M. Dennis Dranchak

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

ALGEBRA II and TRIGONOMETRY

S 2012

 

 

ALGEBRA HAS ITS ROOTS among the ancient Greeks who sought to systematize methods for solving equations. It was developed by the Arabs and by many Renaissance figures. Descartes discovered a way in which the techniques of algebra and geometry could be used to illuminate each other. Newton and Leibniz discovered new techniques for stating and solving equations which, if they weren't strictly speaking algebraic, used algebra extensively. The discovery of the structure of the complex number system about a century ago revolutionized the understanding of algebra and turned it into an incredibly powerful tool for modeling real world situations. The growing use of statistical analysis and the development of discrete modeling tools have made it even more indispensable in our contemporary world. Indeed, in many ways algebra is the language and grammar of all mathematics, which is why it is usually studied twice - once to learn "the moves" and once to learn why the moves work and what they allow us to do. And this will be our doorway into the subject this year - we will learn elementary algebra by concentrating on what it allows us (and frees us) to do.

 

Text:

·         Algebra 2 with Trigonometry, Stanley A. Smith et. al., Pearson Prentice Hall. 2006.

 

Materials

•     Text. Must be brought to class every day.

•     PC. Must be brought to class every day (or pages).

•     Calculator. Must be a graphing calculator, TI-83+ (or its descendants) preferred. There are occasionally sales in the major office supply stores.

·         Marble notebook, if desired, for homework. Should have graph pages.

•     Pencils and erasers - lots. I will look at NO work done in ink, nor will you receive credit for it. I sell pencils, $.25 each. Daily, as needed, before class starts, i.e., before bell.

•     Straightedge. Something definite. Needed daily…

 

Tests:

·         as appropriate.

·         Number of grades per marking period will not be a problem.

·         Full-period tests will be announced, quizzes not.

·         Make-ups on day of return, unless longer illness, absence, etc. During class in the classroom. Student’s responsibility to arrange for, ask for, etc. (see agenda)

 

Grade: Tests 35%, quizzes 15%, POD 25%, homework 25%.

 

Cheating: Caught cheating: grade of 0 for quiz/test/exam.

 

Grading Policy

·         Average grade - C.

·         Honor grade - B.

·         Superb grade - A.

·         Passing grade - D.

·         Unfortunately, there may be some who choose to go to summer school/not graduate.

·         I  DO NOT EXEMPT from Final exams.

 

Next course in sequence

•     Pre-calculus Functions: requires a grade of 90 or better.

·         Trigonometry requires passing.

•     Probability & Statistics: requires a grade of 80 or better.

 

Help

·         Teacher is available during both flex periods in Room 223 except for “duty periods “ – T/TH flex 3 in yearbook room (can tutor here, too).

•     Calculus students offer “peer tutoring” daily during flex in Room 223. Any student in the school is welcome, and only has to show up.

 

Classroom behavior

·         Students are to be in the classroom on time with text, PC, homework notebook and graphing calculator.

·         Uniforms are worn correctly at all times. ID’s and agendas are checked.

·         No food or drink (except water) is allowed at any time.

·         Bathroom use: one takes care of one’s personal affairs on one’s personal time. Ask after the class bell, permission routinely denied.

·         Each of us is a child of God with all of eternity shining from our eyes. We will treat each other respectfully, even playfully, at all times. “Please,’ “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” smooth out many a wrinkle and prevent many hassles. We can learn to walk the proverbial mile in the other’s shoes. Name-calling, put-downs, and belittling “humor” are not behaviors of self-respecting, charitable people and will not be tolerated.

 

Problem Of the Day (POD)

·         One a day on screen as come into class. Students are responsible for copying each down. Fully.

·         Have until next class meeting to solve; place in “tray” on closet door as enter classroom..

·         Will be graded on a 0 - 1 - 2 points basis. 2 points: correct answer, compelling argument/demonstration/proof/”work.” 1 point: correct answer with no argument, incorrect answer with corresponding (misleading) argument. 0 point: none of the above (including incorrect answer with no argument).

