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AP Calculus BC
Mr. Palmer
Syllabus 2014/2015
Email: RyanPalmer@u-46.org
Phone: 630-372-4700 x4770
Overview
Calculus is the mathematical science of change. Following the BC curriculum set by the College Board, the
course is naturally divided into four sections: properties of functions and the notion of a limit, differentiation
(rate of change), integration (accumulation of change), and polynomial approximations and series. You will be
challenged to work harder than ever in order to succeed at learning calculus. The ultimate goal of this class is to
prepare all students to be successful on the AP exam in May.
Methodology
This course will be implemented using the “Rule of Four.” The four methods of interacting graphically,
numerically, analytically, and verbally with the calculus topics listed below will be used throughout the course.
We will explore the relationships between each method. Some concepts will be shown briefly using these
methods, while other concepts will use all four methods in a detailed manner.
Expectations
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Respect your classmates and their property and respect the purpose for being here.
Listen to what I say because every word is important. Follow instructions and ask questions often.
Be in your seat when the bell rings before AND after class. The bell does NOT dismiss you… I do.
Participate in classroom activities. This includes working with others, taking organized notes, and
completing homework.
Accept the consequences for the choices you make.
CARE about this class. Take responsibility for your learning AND encourage the learning of others.
Help classmates when THEY are struggling and accept help from classmates when YOU are struggling.
NEVER have electronic devices out unless specifically requested.
Required Materials
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Calculus textbook (AP 9th Edition by Larson & Edwards)
3-ring binder or notebook/folder
Pencil and red pen
Loose-leaf paper and graph paper
GRAPHING calculator (TI-83/84 or TI n-spire recommended)
You will be expected to come to class each day prepared with your textbook, binder or notebook/folder,
calculator, pencil, and an open mind. To help prepare you for the AP exam, most tests will have both calculator
and non-calculator portions. No sharing of calculators will be permitted – you must have your own! Also and
most importantly, all work must be done in PENCIL. This includes homework, quizzes, and tests.
Assessments
This course will operate on a Standards-Based grading system.
Each semester will have around 20-30 standards. Writing assignments, lab activities, homework problems,
projects, quizzes, and tests will be given to assess your progress on these standards. Writing assignments will be
used to practice the art of communicating mathematical ideas through writing. Lab activities will be used to
develop graphing calculator skills necessary to discover major ideas. Homework problems will be assigned to
reinforce and expand upon material covered in class. Projects will be employed to further your understanding of
the fundamental topics. Finally, quizzes and tests will be used the majority of the time to evaluate your mastery
of calculus.
Each individual problem is graded on a 0-4 scale as described below. After at least two assessments have been
given on a particular standard, that standard then gets a grade on a 0-4 scale. Standards will be reassessed
continuously throughout the semester to ensure that you are retaining information. You are also allowed to
reassess any standards on your own, provided that you fill out a reassessment form and meet the necessary
requirements.
4 – Shows complete understanding of the problem. One minor computation error is allowed.
3 – Shows nearly complete understanding of the problem OR makes computational errors.
2 – Shows minimal understanding of the problem OR makes serious computational errors.
1 – Does not understand the problem but shows work that could be relevant.
0 – Blank or completely unrelated work.
Homework
As this is a college-level class, homework is YOUR responsibility to complete each and every day. Homework
will not be collected on a daily basis, but the completion of homework will be CRUCIAL to your success in this
class. You will NOT be allowed to reassess on a standard if the homework for that standard is not complete.
Attendance
If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to get assignments and make up notes from either a classmate or
myself. In case of absences, you will be given two school days for every missed day to make up missed graded
work. After that, all missed work will earn a grade of 0.
Extra Help
I will be available for help each day during 4th, 5th, and 6th periods. I will also be available most days before or
after school. Please see me if you need extra help – but please let me know you’re coming!
Website
I will keep an ongoing website that will contain all class notes as PDFs, homework assignments, and any other
important handouts. The URL for this website is: http://schools.u-46.org/index.pl?id=137082
Grades
At the end of the semester you will get an overall standards grade based on the Standards Grading Chart on the
next page. You will also be required to take a final exam. Your semester grade is determined by your standards
grade and your final exam grade by using the table on the next page.
Grade
A
B
C
D
E
0
1
None allowed
None
allowed
1 or less
15 Standards
2
3
4
2 or less
9 or more
(10% of 15 standards)
(60% of 15 standards)
2 or less
9 or more
(10% of 15 standards)
(60% of 15 standards)
12 or more
(5% of 15 standards)
(80% of 15 standards)
1 or less
3 or more
(7.5% of 15 standards)
(20% of 15 standards)
2 or more
13 or less
(10% of 15 standards)
(90% of 15 standards)
Semester
Grade
Final Exam Grade
Standards
Grade
Standards Grading Chart
A B C D E
A A A A B B
B A B B B C
C B C C C D
D C C D D E
E D D E E E
There are three BIG standards, AI-2, S-1, and R-1. In addition to the above requirements…
 In order to receive an A overall, all BIG standards must be at a 3 or higher.
 In order to receive a B overall, all BIG standards must be at a 2 or higher.
 In order to receive a C overall, all BIG standards must be at a 1 or higher.
Semester 2 Standards
Unit 6: Applications of Integration
AI-1 Area between Curves
AI-2 Volume
AI-3* Arc Length
AI-4 Rectilinear Motion II
Unit 7*: Techniques of Integration
TI-1* Integration by Parts
TI-2* Integration by Partial Fractions
TI-3* L’Hopital’s Rule
TI-4* Improper Integrals
Unit 8*: Infinite Series
S-1* Convergence and Divergence
S-2* Taylor Polynomials
S-3* Convergence of Power Series
S-4* Manipulating Power Series
Unit 9*: Parametric, Vector, and Polar Functions
F-1* Parametric and Vector Functions
F-2* Polar Functions
Unit 10: AP Exam Preparation
R-1 Reflection
* indicates a BC-specific standard
BOLD indicates a BIG standard