PLANE GEOMETRY A
Mrs. Shaffer
Fall 2013 – 2014
Gull Lake High School
Contact Information:
E-mail:
hshaffer@gulllakecs.org
Phone:
(269) 488 – 5020
Ext. 1668
Room:
Room 2305
Main Website: www.gulllakecs.org (Schoolwires)
Course Information:
In development of the Common Core State Curriculum, this course will cover the following units:
Unit 1: Language of Geometry
Unit 3: Transformational Geometry
Unit 2: Mathematical Reasoning and Proof
Unit 4: Triangles
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Algebra and/or teacher recommendation
Materials:
It is expected that students bring the following materials to class everyday:
5. Protractor
1. Textbook (Holt Geometry)
4. Notebook
2. Pencil (No pens please)
6. Compass
(1” Binder strongly
3. Calculator*
recommended)
*You NEED a calculator and you need to have to with you every day.
Not allowed: TI-89, TI-92, or any “QWERTY” calculators.
Recommend: Graphing TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84. A scientific calculator is appropriate.
Calculator use on the Ipad or other electronic device is prohibited
Grading:
The scale for tests, quizzes, and overall math grade will be as follows:
A
100 – 93
B–
82 – 80
A–
92 – 90
C+
79 – 77
B+
89 – 87
C
76 – 73
B
86 – 83
C–
72 – 70
D+
D
D–
E
69 – 67
66 – 63
62 – 60
59 and below
The trimester grade will be composed of the marking period grade worth 80%, and a final exam worth
20%. A student must receive at least a 60% for the trimester grade to pass this course.
The marking period grade will be composed of:
Tests / Quizzes – 70%
- This component of your grade includes any test or quiz given during the trimester. You should
expect a test after each unit (approximately 4 for the trimester), and you should expect 1-2
quizzes per unit. Each test will be weighted the same, and every quiz will be weighted the
same.
- Tests and quizzes MUST be completed by the end of the class period in which they are given.
- Theorem / Postulate Sheets may be used on any test or quiz, including the final exam. The
will be checked before taking any test or quiz.
- Department Policy: For a unit test, the student may make a 3 by 5 note card for use on the
test. If the student completes the entire test without using the note card, that student will
receive up to a 3% bonus, depending on how well the card is made. Examples of different
"levels" of quality will be shown to all students at the start of the trimester.
Homework / Classwork – 30%
- This component of your grade includes homework, in-class assignments, writing
assignments, projects, and warm-ups, participation, and in-class tasks.
- Students are expected to complete all assignments in the time they are given to complete
them. Because these assignments are usually reviewed the class period that they are due,
NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED. This is essential to keeping up with the course material.
-
This part of your grade will also include investigation labs using Geometer’s Sketchpad.
Homework may include other non-traditional methods, such as watching instructional videos,
taking notes, and participating in an online discussion.
This component of your grade will also include class participation. This means that you must
be doing what I am asking you to and not doing what I am not asking you to do.
Technology:
As mentioned before, work that will be done at home may involve watching an instructional video or
participating in an online discussion. In addition, the content for the course will be placed online. Thus,
the use of the Internet is important to succeeding in the course. Therefore, if you do not have Internet
access at home (or close friend or relative near you where you child may access it), it is imperative that
you let me know so that we can make other arrangements.
Mathematical Tasks:
In alignment with the Common Core Curriculum, students will be asked to complete mathematical tasks.
They will be assessed in different ways, depending on the nature of the task.
How to be successful in this (or ANY math) class:
 Knowledge and retention of material in previous math classes is essential.
 This class is a step up from the last one and will require more work.
 Come to class prepared, pay attention, take good notes, and ask questions.
 Bring notebook, textbook, pencil, and calculator every day.
 Do the homework the night of and look back at it and practice it again throughout the chapter.
 If you don’t get something, SEEK HELP (after school, before school, seminar, online, friends,
etc.). Don’t wait until it’s too late, be proactive.
 Keep up-to-date with your grade – know how to check your grade online; I usually update once or
twice each week.
 Mathematics is not a spectator class – you must practice, practice, and practice, until you “get it”.
Policies:
 Attendance at all classes is essential since interaction between persons present cannot be
duplicated. Promptness is also highly valued just as it is in the workplace. As a result,
absenteeism and tardiness will affect various aspects of a student’s overall performance and
grade. (Refer to the Student Handbook for attendance and tardiness policies.)
 Make-up quizzes, homework and tests policies set in the Student Handbook will be followed. It is
the student’s responsibility to make arrangements.
 No late work is accepted
Course Syllabus – Plane Geometry “A”
Signatures:
I have been made aware that the syllabus can be found online at Mrs. Shaffer’s web page and I accept
the responsibilities that will lead to success in Plane Geometry “A”
Student signature: ___________________________ Date: _____________
Parents/Guardian
I/We am aware that the syllabus can be found online at Mrs. Shaffer web page. Through the syllabus I
am aware of my student’s course work expectations and his/her responsibilities toward the materials and
the requirements for success in this course.
Guardians(s) signature(s): _________________________Date: ____________
____________________________Date: _____________
In order to facilitate this syllabus with convenience to the parent/guardian of the student an email address
allows me to reach you at your convenience. If you have an email address please include it below along
with a phone number that you can be reached at during the school day.
Email ____________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________________________________
Comments, questions, or concerns can be addressed in writing below or on the back. Please do not
hesitate to contact me should you need to discuss your student. My email is:
hshaffer@gulllakecs.org
The last page of this syllabus is to be returned no later than September 5, 2014 and is worth 10 points.
Thank you for taking the time to remain involved in your student’s education