TEACHER: MRS. WEIDICK
weidick@interact.ccsd.net
COURSE TITLE: PRE-CALCULUS - 487H
Palo Verde High School
2015-2016
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This one year course is designed for the motivated, above-average student with a strong background in advanced
algebra. In addition to reviewing topics from trigonometry and geometry, this course will include problem-solving
techniques using analytic geometry, vectors, matrices, relations and functions; as well as methods of proof, probability and
statistics; and the use of derivatives and integrals. The use of a graphing calculator or appropriate computer software is
integral to the study of pre-calculus topics. This course will fulfill one of the mathematics credits required for graduation.
II. PREREQUISITES:
1.
2.
A grade of C or better in Algebra II Honors (TRIG is a requirement to be in this course)
College Prep Math is also a Pre-Calculus course. Please keep in mind that you may need to transfer to
that course if you have NEVER seen TRIG.
III. PRE-ASSESSMENTS:
Each student will take a skills test of a diagnostic nature to determine:
1.
Advanced Algebra skill strengths
2.
Advanced Algebra skill deficiencies
IV. POST-ASSESSMENTS:
Each student will take a post-test of a diagnostic nature to determine:
1.
Individual growth in mathematics skills.
2.
Accomplishment of individual growth within the course outcomes.
3.
Strengths and weaknesses of the teaching-learning system.
V. POSSIBLE CAREERS:
The following is a list of careers that use Advanced Mathematics concepts:
Accountant
Air Traffic Controller
Auditor
Civil Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrician
Farm Advisor
Fire Fighter
Forestry Land Manager
Insurance Claims Agent Landscape Architect
Machinist
Oceanographer
Photographer
Purchasing Agent
Cartographer
Environmental Analyst
Income Tax Specialist
Medical Lab Technician
Technical Researcher
VI. COURSE OUTCOMES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Students will develop a variety of problem-solving strategies necessary for advanced mathematical or scientific
studies.
Students will solve and analyze the graphs of polynomial, transcendental, and absolute value equations and
inequalities, including those involving complex numbers.
Students will solve real world problems involving advanced algebraic techniques.
Students will solve problems and study real-world applications of sequences and series, vectors, complex numbers,
and matrices.
Students will validate mathematical assertions using mathematical induction.
Students will graph equations using both the Cartesian and polar systems.
Students will investigate and describe functions and their inverses using curve-sketching techniques.
Students will investigate the concept of a limit by examining infinite sequences and series, areas under curves, and
slopes of curves.
Students will develop an intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of calculus including limits, derivatives, and
integrals.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Students will solve real-world problems applying the techniques of descriptive statistics and probability.
Students will communicate effectively using the language of mathematics in both oral and written forms.
Students will effectively use technology in solving mathematical problems.
Students will prepare for topics covered in the International Baccalaureate Examination where appropriate.
VII. LESSON TOPICS WITH COURSE OUTCOMES AND TIME SCHEDULE:
Lessons
Review of Essentials / Pretests
Ch. 1 Functions and Mathematical Model
Ch. 2 Periodic Functions and Right Triangle Problems
Ch. 3 Application of Trigonometric and Circular Functions
Ch. 4 Trigonometric Function Properties, Identities, and Parametric Functions
Ch. 5 Properties of Combined Sinusoids
Ch. 6 Triangle Trigonometry
Semester Review and Comprehensive Final
Ch. 7 Properties of Elementary Functions
Ch. 8 Fitting Functions to Data
Ch. 10 Three-Dimensional Vectors
Ch. 11 Matrix Transformations and Fractal Figures
Ch. 12 Analytic Geometry of Conic Sections
Ch. 13 Polar Coordinates, Complex Numbers, and Moving Objects
Ch. 14 Sequences and Series
Semester Review and Comprehensive Final
Time Spent
1 week
2 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
4 weeks
2 weeks
3 weeks
2 weeks
3 weeks
1 weeks
3 weeks
2 weeks
4 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
1 week
VIII. MAJOR TEXT:
A.
B.
Individually Assigned Text - Each student will receive a copy of Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry by Paul A.
Foerster.
Care of the Text - Each student will be responsible for the care of this book for the entire school year. The student
must cover the text book to protect it from damage. If the book is lost or stolen, a replacement will cost $63.95. If
the book needs repair, a portion of the total cost will be requested of the student. Rebinding of the book costs
$5.45 and is subject to increase.
IX. COURSE INFORMATION:
A.
Testing - Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. A mid-chapter test may be used on long chapters.
Quizzes will also be given as determined by the content. Quizzes may or may not be announced.
If you were absent the day of the chapter review, you will still be required to take the test on specified test
day.
B.
Assignments - Assignments will be given on a daily basis. In order to be successful in mathematics it requires
practice on the skills and concepts in each day’s lesson. Assignments will be given each day after explanation and
discussion of the day’s topic. Assignments are due at the beginning of the period the following day. Late work
will not be accepted. Assignments will be graded upon completion and sufficient work shown. Math assignments
must be completed in pencil.
Since homework is practice and credit is given for the completion of it and not the correctness of it, it is possible
that a student’s assignment grade could be 100% and yet his course grade is unsatisfactory. To be successful in an
Honors Mathematics Class, a student should preview the upcoming section the night before class, complete all
homework and assignments, and come prepared to take tests. It is advisable to spend at least one hour each night
(not just the night we had class) in practice of learned concepts.
C.
Notebooks – Each student is required to keep a 3-ring notebook. The notebook will contain the following:
1)
1st page - Assignment Calendar
2)
2nd page - Course Expectations
3)
Class notes in order of sections and dates (highlighted)
4)
Divider - Classwork / Homework in order of dates
5)
Divider – Warm-Ups by chapter
Note:
1)
For full credit, work must be complete. Partial credit will be given.
.
D.
The use by students of personal communication devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablet computers, or other
similar electronic communication devices is permitted during scheduled nutrition or lunch periods,
school-sponsored activities at all District school campuses, and while on District buses. During the
instructional day, students may only use these devices with approval of the principal. Use that violates state
or federal law, District policies or regulations, or the Clark County School District Acceptable Use Policy is
prohibited.
X. ACROSS THE CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES:
A.
Technology (1) Calculator – Students are advised to purchase their own calculator for use at home and class. A graphing
calculator is required for this course. The calculator recommended for this course is the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition.
The textbook we are using is written with this calculator in mind.
(2) Computer Usage - Students will be encouraged to utilize the computer as a problem solving tool.
(3) Equipment Usage - All students will adhere to the equipment usage rules located in their Student Planner.
XI. EVALUATION:
A.
Criteria for Arriving at Student Grades:
(1) Assignments will be graded on a daily basis. The point value for each assignment is as follows:
10 points
100%
9 points
99% - 90%
8 points
89% - 80%
ETC
1 point
19% - 10%
0 points
9% - 0%
Assignments are graded based on completeness not correctness. Students will generally have time in class to
begin working on these assignments. Assignments not completed in class are due at the beginning of the period
the following day.
Since homework is practice and credit is given for the completion of it and not the correctness of it, it is possible
that a student’s assignment grade could be 100% and yet his course grade is unsatisfactory. To be successful in an
Honors Mathematics Class, a student should preview the upcoming section the night before class, complete all
homework and assignments, and come prepared to take tests. It is advisable to spend at least one hour each night
in practice of learned concepts.
(2) Extra credit points will be added to the homework grade before scores are averaged at mid-term and at the end
of the quarter. Please keep in mind that tardies deduct an automatic TEN points for EVERY tardy. It is the
student’s responsibility to make these tardy points up.
B.
(3)
Tests & quizzes will be graded on a percentage basis (see below).
(4)
QUARTER GRADES:
Quarter grades will be weighted as follows:
TESTS / QUIZZES - 80%
CLASSWORK / HOMEWORK / NOTEBOOK - 20%
(5)
SEMESTER GRADES:
First/Third Quarters
40%
Second/Fourth Quarters 40%
Semester Exams
20%
Explanation of Student Grades:
A
90% - 100%
B
80% - 89%
C
70% - 79%
D
60% - 69%
F
Below 60%
IN
NG
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failing
Incomplete
No Grade
C.
GRADES WILL NOT BE ROUNDED: 89.9% is a “B”
Grade Reports:
(1) Students are responsible to check the grade Infinite Campus a minimum of once a week. It is the student’s
responsibility to let the teacher know if there are any mistakes on Infinite Campus.
(2) Students who wear Yankees apparel will receive a grade of ZERO.
(3) Progress reports will be issued at mid-term. These progress reports will serve as notice of unsatisfactory
progress for those students earning a grade of D of F. (See paloverde.org for dates.)
(4) Report cards will be issued at the end of each quarter and each semester. (See paloverde.org for dates.)