2013-­‐2014 GEOMETRY Course Description and Student Expectations Instructor: Mrs. Mathisen Classroom: A216 E-­‐Mail: amathisen@rtmsd.org Phone: (610) 627-­‐6318 Text: McDougal Littell Geometry COURSE DESCRIPTION In Geometry, students will develop reasoning and problem solving skills as they study topics such as congruence and similarity, and apply properties of lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles. Students will also develop problem solving skills by using length, perimeter, area, circumference, surface area, and volume to solve real-­‐world problems and to promote higher-­‐order thinking skills. Geometry includes exercises in algebra, data analysis, and probability. These math topics often appear on standardized tests, so maintaining students’ familiarity with them is important. Geometry is a subject that will require you to build a body of knowledge. Concepts you learn in the beginning of the year will be used repeatedly throughout the year and your understanding of new concepts will depend on your grasp of previous concepts. It is essential that you concentrate each day and focus on the subject matter at hand both during class and at home. To succeed in this course, you must exhibit a strong work ethic and you must accept responsibility for the material presented on a daily basis. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES We will utilize a variety of class activities and students will be expected to follow some general classroom procedures to create the best learning environment. These include the following: 1. Policies in Penncrest’s Discipline Code and Student Handbook will be applied in this classroom. 2. Lateness will not be tolerated. Come to class ON TIME and PREPARED. Stay in seats from bell to bell. 3. Silence during problem explanation and lecture. 4. iPads and phones must be away unless you are instructed to use these devices during class. 5. Courteous and respectful behavior toward your fellow classmates and your teacher is expected at all times. 6. ASK QUESTIONS!!!!!! GRADES Tests: Quizzes: Classwork and Homework: 75-­‐100 points per test Occasional quizzes, 10-­‐50 points per quiz Checked and graded for correctness and/or completion 5 points each 2013-­‐2014 CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK This is your opportunity to practice what you have learned in class and/or prepare for an upcoming concept. Procedures for grades are: 1. Late work will not be accepted. 2. Work will be checked from the previous day at the beginning of class and is graded on both correctness and completeness. Be prepared to turn the work from the previous day in at the beginning of class. 3. You will be excused from 5 missed homeworks per quarter. 4. Copying or allowing someone to copy your work is considered cheating. 5. Homework/classwork is a great way to boost your grade so, ALWAYS DO YOUR HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK! ATTENDANCE & MAKE-­‐UPS 1. When absent from class it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to schedule the make-­‐up necessary. All missed notes and assignments can be obtained from my website (Mrs. Mathisen). 2. You must make up your work in a timely and responsible manner. 3. If you are absent the day before a test, you may still be required to take the test, so make sure you are prepared. 4. If you are absent the day of a test, you may be required to take the test on the day you return. EXTRA HELP Extra help will be provided every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school at the students’ request. I highly encourage students to take advantage of the peer math tutoring opportunities provided at Penncrest as an additional resource. PLEASE COME TO SEE ME FOR HELP, even if you feel slightly confused! MATERIALS 1. Text: McDougal Littell Geometry. Students should bring their textbooks to class on a daily basis unless instructed otherwise. 2. I suggest a binder filled with blank paper to take notes and file handouts. 3. We will be using TI graphing calculators frequently. There will be a class set available for use in class; however, it is highly recommended that you also purchase your own graphing calculator. The TI-­‐83, TI-­‐83+, TI-­‐84, or the TI-­‐84+ Silver Edition are great investments! ****PLEASE KEEP THIS SYLABUS IN YOUR BINDER AS A REFERENCE THROUGH THE YEAR**** 2013-­‐2014 Agreement I have read the course description and student expectations and understand it. I will honor it for my mathematics course during the 2012-­‐2013 school year. Print Name: ___________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________________