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Calculus Class Policy
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BC Course Description - In addition to all of the concepts described above for the AB course, the concepts of the derivative and integral are applied to parametric equations, polar equations, and vectors. The ideas of convergent and divergent series are explored, with an emphasis on various tests for convergence. BC students will be graded the same as AB students, except they will have one additional test on strictly BC material each semester.
Textbook – Calculus of a Single Variable (7th edition), by Roland Larson and Robert Hostetler, Houghton Mifflin, 2002. You are to bring your textbook to class each day. Books must be covered and stay covered throughout the year. Do not use newspaper or plastics that adhere to the surface of the book cover. Do not tape the cover to the book. If your book is uncovered, you will get one warning. Failure to heed the warning will result in a detention.
Equipment – You will need the following equipment:
Notebook, calculator, and textbook should be brought to class daily.
Grades – Grades will be calculated following the school grading scale as indicated below.
Marking Quarter
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Year
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Advanced Placement Calculus Examination - You are required to take the Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB Examination in May of the school year. The fee for the examination is approximately $90.00.
Internet Support - Solutions to odd numbered textbook problems are available for free on the web at www.CalcChat.com or www.hotmath.com. Choose the textbook Calculus 7th edition by Larson Hostetler. When using CalcChat, use the red circular button with the four yellow arrows to scroll down through the problem. To use HotMath, you need the password dccs462.
Tests - You will normally have two full-period tests per marking quarter. Tests must be taken in pencil and will usually require a calculator. Extra time will not normally be given. Tests will include recitation of statements to be memorized, problem solving, graphing, true/false or multiple choice questions relating to calculus concepts, and occasional proofs.
When you are absent on the day of a test for illness, you have one grace day plus as many school days to make up the test following your return as you were absent. (i.e. If you are absent for 3 days, you must make up the test on or before the fourth day back in school.) It is your responsibility to come to me to set up a time for taking a missed test. If you fail to make up the test in the given number of days, your test score will be lowered by four points for each day past the deadline.
If you are absent from class on the day of a test for a school-related activity, you must notify me at least one day ahead. In most cases you will be required to take the test before you leave for the activity. Failure to inform me of your absence and to schedule a time to take the test before leaving will result in a four-point penalty.
Quizzes - You will have a half-period quiz approximately midway into every testing unit. Quizzes must be taken in pencil and will usually require a calculator. Extra time will not normally be given. When you miss a quiz, you must make it up following the same procedure as making up a test.
Homework -
You will be given a Homework Assignment Chart at the start of each new testing
unit. Assignments will be collected at the start of class on the the date
indicated on the Homework Assignment Chart. Completing daily assignments
on time is a critical part of successful performance in the class. In
doing so, you will:
a. Be able to refine your understandings by asking questions about
difficult problems in class.
b. Better understand the next day's lesson because you have mastered the
concepts on which the new lesson is based.
c. Gain the practice necessary to perform calculus skills reliably and
quickly on a test.
d. Give your mind enough time to assimilate each calculus concept so
that you can reason clearly with these ideas and use them to solve more difficult
problems.
All work must be done in pencil on 8½ by 11 (or 8 by 10½) inch white paper, in neat, readable fashion. The paper may not be torn from a spiral notebook. There must be a heading on the top of the first page of each day's work modeled after the illustration below:
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The date on the paper (even if it is late) is to be the due date as listed on the homework chart. An assignment that lacks any of the above will be returned for corrections.
Problem Sets - Twice each marking quarter you will be asked to turn in a special problem set for grading purposes. Such problems must be written in ink on plain white typing paper and will be graded on accuracy, validity of reasoning, method, completeness of explanation, and neatness. Graphs are to be done on graph paper. There is to be absolutely no interaction among students on doing the problem sets. They are strictly individual work. If you will be absent from class due to a school-related activity, you are expected to turn the assignment in ahead of time or have another student turn it in for you. Late papers will be penalized four points per school day. No problem set will be accepted more than 3 school days late. Please do not FAX in assignments (labs, problem sets, or regular homework) to me when you are out of school. They are never readable. i will only grade an original copy.
Laboratory Assignments - Twice each marking quarter you will be given a laboratory assignment. It is to be done on the computer using the StudyWorks program. Laboratory reports are to be computer printed on plain white paper using any word processor. You may choose one laboratory partner, if you wish, and work together on the assignments. Laboratory partners may turn in one joint report or two separate reports. If you will be absent from class due to a school-related activity, you are expected to turn the assignment in ahead of time or have another student turn it in for you. Late papers will be penalized four points per school day. No laboratory assignment will be accepted more than 3 school days late.
Calculator - Each student is required to purchase a TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator and to bring it to class daily. It will be needed for quizzes, tests, homework, and in-class activities. Students may NOT share a calculator during a quiz or test. Storing of any mathematical theorems or formulas in the memory of the calculator is not allowed and will be considered intentional cheating.
Extra Help - When you have difficulty doing the homework, you should consult a classmate for help and ask appropriate questions in the next class period. If after doing both of the above you are still confused, please make an appointment to come to me for help. I am usually available during DC Time and the early lunch period (every day except B and F). No appointment is necessary at these times; just stop in to my classroom H104. You may also ask for an appointment to see me during a study hall or after school. When you have been absent from school and need extra help, it is important that you first copy a classmate's notes into your notebook or download the class notes from Edline and bring them with you when coming to me for help. In that way I will be able to explain the most to you in the least amount of time. If you are absent from school due to a family trip, please arrange for private tutoring to make up the missed work.