Modeling Our World 2A
Course Syllabus 2013-2014
Contact Information for Mr. Todd Thomas
Email: tthomas@hurricanes.k12.hi.us
Phone: Kapolei High School, 692-8200 extension: 2278
Course Overview
Modeling Our World 2A is a semester-long course designed for accelerated 9 th grade students at Kapolei
High School, to solidify and extend their Algebra I skills in preparation for Algebra 2. Students will be
required to mathematically model real world applications using a functions approach to give them a deeper grasp
of necessary concepts essential to success in Algebra 2.
Textbook Information
A textbook, “Modeling with Mathematics; A Bridge to Algebra 2”, will be used as a guide for the course.
However, textbook based homework will not be assigned, as all students will be taking another math course
at Kapolei High School. Therefore, no textbook for this course will be issued to students.
Copies of class work assignments can be provided on request. Shortened (or truncated) class work
assignments will be posted on the course website.
Supplies – Modeling Our World 2A
Required Daily
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Composition Book (100 page)
Pencils and Erasers
Colored pencils/pens
Correcting Pen (not black or blue)
Straightedge (Ruler)
Requested Donation
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Kleenex
Grading
Students will be assessed on the concepts listed on the attached page. Grades will be updated bi-monthly
on the KHS website or upon request.
90% Assessments
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70% Class Work Assessments
20% Semester Final Exam
10% Project/CCSS Standards for Mathematical Practice
90%-100%
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Assessments
Class work assessments will be based on concepts developed in class and listed on the attached page.
The semester final exam will be cumulative and will be based solely on the listed assessed concepts.
A project will precede each assessment. Projects will consist of math-rich situations or problems and may
require students to work in groups of two or more. Student project work will be graded for their individual
proficiency with the Standards for Mathematical Practice in two separate components. First, students will be
graded on their individual contribution within their group. Second, students will be tasked to create an
individual reflection about their group project.
Classwork
Most class work will be group assignments where students will be required to work appropriately with their
peers. The grades that students earn for this work will reflect their individual performance with respect to
the Standards for Mathematical Practice.
Tutoring
Monday and Friday:
1:45 to 3:00pm
in Room G-103
Or by appointment, as needed
Appointments for alternate tutoring times must be made at least two days in advance.
Internet
Edline - Students will be provided with login information during the first week of school so that students and
their parents/guardian can track their grades online.
Help - Pencasts (short audio/visual tutorials) demonstrating Standards for Mathematical Practice as well as
shortened classwork assignments for Modeling Our World 2A can be found at the website below, which will be
updated periodically:
http://kapoleimath.wikispaces.com
Classroom Procedures
As soon as students enter the room, class has begun. Students are expected to begin the posted
assignment immediately. This initial class work assignment may be a warm-up, a start-up activity or a quiz.
Behavior Expectations
Students are expected to follow all school, 9th Grade Expectations, and Chapter 19 rules as well as display
the three main principles of Kapolei High School: Caring, Dignity, and Integrity.
Some specific classroom rules that students should know:
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No eating, drinking, or gum chewing in the classroom. Water bottles are permitted.
No use of unauthorized electronics in the classroom (cellular phones, CD players, iPods, video games, etc.) If
these items are confiscated, they may be given to one of the assistant principals or the office.
No cursing, bullying, or back talking.
Absences
As the Modeling Our World 2A curriculum entails extensive group-based class activities, it is extremely
important that students attend as many class meetings as possible. Shortened class work assignments will be
posted on the course website to allow students to make up missed learning. Shortened assignments will also be
available in paper form for students without Internet access.
Restroom Policy
Students are expected to arrive to class on time and use the bathroom before or after class. However,
students may use the restroom during class time, provided that they stay after class for one minute. If the
restroom policy is abused, either through over use or if truancy is suspected, then appropriate consequences
will be administered. Modifications can be made for students with relevant, documented medical conditions.
Only one student from a class may go to the restroom at a time.
