IB Mathematics Standard Level (SL) – Course Information
Teacher: Jason Peterson
Phone: 763-506-7034
E-mail: Jason.Peterson@anoka.k12.mn.us
Prerequisite: Students in this course are required to have passed both tris of Honors Algebra 2 with grades
of C or higher.
Course Content
This course caters to students who already possess an extensive knowledge of mathematical concepts and
who are equipped with the skills to apply mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students
will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as
chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.
Students should, wherever possible, apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic
problems set in an appropriate context. In order to do this, students will draw on knowledge from many
previous math courses as well as topics learned in this course. Many problems involve the use of several
mathematical topics and can be quite involved.
The ultimate aim of this course is to prepare students for the IB exam during their senior year in the
Mathematics SL area.
Topic 1—Algebra
The aim of this topic is to introduce students to basic algebraic concepts and
applications. Topics include arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, exponents and logarithms, and
the binomial theorem.
Topic 2—Functions and Equations
We will explore the notion of function as a unifying theme in
mathematics and apply functional methods to a variety of mathematical situations. Topics include definition
of functions, composite and inverse functions, graphing of functions, transformations of graphs, reciprocal
functions and quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions.
Topic 3—Circular Functions and Trigonometry
The aims of this section are to explore circular functions
and to solve triangles using trigonometry. Topics include the unit circle, radian measure, defining sine, cosine
and tangent, solving trigonometric equations, and solving triangles.
Topic 4—Vectors
The aim of this section is to provide an elementary introduction to vectors. This
includes both algebraic and geometric approaches. Topics included in this section are defining vectors,
components of vectors, the sum and difference of 2 vectors, multiplication by a scalar, magnitude of a vector,
unit vectors, position vectors the scalar product of 2 vectors, perpendicular and parallel vectors and
distinguishing between coincident and parallel lines.
Topic 5—Statistics and Probability
The aim of this topic is to introduce basic concepts of descriptive
statistics, basic probability, modeling data, and correlations. We will use a graphing calculator to help us. The
emphasis is on understanding and interpreting the results obtained.
Topic 6—Calculus
The aim of this section is to introduce students to the basic concepts and techniques of
differential and integral calculus and their application. Topics covered include limits, convergence, derivatives
(1st and 2nd), integration (definite and indefinite integrals) and points of inflection.
*The Junior Year will cover topics 1-3, and 5.
*The Senior Year will cover topics 4, and 6.
Textbook
The textbook used in this class is Mathematics Standard Level for the IB Diploma by Paul Fannon, Vesna
Kadelburg, Ben Woolley, and Stephen Ward published by Cambridge University Press. We will do parts of
every section as well as extra projects and problems as needed to prepare for the IB exam.
Materials Needed Each Day in Class
Book
Pen or Pencil
Paper (note taking is necessary)
Calculator (TI-84+ if you don’t have a graphing calculator yet)
Homework
Assessments for IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization)
There are 6 topics in this course which are assessed by IBO. The IBO assessment consists of 2 external
assessments (the actual IB Exam) and an internal assessment called an exploration.
The IB Exam is externally set and externally marked. Papers 1 and 2 consist of compulsory short-response
questions (Section A) and compulsory extended-response questions (Section B). A calculator is not allowed on
Paper 1 and is required on Paper 2. Both must be done in black pen.
Together these 2 assessments contribute 80% of the final IBO mark for the course. The exams are completed
in the 2nd half (senior year) of the course.
The Internal Assessment is an individual exploration. This is a piece of written work that involves investigating
an area of mathematics. The final product will be about 6-12 pages in length. The project is internally
assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO using assessment criteria that relate to the
objectives for IB mathematics. This exploration makes up the final 20% of the IBO course mark.
Champlin Park Assessment
Each of the 6 topics assessed by IBO will also be assessed for a Champlin Park letter grade. Each topic will
have several assessments including free-response tests, project work, and daily practice. The following
grading scale and weighting will be used:
Grading Scale
A
93 – 100%
A90 – 92%
B+
88 – 89%
B
83 – 87%
B80 – 82%
C+
78 – 79%
C
73 – 77%
C70 – 72%
D
65 – 69%
F
Below 65%
Jr. Year:
80% of Grade – Tests
10% of Grade – Quizzes
10% of Grade – Homework
Sr. Year:
70% of Grade – Tests
10% of Grade – Quizzes
5% of Grade – Homework
15% of Grade – Exploration
Classroom Expectations and Procedures
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I expect your best effort on homework and in class each day.
Late Work: Late work will be accepted until the day of the chapter test. Homework received after the
test will not receive any credit.
Daily Expectations: There will be frequent problem solving assignments and group discussions in this
class. I assign homework almost every night. You are expected to attempt every problem I assign
conscientiously and deliberately. Often students will form study groups on assignments where
collaboration is allowed. This is an excellent way to work through difficult material.
Tests: If you miss a test day, you will take the test on the next day you return or as assigned by the
teacher. One retest is allowed per trimester. The score on the retest is the new score, even if it is
lower than the original test score.
Cheating on any work for this class is unacceptable. If you cheat, you will receive a 0 for that work.
Keep in mind that a 0 on a test will probably result in failing this class.
If you are absent and it is excused, you will have a reasonable time to finish your work. Please talk to
me when you return or before you leave if it is pre-planned. Excessive absences are discouraged as it is
difficult to catch up on the material and will probably adversely affect your grade.
I expect you to spend some time on homework or review each night.
You are expected to work hard and ask for help as soon as you need it.
It is necessary to make mistakes in this class. This classroom is a safe place to make mistakes.
You are expected to be on time to class.
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