Course Description (to navigate to the syllabus click here)
AP Calculus AB is a course which is intended to cover the material typically covered in Calculus I in college. As such it is a fast paced challenging course. It requires as a prerequisite a firm understanding of the concepts presented in Algebra I and Pre-Calculus to include a deep understanding of functions, trigonometry, logarithmic and exponential functions as well as a basic understanding of sequences and series.
Calculus has two distinct branches, Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus. Differential Calculus studies rates of change which are not accessible through the normal means of Algebra. For example, differential calculus can model the rate of change of the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream. It can also be used in optimization such as trying to minimize cost or maximize profit in business calculations. The concepts of marginal cost or marginal profit studied in Economics are also related to differential calculus. Integral Calculus studies accumulations. Simply put it can be used to find ares and volumes of shapes which go beyond those studied in geometry. Its greatest importance may be its usefulness to integrate a rate of change to find the accumulation of a function. I think that Calculus is one of the first math classes a student takes where they can actually get a glimpse of how math can be used to describe the world around us as well as being used in practical applications to improve the world that we live in. Although it is at times difficult and can require a large effort, the benefits and rewards of the course are many.
Teacher: Mr. Nelson E-Mail: [email protected] Tutoring/Make Up: 7:30 – 8:30 Tue, Wed, Thu or by appointment Grading Procedure: Tests 70% Quiz 20% Nine Weeks Exam 10% Final Exam Exemptions 85 GPA in the fall - 75 GPA in the spring with verification of AP exam attendance Fall exemptions must have completed the applytexas.org as verified by the Go Center counselor. Spring exemptions must also complete the FAFSA. No delinquencies or fines. No more than 3 excused absences - excluding religious hoildays, school activities and 2 college visits. No unexcused absences or tardies. No discipline referrals. Make Up Work: Two days will be allowed to make up work for every day absent, provided that the absence was excused. See the tutoring/Make Up schedule above. Class Management: Class Rules: 1. Be on time - On the 3rd tardy an afterschool detention will be issued. 2. Be prepared with all necessary materials 3. Be respectful of all others in the class 4. No talking without permission 5. Cell phones, tablets, or laptops may be used as part of the classroom instruction with the permission of the instructor. If permission has not been given it will be confiscated and turned in to the business office. 6. Follow all other Coronado School Rules Consequences: 1. Warning 2. Lunch Detention (15 min) / Phone Home 3. Discipline Referral
Parent Conference If you have any questions or concerns, a parent conference can be set up by calling 236-2000. My conference period is from 8:45 - 9:30 Monday - Friday.