Lee High School SYLLABUS

2011-2012 AP Calculus AB

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
In AP Calculus, you will be expected to think about mathematics on a whole new level; you will be asked to think about the infinitely large at the same time as the infinitesimally small. No longer will mathematics be static; we will start to analyze how real-life objects change over time and how they change as they move through space. We will also look at applying our most fundamental and basic graphing tool the slope of a line in a whole new way. We will discuss the slope of parabolas, cubic curves, absolute value functions, piece-wise defined graphs, as well as logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions. Before long, your entire way of thinking about mathematics will evolve. You will finally be ready to explore the rest of the mathematical universe on your own in such fields as Advanced Calculus, Analysis, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Number Theory, just to name a few. As the year progresses, we will revisit some very familiar topics and analyze them from a different point of view. In addition, we will explore actual real-life scenarios in which your knowledge of Calculus will be quite helpful. For those of you interested in pursuing careers in engineering, business, science, and mathematics, this will be one of the most important courses that you will take as a high school student. For those of you interested in other types of careers, the problem-solving methods that you will acquire in this class will be of great use. As of right now everyone is expected to take the AP Calculus AB exam, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, 2012 (let the countdown begin). This course will be challenging and will require 100% commitment. At the end of this course, you will have mastered (to name a few) the following: Limits and Average Rate of Change The Derivative as a Function and Applications of Derivatives Accumulation and the Definite Integral Integral as a Function Differential Equations and Implicit Differentiation Applications of Integration

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Materials To successfully complete this course, you will need:

A three ring binder Tab Dividers Graph Filler Paper A red pen (for corrections) Pencils and Erasers

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Class Expectations: In order for you, and the rest of your classmates, to have a positive learning experience you must be sure to adhere to the following expectations/guidelines: (1) Mathematics is not a spectators sport! You are expected to fully participate in all classroom activities, discussions, and assignments. You will frequently be asked to go to the board to solve a problem, or to lead the class through an explanation of your thinking. You owe it to yourself and your fellow classmates to BE PREPARED AT ALL TIMES! (2) Have an adventuresome spirit! Each day provides you with an opportunity to build on the ideas of yesterday. Those of you who wonder why certain mathematical concepts are valid will have your questions answered to the best of my ability. If you find an explanation of mine not sufficient to answer your question, I encourage you to ask it again; maybe to another classmate, to yourself, to another teacher, or even seek out the answer on the Internet. One web site that you might want to investigate is www.forum.swarthmore.edu check out the Ask Dr. Math section. Our course website would be a great place to find resources and share knowledge with one another. (3) Be equipped for battle! Each day you are expected to bring the following items to class: your homework, at least one sharpened pencil, one red pen (for corrections), and most importantly, a willingness to learn. (4) R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me! All members of our classroom will show the utmost respect to each other, the teacher, and to any and all visitors to our classroom. (5) Be aggressive! Dont let an opportunity for clarification pass you by. If you dont understand something Ask! As long as you ask your question is well thought out, it will be answered. I am not telepathic; I cannot possibly know that you are having a problem or are confused unless you take the first step and ask for some clarification.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mr. Pedro Acosta (347) 338 0778 - Cell Acosta.Math@gmail.com Leeapcalc.blogspot.com Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:20pm 5:30pm

This is going to be a challenging course, but you are not going to be along in your journey. We will have tutoring sessions both before school and after school. At this time I am tempted to schedule office hours/tutoring after school on Tuesdays and Thursday 4:20pm 5:30pm. However, I am honored to stay after school at any time that you see fit, the only thing that I ask of you is to let me know of your interest ahead of time so that I can make the necessary arrangements. If you have questions outside of these times, please feel free to call me on my cell phone, send me an email or a text message. Most night I will be available until 10:00pm. If you leave a message, I will be sure to call you back as soon as possible. I have read through the syllabus, understand the expectations for this class, and will contact Mr. Acosta by cell phone or via e-mail immediately if I have any questions or concerns regarding the summer school class
Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______ Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______

AVAILABILITY