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Geometry Syllabus
Pre-requisite: Credit in Algebra 1
Primary Textbook: Discovering Geometry an Investigative Approach 4th
Edition, Michael Serra, Key Curriculum Press, 2008
Course Description: Geometry has played a vital role in mathematics for
centuries. It formed the basis for much of the study of mathematics in the
past and continues to allow students to explore topics that extend to other
branches of mathematics and other disciplines. Geometry offers powerful
tools for representing and solving a variety of problems. Students can use
the visual appeal of geometry to explore and consider the usefulness of this
subject to engineers, scientists, artists, and others.
Topics that will be explored through a guided discovery approach using varied
instructional strategies include:
Essential of Geometry
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Reasoning and Proof
Properties of Triangles and other polygons
Properties of Circles
Area and Volume
Pythagorean Theorem and Right Triangles
Congruence and Similarity of Figures
Introduction to Right Triangle Trigonometry
Geometry is an extremely verbal form of mathematics. It is usually the first
course in which a student must think abstractly. The student must analyze a
problem, determine the problem type, identify and use a strategy, derive a
solution, and check that solution for appropriateness and reasonableness.
Things are no longer cut and dry. All of this analyzing takes time and
patience, which the average high school student is not always willing or
capable of giving. For the first time, the student must actually think
through a problem instead of merely reacting to the mechanics of the
problem. As stated above, a variety of instructional strategies will be
employed to help student be successful, including:
Cooperative groups – students are encouraged to work with table
partners in small groups to perform investigations, examine data, justify
conclusions, share and discuss ideas.
Manipulatives – students will have opportunities for concrete
experiences to develop abstract ideas.
Develop number sense skills and practice mathematics as a component
of daily life
Integrate technology – Geometer’s Sketchpad and other software will
be utilized to explore relationships and formulate conjectures. Scientific
and/or graphing calculators will be used as problem solving tools.
Discussion and writing – communication is a crucial part of
mathematics. It is a way of sharing ideas and clarifying understanding.
Through communication, ideas become objects of reflection, refinement,
discussion, and amendment. Students will be required to state observations,
conjectures, and conclusions using well-constructed sentences.
Literacy – mathematics has a unique language. Students need to be
proficient in order to communicate with one another, solve problems, and
perform needed computations.
Students must realize that mathematics is not a spectator sport; proper study
involves time, patience, and practice. Struggling in mathematics is not the
enemy, any more than sweating is the enemy in sports; it is part of the
process and a clear sign of being in the game!
Student Expectations: Class begins when the tardy bell rings. Students
should be prepared to start work at that time. Behavior that is conducive to
learning is expected at all times. At Cascia Hall, geometry is student-
centered. Student-centered learning focuses on the students’ learning
and ‘what students do to achieve this, rather than what the teacher does’;
the emphasis is on student “doing” not on teacher telling. Students are
expected to become involved in the discovery of concepts through guided
activities.
The workload and expectations for this course are those of a college
preparatory class and intended to prepare students for advanced algebra and
beyond. The successful student will be prepared by reading assigned sections
before as well as after class, staying current or even ahead with vocabulary
and conjecture lists, being attentive and participating in classroom
discussions, compiling annotated notes and examples, and meeting deadlines.
If a student wants extra help, I will be available in my class room 260,
before and after school most days as well as during morning break time. It’s
a good idea to let me know when you want to stop by but please do not
hesitate to just drop in.
Supplies: Every student must bring his own materials to class. It is not
fair to expect the responsible students to supply the others with paper, etc.
Pencils and erasers – you will be expected to use a pencil to
complete all homework, quizzes, and tests.
Compass – choose one that is easy to handle; accuracy will be
important.
Protractor – one with an incremented straightedge can also serve as
your ruler.
Ruler – 6 inches is sufficient
Paper Folder with brads – this will be used to file completed
homework assignments.
Pencil Bag – you probably already have one; you are not required to
carry a separate bag just for geometry
16 notebook dividers with tabs – one for general class information
and one for each of the 15 units that will be covered during the school year.
Calculator – you will need to bring your calculator every day! A
scientific calculator is a minimum – a TI84 graphing calculator may be used –
be sure to clearly labeled your calculator with your name!
