Syllabus

Teacher’s Name: Mrs. Kathryn Gniadek Department: Mathematics

Course Title: Honors Precalculus 547 Section 01-02 2008-2009

University of Connecticut Early College Learning Experience Course

UCONN course Math 1040Q 3 college credits in Semester One

Every senior should record on the Common Application for their college application that they are enrolled in a college course from UCONN entitled:

Math 1040 Q Elementary Mathematical Modeling 3 credits

Textbooks: Two Required texts:

Mary E. Davis & C. Henry Edwards, Elementary Mathematical Modeling, Prentice Hall,

2007. ISBN: 0-13-1450352

Blitzer, Robert, Pre Calculus, McDougall-Littell, 07/E .ISBN: 0131874799

Purpose: This course is an integration of an intensive study of trigonometry, geometry, and advanced algebra intended to broaden the student’s mathematical background prior to the study of calculus. This course also includes an introduction to probability and counting problems. The three fundamental areas of functional analysis, mathematical analysis, and analytic geometry are investigated in depth through the use of a myriad of technological aids such as the overhead graphing calculator, the Smart board and digital lessons. Each student is required to have either a TI 83+ 0r TI 84 + graphing calculator since extensive use of graphing technology is incorporated as an investigative tool.

Objectives: Students will:

v Learn how to take comprehensive class and textbook notes.

v Use graphing facilities to investigate and facilitate findings.

v Apply lesson material to real-life situations

v Develop a certain level of logical reasoning and problem solving while learning new techniques in Mathematics.

v Learn to use technology, especially the graphing calculator, to further enhance her understanding of Algebra and Trigonometry.

Requirements: The single most important requirement for class is a good attitude, a hunger for learning, and a willingness to be persistent and relentless when presented with new theories and subject material. Most importantly, a student needs to realize that in higher math courses, one cannot fear mistakes. Any errors need to be viewed as opportunities for learning and trying a different approach.

Note well:

On the detention notices, there are the words: Reason for detention: Lack of class materials. Be prepared!

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS:

v Textbook

v At least two expo markers for board work

v Pencils, red pens

v A graphing calculator TI-83 or TI-83 PLUS

v One three-ring binder filled with either a 5 subject notebook or loose leaf.

v A 6- pocket folder(I use separate 3-holed divider pockets) in the three ring binder will be needed for handouts, homework assignments, this syllabus and graph paper, quizzes, tests and project information as well as extra loose-leaf paper for unannounced quizzes.

NOTE WELL:

NEW CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION CALLED:
RULE OF THREE
explained in detail in Homework section of syllabus.

v All class notes, most homework, and all class work must be done in the three ring binder and in the proper class day. They will be randomly checked and graded as a homework grade. NOTE WELL: Unannounced quizzes on homework problems, all class work, reading assignments and miscellaneous math problems will count towards your homework grade.

v One long term assignment or project may be assigned that would be worth two test grades in the quarter it is done.

Personal and School Policies:

Ø Every student will begin with an A+ class participation grade. (15% of quarter grade) If a student is late for class, she must sign a tardy slip Record Book before sitting at her desk. Each tardy will result in a 5 point deduction from the class participation grade.

Ø . Class co-operation, attentiveness, and willingness to answer questions and demonstrate problem-solving methods all contribute positively to the maintenance of the A+ class participation grade.

Ø NOTE WELL:If a student is seriously ill, parents should email me so we can work out a reasonable plan that will enable the student to stay current with her coursework. As the parents and I set up a study plan , the student can concentrate on resting and getting well.

Ø Any student who is absent on the day an assignment or project is due must accept a full letter grade deduction for each subsequent day (including weekends) the assignment is late beginning the day after the student returns to school.

Ø Any student who misses class for any reason is fully responsible for completing all class work and homework that was assigned during her absence. Most importantly, she must obtain a copy of the class notes from one of her classmates and obtain from me any handouts given on the day of her absence. Any quizzes given in class on the day of her return must still be taken. (See page 12-13 in the Handbook)

Ø All homework and project assignments are due at the beginning of class.

Ø Missed tests must be completed as soon as possible. A recorded zero remains until the make-up is schedulued.Make-up tests (which will be significantly more difficult) will adhere to the policies of the math department formulated at the beginning of the school year. (Page 13 Handbook) If a student delays scheduling for more than one cycle after her return to school, she will incur a full letter grade penalty for each day after one cycle until the test is taken. All students are personally responsible for arranging the time and dates of any make-up tests or work. If they fail to do so, the recorded grade of 0 will remain.

Ø Extra help is always after school at least till 2:40 unless faculty meetings or club meetings are scheduled. Students will be asked to sign an Extra-Help Record Book.

Ø Extra Credit is never assigned individually. Occasionally, class Extra Credit assignments may be offered.

Ø If a notebook quiz is given in class, and you do not have your notebook or your calculator, you will still be required to take the quiz. If your calculator is not with you on the day of the test, you must still take the test. Always be prepared for each class.

