IB MATH SL COURSE SYLLABUS
Uplift North Hills Preparatory
FALL AND SPRING SEMESTER, 2014-2015
INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Pratibha Sinha
(972) 501-0645
TEXT: Mathematics for the International Student Math SL
Haese and Harris Publications 2004
MATERIALS/RESOURCES: The following items will be brought to class every day, unless told otherwise: Paper,
Pencil/Eraser, and a 3-Ring Binder divided into the following sections, including
1) Class Notes: Warm-ups and notes covered in class
2) Homework: All assigned homework
3) Exit Tickets and Quizzes: Open-ended IB questions
4) Problem Sets: Weekly in-class as well as take home packets
5) Investigation Problems: Written analysis of math concepts and other class work
6) The EXPLORATION (details to follow)
Please bring your TI-84 graphing calculator to class every day.
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION: IB Math SL is a rigorous one-year course (both fall and spring semester) that caters for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mechanical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects like chemistry, economics, psychology, and business administration.
COURSE GOALS:
· Know and use mathematical concepts and principles.
· Read, interpret and solve a given problem using appropriate mathematical terms.
· Organize and present information and data in tabular, graphical and/ or diagrammatic form.
· Know and use appropriate notation (international) and terminology.
· Formulate a mathematical argument and communicate it clearly, orally and in writing.
· Select and use appropriate mathematical strategies and techniques.
· Demonstrate an understanding of both the significance and the reasonableness of results.
· Recognize patterns and structures in a variety of situations and make generalizations.
· Recognize and demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of mathematics.
· Use appropriate technological devices as mathematical tools.
COURSE TOPICS: The Math Studies course consists of seven core topics taught as integrated units of study. A rough order and description of each topic is as follows:
· Topic 1 — Algebra: the aim of this topic to introduce students to some basic algebraic concepts and applications.
· Topic 2 — Functions and Equations: The aims of this topic are to explore the notion of a function as unifying theme in mathematics, and to apply functional methods to a variety of mathematical situations.
· Topic 3 — Circular Functions and Trigonometry: The aims of this topic are to explore the circular functions and to solve problems using trigonometry. On examination papers, radian measure should be assumed unless otherwise indicated.
· Topic 4 — Vectors: The aim of this topic is to provide an elementary introduction to vectors, including both algebraic and geometric approaches.
· Topic 5 — Statistics and Probability: The aim of this topic is to introduce basic concepts. It is expected that most of the calculations required will be done using technology, but explanations of calculations by hand may enhance understanding. The emphasis is on understanding, and interpreting the results obtained, in context.
· Unit 6 — Calculus: The aim of this topic is to introduce students to the basic concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus and their applications.
STUDENT ACADEMIC EVALUATION: As this is an IB course, students will be evaluated both by the IBO and by the teacher.
How Your IB Assessments are calculated:
External assessment (3 hours) 80%
Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes) 40%
No calculator allowed. (90 marks)
Section A Compulsory short-response questions based on the whole syllabus.
Section B Compulsory extended-response questions based on the whole syllabus.
Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes) 40%
Graphic display calculator required. (90 marks)
Section A Compulsory short-response questions based on the whole syllabus.
Section B Compulsory extended-response questions based on the whole syllabus.
Internal assessment 20% (20 marks)
Mathematical exploration: This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course. The exploration is intended to provide students with opportunities to increase their understanding of mathematical concepts and processes, and to develop a wider appreciation of mathematics. Each exploration is assessed against the following five criteria. The final mark (maximum possible 20) for each exploration is the sum of the scores for each criterion.
Criterion A: Communication
Criterion B: Mathematical Presentation
Criterion C: Personal Engagement
Criterion D: Reflection
Criterion E: Use of Mathematics
Students will be introduced to the project sometime towards the beginning of October and will complete the project before winter break.
The due dates and the details on the project deliverables will be communicated soon.
2. COURSE ASSESSMENTS
The grades students receive in this class will be based on the following:
a. Exams = 50% - Notes are not permitted during tests
b. Quizzes = 30%
c. Homework /Classwork/Participation/Exit Tickets = 20%
No extra credit assignments will be given for this course.
