Bellaire HS Math Department

Instructor:         Ed Mazzoni | emazzoni@houstonisd.org | www.bellaire.org/mazzoni

Length:              2 semesters; ½ credit per semester

Prerequisites:    90 or above in Precalculus PreAP and teacher approval.
                           A strong background in and retention of information and concepts from algebra I, geometry, algebra II, and pre-calculus is required.  For example, proficiency in the behaviors and applications of elementary functions is needed before studying Calculus.  These functions include linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined functions.  Students must also understand domain/range, symmetry, zeroes, intercepts, and values of the trigonometric functions.

Textbook:          Calculus:  Early Transcendental Functions.  Smith, Robert T. and Minton, Roland B.  McGraw-Hill, 2007. 

Description:       AP Calculus BCis comparable to the first two semesters of college-level calculus and is an extension of AP Calculus AB rather than an enhancement; common topics require a similar depth of understanding.  Both courses are intended to be challenging and demanding.  Students must select either Calculus AB or Calculus BC.  AP Calculus BC is primarily concerned with developing the students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experiences with its methods and applications.  The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally.  The connections among these representations also are important.  Broad concepts and widely applicable methods are emphasized.  Manipulation and computation are important outcomes; however they are not the core of the course.  The following major topics are included:

• Functions, Graphs, and Limits
• Derivatives with Applications
• Integrals with Applications
• Polynomial Approximations and Series

                           Course guide: www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/apguide.pdf
                           Course description from The College Board:
                           http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap-calculus-course-description.pdf

Commitment:     Students should expect approximately 30 problems (at least 60 minutes) for homework per class meeting.  Two major tests are typically given each grading period that will require additional preparation time.