Mr. Patrick Kosal Lake Norman High School (704) 799-8555 ext. 1610
Room 610 twitter.com/mrkosal
Math 3 Syllabus
MathIII is a class that will prove extremely important in a student’s mathematical career. Essentially, this coursereviews the essential math concepts previously taught in Algebra 2, but will incorporate new units (data & statistics, geometric facts & reasoning) previously taught in Geometry or Statistics class. It will also show students how to connect those skills toproblems in daily life and assist in logical thinking, problem-solving, & reasoning skills.
Here is a list of some of the topics discussed with students during MathIII class:
▪ Equivalent Expressions & Factoring▪ Trigonometric functions & the Unit Circle
▪ Imaginary Numbers & Complex Solutions▪ Proofs using algebra, geometry, & trigonometry
▪ Using Function Notation (Domain / Range)▪ Properties of & Formulas for Circles
▪ Translating a Function▪ Rational Functions & Asymptotes
▪ Geometric Constructions▪ Analyzing Data and Graphs
This is simply a sampling of the many topics we will discuss throughout the term. Students will need to be able to solve problems of varying degrees, prove formulas using logical thinking, explain mathematical concepts and ideas, and work out large problems in groups using different mathematical methods.
A student’s grade is based on a straight cumulative points system, with about 50% of the grade determined from Test scores and 50% of the grade based on Quizzes/Classwork/Homework. I will follow the same grading scale as is found in the online student handbook for LNHS. I will be providing many ways for students to receive extra help in gaining confidence in math, namely through working with Mr. Kosal during his before / after-school / SMART tutoring sessions. I keep normal school hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and am always willing to work with students having difficulty in my class. I am also available every Tuesday & Friday during SMART Lunch. Please stop by if you are absent for a class, need help with homework, or just want some extra practice before a big exam.
Students should also be checking Mr. Kosal’s LNHS website and my Twitter feed to receive homework & class updates each night. I also post solutions to homework problems on my school webpage each day; it’s a good idea to bookmark the page for quick access. It is important for all students to stay on top of class concepts and assignments because Extra Credit is very rare in my course – what you earn is what you get.
One final note:this is only the third year of North Carolina’s adoption of the new mathematics curriculum. Our new curriculum focuses on mathematical reasoning, drawing adequate conclusions, & writing justification for each mathematical step. I do not expect this new curriculum to always come easy to students (who have generally been used to standardized test prep & skill practice for many years), nor to me. Please be patient with this new curriculum and with frustrations your students may show at times. I hope parents will understand that this style of math will rely much more on students “discovering” formulas, patterns, & procedures instead of the teacher simply telling them what is right or wrong. The point of the new curriculum is to build creative & logical thinkers in North Carolina, which should aid them in college, the workforce, and in everyday life.
If you have any further questions about the content in Math3 or what’s in store for students in my classroom this year, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks!
Mr. Kosal