IB Mathematical Studies Course Overview
Fall 2013 & Spring 2014
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Email address:
Mrs. Prokop
before or after school
kpolecka@cps.edu
Course Description
Mathematics is a tool we use to understand and interpret our world. It is the language used to describe
patterns and solve quantitative problems in fields ranging from art and graphic design to science and
engineering. It also develops creativity and higher order thinking skills. Because the level of
mathematical thinking and problem solving needed in the workplace and in the world continues to
increase, those who understand mathematics will have opportunities others do not. Mathematical
competence opens doors to productive futures, and the IB Math Studies program is one the courses
where students gain such competence.
Mathematical Studies, available as standard level (SL) subject only, caters to students with varied
backgrounds and abilities. Students embarking on this course need to be equipped with fundamental
skills and rudimentary knowledge of basic processes. The nature of mathematical studies is such that
it concentrates on mathematics which can be applied to contexts related to as far as possible to other
curriculum subjects, to common general world occurrences and to topics that relate to home, work,
and leisure situations. The Internal Assessment project provides an opportunity for the student to
undertake an investigation of a mathematical nature in the context of another subject in the
curriculum, a hobby or interest of his/her choice using skills learned before and during the
mathematical studies course.
Mathematical Studies SL
The course consists of the study of six topics.
Total 150 hrs
Requirements: All topics are compulsory. Students must study all the sub-topics in each of the topics
in the syllabus as listed in this guide. Students are also required to be familiar with the topics listed as
presumed knowledge (PK).
Syllabus content
 Topic 1 – Number and Algebra
 Topic 2 – Descriptive Statistics
 Topic 3 – Sets, logic, and probability
 Topic 4 – Geometry and Trigonometry
 Topic 5 – Mathematical Models
 Topic 6 – Introductory differential Calculus
130 hrs
Project
20 hrs
The project is an individual piece of work involving the collection of information or the generation of
measurements, and the analysis and evaluation of the information or measurements.
Prerequisites
Educational prerequisites for all students include two years of algebra, a year of geometry, and a year of
trigonometry, plus a strong grounding in elementary functions and their graphs.
Attitude prerequisites include a willingness to work both in and out of class, a willingness to collaborate with
classmates to foster mutual understanding, and a sincere intent to succeed in the IB Math Studies exam in early
May and in obtaining the IB Diploma.
Textbook & Supplies
 Text:
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Calculator:
Other:
Mathematical Studies Standard Level, Oxford University Press
Peter Blythe, Jim Fensom, Jane Forrest, Paula Waldman de Tokman
TI-83/Plus Graphing Calculator or TI-84/Plus/Silver Graphing Calculator
Notebook, Paper, Binder, Pencils, Pens, Highlighters
Use of Graphing Calculators
Professional mathematics organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the
Mathematical Association of America, and the Mathematical Sciences Education Board of the National
Academy of Sciences have strongly endorsed the use of calculators in mathematical instruction and testing.
The use of a graphing calculator in IB Math Studies is considered an integral part of the course Therefore,
students should become accustomed to using this technology on a regular basis so that they gain an aptitude at
using their graphing calculators. This does not negate the fact that students should still have considerable
experience with the basic paper –and –pencil technique of algebra and trigonometry, and be able to apply them
with technological tools are unavailable or inappropriate.
Expectations
Students can expect me to be ready to teach meaningful concepts, promptly return corrected work, and keep
grades up to date. I will make every effort to be fair and consistent in my teaching, grading, and discipline.
I expect students to be to class on time, in their seat, prepared, and ready to learn.
You are expected to show respect to yourself, your peers, the teacher, and the classroom.
You are expected to take responsibility for you actions, your behavior, and your learning.
You are expected to do your best and complete your class related learning activities and assignments. You are
expected to follow the school rules regarding dress, electronics, and cheating. If you are absent you are
expected to check the ‘What Did I Miss’ book when you return. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. This
includes allowing someone to copy your assignments. Cheating will result in a zero for that assignment or test.
I have high expectations for every student in my class, and I know that every student can meet and exceed
these expectations. Every student can succeed, and I will do my best to help you succeed.
Absences
Every day counts, in math especially. Due to the structure of mathematics itself, absences may cause confusion
and could potentially hinder students from progressing from topic to topic. Attendance is crucial and poor
attendance will impact your grade, so BE HERE!
