Applied Calculus 2015-2016
Ms. Canagon
Email: rcanagon@rahway.net
Text: Brief Calculus: An Applied Approach by Ron Larson
Course Description: “This course provides students with the basic principles of Calculus,
while giving students the opportunity to apply knowledge gained using various real world
data. Applications ranging from biology, science, economics, and finance will be introduced
to develop a student’s fundamental knowledge of Calculus. This course is intended for
students who plan to pursue degrees in business, social sciences, or life sciences that
require advanced mathematics but either do not meet the prerequisites for AP Calculus or
do not wish to tackle the precision of the AP course.”
This course covers many of the same topics as the AP Calculus AB course, yet in somewhat
less depth. Essentially, the year is divided in half: the first half focusing mainly on
Derivatives, the second half on Integration. The objective of this course is to develop a
student’s understanding of the application of Calculus to solve real world problems.
Problems will be presented to students and solved in four different ways: analytically,
numerically, graphically, and verbally.
Required Materials:
3-ring binder separated into three sections
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Do Now
Classwork/ Notes
Homework
A calculator, preferably a graphing calculator (TI 83 + or TI 84+) but at the
minimum, a scientific calculator
Writing Utensils – pencils and erasers
Expectations:
I expect you to come to class prepared. Make up missed work thoroughly and in the
required time frame. Spend time on every assigned problem, even the ones that stump you
at first. Then, ask questions or get extra help as needed. Stay current with course work,
assignments, and test schedules by checking the bulletin board in the front of the
classroom next to the door. I will also send out a daily text message to all students
containing this information.
I expect you to bring in and use your 3-ring binder in class every day. This binder should
be separated into three sections as stated in the above Required Materials section. Every
entry should be dated and organized in chronological order.
In the event of absence from class absent, it is your responsibility to obtain the Do Now/
Warm Up, notes and classwork from either a classmate, or see me after class and I will
print them out for you. Field trips DO NOT count as an absence - you are responsible for
handing in homework the day it is due.
I expect you to pay attention and do your work in class, every day, bell-to-bell. If you are
working hard in class but need extra help or you have been keep up with the material on
your own, I suggest you come for extra help, prepared with specific questions pertaining
to specific examples.
*Extra help is available after school Monday - Thursday during period 10 (2:38 –
3:23) If you cannot make these sessions, please see me or email me and I will work
with your schedule.
Class Rules
All students in this class have a right to learn and I have a right to teach in an environment
conducive to teaching and learning. For this to work, the following rules are necessary and
will be enforced:
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No excessive talking or disruptive behavior
No foul, demeaning or abusive language
Follow directions the first time they are given
Follow all school rules (for example, no cell phones, hats or do-rags!)
No eating or drinking in the class room
Consequences
If you choose not to follow these rules, one of the following consequences will incur:
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Warning
Detention
Phone call home
Referral
Severe clause: removal from room
BE ON TIME – BE PREPARED – BE RESPECTFUL
Applied Calculus Syllabus
Semester 1
1.
Functions and Limits
2.
Differentiation
3.
Applications of Derivatives
Midterm Exam (Covers topics 1-3)
Semester 2
4.
Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
5.
Integration and its Applications
6.
Additional Integration Techniques
Final Exam (Covers topics 4-6)
*This is simply a guideline, and is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher
Teaching Strategy: Most sessions are taught using approximately 5 minutes for a Do Now,
then 10 minutes of lecture, followed by 5-7 minutes of guided practice, followed by
another 10 minutes of lecture and 5-7 minutes of guided practice. For guided practice,
students will work either independently or in pairs. With approximately 5 minutes of class
time remaining, students will summarize the day’s lesson, either through writing or
practice problems that reinforce the main ideas of the day.
Students are encouraged to participate by asking questions at any time. Students are
provided with step-by-step instructions when working on graphics calculator related
problems with their TI-84.
Multiple Approaches: Students are fostered to justify their answer for any problem in
four distinct ways: analytically, numerically, graphically and verbally. Since this will be
required on Chapter tests, students must learn and comprehend these approaches for
success.
Ms. Canagon’s Grading Policy
Applied Calculus 2015-2016
Tests will be 40% of your grade.
 We will review 1 day before each test. Missing the review will not exempt you
from taking a test.
Quizzes will be 30% of your grade.
 We will NOT review before a quiz. Quizzes are generally short and unannounced.
There will be a “Do Now” Quiz periodically in place of a binder or notebook check.
If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz you will take the test the following day:
before or after school, or in the library during your lunch period. Consideration on
a case-by-case basis will be given if you have missed several days of class immediately before
a test or quiz.
The following will result in a zero on a test or quiz:
 Accepting assistance from or providing assistance to another student
 Use of any non-approved material or support, including a visible cellular device
 Cutting class on the day of a test or quiz
 Excessive talking or disruptive behavior during a test or quiz
Homework will be 20% of your grade.
 Homework will be assigned almost daily and will be checked for completeness
every day. On some days, homework will be collected. Homework is due at the
start of class. You will not be permitted to go to your locker to get your
homework. Full credit will be given only when all work is shown; partial credit
will be given if part of the assignment is completed.
Class Work will be 10% of your grade.
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You are expected to bring pencils, paper, and your binder to class every day. You do not
need to bring your textbook to class.
In-class assignments will be graded and will count toward this category. You must make up
all in-class assignments if you are absent from class.
You will have 2 days to make up assignments (homework and class work) for each day you
are absent from school; in no other cases will late assignments be accepted. When absent,
you are responsible for getting the assignments and handing them in on time.