Oakland High School

IB Mathematics SL

K. Dillon, D3

Oakland High School

Twitter: @dillon_kathy

I. Course Description:

According to the IB Math SL Syllabus, Mathematics SL, “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 mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.”

This will be a 2-year course that focuses on introducing important mathematical concepts through the development of mathematical techniques. Students will, wherever possible, apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in an appropriate context.

The IB Mathematics SL course has aims for you to:

• Enjoy mathematics, and develop an appreciation of the elegance and power of mathematics

• Develop an understanding of the principles and nature of mathematics

• Communicate clearly and confidently in a variety of contexts

• Develop logical, critical and creative thinking, and patience and persistence in problem-solving

• Employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization

• Apply and transfer skills to alternative situations, to other areas of knowledge and to future ideas

• Appreciate how developments in technology and mathematics have influenced each other

• Appreciate the moral, social and ethical implications arising from the work of mathematicians and the

applications of mathematics

• Appreciate the international dimension in mathematics through an awareness of the universality of

mathematics and its multicultural and historical perspectives

• Appreciate the contribution of mathematics to other disciplines and draw connections to TOK

The IB Mathematics SL course has the following objectives:

• Knowledge and understanding: recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts

and techniques in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

• Problem-solving: recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical skills, results and models in

both real and abstract contexts to solve problems.

• Communication and interpretation: transform common realistic contexts into mathematics; comment

on the context; sketch or draw mathematical diagrams, graphs or constructions both on paper and using technology; record methods, solutions and conclusions using standardized notation.

• Technology: use technology, accurately, appropriately and efficiently both to explore new ideas and to

solve problems.

• Reasoning: construct mathematical arguments through use of precise statements, logical deduction and

inference, and by the manipulation of mathematical expressions.

• Inquiry approaches: investigate unfamiliar situations, both abstract and real-world, involving

organizing and analyzing information, making conjectures, drawing conclusions and testing their validity.

This course seeks to develop mathematics skills that are useful in themselves and that can be applied to multiple disciplines, referenced in various activities, and related to interests of both you and me.

II. IB Assessment:

Many of you will be taking the IB external assessment in May of 2019. We will work together to prepare you for this exam and to help you be successful on it. Your IB Score depends on your external assessment (an exam consisting of Paper 1 and Paper 2) and your internal assessment (the mathematical exploration).

External Assessment (3 hrs) = 80%

Paper 1, No Calculator (1 hr 30 mins) = 40%

• Section A: Compulsory short-response questions where a small number of steps are needed to solve each question, designed to test the breadth of the syllabus.

• Section B: A small number of compulsory extended-response questions, meant to test knowledge and understanding in depth. Questions involve sustained reasoning, and may require knowledge of more than one topic.

• This paper is worth 90 marks

Paper 2, Calculator Required (1 hr 30 mins) = 40%

• Section A: Compulsory short-response questions where a small number of steps are needed to solve each question, designed to test the breadth of the syllabus.

• This paper is worth 90 marks

Internal Assessment = 20%

Mathematical Exploration: This is a short report (approximately 6-12 pages long) written by you, based on a topic chosen yourself, and it should focus on the mathematics of that particular area. The emphasis is on mathematical communication (including formulae, diagrams, graphs and so on), with accompanying commentary, good mathematical writing and thoughtful reflection. This exploration allows you to develop area(s) of your own interest without a time constraint as in an examination. While you will have time to work in class on parts of the project and will have opportunities for peer review, you will be expected to spend time outside of class on the project as well. The majority of this project will be completed during the second year of this course.

According to IB requirements, all students must have a graphic display calculator (GDC) certain minimum functionalities. You may check out a calculator for use in class and for the exam, however, I recommend you purchase your own TI-84(+) so that you may use it and become familiar with it at home.

III. Course Expectations:

You are expected to bring to class every day:

• Paper for note-taking (whether loose leaf in binder or in a notebook)

• Graph Paper

• Pencil with eraser, colored pen

• Calculator

• An open mind, ready to learn!

You will be expected to keep a 3-ring binder or folder for this class. Keep everything! You will need it when preparing for the IB external assessment.

You are also expected to participate in class every day! Participation is imperative for your success in this class, and includes active note-taking, active listening, asking questions, and actively contributing to class discussions or group work.

IV. Grading Policy:

The IB class focuses on refining and perfecting students’ mathematical skills and applications. In order for you to be successful, it is important for both you and I consistently evaluate your understanding by the rigorous IB standards. Evaluation may take the form of tests, quizzes, projects, and in-class participation or discussions. The IB student must be willing to put in the necessary additional time and effort required of a college-preparatory course.

