GEOMETRY SYLLABUS
Instructor: Adam Volkening, 815.899.8160, avolkeni@syc427.org
Wiki: volkeningmath.pbworks.com
Math Department Wiki: sycamoremath.pbworks.com
Available Tutoring times: Tuesday and Thursday after school in the Library. Sunday night in the Library. Thursday
mornings during PLC time in the Library. This tutoring is done by other teachers and NHS students. As for me, before
school I am available between 8:00 and 8:15. After school will be by appointment, except during basketball season. I am
also available 1st, 6th and some 7th hours.
Geometry COURSE DESCRIPTION
Geometry is a standard course in the traditional college preparation sequence. Students will explore the world around us
while developing their spatial, inductive, and deductive reasoning skills. Topics to be covered include lines, triangles,
circles, quadrilaterals, areas and volumes. The mastery of Algebra, especially the ability to solve equations, is essential
for success in Geometry. (Scientific calculators are required)
Prerequisite: Algebra
Level: 9, 10
Semesters: 2 Credit: 1
Textbook: Geometry, McDougal Littlell ISBN #0-618-25022-0
Required Calculator: TI-30 or higher
Math Department Critical Outcomes
Upon exiting high school students will be able to:
Solve equations and inequalities
Use logical reasoning
Interpret and model data
Know, use, and manipulate formulas
Use technology to solve problems
Demonstrate a number sense
Use mathematical operations at the appropriate level
Analyze attributes and explore relationships of multi-dimensional shapes
Understand, evaluate, interpret and apply functions
Know and use appropriate mathematics vocabulary
Approximate Course Sequence and Grading
Chapter 1, 7, 2-5
Semester 1 Exam (as dictated by current school policy) worth 20 percent of semester grade
Chapter 6, 8-12
Semester 2 Exam (as dictated by school policy) worth 20 percent of semester grade
Materials To Bring Every Day
Textbook, Pencil, Notebook, Scientific Calculator (highly recommended)
Technology Policy
Only calculators will be allowed during an assessment.
Rules and Expectations
Come every day prepared to learn. We will use all 50 minutes of every class period. Please ask questions when you have
them. Cell phones should be out of sight and turned off during class time.
Grading Policy
Grades consist of:
Tests (1 per chapter) – 50% of grade
Quizzes (1-2 per chapter) – 35% of grade
Practice (assigned daily) – 15% of grade
As you might expect, practice is the essential ingredient in a good math grade. Practice will be given everyday. I have
some rules about practice which I expect to be followed.
* Each practice assignment is worth 4 points - all work must be shown.
* In order to get the full 4 points, all problems must be attempted, not necessarily correct. (I can tell if you made an honest
effort or not)
* If most of the work is done, you get a 3, NOT a 4.
* If a few problems are attempted, you get a 2 or 1.
* Practice is due two school days after it is assigned unless otherwise specified.
* Practice must be completed before coming to class, if I see you working on it while I'm checking, you get a zero.
* Practice will be accepted late up to 2 weeks for half credit if all problems are attempted. After that it is a zero.
Tests and quizzes
* There will be test corrections after each test. Also, if you receive below 80% on any quiz, you may do a
retake. You must sign up to talk to me about your quiz and also schedule a day to retake it within a week of
getting your quiz back.
Make-Up Work
If you miss a day of class, it is your responsibility to make sure the work is made up quickly. Class notes and assignments
will be posted on the class wiki.
Communication with Parents
The parent portal is a method of communication where parents and students can check the academic performance of the
student. If a parent needs to talk to me about student behavior, grades, etc. then they should email me and I will get back
to them at my next available time.
Grading Scale
98-100
88-89
78-79
68-69
A+
B+
C+
D+
92-97
82-87
72-77
62-67
A
B
C
D
90-91
80-81
70-71
60-61
ABCD-
Below 60 F