AP CALCULUS AB/IB HL Math Year 1
Ms. Dobson – Room 203
Minneapolis Washburn High School
[email protected]
WHAT IS CALCULUS? Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change. It is nothing more than elementary mathematics (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry) enhanced by something called “the limit process.” Calculus has two major branches, differential calculus (concerning rates of change and slopes of curves), and integral calculus (concerning accumulation of quantities and the areas under and between curves). (Wikipedia, Merriam Webster Dictionary.) The processes of differentiation and integration are inverses of each other.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of math classes through Precalculus, or equivalent. This includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. These functions include, linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined functions. In particular, students must be familiar with properties of functions, composition of functions, the algebra of functions, and graphs of functions. Students must understand the language of functions (domain and range, odd and even, periodic, symmetry, zeroes, intercepts, and descriptors such as increasing and decreasing.) Students also need to know how the sine and cosine functions are defined from the unit circle and know the values of these functions for 0, 𝜋/ 6 , 𝜋/4 , 𝜋/3 , 𝜋/2 and their multiples. (Note: If you struggled in Precalculus, you will need to establish work habits in order to be successful in Calculus. If you did not take Precalculus, there is a significant amount of trigonometry you have not been taught. It is your responsibility to “fill in the gaps”, as we will not have time to review remedial skills.)
AP CALCULUS AB: The curriculum is equivalent to that of a first-semester college Calculus course. It is both challenging and demanding and requires consistent effort on homework.
TOPICS COVERED:
Semester I: Functions and Models Limits and Derivatives Differentiation Rules Applications of Differentiation
Semester II: Integrals
Techniques of Integration
Applications of Integration
Differential Equations
AP EXAM: Understanding the above topics will prepare students for the Advanced Placement AB Calculus exam. Students can earn college credit for exam scores of 3 or higher (on a scale of 5). Students are encouraged but not required to take the exam. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
EXPECTATIONS:
Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to be on time to class, do the homework, participate in classroom and group discussions and presentations, and show respect for others and their right to learn. The MPS citywide attendance policy will be followed. (See Student Handbook)
Assignments: Assignments include openers, in-class assignments, investigations, group work, and presentations. Doing your assignments is the most important part of this class! Not doing them will result in a poor grade. Assignments will be given almost every day. Homework will NOT be graded however, it is expected that all assignments are completed to further understanding. No credit is given for late assignments.
Notebooks: Daily note taking is expected. Date and label each day’s entry. This will help with review, homework, and tests.
Quizzes/Tests: There will be several quizzes and one or two tests per chapter. They must be taken on the day they are given.
Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is expected. Any cheating on quizzes or assignments will result in a “zero” grade (0%) for that item. Any cheating on exams or finals will result in a failing grade for the term.
GRADING: Percentages of total points earned in each of the following categories will determine final grades. Grades will be posted on-line. Students are responsible to track their own grade.
Credit / No Credit: This course may not be taken for credit/no credit.
Office Hours: I am available before and after school (days vary but will always be posted by Monday morning)
Ms. Dobson – Room 203
Minneapolis Washburn High School
[email protected]
WHAT IS CALCULUS? Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change. It is nothing more than elementary mathematics (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry) enhanced by something called “the limit process.” Calculus has two major branches, differential calculus (concerning rates of change and slopes of curves), and integral calculus (concerning accumulation of quantities and the areas under and between curves). (Wikipedia, Merriam Webster Dictionary.) The processes of differentiation and integration are inverses of each other.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of math classes through Precalculus, or equivalent. This includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. These functions include, linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined functions. In particular, students must be familiar with properties of functions, composition of functions, the algebra of functions, and graphs of functions. Students must understand the language of functions (domain and range, odd and even, periodic, symmetry, zeroes, intercepts, and descriptors such as increasing and decreasing.) Students also need to know how the sine and cosine functions are defined from the unit circle and know the values of these functions for 0, 𝜋/ 6 , 𝜋/4 , 𝜋/3 , 𝜋/2 and their multiples. (Note: If you struggled in Precalculus, you will need to establish work habits in order to be successful in Calculus. If you did not take Precalculus, there is a significant amount of trigonometry you have not been taught. It is your responsibility to “fill in the gaps”, as we will not have time to review remedial skills.)
AP CALCULUS AB: The curriculum is equivalent to that of a first-semester college Calculus course. It is both challenging and demanding and requires consistent effort on homework.
TOPICS COVERED:
Semester I: Functions and Models Limits and Derivatives Differentiation Rules Applications of Differentiation
Semester II: Integrals
Techniques of Integration
Applications of Integration
Differential Equations
AP EXAM: Understanding the above topics will prepare students for the Advanced Placement AB Calculus exam. Students can earn college credit for exam scores of 3 or higher (on a scale of 5). Students are encouraged but not required to take the exam. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
EXPECTATIONS:
Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to be on time to class, do the homework, participate in classroom and group discussions and presentations, and show respect for others and their right to learn. The MPS citywide attendance policy will be followed. (See Student Handbook)
- Unavoidable excused absences: (e.g. illness, funeral, family emergency) Homework, quizzes and tests missed during the absence need to be made up within one week depending on the length of the absence.
- Avoidable excused or exempt absences: (e.g. field trips, family and college trips, school trips abroad) No extensions for deadlines. The student is responsible for making up the work and being ready for missed tests or quizzes upon the day he/she returns.
- Unexcused absences: (e.g. skipping, missing bus) No extensions for deadlines. The student is responsible for making up the work. Quizzes or tests missed due to an unexcused absence will result in a “zero” grade (0%) for that assessment.
- Tardies: Any activities missed or not finished when time is up cannot be made up. This includes quizzes and tests!
Assignments: Assignments include openers, in-class assignments, investigations, group work, and presentations. Doing your assignments is the most important part of this class! Not doing them will result in a poor grade. Assignments will be given almost every day. Homework will NOT be graded however, it is expected that all assignments are completed to further understanding. No credit is given for late assignments.
Notebooks: Daily note taking is expected. Date and label each day’s entry. This will help with review, homework, and tests.
Quizzes/Tests: There will be several quizzes and one or two tests per chapter. They must be taken on the day they are given.
Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is expected. Any cheating on quizzes or assignments will result in a “zero” grade (0%) for that item. Any cheating on exams or finals will result in a failing grade for the term.
GRADING: Percentages of total points earned in each of the following categories will determine final grades. Grades will be posted on-line. Students are responsible to track their own grade.
- Formative: Quizzes, in-class assignments, and other activities: 30% of final grade
- Summative: Chapter exams, quarter finals, and semester finals: 70% of final grade
Credit / No Credit: This course may not be taken for credit/no credit.
Office Hours: I am available before and after school (days vary but will always be posted by Monday morning)