PreCalculus



Name of Course:Precalculus Name of teacher:Mrs. Macioce Email for teacher: cmacioce@reyn.org Quote of Choice: Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.  ~Albert Einstein

Course Description: This course makes use of modern technology with the graphing calculator and computer approach to pre-calculus topics. Strong emphasis is placed on problem solving using both algebraic and geometric representations. Function, trigonometry and analytic geometry topics are fully covered and a strong foundation for the later study of calculus is provided. A graphing calculator (TI-83 Plus) is required by the first day of class. A mastery exam is included in the semester and/or final exam. Course Materials: One flash drive to be used for all courses, loose leaf paper or spiral notebook, TI-84 Graphing Calculator, pencil with eraser, 1 box tissues, white board marker and old sock or white board eraser Course Topics: Functions and Their Graphs, Trigonometry, Sequences and Series, Analytic Geometry Essential Questions: How do components of previous knowledge come together to solve complex problems? How does Trigonometry help explain the world around us? What are the limits of mathematical representation and modeling? How do we represent change?

Grading Policy: Tests 55%, Quizzes 25%, Projects or Challenges 15%, Homework 5% Student Expectations:  1. Be on time. 2. Be prepared for class. The textbook, binder with filler paper or notebook, pencil and a calculator must be brought daily. Pencils should be sharpened before class begins. Binders or notebooks should be opened to the previous night’s assignment in readiness for class to start.  3. The only drink permitted in class is water. Food is only permitted if there is enough for the entire class. Chewing gum will be permitted until it becomes distracting to the learning environment or until it is not disposed of properly.  4. Notes and homework are to be written under one date. Homework should include specific pages and problem numbers. Homework is assigned almost daily. Late homework is not accepted, with the exception of an absence. All problems must be attempted. Just a list of answers is not acceptable. I will check homework randomly to see that it is completed according to directions. . <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> 5. Extra help is available. Students may not be able to depend entirely on class time to get all questions answered. I will be available at the 7:40-8:40am (except teacher meeting days) or by appointment. Students should seek immediate help when they need extra help, as this course is cumulative. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">6. Class participation is highly encouraged. Students are expected to take notes, work lesson examples, and input ideas and questions. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">7. Tests and quizzes are posted on the board several days in advance. Studying notes and doing problems again from each section is the best way to prepare for a test. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> 8. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all work missed. If homework is missed due to absence, the assignment must be turned in with “absent (date)”. Makeup tests or quizzes are done by appointment only and must be made up within 5 days of the absence or receive a zero. If a student knows about an absence ahead of time, he/she should make prior arrangements to take any test or quiz that he/she will be missing. Failure to make up a test or a quiz will result in a grade of zero for the assessment. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> 9. Respect for each other and the teacher is expected. Rude comments, comments made out of turn, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Detentions for repeated poor attitude or behavior will be administered before school and will last a minimum of 15 minutes and parents will be notified. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Please email the following personal information to <span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">cmacioce@reyn.org <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Student Name <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Parent(s) Name(s) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Best phone number to reach parent <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Preferred email for communication <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">If you have questions or concerns please email me.