WELCOME TO AP CALCULUS BC 2016-2017
Teacher: Judith McElhinney
Room: A238
Tel: 407 4161
E-mail:
Web page: http://www.amphi.com/Domain/276
Course Description
AP Calculus BC is a rigorous college-level course intended to provide students with a background in elementary calculus, equivalent to two semesters of college calculus. This course covers the AP Collegeboard curriculum and additional Calculus II topics. Material covered includes the differential and integral calculus of polynomials, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. These topics will be with applications, as well as the calculus of polar functions and the study of convergence and divergence of infinite series. This is a weighted course and culminates with the College Board national AP Calculus BC exam to be taken in May 2016.
Materials required everyday
Pencil & eraser, Paper, Three ring binder with Homework section, Calculator (TI-83)
Tardy without a pass:
1st and 3rd tardy– loss of bellwork points and lunch detention
4th tardy – referral to attendance office
*Detentions will be 15 minutes in A238 within one week of the tardy.
Absences
Students are expected to attend class regularly in order to experience success. Unexcused absences will result in zero credit. Pre and post lesson notes can be found on my website. The procedures for make-up work are:
1. Assignments must be made up within the allotted number of days, i.e. the number of days you were absent in order to receive credit.
2. Assignments are listed on the calendar posted in the classroom, as well as online.
3. When you return from an absence, it is your responsibility to catch up. Please make sure you take worksheets and/or test reviews from the folder by the bulletin board at the back of the classroom, check the calendar in class or online for missed assignments.
4. If you were absent for a test, you have one week to make up that test from the date the test was given.
5. Bellwork is part of your participation grade and as such cannot be made up. It is also a device to encourage you to be on time for class.
Homework
Homework is assigned everyday and the expectation is that it is completed for the following class period, so that the class can discuss any problems that arise. It is important to remember, the purpose of homework is to reinforce learning that has gone on in class and to help prepare for tests and quizzes. Completing homework on a daily basis, allows you to come in and ask questions and help clarify any issues you may have. It is also a major contributing factor to YOUR success in both this class and the AP exam in May. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss and share their solutions with other students. Homework will be collected once a week.
Semester 1
Review of Calculus AB topics
Limits and continuity, derivatives and transcendental functions.
Applications of Derivatives
Integration & applications of definite integrals
Revolutions of solids
Semester 2
Improper integrals
Infinite sequences and series
Planes, curves and polar coordinates
Calculus BC review
Grading Policy: Semester grade
A =100% - 90% Tests 60%
B =89% - 80% Assignments 8%
C =79% - 70% Participation 2%
D =69% - 60% Quizzes 10%
F =59% - 0% Final Exam 20%
You will be kept informed regularly about your grades and your progress in class. A computerized update on grades will be done weekly and will be displayed on your bulletin board in the classroom. I encourage you to share this information with your parents. Grades will be available on our school grading system program Tyler SIS and can be accessed through the parent/student portal on the school website.
How to get help
Missed tests can be made up during conference periods, which are also a great time to seek help or discuss math problems with other students. I can be available before school by appointment, and lunch by appointment.
What happens if I choose to break a rule?
1st Consequence – Warning
2nd Consequence – lunch detention
3rd Consequence – Parent contact
4th Consequence – Referral to Principal
What happens if I choose to follow rules?
Positive comments
Calls home to parent/guardian
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY
If a student is caught cheating, he/she will receive a zero for the assignment, test or quiz. The person caught cheating from will also receive a zero, unless they can prove otherwise that they did not have a role in knowingly helping the offender. I encourage collaboration on assignments; however, simply copying someone else's solutions will be considered cheating. It will also ensure that the offending student performs poorly on tests/quizzes. I follow district and school policy for academic dishonesty.
A Note on Attendance
Attendance is also a key contributing factor to student success. Students must be present for at least 90% of class, as per district policy, otherwise they may lose credit in the class.