Ø Students are expected to have their expos and graphing calculator with them in every class.

Ø Electronic submission of homework is unacceptable except in cases concerning serious illness and prior agreement.

Evaluation: Comprehensive examinations, chapter tests, Open Notebook Quizzes (based on the student’s outlines for the chapters including the examples), Stretch Tests, projects, quizzes announced and unannounced, individual and group “lab investigations”, homework assignments and positive class participation will be used to assess the student’s knowledge of the subject matter.

At all times, the test format will be pre- determined by the teacher only.

NOTE WELL: All assigned projects must be done in duplicate. Every student must retain one copy of any major assignment passed in.

Testing Policy:

Ø Students will be tested in class at least twice each quarter.

Ø All projects will count at least one test grade and maybe two depending on the length and depth of the assignment.

Ø Quizzes are not usually announced.

Ø Most quizzes will be on the class lecture and class activities, the book outlines and the homework assignments. BE PREPARED!

Ø Lengthy problem sets may be assigned and counted as test grades.

This is an important college policy:

Ø There are no make-ups for poor test or quiz grades. I will never change a test date or a pre-announced quiz date on the day of the assessment . However, if a test is scheduled an entire week or more away, only in that window of time will a reschedule suggestion be taken into consideration. Long term homework assignments MAY be counted as a test grade

******************** GRADING POLICY***********************

For Quarters 1-2: Elementary Math Modeling Chapters will be supplemented by material in the Blitzer book. Both book materials will be on each quarter assignments as well as the midterm exam in January.

Combined class work consists of weekly worksheets and quizzes based on homework assignments and class notes as well as class participation and board presentations and explanations of homework problems.

Each quarter grade will be computed using:

Combined Class work: 75% Tests 25%

Worksheets; 15%

Class note quizzes 15%

Class participation 15%

Quizzes on book material 15%

Board work and presentation 15%

UCONN ECE GRADE: Quarter one grade: 30% Chapter 1-4 Davis Book plus

Blitzer supplements

Quarter two grade: 30% Chapter 5-8 Davis Book

Plus Blitzer supplements

Midterm Exam: 40% Chapters 1-8 in Davis book as

well as specified chapters in

Blitzer book)

Class rules:

I am most concerned with a healthy, peaceful learning environment which can only be achieved when everyone understands that strict standards of behavior must be enforced in the classroom. A student may never shout out answers, interrupt teaching inappropriately, make random comments or engage in or encourage inappropriate disturbances in the classroom. Most assuredly, any student who can not exercise maturity and self-control will be asked to report to the principal’s office as well as serve a detention. Learning math is challenging enough under ideal circumstances.

In this classroom, strict standards of behavior based on academic integrity, a personal sense of responsibility and responsiveness to the needs and rights of others will be enforced. At any time the teacher is speaking, no one else is. At any time a student has a question, she must raise her hand and everyone must respectfully listen. As aforementioned, if anyone violates these basic tenets of behavior, they will be asked to report to the administration in the office and/or receive a detention for inhibiting learning.

In this classroom, strict standards of behavior based on academic integrity, a personal sense of responsibility and responsiveness to the needs and rights of others will be enforced.

NOTE WELL: NEW CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION AND POLICY:

THE RULE OF THREE:

RO: The Class RO assignment for the topics covered either done before or after a class (Component #1-RO-Date).

topic:

CN:Each dated class day will have a right hand cornered date and topic title for the class discussion.

(#2 component Class Notes-DATE)

DP:THAT EVENING’S HOMEWORK: right hand dated and HW assignment clearly marked (Component #3 HW-DP-DATE)

Components will be numbered according to the order done. Most of the time, you will be doing the RO first, then the class notes and then the DP.

The Format for each assignment would have the following form:

RO-Date

CN-Date

DP-Date

NOTE WELL: EVERY CLASS DAY MUST HAVE THREE COMPONENTS all with the same Class Date which is the first date the topic is introduced.

v It is a simple given that under no circumstances should any homework assignment ever be offered for copying. Also, no one should ever ask another student for her math homework and/or assignments for the purpose of COPYING. It is evident that students who make a regular practice of this are making grave errors in judgment.

v Homework will be assigned and posted on the faculty web pages at least weekly. All students are to access my site regularly and be mindful that there may be classroom adjustments routinely made on the web site. I will email you immediately if there are any changes on the web site.

Additional information:

Since students’ actions impact others in the SHA community, all students are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of SHA in this class at all times.

Ø If you have any concerns about this class please come after school or make an appointment to discuss your concerns after school. Class time is for learning, teaching and discovering and not for airing personal grievances. At all times, whining is prohibited. Logical, sensible reasoning is always welcome.

If you have any problems at any other time please contact me at kgniadek@sha-excelsior.org or leave a message at #435 in school answering machine: 203-288-2309