·         Must be done in pencil, the only acceptable writing instrument in math class. Use of pen = 0 points.

·         One problem per side of a full sheet of paper per day. May put a second problem on the reverse side another day. After absence, multiple problems may be placed on the paper. Every problem is to be identified with week and day assigned (eg., wk09,W).

·         If you wish me to grade these problems, you will see that they are presented as per directions; it helps, of course, that they are also correct.

·         Points are totaled in each quarter and used as a grade. Passing is 50% of possible points, i.e., 1 point per problem. Grade ranges will be proportional. Will be posted on Parent Portal (and included in average) only at interim and course end. There is no minimum grade for this work, i.e., no “floor” of 60.

·         Parents who wish to ascertain POD progress are invited to email the teacher. Once a week is not too frequent.

 

Homework

·         Assigned regularly, if not daily. May be from worksheet, from text, or some question that suggests itself in class.

·         Must be done in pencil, the only acceptable writing instrument in math class.

·         Must be identified with student name, date completed, and statement of assignment.

·         Is due when reviewed. May be made up/turned in late if absent, otherwise not.

·         All work must be shown. Lists of answers will get 1point.

·         All 2-variable graphs must be done on graph paper. Penalty: 3 points for whole assignment, regardless of proportion of graphing problems.

·         Will be reviewed daily as assigned. 5 points - complete. 4 points – missing some problems. 3 points – missing many problems, graphs not on graph paper, on paper not a marble notebook. 2 points – some work shown. 1 point – work not shown (even if otherwise complete).

·         As with the POD, it will be calculated for interim and marking period only.

·         Parents who wish to ascertain homework completion should email the teacher. Once a week is not too frequent.

·         Students should realize that copying homework carries a built-in penalty, to wit, student does not learn what he/she is expected to learn. STUDENTS SHOULD REALIZE THAT THIS SUBJECT CANNOT BE CRAMMED, AND ATTEMPTS TO DO SO WILL INEVITABLY FAIL.

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

COLLEGE MATHEMATICS

Spring 2012

 

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, mathematics does not begin and end with arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. While these are important, and form the basis of all “higher” mathematics, there is an incredible spectrum of other mathematics with corresponding uses in today’s world. Some of them are quite powerful…such as the laws of logic and the modeling of these laws in electronic circuits, which (only) form the intellectual basis of the computers we use so much. We’ll explore some of these: number theory, logic, different number systems, so-called consumer mathematics, counting methods and probability. All will be grounded in real-world applications and explored singly and in groups. When will we ever use this stuff? Never… or often, depending on how much we need what “practical” math has to offer.

 

Text:

• Math in Our World. Dave Sobecki et. al. New York, McGraw-Hill. 2011. 2nd ed.

Materials

•     Text. Must be brought to class every day.

•      PC. Must be brought to class every day.

Calculator, if desired, for tests.

Marble notebook, if desired, for homework.

•     Pencils and erasers - lots. Outside of the POW, I will look at NO work done in ink, nor will you receive credit for it. I sell pencils before class, price $.25

 

Tests:

·        as appropriate and quite frequent..

·        Most will be individual, some will be group.

·        Unit tests are announced.

·        Assessments are graded on a points earned / points available format; the “curve” will be announced every time one is returned. Translation will be made to HC format before upload to Genesis/Parent Portal.

 

Grade: Tests 30%. Projects 20%. Homework 25%. POW 25%

 

Cheating: Caught cheating: grade of 0 for quiz/test/exam.

 

Grading Policy

·        Average grade - C.

·        Honor grade - B.

·        Superb grade - A.

·        Passing grade - D.

·        Unfortunately, there may be some who choose to go to summer school. You have the primary responsibility for 50% of your grade. There is no reason to fail the course. The only place to make up a failure is at BCC…with its own sets of bureaucracy and hurdles to cross, legitimate or otherwise.

