Course Syllabus: Geometry A
Teacher: Mr. Baumgart
Email: tbaumgart@lapeerschools.org
Course Text: Holt Geometry
blog: http://tombaum13.edublogs.org/mr-bs-geometry-page/
Course Description:
Geometry may very well be the most important math class you will ever take. In
Geometry A, you will begin to see how math is truly a language in and of itself. You will learn how
mathematical conjectures are conceived and how logic is used to prove them true or false. This use of logic is
not only crucial for understanding all branches of mathematics, but is also the basis for how our legal system
functions, how we “talk to” computers, and how we formulate persuasive and meaningful arguments.
Geometry is the first course that separates math from arithmetic. The emphasis is not on number crunching,
symbolic manipulation, or memorization of mathematical facts; the emphasis of this course is logical
thinking.
Besides introducing abstract, mathematical thought, geometry is widely applicable to many “real world”
situations. Geometry can be used to measure distances indirectly, model molecular structures and physical
situations, design a building, or determine the ideal shape of a structure. The applications are endless if you
are curious enough to explore them!
Curriculum: Geometry A will cover chapters 1-5.
Focal topics and a rough outline are listed below:
Chapter 1: Geometry building blocks: points, lines, planes, segments, angles. Midpoint and distance
calculations. Introduction to transformations. Introduction to area.
Chapter 2: Basic logic: inductive/deductive reasoning, conditional statements, biconditionals,
introduction to geometric proof
Chapter 3: Special angles formed by parallel lines and transversals, slopes, parallel and perpendicular
lines in the coordinate plane, and more geometric proof
Chapter 4: Classifying triangles by sides and angles, angle relationships in triangles, isosceles and
equilateral triangles.
Chapter 5: Pythagorean theorem, Pythagorean triples, special right triangles
Mr. B’s Classroom Norms:
You are expected to abide by the following rules common to all classrooms:
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Do not interfere with my ability to teach or others ability to learn. Raise your hand if you wish to
speak.
Respect yourself, others, and your school.
No food or drink in classrooms after 7:30 with the exception of water.
Use appropriate comments, language, and gestures.
Focus on learning: heads off desks, no phones, mp3 devices, etc.
Be on time and prepared.
Materials Needed/Notebook Organization:
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3-ring binder full of paper
5 notebook dividers with tabs labeled as follows: 1) “WarmUps” 2) “Notes” 3) “Assignments”
4) “Resources” and 5) “Study Guides”
Pencil/red pen: red pens are provided for in-class grading, you may bring your own if you wish.
You will be issued a TI-83 graphing calculator for the trimester.
Course Structure/Grading Policies:
Your trimester grade will be weighted according to the percentages shown next to each heading below:
WarmUps (5%): WarmUps are problems done at the beginning of class prior to beginning the lesson.
They will be collected at the end of each week. Procedures will be discussed in class.
Assignments (15%): Assignments are anything collected for a grade with the exception of WarmUps.
Typically, these are homework assignments; however, any in class work that is graded will be included in
this category.
Quizzes (30%): Quizzes are given after 2-4 sections have been completed. You will know in advance when
these are coming.
Tests (50%): Test are given at the end of each chapter. There will be 4-5 tests given in Geometry A.
Late Work/Assessment Retakes:
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Absent students have 1 day per day of absence to complete an assignment. Check the class blog
for the notes and assignment you have missed (see top of syllabus for the web address).
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Late work may be turned in before an assignment has been returned to the class (2-3 days tops)
for full credit. Otherwise, you will receive a zero.
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You may retake one test and up to two quizzes for a maximum grade of 75%.