turn in late work and make-up work. If assignment isn’t completed at the designated time, then it is considered late. Students will be given the opportunity to turn in work late for a small penalty. Students will lose 20% for the 1st assignment that is turned in late. They will lose an additional 10% each time an assignment is turned in late (example the 4th late assignment will be for 50% credit, the 8th will be for 10%). No more than 8 assignments will be accepted as late.

Grading Policy

Each nine weeks grades will be based on a point system with the following assigned weights:

Chapter Test/Major Projects 60%

Quizzes 15%

HW/CW/Daily Participation 25%

During the nine weeks, students will receive a variety of grades from tests, quizzes (announced and unannounced), class activities, homework, writing activities, notebook quizzes and exit slips. Extra credit will only be given on select academic assignments during the nine weeks (usually in the form of bonus on a test or quiz). At the end of each nine weeks, each student will take a comprehensive exam. The 9 weeks exam will count as a major test grade. Your final grade for the course will come from a combination of all 4 9 weeks grades and a comprehensive final exam.

Classroom Rules:

1. Go to the restroom and take care of personal errands prior to the tardy bell.

2. Bring required books and materials to class.

3. Be seated in your assigned desk and ready to begin working on the warm-up when the tardy bell rings.

4. No eating or drinking during class. Throw drinks, snacks and gum in the trash prior to class. (you may bring bottled water)

5. Listen attentively and stay seated when someone is speaking. Class participation is required, but sleeping is not permitted.

6. Follow directions the first time they are given.

7. Do not shout out answers; wait for the teacher to call on one student to answer.

8. Do not congregate at the door at the beginning or end of class. Stay in your desk and busy.

9. Show respect to your fellow students and the teacher. Always have a positive attitude in class. We need positive, respectful encouragers to spur us towards a successful year.

10. You may be excused to use the restroom only during class work/group activity time. Otherwise you should stay in your seat, especially during instruction.

**All other school rules apply, consult your student handbook.

Bathroom Pass/Extra Credit

Students will receive one (1) bathroom pass per semester; however, students may bring one of the following items for an extra bathroom pass per each item. Duplicated items will not result in an extra pass. Unused bathroom passes will turn into extra credit points at the end of the grading period. Students may bring one item per grading period.

  1. Tissues or Paper Towels
  2. Lysol Wipes
  3. Expo cleaner or Dry Erase Board Erasers
  4. Copy Paper
  5. AAA Batteries (at least an unopened pack of 4)

This means students have an opportunity for six (6) total bathroom passes per year. A max of 2 may be used each 9 weeks.

Guidelines for Homework

1. Write the date, page number and problems at the top of each assignment.

2. Work in vertical columns of no more than two per side.

3. Please write down the original problem (excluding story opportunities), show all work, and circle the answer.

4. Work should be NEAT and EASY TO FOLLOW.

5. If calculators are used, you must still show the process.

6. It is permissible to discuss problems with other students. It is not permissible to copy another student’s work.

7. Check the answers to the odd problems with BOB (Back of Book).

8. Check problems in class and correct homework problems that you missed.

Some more notes about HW/CW:

In order to master most mathematical concepts or processes, practice is required. Homework is assigned almost every night to give you opportunities to practice. You should do the homework with the idea of engaging the concepts and doing the assignment well, not just to get it done. That being said, homework will not usually be graded for correctness so practice/work needs to be shown for credit.

Need Help?

I would like to know if you are struggling ASAP. We can find a time when I can give you some extra help, I can find you a peer tutor or we can devise a different plan together. Through regular formative assessments I will see who is having trouble, but the first person that will know you are having trouble is you.

Additional Thoughts

This textbook will be our primary resource, but not our only resource. You will benefit from reading it. I also encourage you to read other text books or websites for further and alternate explanations. I will also explain topics in a way that I believe are helpful. I encourage cooperative learning, and I believe our entire class benefits from us all working together to help one another construct understanding.