AP Calculus AB 2011-2012
Syllabus
Part 1
Instructor: Mrs. Jennifer Simon
Room: C224
Website: www.inetteacher.com (bookmark my site)
Office Hours/Contact Info: I am a part-time teacher and will be in the building on 2,4,6 days. STP
Thursdays are a great time to access me and address concerns you may be having with the material.
However, because this is a demanding course I expect students to take advantage of my willingness to
support them in this challenging course. Please email me at any time with questions, concerns, etc. I am
flexible and understanding if you are communicating with me.
My email is jsimon@lwsd.org . I can be reached at my classroom phone number of 425-936-1500 ext 343.
Scope: Calculus begins where elementary mathematics leaves off. It is the branch of mathematics that
takes in algebra and geometry and adds in one more ingredient: the limit process. This process allows us
to solve more general problems that cannot be solved using only the methods you have studied
previously. This course will be un-like any math class you have taken, yet use nearly every concept in its
development; truly amazing!
Goals and Sequence:
Engage students in dialogue and thought around the topics in the AP Calculus AB curriculum outlined by
The CollegeBoard; specifically:
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Students should be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical,
numerical, analytical or verbal. They should understand the interconnections among these
representations.
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Students should understand the meaning of a derivative as a limit and in terms of rate of change
and local linear approximation. Students should be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of
problems.
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Students should understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums
and as the net accumulation of change and should be able to use integrals to solve a variety of
problems, including volumes of solids.
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Students should understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as
expressed in both parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Materials:
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Larson, Calculus of a Single Variable, 8th edition, Houghton Mifflin
Barron’s “How to Prepare for the AP Calculus Exam” (10th Edition)
Notebook of some kind, binder to keep all materials
Highlighters, colored pens, pencils
A packet of 3M mini-sticky notes
TI – 83, TI-84, or TI-84 Plus calculator (TI-92 or Inspire will work as well)
General Expectations
Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for success in mathematics as the class work supplements the
material presented in the textbook and vice versa. If an absence is unavoidable, I expect the student to
copy the notes from another student , access any posted material or notes from my website and complete
the assignment(s) to the best of their ability. Making time to seek me out for additional explanations will
likely be necessary.
Homework: Here is some friendly advice…YOU MUST DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! On the surface calculus
appears to be like every other math class you’ve ever had and many of you are here because you have
been able to use your talent and insights through pre-calculus math to get good grades without much oldfashioned effort. Alas, those days are over. Conceptually calculus is so significantly different from your
previous math classes that it is unlikely you can do well without regular practice and the place to begin is
in doing your homework the evening it is assigned.
I award 4 points for having attempted it (stamp or ½ stamp) and 1 additional point for submitting it fully
completed and corrected on time for the next class session. To show correction and additional work,
please be using a colored pen. You are expected to self-correct with your table group, ask questions, and
take note of your errors.
Participation: If questions are not being asked, your learning is not evolving! This is a very challenging
course and without engagement, we as a class, will not be where you all wish us to be by the AP exam
day. At times I may assess for participation.
Make-Ups: If you are absent for a quiz, you are expected to return the next regular class day and take it. I
grade my quizzes very quickly and holding back quizzes for the class until you make time to take the quiz
is not acceptable. I find it disrespectful of your peers and their learning.
If you are absent on a unit exam day and it is excused, you are expected to make arrangement quickly to
take the assessment. If you are absent on a unit exam day and it is unexcused, you will earn a 0 score for
that exam. No exceptions.
If you are absent the day before a test, but present when the test was scheduled, be prepared to take the
exam with the class. As always, any extenuating circumstance must be discussed with me prior to the
beginning of class. Feel free to use email.
Test/Quizzes: Each unit exam (scored out of 100%) will be in accordance to the concepts presented in
the unit and will be similar in nature to the actual AP exam. Expect multiple choice questions and
extended response. At times, a take-home portion will be given where depth of understanding can be
assessed. Quizzes may or may not be announced and will reflect our class discussions and homework.
