AP Calculus AB Syllabus
Teacher: Angela Kaase Room: #230
Phone: 746-2600 ext. 2409 E-mail: akaase@casciahall.org
272-1522
Course Overview: The AP Calculus AB course is a very rigorous and demanding
course. This course is designed for motivated college bound students who have
successfully completed Algebra II/Trig and/or PreCalc/BasicCalc. Calculus is
not merely a collection of formulas to be manipulated and equations to be
memorized. To treat the subject in that way is to completely miss the heart
of the matter. I will emphasize the concepts of Calculus and approach
Calculus from different complementary viewpoints: graphical, numerical,
symbolic, and verbal. Using these various approaches the course will cover
the AB topics: Functions, Graphs, Limits and Continuity, Derivatives and
Applications, and Integrals and Applications. AP test preparation
assignments and questions will be incorporated throughout the year. Students
who take the AP Calculus AB course should do so with the intention of placing
out of comparable college calculus course. Calculus AB is equivalent to a
college Calculus I course. Students can receive up to 4 credit hours.
Primary Textbook: Finney, R., Demana, F., Waits, B., Kennedy, D., Copyright
2007, 3rd AP* edition, Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, Glenview,
IL: Prentice Hall.
Graphing Calculator: Technology will be utilized in the classroom in three
ways:
(1) Discovery – using calculators on labs/projects will give the students
an intuitive feel for a calculus concept before it is approached from an
algebraic technique.
(2) Reinforcement - Students can reinforce ideas and visualize what they
have learned with the aid of calculators during class and on homework, test,
and quiz problems.
(3) Problem-Solving - Students can use their calculator as a problem-
solving tool for the mechanics of an otherwise difficult problem.
Students will practice the following four basic graphing calculator functions
throughout the year. Students are expected to already know how to (1) graph
a function in an appropriate window and (2) find the roots/zeros of a
function. The students will be taught to (3) numerically calculate the
derivative of a function and (4) numerically calculate the value of a
definite integral. All four skills will be reinforced during class time and
will be incorporated into homework, test, and quiz questions.
I will be using the TI-84 plus calculator during class. Students are expected
to become proficient with at least the TI-83 plus.
Teaching Strategies: Students need to realize this course will be taught as a
college level course. It will be demanding and require the students best
efforts. The most important thing for students to remember is to do the
homework assignments each day. It is easier to keep up than it is to catch
up. Many calculus concepts we learn will rely on previously learned material.
We will use lecture, hands-on activities, and group learning. Students are
also encouraged to use cooperative learning outside the classroom. People
can produce better results, arrive at better conclusions, and learn different
things by working together. Students can help solidify their own ideas by
communicating them to others. Students will also be expected to discuss
calculus concepts during class. Students will be asked to work problems at
the board so they can practice justifying their reasoning in written form and
verbally. Students will be regularly asked to explain/justify/analyze
problems on homework, test, and quiz questions. If at any time you feel that
you are struggling please do not hesitate to come by my room for assistance
during break, any day 4th hour, Wed/Fri before school, or Thursday after
school.
Components of the Course:
• Homework assignments will be given daily. It is important you not
only complete the homework, but that you understand it as well. Many of the
exam questions will resemble previous homework questions. You are encouraged
to collaborate on the homework assignments, however what you turn in must be
your own work. If you are turning in homework that has been completed by
you, then you are expected to be able to explain it. We will spend very
little class time on homework questions – you will be responsible for getting
help outside of class. Homework checks will be every Wednesday.
• Some days we will have a “warm-up” problem. When you enter the class
you are expected to look at the board and if there is a problem then get
started immediately (even if the bell has not rung yet) or if there is not a
problem then get out your books, notes, pencil and be ready to go. We have a
limited amount of time and a lot to learn.
• Various labs, projects, activities, and AP preparation assignments
will be completed throughout the year. Some of these will be done during
class time and others will be assigned as long term projects. You are
responsible for being proactive and using your time wisely both in class and
out of class. DO NOT procrastinate!
• An Exam will be given EVERY Thursday. Each exam will vary in point
value, however most will fall in the range 25 – 75 points. Some exams will
require the use of your calculator and some exams will be completed without
it. Many of the exam questions will be similar to your homework assignments,
however, most exams will include previously released AP questions as well.
• A multiple choice semester exam will be given in December.
• Your Fall semester grade will be based on your two quarter grades and
your semester final. Your Spring semester grade will be an average of your
3rd and 4th quarter grades.
• Consistent class attendance is very important. You are expected to be
in class on time and ready to work. You are expected to be responsible for
any make-up exams, quizzes, and/or homework. You should take care of any make-
up work in a timely manner and check the website and make-up board anytime
you are absent. If you are going to be absent for a school sponsored event,
then you are responsible for getting assignments ahead of time and being
prepared when you return. You are Juniors and Seniors I expect a high level
of maturity. Do not look to me for everything – you should ask questions and
seek out information without being prompted.
