Pre-Calculus
2011-2012
Instructor: S-A Hershey
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to prepare students in skills necessary for success in a first course in Calculus. A firm foundation in Algebra is needed, thus a large emphasis is placed on the students’ proficiency in Algebra. The concepts of Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry are also included in this course. Examples, exercises and activities provide a real-life context to help students grasp mathematical concepts. Technology is utilized throughout the course.
Course Outline: Class begins with a brief discussion concerning the homework assignment. The lesson will consist of notes with examples, teacher lecture, and class discussion.
Core Performance Standards: Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1) prove theorems using mathematical induction
2) solve problems involving symbolic logic
3) understand sequences and series
4) sketch graphs of polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
5) discuss the nature of solutions to equations
6) determine the limits and interval of continuity for functions
7) graph circular and trigonometric functions
8) solve problems involving the application of trigonometry
9) sketch graphs of conic sections
Required Course Text: Precalculus, Sixth Edition by Larson and Hostetler
Required Materials: Students will be required to bring to class daily:
1) Textbook
2) Notebook (preferably a three ring binder) devoted solely to this course
3) Pencil (Homework done in pen will result in a grade of 0.)
4) A graphing calculator (TI-83 or TI-84 is recommended)
Student Evaluation: Grades will be based on the Duval County Grading Scale as follows:
90-100: A 80-89: B 70-79: C 60-69: D Below 59: F
Grades will be broken into three categories: (1) Tests, (2) Quizzes, (3) Homework
All assignments are given a point value. Final averages will be determined by dividing points earned by points possible. For example, if you have earned 315points out of a possible 395 points, your grade would be , which is equal to 0.797, or 79.7% or C. Averages will not be "rounded up”.
Tests: Tests will be administered periodically throughout each grading period to see which concepts have been mastered. Each test may contain problems from previously tested material. No test will be dropped at the end of a grading period. Tests will be done in ink. Appropriate work must be shown.
Quizzes: Quizzes may also be given throughout a grading period. Point values will vary depending on the length and content. Appropriate work must be shown.
Homework: Homework is assigned daily. Doing assignments regularly is essential to being successful in this course. Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Late work will not be accepted. A homework paper is worth 5 points. (On rare occasions, the paper could be worth 10 points.)
Points are assigned based on the following (all work must be shown):
at least 90% complete: 5 points
at least 80% complete: 4 points
at least 70% complete: 3 points
at least 60% complete: 2 points
at least 50% complete: 1 points
less than 50% complete: 0 points
If you are absent the day a homework assignment is due, you must turn it in the next class period you are present. If you are absent the day homework is assigned, it is the student’s responsibility to get the make up from my website and turn it in within one day.
Ms. Hershey’s website: www.teacherweb.com/FL/PaxonSchoolforAdvancedStudies/MsHershey
If a student is absent from their pre-calculus class, but was present for any other class, it is the student’s responsibility to turn in the work that is due and to get the assignments for that day. Failure to do so will cause the work to be considered late. This includes field trips. Students may come to Room 211 before school, between classes, or before they leave campus to turn in the work. They may also ask the office staff in the main office to place it in my school mailbox.
Heading for Homework(One point will be deducted for incorrect headings) It will be written on the side whiteboard.
Write in the upper right-hand corner the following: Last name, first name
Date the assignment was assigned
Period
what work is being turned in [e.g, Pg 254 (2-40even)
Class Participation: This involves more than just showing up for class. I expect you to be here physically and mentally. Participation includes coming to class regularly and on time, completing assigned work, using your time wisely, being respectful to others, and answering when called upon. It is important to pay attention in class and ask question as soon as you become confused. Understand, I cannot stop teaching the concepts of pre-calculus and teach a lesson on algebra 1 and 2 concepts (That may require coming to a help session.), but I can quickly re-fresh your memory on a concept if you get confused during the lesson.
Attendance/Tardies: Being in class is essential to learning. I expect you to be in your seat when the bell rings, with the homework out, the textbook open and ready to begin class. You miss important information if you are not in class. You will be held accountable for all standards.
In order to earn a passing quarter grade in a course, any student who misses more than four classes, not including school-related absences*, will be required to pass a comprehensive quarter exam or project, in addition to having an overall passing grade for the quarter. A student must be in class for at least half the period to be considered present.
*It is the responsibility of sponsors supervising field trips and other school-related activities to provide a list of students who missed class for these reasons to all faculty and the attendance clerk.
Make-Ups: If you are absent the day a test or quiz is given you must do a make-up test/quiz to receive credit.
**Tests are to be made up before school. You have until 8:15 to take the test, so the earlier you arrive to school, the more time you will have. I arrive to school by 6:45AM.
**Quizzes are to be made up before school. They must be made up the day a student returns to school, or make an appointment with Ms. Hershey for another day.
**Failure to make up tests and quizzes within the timeframe will result in a grade of “0”.
If a student is absent from his/her pre-calculus class, but was present for any other class, it is the student’s responsibility to turn in the work that is due and to get the assignments for that day. Failure to do so will cause the work to be considered late. Students may come to Room 211 before school, between classes, or before they leave campus. This includes field trips.
Conferences: Parents/guardians can call the guidance office at 693-7583 to schedule a conference. If you would like to reach me by phone, call the main office (693-7583) then dial extension 158 and leave me a message. Also, you can e-mail at hersheys@duvalschools.org .
Safety Net: Help outside of the school day is available from me on Mondays from 7:30am to 8:10am .
On Tuesday-Friday, if you have a quick question, I am usually in Room 211 to answer your questions. If you need a more in-depth explanation on a concept not mastered, I can help you on Monday mornings.
Student Integrity and Decorum: It is the responsibility of the student to be an active participant in the learning process and to uphold the academic integrity policy. All work turned in by a student should be his/her own. It is also expected that students behave according to and adhere to the Code of Student Conduct. Giving or receiving help on tests or quizzes or copying homework is cheating. Calculators are not to be shared during tests. Cheating will result in an automatic zero for the assignment assessment as well as a referral to the appropriate administrator.