The grading for this class is based on a total points grading system.

Activities and Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and are required. Homework will allow you to apply and test your hand at the abilities, skills, and lessons taught in class. It is expected that you will come to class prepared to go over the homework and activities with your peers. Occasionally, in-class activities will be assigned at the start of a class and will count for a grade. You may turn in homework for a grade of 4 points each class period. If you have not completed the homework and choose not to turn in your homework, you will not be penalized (you will receive a grade of EX- exempt). Because the grading system is total points, the more homework assignments you complete and turn in, the more it will help your grade! In order to receive credit for your homework, you must check and correct your answers from the back of the textbook in pen for every question. Late homework will not be accepted. Homework will be reviewed daily and it is highly recommended that you make good use of class time to get help on difficult problems.

Quizzes will be created to mirror the IB external assessment and will be given frequently. They may be announced or unannounced. There will be approximately 3-5 quizzes per 9 weeks grading period. However, due to the depth and breadth of material covered in the IB curriculum, please note that not all material will be able to be assessed by quiz before it is assessed by test. It is the students’ responsibility to self-assess his or her understanding continually by completing homework assignments and checking answers to the problems in the back of the book. The successful IB Math student will seek help both in and out of class from peers and Ms. Dillon on problems that were solved incorrectly.

Tests will be created to mirror the IB external assessment. They will include both short answer and extended response questions aligned to Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the IB exam. Typically, there will be both a calculator and a non-calculator portion of the test. Test dates will be announced at least one week in advance; there will typically be 2-3 tests per 9 weeks grading period.

Projects will be assigned occasionally in the place of tests or quizzes. You will receive the project guidelines and rubrics at least 1 week prior to the due date of each assignment. Late projects will only receive 50% credit.

Retakes will not be offered. As a part of an IB class, students receive five extra points added to their grade to adjust for the difficulty of the class. This is a high level elective class, and therefore it is expected that students plan ahead and prepare for assessments the first time around.

V. Absences:

PLEASE try not to be absent!! It is imperative that you are in class. Deadlines will be adhered to and scheduled assignments must be completed on time. Extensions will only be granted in the case of documented and extreme extenuating circumstances. However, whenever absent, it is expected that students will catch up on the missed notes.

In the case of excused absences, you have 5 calendar days to make up in-class and homework assignments assigned on the day(s) that you were absent. However, assignments that were already assigned prior the absence will still be due upon the day of your return. For example, if a homework assignment is assigned on Tuesday to be due Wednesday, and you are absent Wednesday, then you are expected to have it ready to turn in the day you return to school. This is also true of tests. If you miss a test day, then you are expected to be prepared to make up that test on the day of your return. If you miss the day prior to the test day, you are still expected to take the test on its scheduled date.

In the case of unexcused absences, the policies above apply, however work will only receive 70% credit.

VI. Rules and Policies:

The class rules are:

1. Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings.

2. Follow directions the first time they are given.

3. Bring all materials to class.

4. Be respectful of yourself and others.

5. Adhere to the OHS student handbook.

There are a couple of policies in the OHS student handbook to highlight: Cell phones, mp3 players, and other electronics should not be seen or heard (and may not be plugged in to the classroom outlets to charge). Also, please use appropriate language at appropriate times.

In addition, I adhere to both the OHS honesty policy as well as the IB honesty policy. It is important that you complete your work with integrity. Any work with only your name on it should represent only your work. Discussing the content of a test or quiz with a student who has not yet taken it is a violation of the honesty policy, and may result in a zero for you and the other student.

Finally, please come to class prepared to learn together! I am looking forward to a year full of fun, learning, and mathematical exploration with you!

Please come to me with any questions, concerns, worries, etc! I am here to help you achieve your greatest potential. Don’t hesitate to email me, stop by during my planning period, or schedule a meeting with me. I am excited to have you in my class, and I look forward to a great year of learning math with you!

Kathy Dillon (D3)

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Student Name:______Class & Period:______

I have fully read the Student Handbook and Syllabus for my math class. I fully understand and agree to abide by the policies and requirements of the course and to apply my dedication, time, and efforts to achieving my highest potential in the course.

X______Student, Date_____

X______Parent/Guardian Date_____

I have worked hard to write a syllabus that clearly explains my policies and procedures. While policies are subject to change if necessary, I agree to abide by the policies I have laid out in the student handbook and syllabus. I promise to give reasonable notice in the event that a policy or deadline needs to change, and to be available to discuss any concerns regarding these policies over the next year.

X______Teacher, Date_____

*Syllabus is subject to change