·        I  DO NOT EXEMPT from Final exams. There will be no Midterm exam.

 

Help

•     Teacher is available flex period 3 and period 4 in Room 223 when he does not have "duty."

•     Calculus students offer “peer tutoring” five days per week during flex periods 3 and 4 in Room 223.

·        Any student in the school is welcome, and only has to show up. Most days we’re lonely. Mr. Sgroi is also in Room 223 during these periods every day.

 

Classroom behavior

·        Students are to be in the classroom on time with text and PC.

·        Uniforms are worn correctly at all times. ID’s and agendas are checked.

·        The expectation for student behavior is that when the teacher is speaking the students are silent. Please pay attention to the lesson and allow those around you also to participate in the lesson.

·        No food or drink (excluding water) is allowed at any time.

·        Bathroom use: One takes care of personal business on personal time (7 minutes between blocks; unlimited time during flex). Ask after the class bell, permission routinely denied.

·        Each of us is a child of God with all of eternity shining from our eyes. We will treat each other respectfully, even playfully, at all times. “Please,’ “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” smooth out many a wrinkle and prevent many hassles. We can learn to walk the proverbial mile in the other’s shoes. Name-calling, put-downs, and belittling “humor” are not behaviors of self-respecting, charitable people.

  

Problem Of the Week (POW)

·        On Monday, a problem will be on the board. as you come into class.  I will distribute one copy to each student.

·        The first 10 minutes of class will be devoted to working on this problem, during the time that class business is transacted, such as attendance, homework/problem return, uniform check, whatever.

·        Students may attempt to solve the problem by themselves or in groups of no more than four people. These can change week to week. You will register them at the end of the business time Monday. People not submitting forms will be deemed to be working singly.

·        Solutions must be submitted in regular math format: Names of all in the group, date submitted, problem stated, problem solved, including all work and supporting documentation. The idea is that the solution will be readable and understandable by someone with normal math background

·        Problems will be graded on a scale of 0 to 10, depending on success of solution and completeness of work supplied. An incorrect answer with work will usually receive an "8." If very nearly correct, a "9." Less correct but a legitimate attempt made, a "7." Not submitted is "0." Remember: This is 25% of your grade, and, with your homework, constitutes the only “extra credit” I consider, since its completeness is entirely under your control.

·        Problems may be submitted late, with a penalty of 1 point for eery day of lateness. Problems submitted mor than 4 days late will receive an automatic grade of "5." However, if someone from your group is present, the problem is due; I do not listen to, “Dave has it, and he’s not here.” Take responsibility for your work.

·        In the event of weeks with fewer than 5 days, the problem will be collected at the beginning of class on the first day the following week, as the new problem is assigned..

·        Solutions may be submitted in pencil, pen, or.prnted from a PC..

·        Grades will be posted onGenesis regularly. There is no “floor” for this grade.

 

Homework

·        Assigned regularly, if not daily. May be from worksheet, from text, or some questions that suggests itself in class.

May be done on PC or in marble notebook.

·        Must be done in pencil if done in notebook; the only acceptable writing instrument in math class.

·        Must be identified with date completed and statement of assignment.

·        Is due when reviewed. May be made up/turned in late if absent, otherwise not.

·        All work must be shown. Lists of answers will get 1 point...

·        Will be inspected and graded. 5 points – complete. 4 points – missing few problems. 3 points – missing many problems. 2 points – some work shown, but rest listed answers. 1 point – no work shown (even if otherwise complete).

·        Homework will count as 25% of class grade. Will only be calculated for interims and quarters and posted accordingly. There is no floor for this grade.

·        If parents want to keep abreast of student work, they can email me (weekly?) for updates.

·        Students should realize that copying homework carries a built-in penalty, to wit, student does not learn what he/she is expected to learn. STUDENTS SHOULD REALIZE THAT THIS SUBJECT CANNOT BE CRAMMED, AND ATTEMPTS TO DO SO WILL INEVITABLY FAIL.