Mrs. Graff’s Calculus
Syllabus
Curriculum Content
The Grand Rapids Public Schools Calculus curriculum will be taught through a variety of resources such as activities, the textbooks, and graphing investigations. Topics will include:
Functions and Models Limits and rates of change Derivatives and applications
Integration and applications Differential Equations
Textbooks: Calculus Fourth Edition by James Stewart.
Grading
Each marking period will consist of:
Tests and Projects 50%, Quizzes 20%, Homework 15%, and Participation 15%.
Homework and class assignments will be given regularly. The class assignments are due by the end of the class period. Homework is due at the beginning of the next class period. Late work results in a loss of points unless there is an excused absence.
Grading Scale (in percentages)
93 -100 = A 87 - 89 = B+ 77 - 79 = C+ 70 - 72 = C- 63 - 66 = D 0 -59 =E
90 - 92 = A- 83 - 86 = B 73 - 76 = C 67 - 69 = D+ 60 - 62 = D-
Semester grades are calculated by 40% of each marking period grade and 20% of the exam grade.
Assignment Format
To receive full credit for an assignment, all work must be shown and the assignment completed. For any problems not completed, you may still receive credit if, for each missing item, you write a brief explanation as to what specifically prevented you from being able to do the problem.
Absences and Tardiness
Excused absence: Missing work (day of absence) is due within two days following the student’s return to class. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for the missed work. To make up a test the student must make arrangements with Mrs. Graff for a time outside of the school day. Tests not made up within one week will lose points accordingly. Make up tests are typically much longer and more difficult than the original, so your best strategy will be to take the test on the original day it is scheduled.
Unexcused absence or tardy: Work missed due to an unexcused absence or tardiness will not be credited. Tests given on these days may not be made up.
Academic Support
Extra help is available on Tuesdays after school until 4:00, with Mrs. Graff. Students will need to sign in and out on the days they attend. Extra help is strongly recommended if you have missed class. Students are also encouraged to use their seminar time to seek extra help.
Materials
Each student will need to bring a calculator, TEXTBOOK, assignments, loose-leaf paper, and PENCIL to class every day. No passes will be given to go to lockers, friends’ lockers, other classrooms, etc. for class materials. In addition, passes will be given in an emergency only during class. Please use your passing time to visit the restroom and drinking fountain.
Cheating
It is expected that each student will be responsible for his or her own work. In the event that cheating takes place, both the user and supplier will receive no credit for the work. No make ups will be provided.
Participation
Participation grades are earned through warm-ups, coming to class on time, participating and completing class work, having the required materials, and good classroom behavior. Absences and tardiness that are not excused result in loss of points.
Failures: Earning a grade of 59% or lower will result in a failure of the class.
Other Expectations
Students are to be on time for class. “On time” means in your assigned seat and working on the warm-up when the bell rings.
Students will show respect for everyone in this room. This also includes respecting the classroom and its contents.
Students are expected to keep up with the assignments given. (Do not fall behind) If you find you are in need of some additional help, please ask questions in class. If this is not enough or you have been absence (excused) seek extra help right away. Do not wait.
A good strategy is to review your notes and examples in the book daily. Remember that math is not a spectator sport.
Students will respect the school rules. No food, candy, snacks, or drinks in class.
You may chew gum as long as Mrs. Graff doesn’t hear it, see it, or find it.
Students will remain seated until the dismissal bell. At the dismissal bell, Mrs. Graff will dismiss students by rows/tables.
Students will keep all graded work such as homework, class work, math writings, projects, tests, and quizzes in a binder specifically designated for math.