Quizzes can be reworked for up to 50% of the missed points granted the student completes a reflection
sheet as well as the reworked, correct answers!
Grading: Keep in touch with your progress via our online grading system. It is assumed all students are
serious and will not earn a score lower than a C.
Tests 50%
Quizzes/Projects 30%
Homework /Other Classwork 20%
Grade Percentages: Standard LWSD grading scale
Communication: As the year progresses my website will be the most direct form of communication for
assignments and class calendar. Please be using Standard Scores for grade checks as well. If any
discrepancies arise, please email me or speak to me directly. I am very amenable to correcting any errors
I may have entered into the system.
I have an “Electronic Free Classroom!”
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Cell phones, beepers and musical listening devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during
class. There will be no warning --- the item will be collected and released at the end of the next
period. No exceptions. I will involve the administration should repeat offenses occur.
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Playing games on the graphing calculator is also not permitted. I find it extremely offensive and
will take measures to prevent future incidences.
AP Calculus AB
Test Prep Information
Part 2
Units to be Covered:
 Review unit: Functions, everything you ever wanted to know and more (summer packet
discussions)
 Limits and Continuity
 Derivatives
 Applications of Derivatives
 The Definite Integral
 Differential Equations
 Applications of Definite Integrals
This material will be covered by the end of March so that we have at least 4 weeks to prepare for the
EXAM. The material not covered on the exam will be covered the last month of school.
Exam Date: Wednesday May 9th, 2011 and lasts 4 hours Cost: $87.00 (last year)
Test Preparation Plan: A key component for a passing grade and college credit for this course is the
preparation the month before the exam is given.
We will have 3 practice test sessions of which 2 will be required. Choosing not to participate will earn a
score of 0 when the assessment is scored. These will be timed and students will need to set aside the 4
hours needed to take the practice tests. From past experiences, when former students return from the
exam they agree that having endured such a grueling test situation made them mentally prepared.
Proper use of time and endurance are the key components to earning a 5.
AP Exam Prep Schedule: Barrons AP Calculus 10th Edition The expectation is that the student
purchases this book at a local bookstore ($18.99 at Borders) and completes the questions posed in each
chapter over school breaks such as Thanksgiving and Winter break. It is expected that you will show all
work and thoughts on a separate sheet of paper. There will be points awarded to the level of completion
presented as well as a quiz covering the questions to ensure that adequate practice is being done.
Practice Exam Requirements: Every student will be required to take 2 out of the 3 scheduled AP
practice exams at the time it is given.
Your highest AP practice exam score will become your semester 2 final exam score(about 2 tests worth).
Dates of Practice Exams:
Test 1: Sat. April 14th 1 pm - 5 pm
Test 2: Sat. April 21st 9 am - 1 pm
Test 3: Wed. April 25th 4 -8 pm.
Please mark your calendars NOW!!!!
Resources available:
 The AP program has its own website, www.apcentral.collegeboard.com.
 There are lots of “How to Pass AP” books available at bookstores. I have some available in my
classroom for students to peruse.
 YouTube is a great place to see other instructors presenting concepts. Be careful as not every
video on the web is accurately communicating ideas.
The QSR Requirement
Passing the QSR is a requirement for LWSD graduation. Students who have not yet passed it must sit
for the exam this year. The QSR tests how well students problem solve, logically reason and
communicate their understanding of the given problem. Students who do not pass the first time will
given additional opportunities, but must pass it eventually to graduate.
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AP Calculus 2011-2012 Syllabus Acknowledgment Sheet
Please sign, cut and return this portion of the page to Mrs. Simon no later than Friday Sept. 16th, 2011.
Acknowledgement – I have read and understand the requirements of this course.
________________________________________________
Student Name (please print)
________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (please print)
________________________________________________
Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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Date
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Date
*** Parents – I am always available on email at jsimon@lwsd.org if you ever have questions or concerns. I
look forward to building a positive working relationship with you and your student.