Geometry H
Dan Mentock
574-233-6137 (email is preferred)
dmentock@saintjoehigh.com
Text & Materials: Geometry (Holt) text, binder, four tab dividers, loose leaf paper, graphing
calculator TI-83/84(+), PENCIL, graph paper, straightedge, compass,
workbook (provided by teacher) On-line version at my.hrw.com the username is mentock, or
mentock1, mentock 2, …, mentock9. The password for all is ilovemath.
Course Description: In this course students examine the properties of two- and three-dimensional
objects. Proof and logic, as well as investigative strategies in drawing conclusions, are stressed.
Properties and relationships of geometric objects include the study of: (1) points, lines, angles and
planes; (2) polygons, with a special focus on quadrilaterals, triangles, right triangles; (3) circles;
and (4) polyhedra and other solids. Use of graphing calculators and computer drawing programs
is encouraged.
Course Outcomes:
Students will be able to…
1) Define basic figures of one, two and three dimensional space.
2) Make intuitive conjectures and develop strategies to test and prove truthfulness by
constructing statements and reasons for these statements.
3) Use properties and theorems to classify triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons and
circles.
4) Use properties and theorems to analyze information given and find the unknown
length/distance or angle measure of triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons and circles.
5) Find the area of two-dimensional figures and the volume of three-dimensional solids.
Grade Components:
Grading Scale: 99-100 A+
94-98 A
92-93 A90-91 B+
85-89 B
83-84 B-
81-82 C+
76-80 C
74-75 C72-73 D+
67-71 D
65-66 D64-below F
Quarter grade percentages:
Homework: 20%
Quizzes: 30%
Tests: 50%
Calendar: Students will cover chapters 1-6 the first semester and chapters 7-12 the second
semester. There will be individual tests at the end of almost every chapter. Students will also
complete a project during each semester.
Course Strategies/Tips for Success:
1) Do your homework!
2) Ask questions!!!
3) Ask me to work out problems you missed on homework during
homework review time.
) If you have more than one night to complete an assignment, do it the first
night it is assigned. This allows you to see me for help if needed.
4) Come to room 207 to check your homework or ask a question.
5) Show all of your work for each problem. This way if there is a mistake we can
tell exactly what you're doing incorrect.
6) If you need access to your textbook, visit www.go.hrw.com
7) Use hotmath.com for extra help. (Every odd problem from your book is worked out step by
step.) or contact Ask Rose.
8) Begin studying for tests and quizzes ahead of time and not just the night before.
Don't just review your notes – go through each section and do several odd problems to make
sure you understand each section. Doing the odds allows you to check with the back of the
book for correct answers.
9) See me for extra help as soon as there is a problem.
10) Keep an organized binder. ( 4 sections: Notes, Homework, Quizzes, Graded Work)
HELP! I strongly encourage all students who may need additional clarification or
instruction on any topic to ask for assistance. I hope that you will feel comfortable to ask
during class time or arrange to see me outside of class time.
Class Rules/Expectations:
General Classroom Behavior
Observe all school rules
1) Students are expected to be in the classroom on time with required materials
(this always includes paper, pencil, book, and calculator)
2) Follow classroom procedures
3) Treat me with respect and care as an individual
4) Be cooperative and not disruptive
5) Study and complete assigned work
6) Learn and master required content
Expected Consequences
1) Warning
2) 15 min AM/PM
3) 30 min AM/PM
4) Detention
5) Removal from class (sent to Dean)
Parents will be contacted as needed depending on situation.
Assessment Practices
Tests/quizzes: All tests and most quizzes will be announced and posted on the side board several
days ahead of the actual test/quiz date. If a student misses a test or quiz, it is his/her
responsibility to make the arrangements to make it up. Students will take a final at the end of each
semester that will count as 20% of their semester grade. Students will be allowed to use
calculators on most assessments, however calculator memories may be cleared.
Other Graded Work: There will be homework assigned almost every day. All daily assignments
should be completed in the Homework section of the student's binder. These assignments will be
checked and graded for effort and completion once or twice a week. All daily assignments
should have the following three items written in the left-hand margin of the loose leaf paper:
chapter and section, page number and problems assigned.
Graded homework assignments or take home quizzes will be turned in and graded for
accuracy, neatness, and punctuality. (a graded homework counts as a homework grade – a take
home quiz counts as a quiz grade.) All graded work should be turned in to the black mesh tray
located on the corner of my desk. Papers should be turned in at the beginning of class. Any
assignment not turned in at the beginning of class will be considered late. To reward students for
their neatness and punctuality, a certain percentage of the total assignment grade will be
specifically for neatness and timeliness. Assignments will only be accepted up to two days late.
(Note: I will not prompt student for missing work.) Assignments that are late will lose the reward
points and only be graded for accuracy.
Projects may be assigned throughout the year. Specific guidelines will be given when
assigned.
All work must be completed in pencil.
Assignments or assessments not completed in pencil will not be graded.
Extra Credit Policy and Opportunities:
There will be extra credit oppurtunities during the semester. They may come in the form
of a project or challenge questions at the end of tests. Also you will receive one point
extra credit for attending Indiana Math League days
Late Work/Zero Policy:
Homework should be turned in on the day it is due. If this is not possible you need to
approach the instructor so other arrangements can be made. . If no work is turned in
you will receive a zero.
Final Exam: Final exams will be cumulative over the entire semester. Spring finals may
have concepts covered in the fall if used during the spring.
Specific Classroom Procedures
Beginning Class Procedure
1) If you were absent the previous class, see teacher.
2) Go to assigned seat and follow the agenda for the day.
(Turn in assignment, take out daily homework,)
Asking Questions During Group Work Time
1) Ask all members of the group first.
2) If additional help is required or further explanation is needed, choose
One member to raise hand and wait patiently.
What to Do When Finished with Activities or Assignments
1) Take the opportunity to work on an extended class assignment.
2) Review class materials.
3) Read a book/novel.
Borrowing Classroom Items
1) Items on my desk(s) or the adjacent shelves should not be “borrowed” unless
I have given verbal permission.
2) All items should be returned to their proper location before you leave the
room.
Use of Restroom or Locker
1) Each student will be allowed one restroom and one locker visit each semester
during math class.
2) Student must ask permission and receive a pass. (Students should not ask to
leave class during direct instruction time, unless it is an emergency.)
3) If the student leaves the room, he/she is responsible for any
information/directions he/she may have missed.
Please sign and return this sheet to Mr. Mentock by August 24nd , 2011.
My signature indicates that I have read the course syllabus with my child.
The syllabus should then be placed in the front of your student’s math binder.
Date__________________
Student’s Printed Name ______________________________________________
Student’s Signature
______________________________________________
Parent(s) Printed Name(s) _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Parent(s) Signature(s)
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Day time
Night time
Parent(s) Phone Numbers ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Please indicate mother or father’s
home, work, or cell.
E-mail _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________