AP Calculus at WFHS
Calculus is fundamentally different from the mathematics that you
have studied previously. Calculus is less static and more dynamic.
It is concerned with changes and motion; it deals with quantities that
approach other quantities.
Calculus is ALGEBRA with LIMITS!
Sir Isaac Newton invented his version of calculus in order
to explain the motion of planets around the Sun.
Calculus is used in . . .
© J Pavlicek (2007)
. . . calculating the orbits of satellites and spacecraft
. . . estimating how fast petroleum prices rise
. . . forecasting weather
. . . measuring the cardiac output of the heart
. . . calculating insurance premiums
. . . determining water flow efficiency in turbines at a
hydroelectric plant
. . . calculating when a pilot must begin descent to a runway
. . . explaining the curvature of a rainbow.
Who should take AP Calculus?
• Students planning to major in
mathematics, engineering, or a
science
• Business majors
• Students who enjoy mathematics.
What is AP?
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Advanced Placement
Curriculum determined by College Board
35 subject areas in 20 disciplines
1.2 million students (25,000 high schools)
2.1 million examinations
3,500 colleges
Access to high quality education
Accelerates learning (challenging and stimulating)
Rewards achievement
Why take Advanced Placement?
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Colleges like to see it on your transcript
You can enter college with college credit
Graduate from college in 4 yrs vs. 5 yrs
Graduate from college early (<4 years)
University privileges (course registration,
parking, housing selection)
• Save money !!
AP Calculus
An AP course in calculus consists of a full high school academic year of
work that is comparable to calculus courses in colleges and universities.
It is expected that students who take an AP course in calculus will seek
college credit, college placement, or both, from institutions of higher
learning.
AP Calculus is intended to be challenging and demanding. Both the AB
and BC courses require a similar depth of understanding of topics.
Calculus BC includes all topics covered in Calculus AB plus additional
topics.
The AP Calculus Development Committee recommends that calculus
should be taught as a college-level course. Students who take an AP
Calculus course should do so with the intention of placing out of a
comparable college calculus course. This may be done through the AP
Exam, a college placement exam, or any other method employed by the
college.
apcentral.collegeboard.com
AP Calculus AB
• Equivalent to the first semester of the college calculus
sequence – Calc 1
• Expect 30 – 45 minutes of homework each night.
(Homework is not collected or checked, but questions
will be taken.)
• Peer Study group important to success.
• Basis of grade for course is composed of quizzes and
tests.
AP Calculus AB/BC
• Equivalent to the first two semesters of the college
calculus sequence – Calc 1 and Calc 2
• Dual-Period class (two periods back-to-back)
• Expect 30 – 60 minutes of homework each night.
(Homework is not collected or checked, but questions
will be taken.)
• Peer Study group important to success.
• Basis of grade for course is composed of quizzes and
tests.
Last year’s average score on
AP Calculus AB and BC exams
was a 4+ (out of 5) . . .
And every student in the class
took the exam in May !!!
Things to know . . .
• Expectations
1.) College-level class
2.) Preparation
3.) Attendance
© J Pavlicek (2010)
Things to know . . .
• Materials needed
1.) Textbook
2.) Notebook/pencil w/eraser
3.) Graphing Calculator
© J Pavlicek (2010)
Things to know . . .
• Help!!!
1.) Solution Guides
2.) Tutorials
3.) Study Groups
4.) Websites
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_ca
lbc.html?calcbc
http://www.brunnermath.com/calculus.htm#32742998
http://www.ifigure.com/math/calculus/calculus.htm
http://www.hotmath.org/
© J Pavlicek (2010)
Things to know . . .
• Ask questions
• Do your homework
• Take complete notes/revise/review
• Do your homework
• Don’t wait to get help
• Do your homework
• Set up a study group sooner than later
• Do your homework!!!!!
© J Pavlicek (2010)
What a parent needs to know . . .
• This is a tough class
• Be patient
• Be supportive
• “Don’t freak out” when it isn’t an A
• Trust us
• Feel free to contact us
AP Calc AB wpavlicek@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Calc AB/BC jpavlicek@forsyth.k12.ga.us
© J Pavlicek (2010)