Students are responsible for any missed work due to absences. Explanations of class activities and assignments
can be found in the ‘What Did I Miss’ box. For any absence, students will have two school days after returning to
turn in missed work for up to 75% credit. After two days, the student may receive up to half credit on the
assignment until the next test. After a test has been administered, students may no longer turn in missing work
from the previous unit for credit.
Tardies
Students are expected to be in their seats when the bell rings every class. Students will be marked LATE if they
do not meet this expectation.
If a student is tardy, he/she must sign in the tardy log as they come into class. The tardy entry MUST be filled
out COMPLETELY. This includes the students name, the day and date, the time, and an explanation. If any
information is missing from a tardy entry, they student will be marked as absent.
If a student is more than fifteen minutes late without a pass, he/she must fill out a tardy entry, but will be marked
absent.
Tardies will only be excused if the student has a valid note from the office. However, students are still required
to fill out a tardy entry completely and leave the office note with their tardy entry in order to marked present.
There will be no exceptions.
Tardy students disrupt class and teaching. Please be on time. Excessive tardies will impact your grade. BE ON
TIME!
Assignment Guidelines
Label each assignment with your name, period, date, and assignment at the top of each page. Staple multiple
pages together in the upper LEFT corner. If pages are not stapled together and they get separated and mixed
up, the assignment will be graded as only partially complete. Write out each original problem. Show ALL work.
For grading purposes, more points will be assessed for showing your work than for the correct answer. Thus, if
there is no work shown, multiple points will be lost. Graphs and figures must be large enough to label, read, and
contain information. Final answers must be easily identifiable. Box, circle, or underline your answers. If an
answer can’t be found, points will be lost. All homework should be turned in during the class period it is due.
Late Assignments
If an assignment is not turned in on the day it is due (for whatever reason), students have two school days in
which to turn in the assignment for up to 75% credit. After two days, students may turn in missing assignments
for up to 50% credit until the day of the next test. After the test, there will be no late work accepted from the
previous chapter.
Tests & Quizzes
Students are expected to take tests on the days they are given. If a student knows that they will not be in class
on the day a test is scheduled, the students will need to make arrangements with Mrs. Prokop BEFORE their
absence.
If a student missed a test with an excused absence, they will have two school days from when they return to
make up the test on their own time (make up tests will not be given during class). Students must schedule a
time with Mrs. Prokop during which they may come and make up their test. Students who purposely miss class
to avoid taking a test will automatically receive a zero with no opportunity for a make up test.
You can expect to have one or two major tests on each chapter with additional quizzes and IB exam questions
throughout the course. Students will earn points for each assignment, project, quiz or test. Bonus points are
often awarded for presenting problems on the board (at the teacher’s discretion).
Productive Participation
Participation scores will consist of daily bell ringers and productive class activities.
Every day, students will have a bell ringer at the beginning of class. Bell ringers are to be done individually
during the time allowed (there is a time limit). If a student is tardy the bell ringer will not be available, so make
sure to be in class on time. There are no make ups on missed bell ringers.
Participation in class activities, discussions, and work time will be monitored. Active participation will ensure
students keep their participation points. If students create distractions, make unacceptable comments, use
obscene language, or are asked to leave the classroom for any reason they will lose participation points.
Grading
Grades will be calculated based on total points. Point value will be assigned to homework, class work, projects,
quizzes, exams, and participation.
I am excited to get to know all of my students this year. I am here to teach and help you with math when you
need it so please don’t hesitate to ask questions. I will do everything in my power to help you do your best on
the IB Math Exam in May. Feel free to contact me, email is always best. I will respond as quickly as possible.
Assignment #1:
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Go to www.prokop.wikispaces.com and print 5 pages of IB graph paper and place into your
binder.
Supply check
Detach the contract, sign and return.
C-O-N-T-R-A-C-T
I have read and understand the course expectations and rules for the IB Math Studies class which I am
enrolled in. I am a student who knows what is expected of me. I am the only person who can control
my actions, attitudes, and behavior. I understand I will and should be held accountable for the choices
and decisions I make. I further understand and acknowledge that the teacher makes the final
determination on grading and acceptable behavior in the classroom.
Student Name: _____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:_________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________
______________________________
Student Signature
Parent Email: _____________________________
____________________________ ___________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date: