IB Mathematical Studies SL Year 1
Course Description
Instructor:
Room:
Email address:
Textbooks:
Mr. Baier
303
cbaier@aisgz.org
Mathematical Studies Standard Level, Blythe, Fenson, Forrest, Waldman de Tokman , Oxford University
Press 2012
Mathematics for the International Student – Mathematical Studies SL 1st Ed, Bruce, Coad, Haese et al,
Haese & Haese Publications Australia 2005
Course Description
Math Studies is a two-year course designed for students who have completed Algebra II and whose interests lay in areas where
no more than general mathematics and basic algebraic skills are needed, as well as those who need additional reinforcement of
Algebra concepts. Core topics covered include: functions, number and algebra, sets, logic, probability, statistics, geometry and
trigonometry, functions, financial mathematics and introductory differential calculus. Mini projects will occur throughout the
year. In the end of year one, students plan and carry out a long-term, independent project. Graphing calculators (GDC) and
laptops are used extensively for demonstration, investigation and problem-solving and are required for the course. TI83+ and
TI84 are recommended models.
Expectations
Mathematics is not a spectator sport. Active participation in all aspects of the course, in and out of class, is required.
Completion of all assignments and homework, participation in class discussions and activities, and the development of daily
effective study practices are essential to your success in this course. Always do your best! In addition to regular homework
assignments and projects, extended practice/review assignments will be completed throughout the year. Notes should be taken
carefully and be well organized. You are expected to check our Moodle page regularly for resources and assignments.
Materials
You are required to bring the following items to each class unless instructed otherwise:
• your GDC (graphing calculator)
• MacBook laptop
• ruler with both centimeter and inch scales
• pencil, eraser, pens of various colors
• 3-ring binder/ notebook (at least 1.5” to begin) along with dividers and notepaper, an optional notes/
assignment bound notebook may be used in conjunction with a folder for handouts
• student textbook – installed on laptop
Assessment Practices
Formative Assessments: Successful learning greatly depends upon self-assessing your understanding of the ideas, concepts
and skills throughout this course. To help you with this, you will be provided with variety of smaller frequent assessment tasks,
which are referred to as formative assessments. These assessments tasks include class discussions, homework, in-class problem
sets and classworks. They are intended to provide you with constructive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses as you
progress throughout each unit of study. These assessments will serve as valuable study material as you prepare for more
comprehensive assessments.
Summative Assessments: These types of assessments are cumulative and are intended to measure your learning of larger
curriculum goals. These assessments will often take the form of a written chapter test, quiz, project (IA), or a semester
examination.
Semester Exams: Your Math Studies semester exam will be cumulative over all material studied so far in this two-year course.
It is the final summative assessment.
Second Assessment Procedures
Your achievement grade should accurately reflect your mastery of course objectives. If you think a summative assessment
(excluding the semester final exam) does not do that, a re-assessment may occur. If after receiving their summative assessment
results, a student feels that their work is not reflective of their true achievement level they should make arrangements to meet
with the teacher to discuss these discrepancies within 48 hours after receiving the assessment results. Students are expected to
come to the meeting with their class notes, homework solutions, formative assessments, completed sample/past summative
assessments, and their summative assessment. During the meeting the teacher will use their professional judgment to decide if a
re-assessment is warranted and, if so, will schedule a time for the student for the re-assessment.
Progress and Semester Grades
Progress grades are calculated as a percentage of points earned out of points possible. Letter grades are assigned according to
the guidelines given in the student handbook. Points are assigned not simply for the correctness of the final answer of a
problem but also for correct mathematical justifications and clarity.
Homework/notes/participation grades fall into the AtL category.
Portfolio/Project (IA) assignments are longer, independent or group assignments. Points are assigned based on a grading rubric
handed out with the assignment. Areas of assessment generally include communication, mathematical content, results, etc.
Individual portfolio assignments will be assessed according to given IB achievement levels. They may be formative or
summative.
Calculation of Semester Grades
Semester Exam
20%
Formative Assessments:
Max 16%
Summative Assessments:
Min 64%
Approaches to Learning (ATL)
Having strong organizational, collaborative, communicative, reflective, and thinking skills, as well as a positive attitude towards
learning, are the some of the most critical components in learning. However, students often overlook these areas because they
do not see the importance or impact these skills have upon their learning. Therefore, in an effort to help you focus on and
develop each of these areas you will be assessed upon the six areas of: personal engagement, small group collaboration, class
participation, preparedness, note taking and time management. A rubric outlining the descriptors for each achievement level
(Consistently, Usually, Sometimes, Rarely) is posted on Moodle.
In addition to your AISG grade that you receive at the end of each on progress reports and at semester, which measures your
achievement level against the curriculum content, you will receive an AtL grade. The ATL grade will neither be printed on the
report card nor will it contribute as part of the achievement grade.
Moodle Expectations
Moodle will be used extensively in this class and is vital to your success in the course. Moodle will be used as a communication
forum and a bank for storing class notes, homework, homework solutions, practice exams, agendas, and other important class
related materials. You are expected to check the Moodle page daily for announcements and updates. You are required to sign
into the page using your username and password - not as a guest.
Academic Honesty
For successful learning it is important that I know what you know - not what your friends know. Academic honesty includes
cheating on assessments, skipping classes, plagiarism, and any form of copying and/or sharing of work. Academic dishonesty
will result in both a behavioral and grade consequence. Dishonest assignments/assessments will be made-up for a maximum of
70% the worth of the original and behavior consequence will be determined by administration.
Absence from Class
Planned absences - fieldtrips, athletics, arts, play rehearsal, habitat builds, etc.
Make arrangements with me to establish a plan for making up all assignments and/or assessments in advance of the travel dates.
Use Moodle daily to help make plans accordingly.
Unplanned Absences - illness, family emergencies, etc.
Email me as soon as possible to let them know the reason, duration of your absence and to arrange a plan to catch up.
Finally - In addition to weekly assignments being posted on the IB Math Studies Moodle page, you can also e-mail me for any
additional information you may need. I encourage you to come in for any extra help, clarification or questions regarding your
grade, the course, difficulties, insights - anything! My door is always open to you. Please let me know if you have any questions
regarding the classroom expectations.
Please sign below to show you have read and agree to the above information and return to your teacher
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