Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Course Syllabus 2010-2011
Ms. Roshan
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to engage students in an organized and sophisticated investigation of single-variable functions, differentiation, and integration. The course is presented at the college level and is designed to rigorously examine the topics covered in the Advanced Placement Exam. The course also makes extensive use of the TI graphing calculator to facilitate understanding and discovery of the topics covered. The AP Calculus AB course endeavors to demonstrate the relevance and pervasiveness of math and mathematical thinking in today's world.
TEXT AND MATERIALS
James Stewart, Single Variable Calculus: Concepts and Context, 3rd Edition, Thompson/Brooks Cole, 2005.
(Ordered 3rd trimester) David Lederman, Multiple-Choice & Free-Response Questions in Preparation for the AP Calculus (AB) Examination, 8th Edition, D&S Marketing.
(Ordered 3rd trimester - recommended) David Lederman, Student’s Solutions Manual to Accompany Multiple-Choice & Free-Response Questions in Preparation for the AP Calculus (AB) Examination, 8th Edition, D&S Marketing.
Texas Instruments graphing calculator, 3 ring binder (recommended) and/or spiral notebook with folder, index cards.
ASSESSMENT
Homework is assigned nightly and consists of watching video lectures and/or problems relating to what has been covered. Since much of class discussion is based on homework, it is imperative that students attempt each problem nightly so that they have some context for the discussion. A detailed solution sheet will be pass out with each assignment, so there is never an excuse to have nothing written down for a homework problem. It is also expected that students will show all work on their homework paper. It is important that students practice showing all work since correct answers without proper support may receive no credit on the free-response section of the AP Exam. Following class discussion of an assignment, students are expected to make any necessary corrections to homework problems.
Quizzes will be based directly on homework problems previously assigned. Successful performance on this assessment will show that a student has understood all homework problems assigned. Quizzes will typically cover 2-4 sections of material. Tests will be more challenging than quizzes and will cover an entire chapter of material. It will be necessary for students to apply the material learned in class in order to be successful on tests. Class review days will always be provided before quizzes and tests.
THE AP EXAM
The AP Calculus AB exam will be given on the morning of Wednesday, May 4, 2011. The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes and consists of two parts: a 45-question multiple-choice section and a six-problem free-response section. Each of these sections has a calculator portion and a non-calculator portion.
EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to be prepared for class each day. They are expected to arrive on time, dress appropriately, and have necessary materials. Tardiness and dress code violations will be addressed as indicated in the Student Handbook. Students also should be familiar with the details and implications of the Honor Code and the Academic Honesty Policy. Missed graded work must be made up within TWO days of a student's return to class. A zero will be given on assignments or quizzes that are not taken within a reasonable period.
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