Course:Advanced Placement Calculus (AB)
Instructor:Mr. Todd Burkhardt
Room: 358
Office Phone:610-965-1650 ext.21358
Email Addresses:
Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 7:20 a.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Please check with me to assure I don’t have another meeting after school the day you intend to stay.
Text :
Calculus with Early Transcendentals 10th ed. - Anton – single variable
Course Introduction: The material presented in this course has been stipulated by The College Board. You will have an option of taking a placement test in early May which may exempt you from taking the first one or two semesters of college Calculus depending upon your score. Moreover, through Emmaus High School’s dual enrollment program with Lehigh Carbon Community College, you will be given the option of taking this course as if you were going to LCCC for one semester of college Calculus credit.
Expectations:
- Homework:
You will be given an assignment sheet which will include reading assignments and homework outlined by section.
You may wish to read the text prior to my introducing new
material; that will give you some time to process the information more thoroughly. Read the examples in the textbook carefully.
After I’ve explaining a new section, you automatically start working on the homework problems. Your success in this class depends almost entirely upon whether or not you do all the homework as it is assigned. If you are unable to do the homework, you should be coming for extra help!
You must keep all of your homework in a clearly organized notebook. If you are not doing well in the course, I may ask to see your notebook.
2. Take notes on sample problems in class .
Ask questions: if questions are not asked, I assume that you understand all the homework and I proceed with new material. We have a lot to cover.
3. Learn from your mistakes! When you make errors, make a note of what you’ve done (and what you should’ve done). Avoid repeating your mistakes if at all possible.
4. When you are allowed, collaborate; It makes life and learning more interesting.
5. Persevere!!
6. Academic honesty is expected at all times. Cheating will result in a grade of 0% for that assignment/test/quiz. In addition, parents will be called and the procedures stipulated in the discipline code will be enforced.
Grading:
- All major tests have approximately the same number of points. Calculator use will be determined on a test-by-test basis. All tests will be announced. Please review two days ahead of time – so that you can ask coherent questions the day before the test. Continual study and practice has been shown to enhance retention much better than “cramming” – work daily!
- Quizzes will vary in value depending upon length and difficulty of the
concept. Most assessments will be tests.
- Graded assignments are frequently assigned throughout the course.
These problems are, typically, past open- ended A.P. problems which
will familiarize each student with the expectations of the College Board
test. Simultaneously, these problems will apply the concepts discussed
in class as we reviewed the non-graded homework. More extensive projects
will be assigned from time to time.
4. Extra Credit:
A maximum of one percent is awarded as a BONUS, at my discretion,
each quarter based upon observed characteristics such as …
1)asking/answering questions, 2)being involved in class room
activities, 3)doing non-graded homework assignments completely and
4)proper usage of calculators during class.
Other extra credit is frequently available on tests – which allows you to
improve your score on that particular test.
No other additional work will be accepted for extra credit.
- Your grade will be calculated according to the following guideline:
80% tests and quizzes
20% hw and graded assignments
Your final grade will be the average of your four quarter grades, and your “combined exam average”.
Electronic Devices:All pagers and cell phones must be turned off during class time – no exceptions!
Attendance Policy: I very strongly recommend that you attend every class. If you’re not in class, determine what you’ve missed quickly and do what you can to quickly recoup your losses.
Test/Quiz MAKE-UP POLICY
Since tests/quizzes/ and graded homework assignments are announced in advance, you should be preparing over time. When you miss one day of class, you should come prepared to complete the test/quiz/ or graded homework the next day. You may see me prior to homeroom, in room 367, to discuss makeups.
If you are absent for an extended period of time, see me to make arrangements for a makeup.
If you are aware you will be absent, please notify me beforehand and we will plan a desirable course of action.
If you fail to adhere to the above guidelines, a deduction of 10% per day will be taken off of your score on the test/quiz/graded assignment.
Withdrawals: The withdrawal policy in this course differs depending on whether you are taking LCCC credit. Please ask for details if you are considering this option.
Calculators: A graphing calculator is required in this course. The calculator will be used on most tests, including portions of the final exam. During quizzes and exams you may neither use the instruction manual that comes with the calculator nor share your calculator with another student. The TI 83, TI83+ are recommended.
The TI 89 may be used on some tests and on the A.P. exam. However, due to the capabilities of this machine, it will be prohibited on more tests than the TI 83.
(Note: A TI-83 or TI-83 PLUS calculator will be used for all classroom demonstrations.)
Reasonable Accommodations for Students With Disabilities: Students with disabilities should contact their guidance counselor (for non – college credit students) or contact the Office of Disability Support Services (for those receiving college credit) at 610-799-1156 to request course accommodations. Students are also encouraged to personally discuss arrangements with the instructor if there is a need to share medical emergency information or if there is a need for special building evacuation assistance in an emergency situation.