Welcome to
Geometry!
Mr. Kopkas 2012-2013
Pick up a slip of paper and find your partner.
One of you has the problem and the other has
the answer. Once you have a pair, choose a
table to sit together and introduce yourselves.
Mr. Kopkas
Education
• John Carroll University – BSBA in Marketing
• Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters of Arts in Education
Experience (10 years)
•Solon High School
2002 – Present
Student Goals
Geometry
• Pose mathematical questions, such as “What if . . .?,”
meaningfully and appropriately.
• Make conjectures and test their validity.
• Recognize and represent patterns mathematically or in prose.
• Appreciate geometry as a connected, systematic branch of
mathematics.
• Apply geometry to solve problems in both mathematical and
real-world contexts.
• Critique a logical argument.
• Communicate mathematical understanding effectively and
formulate complete, logical arguments to support conclusions.
• Use algebra to formulate and solve equations arising from
geometric situations both on and off a coordinate grid.
• Exhibit creativity and perseverance in mathematical problem
solving, with the ability to determine when an approach is not
working and a new direction is needed.
Required Materials
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Geometry Text
Sharpened pencil(s)
A supply of notebook & graph paper in a 3-ring binder.
A set of 5 colored divider tabs to insert into your binder
for organizational purposes.
A calculator (TI 30 XIIS-same as Algebra I)
“The Geometer”, a geometry template available in the
school bookstore.
Compass
Protractor
Structure of the class
Study Teams
During this course you will collaborate with other students
as a member of a study team. Together, each team will
complete problems and activities that will help you discover
new mathematical ideas and methods. This is a very
student-centered class. I will support you as you work, but
will not take away your opportunity to think and investigate
for yourself. In order to be successful in this class you will
need to be a willing and active participant as you develop
your mathematical understanding.
Guidelines for Working in
Study Teams
Follow these guidelines for working in study
teams:
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No talking outside your team.
Discuss questions with your team before calling the teacher over.
Within your team, keep your conversation on mathematics.
You must try to help anyone in your study team who asks.
Helping your teammate does not mean giving answers. Help by
giving hints and asking good questions.
Explain and justify your ideas; give statements and reasons.
No one alone is as smart as all of us together. Do not leave anyone
behind or let anyone work ahead. Your team is not done until
everyone is done.
Clear off tables before getting to work so that you can see everyone’s
paper.
Use study team voices.
Grading Scale
A: 90 – 100%
B: 80 - 89.9%
C: 70 - 79.9%
D: 60 - 69.9%
F: 59.9% or below (You earn this!)
• Note: Your grade in Geometry is weighted!
– 65% Individual Tests
– 25% Team Tests and Small Quizzes
– 10% Coursework
• Current grades are also accessible on the parent viewer.
Assistance & Homework Help
• Assistance: I am here to help you so if at any time you are
having a problem pertaining to this class please see me
immediately so that we can remedy the problem as quickly as
possible. I am available most days before and, possibly, after
school. The Math Lab is also available during the school day.
• Homework & Homework Help: It is important that you
complete EVERY homework problem. This course is designed
to “spiral”, meaning that topics are visited more than once, so
you need to do all problems to get a complete understanding
of the material. Hints and solutions to select homework
problems are available online under the student tab at
www.cpm.org. CPM also has many valuable resources for you
and your parents (resource pages, skill builders, parent
guides, etc.) at www.cpm.org.
Assignments & Grading
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Assignments will be posted in the classroom and online. It is your
responsibility to write them down in class or find them online.
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Both a Team Test and an Individual Test will be given after each unit
of study and will always be announced in advance. Quizzes will be
given periodically, and they may or may not be announced.
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Formative Assessments, Presentations, and Class Observations will
also factor into your grade.
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Cumulative projects will be given periodically during the course. They
will be discussed in more detail when assigned.
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I will not grade on a curve nor will grades be rounded. However, bonus
questions will appear occasionally.
Internet Information
On my page, you will find daily lessons, homework,
upcoming tests and quizzes as well as some of the class
resources. To get to my page follow these steps:
1. Go to the Solon Schools web page
www.solonschools.org
2.
Choose Schools
3.
Choose SHS 9-12
4.
Scroll down to my name (Damien Kopkas)
5.
Choose “Calendar” from the bottom
6.
Choose the appropriate class
Tonight’s Assignment
• Write down 3 personal goals you have and find
and write down 1 positive quote that inspires
you.
• Visit the class website. Click on links and
familiarize yourself with what is available online.
• Complete Student Information Sheet.
We’re All in This
Together!
Welcome to Geometry! I am looking forward to assisting you in
learning and have high expectations of you for this year. If we
work together, it will be a rewarding and successful year for all!