AP Calculus
Mr. Austin
2011-2012
Text: Calculus by Deborah Hughes-Hallett, 4th edition, Wiley 2005
Materials: Graphing calculator (TI-83/84), pencil, paper, notebook
Course Description: Calculus is a powerful, illuminating, and useful subject. It was developed
concurrently, but independently, by Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz in the late 1600's. Calculus
is based on the idea of a LIMIT, which is its distinguishing feature. It has many applications, including
maximizing profits in the operation of a company, finding the center of mass of an object, measuring
changes in electric currents, and finding the amount of work required to launch a rocket into space.
Calculus is the math of applied science. Calculus can help explain the physics we see all around us.
In this course, we study calculus using four approaches: Graphic, Numeric, Symbolic, and Verbal. You
will be required to switch easily between these methods and to try a different approach if you get stuck
looking at a problem from one direction. Emphasis is placed on student discovery, learning concepts
instead of computations, and developing widely-applicable techniques instead of merely learning a
variety of problem "types". The ultimate goal of this course is to help you develop a clear understanding
of the ideas of calculus so that you are prepared for the AP examination in May and for subsequent
mathematics courses at the collegiate level.
Daily expectations: You can expect nightly homework as in most math classes you have taken. Please
feel free to work with a classmate on problems. Your homework will not be graded, but rather will be
used as a primary learning tool. Since one of the goals of the class is to learn to write and communicate
effectively using the language of mathematics, I do expect your written work to be legible and complete
at all times. One learns Calculus by doing problems, not by watching me or someone else do problems.
Homework is the single most important learning aspect in this class. You will not always understand
every problem the first time you see it, so you will need to go back over problems from previous
assignments until you have mastered the concepts.
We will talk about the most interesting or challenging problems during class, but we will not necessarily
"go over" all the answers every day. Each of you has a great deal to offer the class. I hope to provide an
encouraging atmosphere in which to take risks, try new ideas, and learn from peers. Let's work together
to see that those classroom goals are met.
In addition to daily homework, you will be assigned occasional projects or long-term problems to solve.
Some projects will be individual; others may be done in small groups. We will also use worksheets in
class to get some hands-on practice with new concepts. You will have several quizzes and 2-3 tests per
trimester. Quizzes and tests will always be announced in advance.
Miscellaneous: As a class, we will prepare for the AP exam throughout the year. It is expected that all
students will be taking the AP exam in May. Indeed, preparation for the exam is a key part of the third
trimester's work.
Extra Help: For most students, some extra help is a necessity in Calculus. Please don’t wait until the day
before a test to let me know that you don’t understand an entire chapter. Try to plan ahead so that you
are not wishing you had asked for help sooner. More than ever before, the concepts you will learn this
year are cumulative and I want you to be in control of your learning right from the beginning!
…NOW….it’s time to get ready for 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012…
2012 Exam Calendar - Week 1
Morning - 8 a.m.
Afternoon - 12 p.m.
Monday, May 7
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Psychology
Tuesday, May 8
Computer Science A
Spanish Language
Art History
Wednesday, May
9
Calculus AB
Chinese Language and Culture
Thursday, May 10
English Literature and Composition
Japanese Language and Culture
Latin: Vergil
Friday, May 11
German Language and Culture
U.S. History
European History
Calculus BC
Studio Art: Last day for your school to submit digital portfolios and to gather 2-D Design and
Drawing students for the physical portfolio assembly. Students should have forwarded their
completed digital portfolios to their teachers well before this date.
2012 Exam Calendar - Week 2
Morning - 8 a.m.
Afternoon - 12 p.m.
Afternoon - 2 p.m.
Monday, May 14
Biology
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C: Mechanics
Physics C: Electricity and
Magnetism†
Tuesday, May 15
U.S. Government and
Politics
Comparative Government
and Politics
French Language and
Culture
Wednesday, May 16
English Language and
Composition
Statistics
Thursday, May 17
Macroeconomics
World History
Microeconomics
Italian Language and
Culture
Friday, May 18
Human Geography
Spanish Literature