Chapter exams will be designed to assess students’ integrated understanding of the current unit topics as well as topics from previous units. If a student fails a chapter exam, he/she may retake the exam for a 70 within one week of the date that the test is returned. The students will be expected to attend a tutorial to go over their mistakes, review the material, and set up a date/time for the retake. If an exam is not retaken one week from the return date, the original grade will be the permanent recorded grade. A student who misses an exam due to an EXCUSED absence will be allowed to make up the exam on the day he/she returns to school (if this does not happen, the grade for the exam will be a zero).
Quizzes will be used as a formative assessment of understanding of the current topic. Quizzes will be timed, open-ended IB questions given at the beginning of daily class periods. Take-Home Problem Sets may be assigned as part of the weekly homework. If a student is absent the day that a take-home problem set is due, the problem sets must be turned on the day the student returns to school in order to receive full credit
HOMEWORK: There will be homework every day in this class, and it is to be taken seriously, as practicing material on one’s own is essential to deeper understanding. Students will receive a chapter outline of the required problems to be completed for each section at the beginning of each chapter. These problems will be graded in the same manner as the IBO grading either throughout or at the end of each chapter. A list of answers will receive no credit. Late homework will be accepted within one day only and must be completed in full; late work that is completed in full, however, will only receive a 70. In the case of an absence, students are expected to make up work promptly (at most one extra day per day missed).
CLASSWORK: Class time will consist of warm-ups, class notes, guided and individual practice, homework analysis, group problem sets, whole class discussion, reflective and investigative activities and writing assignments, and project research/completion (during early October to mid-December). As mentioned above, students are required to maintain a mathematics notebook/binder of daily work which will be checked periodically for grading (note that warm-ups and class notes will only earn credit if completed in the allotted amount of class time). Group work will be an important part of this course and students will be graded accordingly. Each member of a group must actively participate and contribute to a group assignment/problem set for individual members to receive full credit. Students are also expected to participate in teacher-directed and student-directed class discussions, demonstrating proficiency and fluency in communicating mathematical concepts clearly. Because this course is adamant about the written communication of mathematical ideas and theories as well, students will also be required to respond to writing prompts in order to assess their understanding and perception of mathematical concepts, their ability to recognize mathematical situations, and their skills of reasoning and applying mathematical methods to interpret given situations. Note that the course project (the IB Internal Assessment) is a large and demanding task and therefore students will have time in class to conduct their related work (a significant amount of time, however, will be spent on the project at home as well).
INDIVIDUAL TUTORING AND GETTING HELP: Individual tutoring will be used to provide additional support to the student and/or to guide class instruction. Students should be aware that they are responsible for helping to manage their own learning, and as soon as problems arise, students must actively seek help. This can be during class from the teacher or from peers (warm-up time as well as time spent working on group problem sets are great opportunities to ask questions and discuss misunderstandings, etc.), during Flex period, or after school during tutoring hours by appointment.
CLASS NON-NEGOTIABLES:
BE RESPECTFUL: Respect others, the environment, and oneself
BE RESPONSIBLE: Stay on task at all times; give one’s best effort Also considered is the student’s ability to follow the expected daily routines (walk into class free of electronic devices, follow school uniform guidelines, sit down quietly and begin working on the daily quiz
BE REFLECTIVE: Learn from your mistakes, share ideas with your peers, and help build a caring classroom environment
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Plagiarism or any other form of cheating is a violation of the North Hills School Honor Code and is not tolerated. Those who cheat automatically receive a zero on the assignment in question with no make-up opportunity and are referred to the Dean of Students for further consequences.
After you have read these course guidelines, please sign below and return the acknowledgement page to me by next class period. Thank you!!!
Sincerely,
Pratibha Sinha
IB Math SL Teacher
Acknowledgement
I have received and read the course description/classroom expectations, and grading policy.
Student Name ______
Student Signature______
Parent/Guardian Name ______
Parent/Guardian Signature ______
Parent email ______
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