Welcome to AP Calculus AB!
Course Description:
The AP Calculus AB course is designed to provide a challenging and fast paced college level Calculus curriculum for highly motivated students who have previously demonstrated high achievement and interest in Mathematics. Extensive investigation of topics related to differentiation and integration via graphic, algebraic and numeric methods is provided in order to promote higher-level cognitive skills. The overall objective of this course is to provide students with the tools necessary to become critical thinkers and therefore enhance their potential for success, in Mathematics as well as any other subject, at the college level and beyond.
WHSAD’s School-Wide Grading Policy:
Assessments (Exams, Quizzes, Problem Sets, etc.)40%
Exams/Writing Tasks – 30%
Quizzes – 10%
Notebook/Daily Student Work40%
Classwork – 30%
Homework – 10%
Class Participation20%
Assessments:
In Calculus, we will havemajor tests at the end of each unit/chapter. Each chapter will also have 1 or 2 accompanying problem sets which will allow you to delve deeper into the topics at hand. Many tests and problem sets will consist of questions taken from past AP exams. Quizzes will be given weekly to monitor progress.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned each night to reinforce the topic covered in class that day. Unless otherwise announced, it is due the next day. Homework will be reviewed each day in class. Late homework will not be accepted.
Notebook and Classwork:
Your classwork grade will be based on both written classwork assignments, and the management/completeness of your notebook. You are required to have two notebooks for AP Calculus AB – one for daily class notes, and one in which to complete your homework assignments.
Class Participation:
This part of your grade will be determined by your active participation in class, which will include completion of daily work, preparedness, punctuality, conduct, and contributions to class discussions.
Required Materials:
Every student must have two dedicated Calculus notebooks and arrive prepared with them and a writing utensil each day. Students are encouraged to have their own TI-83, TI-84, or TI-89 calculator.
AP Exam:
The AP Calculus AB exam will be given at 8:00am on Thursday, May 5th. More details about the exam will be discussed throughout the course.
Course Outline (dates are approximate):
Unit 1: Prerequisites for CalculusSeptember 9 – September 25
Unit 2: Limits and ContinuitySeptember 28 – October 22
Unit 3: DerivativesOctober 23 – December 4
Unit 4: Applications of DerivativesDecember 7 – January 22
Unit 5: The Definite IntegralFebruary 2 – March 4
Unit 6: Differential Equations & Mathematical ModelingMarch 7 – March 24
Unit 7: Applications of Definite IntegralsMarch 28 – April 14
Unit 8: AP Exam ReviewApril 15 – May 4
Attendance and Punctuality:
It is vital to each student’s success that she/he be in class, on time, every day. Students arriving late to class should bring a late pass; lateness disrupts the class and distracts those students who have arrived on time to begin the day’s work. Repeated lateness will result in parental notification and possible guidance referral.
It is understandable that students maybe absent occasionally. Students must present an excuse note (from a parent, guardian, or doctor) to the teacher immediately upon return to school. If a student is absent on the day of a test or quiz, it must be made up within three days of returning to school; it is the student’s responsibility to make an appointment with Ms. Wilson for make-up.
Classroom Responsibilities:
Each student is to arrive in class prepared and ready to learn. Students must have with them each day a writing utensil and two notebooks that are used ONLY for Math class (or dedicated sections of a multi-subject notebook).
Students are expected to enter the classroom each day, take their seat, and get out the previous night’s homework. Students needing to sharpen pencils should do so only in the first five minutes of class or during classwork time, NOT during the day’s lesson.
The use of cell phones, MP3 players, or other electronic devices will not be tolerated. Students found using such devices in class will subject to discipline in accordance with the DOE’s Discipline Code.
Our classroom is a respectful and supportive community; use of foul language is not acceptable. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times; students who are unable to behave suitably will have their parents or guardians notified, and will be referred to the appropriate administrative person.
I very much look forward to this year and working with each and every one of you. Parents and guardians can reach me at 718.388.1260 x2040 or via email at .
Students and parents/guardians must read this document and sign the attached page. The signed page must be returned to Ms. Wilson by Wednesday, September 16th.
AP Calculus AB CONTRACT
Date: ______
I have read the classroom rules and requirements for AP Calculus AB. I understand the rules and requirements and will honor them for the 2015-2016 School Year.
Student’s Name: ______
Student’s Signature: ______
Student’s Email: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Parent/Guardian Phone Number: ______
(please provide a phone number where you can best be reached between 2:00-4:00pm)
Parent/Guardian Email: ______