Math IVA: Nancy Pegels

Course Overview:

Math IVA – 2007-2008
Course Information

Teacher:            Nancy Pegels   
Phone:            (510) 420-2334 ext. 234
Email:                nancyp@college-prep.org
Class Time and Place:     M-F 6th and 7th in L-4
Office Hours:            M-F 5th   in the Math Office

Course Description:  The course will investigate topics from the following themes:
Calculus:  Sequences, series, limits, infinity, rates of change and Riemann sums, including their relationship to graphs and derivatives of all the basic functions. 
Algebra and Trigonometry:  Advanced solving, simplifying and factoring, including trigonometric equations and identities, geometry, composite and inverse functions and graphical operations. 
Discrete Math:  combinatorics and probability. 
Other:  Vectors, polar and parametric equations, matrices and complex numbers.

Textbooks:  You will be given the text one unit at a time and it should be placed in a binder with dividers numbered 1-4.  We will start a new binder second semester for units 5-8.

Materials to be brought with you each day:
Binder with pockets to contain text, assignment sheet, warm-ups, problem sets, quizzes, tests
    Extra notepaper
    Graphing calculator (TI-83+ recommended). See me to order one from school
    Pencil
    Red pen or colored pencils
    Geometer or ruler/protractor

Tests (50%):  There will be four tests given per semester and you will know the dates of those in advance. If absent for a test, you must make arrangements to take it upon return, preferable outside of class time.  The semester exam will be worth 20%.

Homework (20%):  Homework will be assigned during each class period and checked for completeness the next day.  Points will be assigned based on effort and necessary work shown.  If you have difficulty with the homework, please be sure to talk it over with other students, email me, seek help in the math office or the Learning Center or post a question on the Math IVA conference.  My office hours are listed above, but many other teachers can assist you in the math office.  If absent, make an effort to find out what work was missed as soon as possible.  If you know in advance you will miss class, I can email you the assignment.

Quizzes (20%):  You will have two quizzes per unit, based on homework and material presented in class. 

In-Class work (10%):  You must strive to work efficiently in your groups keeping all members on task.  Each group member should feel comfortable asking questions and be given the chance to explain his or her method.  Being able to explain your reasoning reinforces your understanding of the topic.  Your group will be assessed on how well it uses class time and how each contributes to the given task.  We will begin many class periods with a warm-up activity, which you will record in one section of your binder. 
       
Classroom Policies:  I expect you to arrive on time and be attentive until class is dismissed.  A detention will be assigned on the fourth tardy per quarter.  Be respectful of teacher and classmates and cooperative in group activities.  It is expected that you will work together on assignments but each student will submit his or her own work.  Anyone suspected of cheating on an exam, test or quiz will receive a zero.  Please make sure cell phones, listening devices, alarms, etc. are turned off and put away. 

Senior Option:  Seniors may drop one problem set or one test fall semester, but you must fill out a “Senior Drop” form and submit it to me at least one day before.  If you choose, you may take the test you drop with the class and count it only if it helps your grade. 

Other Section Resources:

There are currently no publically available resources for this course.