Modeling Our World 2A – Assessed Concepts
Assessed Concepts
Functions:
Domain/Range
Linear Functions
Slope-Intercept Form
Point-Slope Format
Parallel/Perpendicular
Possible Additional Concepts
Absolute Value Functions
Step Functions
Linear Regression:
Line Fitting
Residuals
Interpolation/Extrapolation
Comparing Models
Correlation
Quadratic Functions:
Focus/Directrix
Finding Equations of Graphs
Graphing
Polynomial Arithmetic
Solving Quadratic Equations
Quadratic Formula
Quadratic Modeling
Quadratic versus Linear Data
Exponential Functions
Exponential Modeling
Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice
1. Make
a.
b.
c.
sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Can you re-write the problem in your own words?
Do you try different strategies to make a problem easier to solve?
Do you refuse to give up until the problem is solved?
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
a. Can you successfully use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division?
b. Can you identify units related to numbers in context?
c. Can you make connections between numbers and their real-world context?
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
a. Can you explain your reasoning?
b. Can you ask questions that contribute to solving problems?
c. Can you give constructive feedback and ask for clarification respectfully?
d. Can you take a stance and defend it?
4. Model with mathematics.
a. Can you use mathematics to help make sense of a situation?
b. Do you look for opportunities to apply mathematics in your real-life?
c. Can you create a visual representation (picture, graph, etc.) to help you solve a
problem?
d. Can you identify the restrictions of your model?
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
a. What math tools could you use to solve the problem?
b. Can you explain why certain tools were useful, where others were not?
6. Attend to precision.
a. Do you know the meaning of the quantities you are working with?
b. Do you know what symbols or math notations are needed?
c. Are you able to use appropriate terminology to explain your reasoning?
7. Look for and make use of structure.
a. Can you break down a problem into workable parts?
b. Can you see a way to reorganize the parts in a more useful way?
c. Can you explain how the parts are related to the whole?
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
a. Can you explain how your strategy could work in other situations?
b. Can you find and describe underlying patterns in problems?
Modeling Our World 2A Teacher-Student-Parent Contract
for_____________________________________________________
Period: _____
(PRINT Student’s Full Name)
Team (Circle one): Hanohano Ho’ola Kupono Malama Algebra I Teacher: ____________
Teacher
I will contact you by phone or email, as needed or requested, to keep you informed about your child’s progress
related to academics, attendance, assignment completion, class participation and behavior. I will respond to any
questions or concerns in a timely manner.
_________________________
Todd Thomas, KHS Mathematics Teacher
Student
I have read and understand the expectations of this class.
I agree to comply and conduct myself in a manner above reproach so that I will achieve success.
I will accept the consequences of my behavior. I will seek help when needed.
I will use the calculator as allowed, and in a responsible/ethical manner.
I will use graphing technology as allowed, and in a responsible/ethical manner.
I will pay for the replacement of any damaged or lost calculators.
I understand that only I am responsible for my learning and success in my academics.
______________________
Student SIGNATURE
__________
Period
___________
Date
Student Schedule
Period
Subject
Teacher
Room
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 / PTP
1. What is the most important thing I need to know as a teacher to help you succeed in our
class?
2. What extracurricular activities (sports, band, student council, etc) do you want to participate
in this year?
Parent
I will contact the teacher with any concerns that may arise throughout the course of the school year
via phone, child, counselor, or email.
I will work to help my child do his/her best inside and outside of the classroom.
I will assist my child in seeking help when needed.
I will be sure that my child understands and conducts him/herself in a manner above reproach as
defined by Kapolei High School or accept the consequences of his/her behavior.
Parental involvement and participation has been shown to be one of the most important
factors in student success. Open communication between all parties involved is the key.
Person to Contact ______________________________________ Relationship ______________
Primary Contact No. _____________Hm/Cel/Wk
Do you have Internet access at home?
No
2 nd Contact No. ______________ Hm/Cel/Wk
Yes Email ____________________________
Please initial one of the following regarding media consent:
_____ I hereby consent that photographs, audios and videos taken of my child during the 2013-2014
school year in Modeling Our World may be used for purposes of event documentation,
assessment and reflections.
_____ I hereby do not consent that photographs, audios and videos taken of my child during the
2013-2014 school year in Modeling Our World may be used for purposes of event
documentation, assessment and reflections.
________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Print)
______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_____________
Date
Parental/Guardian Comments, Questions, Concerns
*Please return this page only to Mr. Thomas by Thursday, August 15, 2013