Course Syllabus

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Pre-Calculus

Mr. Harsh Upadhyay [Twitter: @Mr_Upadhyay215]

Rm 315

Telephone:  (502) 485-8323 [Extension # 3150]

Email:  harsh.upadhyay@jefferson.kyschools.us

Welcome to Pre-Calculus!  In this course we will be studying the pre-requisite material required for success in Calculus.  Along the way we will be studying the various functions that can be used to create mathematical models that describe the world around us.  For example, linear functions can be used to model the relationship between advertising spending and sales revenue and thus help a business owner predict future profits.  In another context, quadratic functions can be used to model the relationship between the length of a fence and the area it encloses, thus enabling a farmer to maximize the area enclosed for a given length of fence.  Each function we learn in this course serves its own niche in helping us understand the world around us (a full list can be seen in the course overview).  After our study of functions we will start an exploration of the ideas that will lead us towards the study of calculus.         

How to Learn Math

Learning Math is a process which requires making mistakes followed by analyzing and fixing those mistakes. It is a process that requires patience and perseverance.   Albert Einstein famously stated, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” If you spend time with the problems presented in this course and show consistent effort you will be successful in learning the underlying mathematical concepts.     

Pre-Requisites

  • Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2

Required Materials

  1. Pencils/Pens
  2. Erasers
  3. Calculator: Scientific or Graphing
  4. Binder (Preferably 2inch)
  • Scientific calculatorshave the basic functions used for algebra and trigonometry. They work well for many students and are cheap ($5-$20). The TI-30 series is a good example. 
  • Graphing calculatorsallow the student to graph equations. The graphing element is powerful since an understanding of what math equations look like graphically can be crucial to understanding the topic of math. The TI-83 and TI-84 series are good examples.
  • (A TI-84 Plus will be provided in class but will not be available to take home)

Provided Materials

  1. Notebook/paper *
  2. Scissors, Tape, Markers, Rulers, etc.
  3. Graphing Calculator (TI 84 Plus) *In Class Only
  4. Textbook 

Course Overview

  1. Graphs
  2. Functions
  3. Linear Functions
  4. Quadratic Functions
  5. Polynomial Functions
  6. Rational Functions
  7. Inverse Functions
  8. Exponential Functions
  9. Logarithmic Functions
  10. Trigonometric Functions
  11. Analytic Geometry: Conic Sections
  12. Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  13. Sequences, Induction, and the Binomial Theorem
  14. A Preview of Calculus: The Limit, Derivative, and Integral of a Function

 

Grading Policy

Scholar Engagement (20%)

  • Bell-Ringers/Exit Slips
  • Notebook Checks
  • Participation Grades

Scholar Progression (20%)

  • Daily Assignments
  • Homework
  • Focus Topic Quizzes

Scholar Mastery:  (60%)

  • Focus Topic Exams
  • Projects
  • Proficiency Exams (Mid-Term and Final)

 

Standards – Based Grading Scale

A Above Standards............................................. 3.5 – 4.0 (87.5 - 100%)

B Meets Standards...............................................3.0 – 3.5 (75 - 87.5%)

C Approaching Standards.......................................2.5 – 3.0(62.5 - 75%) 

D Barely meeting Standards....................................2.0 – 2.5 (50 - 62.5%)

U Below Standards ............................................Any grade < 2.0 (<50%)

 

Homework

  • Homework will be assigned only if a student is not able to complete assignments in class. 

Absences and Make-up Work

  • You are responsible for getting any assignments you missed during your absence.
  • You have as many days as you were absent plus one additional day to turn in any missed assignments.
  • Any missed quizzes or tests must be rescheduled immediately.

After School Help

  • After school help will be available Monday from 2:30 to 4:00 PM and Wednesday from 2:30 to 5:00 PM.
  • Scholars can use this time to receive additional instruction, make up or retake quizzes and exams, and complete missing assignments.  

Hall Passes                                                                           

  • Scholars will use Agenda Books for Restroom Passes.
  • A Scholar must have an open spot for the current month.
  • It is the scholar’s responsibility to keep up with his/her agenda book.
  • NO hall pass will be given the first or last (10) minutes of class.
  • NO hall pass will be given after 2:00pm.
  • NO hall pass is to be given during lunch times (5th Period)

Food and Drink

  • Food and Drink are permitted in class as long as it does not interfere with classwork.

Beginning Class

  1. If you have been absent check the Canvas assignment of the day you missed and complete the assignment as directed.
  2. If need to borrow a pencil, an eraser, or paper pick these up on the way in to class.
  3. Put all electronic devices/headphones/earbuds on silent and put them away unless told otherwise by the teacher.
  4. Pick up your Textbook, Calculator, and Binder.
  5. Find your seat and work on the bell-ringer exercise.
  6. If you finish early see if you can help a classmate.

Ending Class

  1. Complete exit slip or closure exercise
  2. Put away your Calculator
  3. Put away your Binder and Textbook if you plan to keep them in class.
  4. Return to your seat for dismissal

Class Notebooks and Binders

  • You are expected to have your Binder, your Textbook, a Pencil, and an Eraser every day.
  • There will be a location in class to keep your textbook and binder. 
  • If you take your binder or notebook home, which will be necessary for homework and studying, make sure you bring it back the next day.

Classroom Rules

  1. Come to Class Prepared Every Day.
  2. Respect Others and their Property.
  3. Give your Undivided Attention to the Speaker.
  4. Participate fully in all Class Activities.
  5. No Electronic Devices should be Seen or Heard during “Red Zone”

 

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

  1. Verbal Warning
  2. Parent/Guardian Phone Call or Conference
  3. Disciplinary Referral

You may access the Standards Based Grading rubric by clicking on this Link

 

Syllabus Scavenger Hunt:  https://goo.gl/kyujcc

 

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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