Course+Overview+for+Tech.+Alg.

This course is geared to give students an introduction to the topics of Calculus and give an insight into how other mathematics and sciences fit into this higher form of mathematics. Due to the fact this is a rigorous course, it is designed for those students who are planning to use higher levels of mathematics in their college studies. The textbook we will be using is: __Calculus__ by Larson, Hostetter and Edwards. A TI-83 calculator is recommended. v  Determine maximum and minimum values of a function over a specified interval. (2.11.11.A)  v   Interpret maximum and minimum values in problem situations. (2.11.11.B)  v   Determine sums of infinite sequences of numbers and infinite geometric series. (2.11.11.C)  v   Describe the meaning of maximum and minimum values of a function and how it applies to real life situations. (2.11.11.D)  v   Model real life data using polynomial functions, exponential and power functions. (2.8.12.G)  v   Solve quadratic and exponential equations both symbolically and graphically. (2.8.12.H)  v   Represent and apply translations of sine and cosine functions. (2.10.12.A)  v   Collect appropriate data, analyze period, amplitude and phase shifts, and describe models for applications of sine and cosine functions (e.g., harmonic motion) (2.10.12.B)   v   Create, write, and solve real world application problems that demonstrate the understanding of solving right triangles and/or using the law of sine’s and/or cosines, and inverse trigonometric functions. (2.10.12.C) Students will be evaluated in four separate areas during the extent of this course. They are listed below with their respective percentage of the final grade. =__ //Class Participation// ____ - 15% of Overall Grade __= Each student may earn 2 points each day for class participation. To earn the points you must **1)** BE ON TIME and ON TASK, **2)** Have necessary materials for class, **3)** Do the work required in class, including participating in discussions, group activities, and blackboard work and **4)** Follow all rules and expectations listed in the following Classroom Policies and Expectations section. =__ //Out of Class Assignments// ____ - 15% of Overall Grade __= Out of class assignments will be given every night and will be checked for completeness at the end of each chapter. Remember that these assignments are a chance to practice work that was learned in class and also locate any areas that are still unclear. Homework is the __responsibility__ of the student. Students will be awarded 5 points for every assignment that is checked and completed at the time of the check. Assignments that were ½ completed will be awarded 3.5 points. Zero points will be awarded for the assignments that were not completed or were less than ½ done. Once a homework check has been preformed and a grade assigned, it cannot be changed (unless a student was absent). No warning will be given as to which assignments will be checked, but the entire chapter’s assignments will be collected at once. =__ //Lab and Classroom Activities// ____ - 35% of Overall Grade __= During this course students will be required to complete various activities both in the computer lab and inside the classroom. These activities will include, but not be restricted to, items such as: researching information on the internet, completing tables in Excel and creating various graphs from these tables, creating a model of the ambiguous case, etc. Activities will also include teamwork that will be done inside the classroom. These activities will each be graded differently and students will be given a rubric for each assignment. =__ //Tests and Quizzes// ____ - 35% of Overall Grade __= Quizzes will be given periodically to test understanding and comprehension of the material and necessary skill development. They may or may not be announced and will be scored and returned for review within two days. Since this course is based on specific concepts and applications of these concepts, tests will contain both types of problems. Therefore, a grade on a test will be based on the procedures and explanations of problems, not just the answer. Point value of tests and quizzes will vary and will be announced for each assessment. Each question will be clearly designated a point value and students will graded ¾ points on their work and ¼ points on their answer. A notebook is __not__ required for this class, but taking notes on topics covered in class is highly recommended. Notes will be given on the overhead, blackboard and through activities done in class. A mid-term will be given half way through the semester and will cover material up to that point. A final exam will be given and will require students to concentrate on the second half of material, realizing that material in the first half of the semester was built upon the second half and this knowledge will be tested as well. These two grades averaged together with equal weight will make up the final exam grade. // Students displaying a willingness to learn, a significant effort in class and an overall positive attitude will be given every opportunity to meet the requirements in this course. // Students will be expected to follow the policies and expectations of the class everyday. Any student not meeting these expectations will be assigned after school detention or asked to leave the classroom per situation. The expectations are as follows (These are displayed in the back of the room): Rules: A. NO food, candy, or drink other then water in a clear plastic bottle. The only candy and food allowed in the classroom must be provided or approved by the teacher in advance. B. Be on time. This means to be in the room before the bell rings. C. One person talks at a time. D. Sharpen your pencil when necessary. You don’t need my permission. E. Restrooms are for emergencies only. Go before or after class. F. You may chew gum, but no “Cow chewing” or clicking. Dispose of gum properly. G. You must be in your seats before the bell rings for the end of class. No lining up at the door. Expectations: A. I expect that you attend class regularly. B. I expect mutual trust, cooperation and collaboration. C. I expect that you will follow all school and classroom rules and behave accordingly. D. I expect to earn your respect and you can mine. E. I expect your willingness to offer and receive assistance and feedback/ F. I expect quality in all aspects of your work in this course. G. Academic Dishonesty: It is an expectation of this instructor that students and parents understand the necessity of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabrication of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others (letting other copy homework, quizzes, tests, or labs), having unauthorized possession of tests or quizzes, or submitting the work of another person as your own. If caught engaging in any of above, students will receive a zero for the assignment, parents will be notified and a referral to the office will be made. PLEASE NOTE: Calculators are to be used for Calculus, not for playing games or sending messages. Anyone caught using the calculator in these ways will be prohibited from using any graphing calculator on the next test. Student Incentive Program: Students who are involved with the Student Incentive program will be allowed to listen to their IPods during period 6 if and only if they have their honors card. Students who are not in the program or have the honors card will **not** be allowed to listen to their IPods. Juniors and seniors will be allowed to miss period 6 if and only if they have their honors card and it must be approved by me (Mrs. Ward) during class. If you owe any work you will not be allowed to leave or listen to your IPod. The overview is subject to change at any time by the teacher. Please go over the course overview with your parents. You and your parents must sign this paper and return it to me. Once it is returned to me, I will place it in your file for further reference.
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