Assignments: Homework will be assigned and checked daily. All assignments
are due at the beginning of the next class meeting ready for scoring. Long
term projects such as the Unit 1 photo project should be in class on the due
date even if you are not. Late or missed homework assignments will not be
accepted unless the student has an excused absence. A tentative list of
assignments is provided at the beginning of each unit; assignments will also
be posted on your teacher’s website. If you are absent, please check either
of these resources or check with a classmate. Each assignment should be
labeled in the upper left corner according to MLA format as shown.
Your Name
Your Teacher’s Name
Date Assigned Class Hour
Page # Problem #s
Your Name, page #, and problem #s should be written on each page of the
assignment and multiple pages must be stapled together. Failure to follow
this format may result in a zero on the assignment.
To obtain full credit for the solution to a problem, students must
communicate their methods and conclusions clearly. Answers should show
enough work so that the reasoning process can be followed throughout the
solution. Students’ assignments, as well as quiz and test responses, will be
assessed in a manner that ensures that all students have sufficient
opportunities to practice and improve their abilities to communicate
mathematically. Unsupported answers will receive no credit.
Quizzes and Tests: Announced and unannounced quizzes will be given
frequently to check the students’ understanding of concepts covered. The
quizzes may be exact homework problems or ones similar to them. Announced
exams will be given at the completion of each unit to determine the students’
mastery of concepts and ability to apply those concepts. In the Upper
School, math exams are scheduled on Thursdays; students may expect to be
tested every 2 – 3 weeks. I will not deviate from this policy without first
asking and receiving permission from Mr. Mayfield. A tentative schedule for
announced quizzes and unit exams is listed in your notebook and will be
posted on my website. It is a long-standing department policy that graded
quizzes and exams may not leave the classroom. Graded quizzes and tests will
be returned for the student’s review. Students may make notes or lists of
concepts that need more attention. Students are encouraged to meet with Ms.
Cook to review missed questions or problems. Parents or tutors (with the
parents’ permission) may also arrange a time to review these items.
Make Up Policy: All work missed due to an excused absence will be handled as
outlined in the student handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to
schedule and complete missed work. All students present on the day of an
announced quiz or test will take the quiz or test unless absent two or more
days immediately proceeding the test day. Make up quizzes and test will be
different and more difficult than forms of the scheduled quiz or test.
Students who know that they will be absent are encouraged to take the
scheduled quiz or test early. Students will not be required to make up
unannounced quizzes (those that are not listed on the unit study guide).
Announced quizzes must be made up no later than the afternoon of the unit
test; tests must be made up before the next scheduled exam. Any quiz or test
not completed within this time frame will be recorded as a zero.
Notebook: The Geometry notebook should be purchased through the Upper School
bookstore. Each student must bring his/her notebook to class every day.
Students are expected to keep their notebooks current by completing the pages
as assigned. The notebook will be due for grading at the beginning of the
hour on unit exam day; this is to encourage students to complete all of the
review work before the exam – not weeks after. Any page removed from the
notebook, must be placed back in order with all supporting work. Please use
the labeled dividers to mark the beginning of each unit of study.
Contacting Ms. Cook: Students and parents are encouraged to contact me if
you have any questions. I prefer email because it is easily checked
throughout the day as well as in the evenings and sometimes before I leave
home in the morning. In the evenings, you may contact me at home 398-9792.
Grading Policies: Course grades will be calculated using total points.
Assessment Points Additional Comments
Homework 2 Graded for completion only. This is at Ms. Cook’s
discretion. Typically when the assignment has been completely worked in
class or when students have been allowed to use the assignment for an
unannounced quiz.
Homework 5 Graded for completeness and accuracy.
Projects TBA Points for special projects will be announced at the
time of the assignment. When appropriate, students will receive a grading
rubric with the assignment.
Unannounced Quiz 5 - 10 Points will be determined by the quantity and
difficulty of the problems
Announced Quiz 25 See Unit Study Guide or Website for schedule
Lab 15 Incomplete or missed labs may be made up before school,
during morning break, or after school in the Upper School Computer Lab.
Notebook 25 This will total 150-200 points per semester.
Unit Exam 100 See Unit Study Guide or Website for schedule
Semester Exam 15 – 20% The point value of the semester exam will be
adjusted to account for 15 – 20% of the total grade.
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