AP Calculus BC syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS

 AP CALCULUS            MRS. HEVENER                               

 Welcome to AP Calculus (AB & BC) at JF!

AP Calculus at JF has always been a very challenging and rewarding experience for students who enjoy math, have a strong background in pre-calculus algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and are willing to invest the time and effort necessary for success.  The curriculum is set by The College Board and can be accessed at www.collegeboard/students

Supplies

  • If at all possible, it would be nice for some students to purchase their own TI-89 calculator.I have some on hand, but I do not have enough for each student to have one,
  • Graph paper (this can be in a spiral notebook or a 3-ring binder, whatever is your preference),
    • BC STUDENTS: I suggest a 3-ring binder because you will be receiving more handouts this year!!
  • One pack of AAA batteries,
  • Box of tissues,
  • Bag of small, individually wrapped candies for “rewards” in class.

Class Rules

1.  Be on time.            

2. Be prepared.           

3. Be considerate.         

4. Participate fully.     

Grading Scale

AP courses use a ten-point scale and the letter grade is weighted: A=5, B=4, etc.

What you can expect in AP Calculus this year:

  • Very little review of pre-calculus topics,
  • A fast-moving, demanding, and sometimes even frustrating, course,
  • Mid-Chapter and chapter tests in the format of the AP exam,
  • Several weeks of review prior to the AP exam,
  • Help when you need it (I am available almost every day before school and after school),
  • Little or no homework after the AP exam in May!

Homework (plan on about 45 minutes per day) 

  • Homework is probably the most important piece to learning and mastering this class.  If you decide not to complete homework you will be doing yourself a disservice!
  • Assignments (including snow-day assignments) will be posted by 5:00 p.m. on my JFHS webpage.
  • Do homework in your notebook.  Copy problems, show steps, and check your answers in the text book, student solutions guide or on calcchat.com.  Answers without supporting calculations/work are not acceptable.
  • Use your graphing calculator ONLY on problems where the text or teacher specifically directs you to do so.
  • Working together is fine; copying homework is cheating.
  • If you have trouble with your assignment (there is a 20 minute frustration limit!) email me or see me before school for an extension.
  • IF YOU MISS MORE THAN ONE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT PER QUARTER YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO COMPLETE TEST CORRECTIONS!
  • Homework is your time to practice! Do not miss this opportunity!!

Test, Quizzes, Projects, etc.

  • We will complete several projects and have frequent announced quizzes, including “flash card quizzes.”  Don’t lose your flash cards!!!!
  • “Two Column Corrections” will be highly recommended for major tests.
  • There will be 1-2 tests each quarter.  These will be included in the summative grading category. 
  • We will have several quizzes in between tests.  Larger quizzes will be counted in the summative grading category.  Smaller quizzes (card quizzes, quick check quizzes, etc.) will be counted as formative assessments. 
  • Missing the class before a test does not exempt you from taking the test the next day!  You are expected to take all tests on the scheduled test day unless I have approved otherwise.  If you do miss a test you will have 3 school days to make it up.  All tests will be pre-announced!

Extra Help/ExtraCredit

  • If you miss class, want to study together for an upcoming test or quiz, need some extra credit points, or need help with your math for any other reason, you should plan to attend the scheduled AP Calculus Tutorials
  • You are welcome to come before school (8:15-8:50) other days, but understand that I may have hall duty, departments meetings, or other responsibilities.
  • I will also host at least 3 Saturday prep sessions to prepare for the AP exam in May.  More info as we get closer to those dates (they will be provided periodically throughout the year).

JFHS Website:   www.bedford.k12.va.us/jfhs      email address: [email protected]