AP Calculus
Course Syllabus
Instructor: Matt Moore
Prerequisite: PreCalculus
Materials required: Pencil and paper
Graph paper
Red pen
Notebook for storing returned papers and notes
Graphing Calculator (A graphing calculator can be checked out from the school.)
What is AP Calculus?
The College Board course description for AP Calculus states, “AP courses in calculus consist of a full year
of work and are comparable to calculus courses in colleges and universities.” AP Calculus isn’t just “like
college calculus” it is college calculus. The difference is our course is spread out over a year and we meet 5
days each week instead of 2 or 3. But, just like college calculus, assignments and tests will be rigorous and
geared to prepare students for the AP Calculus AB or BC exam in May. Do not panic though! We are in
this together! Students who work hard and apply themselves by engaging in the learning process should
expect to score a 3 or better on the AP Calculus exam and earn college credit.
During the year we will work to build:
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Habits of Mind
Skills
Strategies
Habits of mind
Justification is important in AP Calculus. Justifications for answers to math problems require that you give
mathematical (noncalculator) reasons and that you identify functions, graphs, tables, or other objects you
use. Show all your work. You will be graded on the correctness and completeness of your methods as
well as the accuracy of your final answers. Correct answers without supporting work will not receive
credit.
For example:
It is 856 miles to my mother’s house. If I averaged 60 mph as I traveled to her house this summer, how
many hours did my trip take?
The answer to the above question is not 14.26666667. However, if you use a calculator and work the
problem it will read 14.26666667. So, what’s the problem? First of all, answers written as decimals in
precalculus should be either rounded or truncated to 3 decimal places, 14.266 or 14.267 in this case. This is
the AP Calculus standard. Secondly, the answer must be justified. In other words you have to tell why the
answer is 14.266. Here you should have written out the equation, d=rt, written that d=856 and r=60, then
substituted and solved for t. The units have to be on the answer as well. Algebra steps do not have to be
shown, but formulas, substitutions, and Calculus steps must be shown.
Finally, we should have answered in context giving reference to the question asked. Something like - The
trip to your mother’s house took approximately 14.266 hours.
Training yourself to answer problems this way without having to think about it is one of those “Habits of
Mind” we will establish.
Skills
One of the skills we will emphasize in Calculus is the use of technology. Students are required to use a
graphing calculator. If you already own a graphing calculator, be advised that the TI-89 will be used
throughout the course. A TI-89 will be available for each student to checkout for the year during the second
week of school. Of course, you may choose to purchase a TI-89. Many students majoring in Engineering or
mathematics will need a TI-89 in college.
Strategies
Although textbook assignments are optional in AP Calculus, learning the strategies for identifying
problems and correctly solving them requires practice. You should spend at least 30 focused minutes
each evening working optional assignments or the occasional required homework assignment.
Assignments will be of a length that will attempt to maximize practice and minimize redundancy. We will
have lessons for guided practice and feedback, and there may be some required homework assignments that
where students will read their texts for additional information not presented during my lesson. This allows
students to practice reading and understanding the language of mathematics, an essential skill for higherlevel math courses.
Quiz/Homework grades will be recorded once or twice a week. Quizzes cover optional homework
assignments and class lessons. They will contain both multiple choice and free response questions.
Tests in AP Calculus prepare students for the types of questions they will encounter on the AP Exam.
Tests will require students to go beyond simple “regurgitation” of facts and methods. Some questions
could be over old concepts that relate to the new ones. There will be multiple choice items on which partial
credit will not be given and free response items on which partial credit will be given. Approximately half of
each test score will come from the multiple choice questions and half from the free response questions.
Grading
Tests and Final Exam: 80%
Homework and quizzes: 20%
Homework
There will be suggested textbook assignments for every lesson. These assignments are not graded, but are
designed to provide practice and preparation for the weekly quiz and the unit exam. You should spend a
minimum of 30 focused minutes each evening working on the suggested assignments. That way if you
detect a lack of understanding (you get some wrong), you can ask questions during the next class
discussion or come in before or after school for extra help. There may be a few required homework
assignments, but these will not be from the textbook.
If all of the suggested textbook assignments for a unit are completed and turned in on test day, you will
earn a 30% bonus on the quiz/homework grade for the unit.
Behavior
Respect the teacher and the learning environment
1. Listen first
2. Wait till an appropriate time to ask a question
3. Ask appropriate questions
4. Remain seated during the lesson and until the dismissal bell
Respect one another
1. Use appropriate and respectful language at all times
2. If something isn’t yours, leave it alone
3. Don’t throw things
Take care of school property
1. Don’t write on desks
2. Don’t write in your textbook unless I tell you to do so
3. Don’t sit on the desk
4. Keep the room clean
Any other behaviors deemed inappropriate by the teacher because they are disruptive, destructive,
dishonest, or disrespectful are forbidden.
Please make sure you review the student handbook. Pay particular attention to rules involving dress code,
the use of cell phones and m3p players, and disciplinary procedures.
Last but not least...
Effective teaching requires good communication. Engaged, honest, yet respectful two way communication
is the key to your success. I cannot help you succeed if you, the student, don’t talk to me. In class, I will ask
questions of you and I expect thoughtful and honest responses, not necessarily correct ones. I will expect
you to ask me questions and each other questions. One of the most important things for a college bound
student to learn is how to take charge of their own education. It isn’t up to the instructor to pour knowledge
into your heads. It is up to you to extract it using all the tools at your disposal. Certainly, a good instructor
is important, and I will do my best to be an excellent instructor. Ultimately, however, it is your
responsibility to learn.
If you ever have a question about your grades, think you have been graded unfairly, or feel I have
misjudged or mistreated you in any way, please make arrangements to meet with me outside of class. You
may bring a friend or parent if you like. I certainly am not perfect and will acknowledge my mistakes.
That way we can get the problem resolved and get you back on the road to a successful year.
Office hours: Everyday after school in my room till 4:00 (4:30 if needed) I’m available to help you with
questions. I’ll even go over a topic from the beginning for students that paid attention in class but just
couldn’t “get it. Please let me know if you plan to come in for help. I am also available before school by
appointment.
If you have questions call me at 376-2404 or email to moorem@mustangps.org.